Chapter Text
“Good morning,” Kaitlyn yawned as she walked into the kitchen with Grim on her shoulders. “Whatcha making?”
“Pancakes,” Kate replied, piling some onto some plates and handing them to Amaron, Bernard and Cecil. “Ya gotta stuff your face before heading off to class. Now, hurry up!”
“Aye! Aye!”
***
“Ugh, why is Professor Trein’s class so boring?” Grim complained as he munched on some tuna. “No matter how much I struggle, I always end up falling asleep!”
“You fell asleep five minutes into class,” Deuce stated bluntly as he and Ace joined the girls. “How are you guys faring after what happened?”
“It was probably one of the scariest things I’ve ever seen in my life,” Kaitlyn replied, twisting her pasta around.
“You don’t see stuff like that in our world,” Kate agreed. “Even though we almost died, it was still pretty cool to witness.”
“Man, your world sounds boring,” Ace commented before he looked around the cafeteria. “Ya know, it seems like there are a lot more people here today than usual.”
The others turned towards the lunch line where multiple students were gathered around, excitedly chattering.
“Oh, that’s right!” Deuce exclaimed. “I heard from the cafeteria ghosts that they’re having a once-a-month special with foods from that bakery at the foot of the mountain.”
“There’s a bakery at the foot of a mountain?” Kaitlyn asked in wonder.
Kate opened her mouth to ask a question, but it turned into an angry huff.
“Guys…” she said. “Where did Grim go?”
“That sandwich is mine!”
The four of them let out groans as they saw Grim shove himself to the front of the line, cutting off two Heartslabyul students.
“Hey!” one of them shouted. “Don’t cut in line!”
“Freshies that cut in front of their seniors aren’t allowed here!” the second one shouted. “Get out!”
“His brain goes completely blank when it comes to food, doesn’t it?” Deuce sighed as Kate scrambled to her feet. “Might as well make sure he doesn’t get hurt.”
“Grim!” Kate yelled in anger as she rushed towards the lunch line. “Get your furry ass back here!”
Grim was yelling at the students before he reared up and let loose some fire. The two students yelped at this and ran off, their clothes singed.
“How do you like that?!?” Grim grinned, swiping a deluxe minced cutlet sandwich. “The last sandwich is mine!”
“Get over here, you little shit,” Kate hissed, grabbing Grim by the scruff of his neck. “You already had food at the table!”
“We’re sorry!” Deuce shouted after the fleeing students. “We’ll make sure he doesn’t do that again!”
“Dude, they’re already gone,” Ace sighed. “Well, since I’m already here, I might as well get something else too~.”
“Really?” Kaitlyn huffed. “You too?”
“Aw man, I’m late for the cafeteria wars, aren’t I?”
A new voice was heard and the group turned to see a familiar looking boy with hyena ears pouting at the lunch line.
“The sandwich Leona asked me for is already sold out,” he sighed, before his ears twitched and he brought his attention to the group. “Ah!”
He ran up to them, a smile on his face.
“I remember seeing you three in the botanical garden,” he said happily. “I see that you’re pretty amazing, huh? You managed to snag the last sandwich!”
“Yup!” Grim laughed. “And it’s all mine to enjoy!”
“Listen, I really need that sandwich, so how about a trade, huh?”
“Huh? No way!”
“Aw, come on. Don’t say that. Here!”
He held out a mini red bean bun, and Grim held out the sandwich. Panic was written all over his face as it seemed that he wasn’t moving on his own.
“I don’t believe what I’m seeing,” Kaitlyn breathed. “Grim actually giving up his food.”
“I’m so glad I found someone nice to trade with!” the student chuckled. “Thank you! Bye-Bye!”
With that, he ran off, disappearing into the crowd.
“Um…” Deuce blinked. “What just happened?”
“My hand moved on my own,” Grim lamented. “I just gave up my prize like that!”
“Ah, going with the flow I see,” Ace chuckled.
“No, not like-ah, never mind!” Grim huffed. “I’m just gonna eat my sadness away! Kate, give me some of your food too!”
“You touch my food, you die,” Kate glared.
“Yikes,” Ace winced. “Remind me to never touch Kate’s food without permission.”
“Oh trust me,” Kaitlyn chuckled. “You won’t forget.”
“Speaking of forgetting something,” Deuce hummed. “Don’t we have to do something after school today?”
“Oh, right!” Kate piped up. “Crow-er, the Headmage wanted to speak with us. I think it has something to do with what happened to Riddle.”
“I wonder if he’s gonna give me an award for being a big help that day!” Grim said, no longer looking sad.
“Ha!” Ace snorted, stabbing his fork into a piece of cherry pie. “As if!”
“Ah, I just remembered something,” Deuce piped up, turning to Kate and Kaitlyn. “That guy from earlier said that he ‘remembered you’. Do you know him?”
“Remember that lion guy Kate and I came across in the botanical garden?” Kaitlyn asked, receiving a nod in response. “Well, that hyena guy dragged the lion guy away. I think his name was Ruggie…”
***
“Leonaaaa! I bought you your lunchhhh!”
“Is it noon already?”
“Have you been sleeping all day? If you keep this up, you’re gonna have to retake this year again.”
Leona just grumbled in response as he sat up and stretched. Sniffing the air his eyes landed on the sandwich that Ruggie held in his hand. He let out a huff of amusement and grinned.
“It seems you actually managed to get me what I wanted,” he said. “It couldn’t have been easy.”
“Not in the slightest,” Ruggie sighed. “The most expensive is always the hardest to get. I even managed to get that iced tea you wanted as well.”
“Idiot,” Leona scoffed. “Don’t you want to get the most expensive item because it’s the hardest to get?”
“I’ll eat anything as long as it’s edible,” Ruggie shrugged. “I wouldn’t think a prince like yourself would understand.”
“If I was the first prince, maybe,” Leona frowned. “Being the second prince means I’m treated more like a commoner.”
“You know…” Ruggie began, plopping himself next to Leona. “I’ll never forget the day I showed you a picture of my hometown. You thought it was a dog house.”
“Huh, did I say something like that?”
“Yes, yes you did! Jeez…You know, just once in my life, I would love to live in a castle. Just to the point where I could think of it as if it was my own house.”
Ruggie jumped at Leona’s sharp laugh, the lion turning his gaze on him.
“Being a royal is no joke, Ruggie,” he huffed. “Effort. Talents. They don’t matter. What does matter is who was born first.”
“Hmm…” Ruggie hummed thoughtfully. “Is that so? Oh, right! Isn’t there a Housewarden meeting today? Make sure you show up for that one, okay?”
“Yeah, yeah, I got it,” Leona said dismissively, handing Ruggie his now empty cup. “I’m tired now that I’m full. Wake me up when lunch ends, ‘kay?”
“What am I, your personal alarm clock?” Ruggie huffed as Leona fell asleep. “Ugh, fine.”
As he stood, a thought over took him and he hummed.
“I feel like I should have brought up the fact that I saw those three Froshies again…”
***
“Excuse us, Headmage,” Deuce said, peeking his head through the small opening.
“We’re coming in!” Ace declared, shoving past Deuce and opening the door all the way.
“Oh, good,” Crowley nodded, ignoring Deuce and Ace beginning to argue. “You’re all here.”
“Yeah, what did you want to talk to us about?” Kate asked, folding her arms. “Is there an issue?”
“No,” Crowley replied. “This is regarding what happened with Mr. Rosehearts last week. I decided that I should fully explain to you five about the consequences of what happened.”
“Are you talking about Riddle’s overblot?” Kaitlyn asked.
“Yes, that’s correct,” Crowley answered.
“I’ve heard about it before from my older brother,” Ace stated. “But seeing it in person is a whole different story.”
“What does ‘blot’ even mean?” Grim asked.
“Right, I better explain it better to you three,” Crowley hummed, clearing his throat. “Blot is akin to ‘wasted material’ that accompanies each magic use. Let’s take this for example: an automobile needs fuel in order to move, and at the same time it is used, smoke comes out from the exhaust pipe, correct? And for when magical energy is used, blot occurs at the same time… Would that be easier to understand in that sense?”
“A little…” Kaitlyn replied.
“Wait, so basically, it’s an exhaust pipe for magic?” Kate asked.
“Exactly,” Crowley nodded. “There have been present and older historical records of research being done about it, however it’s still largely a mystery. There is only one thing we are certain of: it is highly toxic and once it is used too much, it can greatly harm one’s mind and body.”
“So that’s why my grandma always told me to not go all willy-nilly with my magic,” Ace muttered. “It was so I didn’t overblot.”
“I thought that was common sense,” Deuce commented.
“I don’t want to hear that from you.”
“Boys,” Crowley warned before he continued to speak. “Such great powers go hand-in-hand with incomparable risks. Not even the greatest magicians have an unlimited supply of magical energy. However, even if you keep using magic, it’s not really bad for the body. Hmm…” he frowned. “Maybe a demonstration would be better to explain. Oh ghosts! I have a job for you!”
“Wah!” Kaitlyn jumped as three ghosts appeared. “What the-?!?”
“What did you call us for, Headmage?” one of the ghosts asked.
“I need you to teach those three over there a lesson,” Crowley replied, pointing to Ace, Deuce and Grim. “Kate. Kaitlyn. Join me on the sidelines. You’ll be able to observe what I was trying to explain earlier.”
“W-Wait-” Deuce stammared, holding his hands up. “W-What are you doing?”
“Ready your pens, boys!” Crowley grinned. “My lesson is far from over…”
***
“Not bad for some newbies,” one of the ghosts chuckled. “Do you think that was enough, sir?”
“Yes, thank you,” Crowley nodded as the ghosts disappeared. He turned to Kate and Kaitlyn. “Do you understand blot better now?”
“Not exactly,” Kaitlyn replied. “All I saw was a fight.”
“Woah!” Deuce suddenly exclaimed, causing the attention to shift to him. “There’s something on my pen’s gem!”
“Mine too!” Ace exclaimed, showing his pen to the others. “And so is Grim’s gem on his bowtie! What’s wrong with it?”
“That is the blot,” Crowley explained. “Luckily, it is not permanent. With proper rest and no usage of magic, it will eventually disappear on its own. The gem that you three carry is not only to help with your magic, but to directly accumulate the blot that could affect you. That is why you all must be careful of how much magic you use.”
“Oh, I get it,” Kate hummed. “Basically, if their gems become hazy, it’s a sign for them to take a rest.”
“Correct,” Crowley nodded. “Eating, sleeping and resting is a good way to make sure blot doesn’t overtake you.”
“I eat and sleep enough already!” Grim chuckled. “I’ll be fine!”
“Yes, but again, you must be careful,” Crowley warned. “The more magical energy you have, the easier it is for you to accumulate blot.”
“So if we use our magic stupidly without thinking of the consequences, we could end up like Riddle?” Ace asked.
“I’m sure you don’t have much to worry about,” Kaitlyn commented, receiving a glare from Ace in reply.
“Another way blot can easily overtake a mage, is the mage’s overall state and well-being,” Crowley continued. “Negative feelings like anger, sorrow, confusion, and terror can easily make a mage suffer overblot.”
“Would a shadow like what was behind Riddle appear as well?” Deuce asked. “That thing freaked me out.”
“Yes,” Crowley nodded. “There are other ways a mage can overblot, but there aren’t many examples out there.”
“That’s a good thing,” Ace huffed. “I don’t think I wanna experience that ever again.”
“It is a good thing that you managed to get Mr. Rosehearts to his senses quickly,” Crowley frowned. “I can’t even imagine what would have happened if you didn’t…”
Silence washed over the room before Crowley cleared his throat.
“Long explanation short,” he continued. “More magic equals more blot. Please, heed my warnings.”
“Yes sir,” the group replied before moving to leave.
“Oh, right, before I forget,” Crowley piped up, causing the others to freeze. “Kate. Kaitlyn. There should be some workers coming by in a few days to start fixing up Ramshackle.” He then frowned as he folded his arms. “On top of researching for a way to get you two home, I also have to deal with the Spelldrive tournament coming up. Plus, the Housewarden meeting too…”
“‘Spelldrive’?” Kaitlyn asked. “What’s that?”
“You don’t know what Spelldrive is?” Ace asked, wincing when he received glares from the two girls. “Right. Another world.”
“It’s a world famous sport here,” Deuce explained. “They have a professional league and even world competitions.”
“It’s played by two teams,” Ace added on. “Each team has seven players. You try to take a disc from each other and try to shoot it at the goal positioned in the opponent’s territory. The team who scores the most points is the winner.”
“Ohhhhh,” Kate realized, snapping her fingers. “So it’s like football, but with a frisbee!”
The other four in the room looked at her in confusion while realization shone in Kaitlyn’s eyes.
“‘Football’?” Deuce asked. “Is that a sport where you two come from?”
“I’ve never heard of that sport before,” Crowley hummed, an idea flashing in his mind. “I’m going to have to chat with the two of you. I need to learn more about your world.”
“Anyways, it would be difficult to have them compete anyways,” Ace hummed. “You have to use magic in the game. Carrying the disk, attacking and defending all use magic. Super flashy magic is part of the appeal of the game.”
“Correct,” Crowley nodded. “Night Raven College happens to have a lot of alumni that play in professional leagues. The game tests both physical and magical skills.” He then sighed. “And here comes the reason why I’m so busy with this. Professional teams will be observing our school’s intra-dorm Magift Tournament, so a lot of renowned magicians around the world will come to watch. There will be a lot of shops lined up during the tournament as well, and they will be exhibiting products from all over the world. It is a very important and exciting event that’s broadcast via television worldwide.”
“Oh wow,” Kaitlyn said. “No wonder you’re so busy.”
“Imagine if Grim played,” Kate chuckled. “Seeing a flaming cat monster on TV playing against mages sure would be something.”
“Oo! I wanna play!” Grim cheered. “I’ll train my way to victory!”
“Ah, see, there’s a problem with that,” Crowley frowned. “Since it’s an intra-dorm tournament, the teams are all made up of the students that are in each dorm. Since Ramshackle only has you three, two of which have no magic whatsoever, you won’t be able to compete. You could always help out with the stalls.”
“Don’t wanna!” Grim exclaimed, folding his arms. “I want people to praise my playing!”
“Well, tough luck Grim,” Ace said. “Maybe next year there'll be more students at Ramshackle.”
“‘Next year’?” Kate repeated. “Are you saying that Kaitlyn and I will be here for a whole year?”
“N-No, I-,” Ace stuttered, looking at Deuce for help.
Deuce gave him a helpless look in response and the room fell into a tense silence, only being cleared by Crowley’s awkward cough.
“I’m hopeful I will be able to find a way for you two to return home before a year,” he said before motioning for them to leave. “Now, please, hurry along. I have a Housewarden meeting to attend to.”
***
“Now then,” Crowley began as he faced the Housewardens. “I would like to begin the Housewarden’s meeting in relation to the Spelldrive tournament that will take place in October. Firstly, Housewarden Azul Ashengrotto of Octavinelle has an announcement as the President of the Spelldrive Management Committee.”
“I am Azul Ashengrotto of the Management Committee,” a Housewarden with silvery hair and glasses greeted. “It is a pleasure to be here with you all today. Now then, I would like to talk about the pop-up stalls that will be positioned around the Colosseum. All slots for outside business and club businesses have been filled.”
“Oh, that’s nice!” A Housewarden with whitish-grayish hair exclaimed. “Looks like it’s gonna be bustling!”
“All the invitations for each nation’s royal families have also been sent,” Azul continued. “The ticket-selling for the masses is proceeding smoothly as well. Just like every year, the television crews that will be helping with the broadcast have all been arranged as well.”
“The whole world will be watching, after all~,” the other Housewarden chuckled. “Before I became a student here, I was always excited about receiving the invitation for the tournament~.” He suddenly brightened and turned to Leona. “You’re a royal too so you got invitations, right, Leona~? We’ve passed by each other in the stadium a lot when we were kids, remember~?”
“Dunno…” Leona huffed. “And I don’t care.”
“I have to perfect the ultra-vision supported base make-up for this year’s tournament,” a Housewarden with blonde hair and light purple tips said. “It is a very physical sport, so I need to fix my make-up a lot.”
“Only Pomefiore will go as far as to ask for a time-out just to fix their make-up,” Riddle sighed as he crossed his arms.”
“Why’s everyone so gung-ho about showing their faces for a competition?” a voice from a floating tablet asked. “Just thinking about it’s enough to make me puke…”
“Ahem!” Azul loudly cleared his throat. “Everyone, please keep quiet.”
“Ah, sorry ‘bout that~,” the Housewarden with the whitish-grayish hair chuckled.
“Each dorm should submit a file of all their registered players for the tournament,” Azul continued. “If you happen to be even one day late with the registration…”
“You are, of course, disqualified, correct?” Riddle asked.
“Oh, no. They will be subject to a separate charging fee. I guess you could call it a special fee for being late?”
“What–? Personally, I think that creating rules to exempt someone is not a good idea…”
“Ahaha!” the Housewarden from before laughed. “I’d be grateful for it though~!”
“You boys, you’re getting off-topic now,” Crowley sighed. “Now then, let’s talk about the competition details… I have a proposal. For this tournament, I was thinking of having Diasomnia’s Housewarden, Malleus Draconia, become a member of the Hall of Fame so that he should only make a special appearance.”
“What do you mean?” Leona asked, raising a brow.
“Ever since Draconia entered the school, all the dorms that have competed against Diasomnia have faced utter defeat without even so much as scoring a point,” Crowley explained. “They’ve always scored more than one hundred points in any tournament. And nine percent of those are scored by him alone. This tournament is not merely made for amusement. The whole world will be paying attention in search of a talented new magician. Even more so, Diasomnia has managed to win every single competition without even displaying magic. I guess you could call it a desperate measure. So, I would like to ask the opinion of Savanaclaw Dorm. Since you have the most number of players who are aiming to be in the professional league. Your dorm has never fallen behind third place in any of the tournaments ever since the school was founded. And yet, for the past two years, you have only managed to play in the first game against Diasomnia. Not to mention, you never even won. You will not be able to make an impression on the professional board this way. Your team’s future is at stake, too.”
“Are you saying that we’ll be losing without even putting up a fight this year, too?” Leona growled, his tail flicking angrily.
“I’m not saying this because I want to either,” Crowley answered. “In any case, I already have Mr. Draconia’s unspoken consent regarding the matter. All I need is to hear everyone’s opinion.”
“Hah!” Leona let out a harsh laugh. “You’re underestimating us. Listen here, Headmage. I hate being told ‘You’ll never become number one!’ the most, got it?”
“That’s not what I’m saying…”
“Then what’re you trying to say? In any case, Spelldrive doesn’t rely on just the body. It’s important to think, too, right?”
“I don’t think I can win against Malleus in that department either,” the other Housewarden sighed.
“Yeah, probably,” Leona shrugged. “But I’m different from you, Kalim. No one can win against that guy when it comes to power, but there are other methods available.”
“Oh-ho?” Azul asked with a grin, a glint in his eye.
“The King of Beasts managed to become king because of effort and wisdom,” Leona explained. Use your heads and think of a way to win against that monster, too! If you manage to win, the whole world might just praise you, too. Are you really going to let this chance get away?”
“So you do make great points from time to time,” the Housewarden with the purple tips hummed. “I was about to say that the Headmage’s suggestion was nonsense, too. Excluding the people with talent is considered an unconscious bias. Don’t you think it’s similar to being unconsciously prejudiced? And I disagree with that notion.”
“I agree with Vil’s opinion,” Riddle agreed. “And as a fellow mage, I find it unsightly to run away before even trying.”
“That hotshot’s disappointed face will be broadcast internationally” Leona grinned. “Just imagining it’s enough to make you sing your praises already, right?”
“Fufu,” Azul chuckled. “That sounds like a good way to amass ratings.”
“Yup, yup!” Kalim added. “I don’t wanna be left out, too~.”
“Eh?” the voice from the tablet asked. “What’s going on? I’m the only one who thinks he should be in the Hall of Fame?”
“You heard us, Headmage,” Leona smirked. “We’re not hearing any more of that Hall of Fame crap.”
“Goodness me,” Crowley sighed. “I understand. However, he shall be inducted next year as my condition for letting him compete this year.”
“Do what you want,” Leona shrugged.
“Now then,” Azul declared, clapping his hands once. “That is all for today’s meeting. Everyone, please do not forget to turn in your registrations. Though personally, I wouldn’t mind if you were late… Fufufu.”
“By the way,” Vil hummed. “Did you all forget to invite Malleus to today’s Housewarden meeting again?”
The other Housewardens and Crowley stood in silence before letting out a loud “ah!” in realization.
***
“The try-outs for the Spelldrive Tournament are soon, right?” a Heartslabyul student asked his friend as the two of them walked by a stairwell.
“Yup!” his friend replied. “Have you thought of a magical exhibition that will appeal to the Housewarden yet?”
“Of course! Prof. Crewel was amazed when I showed it to him!”
“I’m so excited to show mine to Housewarden Rid-wha-?!?”
As if he was suddenly being controlled by an unseen force, the student launched himself down the stairwell, tumbling over and over until he smacked into the wall at the bottom. His friend let out a yelp and rushed to his aid.
“W-What happened?” he asked, getting his friend into a sitting position. “You just launched yourself down the stairs!”
“M-My leg!” came the reply. “It’s hurt!”
“What?!?” the friend exclaimed, helping the student stand up. “Come on, I’ll take you to the infirmary first!”
The two of them hobbled away, unaware of the shadow watching them.
“Shishishishi…”
***
“Man…” Grim moaned as Kate cooked the three of them dinner. “I have no motivation at all. I can’t believe I can’t participate in the Tournament…”
“Still on that, huh?” Kaitlyn asked, setting some glasses down on the barely stable table.
“What’s wrong, Grimmy?” Amaron asked, floating over to the creature.
“He’s sulking ‘cause he can’t join the tournament,” Bernard chuckled, leaning over Kate as she took the pizza out of the oven.
“If you want to play so badly, we can be your opponents,” Cecil suggested, holding out a disk. “Back when I played ninety years ago, I was quite the catch! Everyone cheered for me!”
“Isn’t it impossible without seven players?” Grim asked.
“It doesn't matter since it’s not an official match,” Amaron replied. “Come on, let’s go.”
“Hold it!” Kate exclaimed, placing the pizza down on the table. “Eat first. Spelldrive later. Got it?”
“Man, when did you get so bossy…” Grim mumbled, hastily eating his pieces of pizza.
“She always has been,” Kaitlyn chuckled.
“Shut up,” Kate said, plopping down in her seat. “And eat up.”
***
“Huh, not bad for his first try,” Kate commented as she and Kaitlyn leaned against the fence to watch the practice game. “I find this way more entertaining than football back home.”
“Ah, he almost lost control of the disk,” Kaitlyn commented. “Oof, looks like Cecil caught him off guard.”
“Oh? Is Grim playing some Spelldrive?”
“OH JESUS FUCK-!” Kate yelled, jumping backwards as Crowley suddenly appeared. “STOP DOING THAT!”
“Ah, my apologies,” Crowley apologized, a small smirk on his face. “I forget you’re not used to that.” He then looked back at the field. “It seems that you three are getting along well with the Ramshackle ghosts.”
“They’re really friendly once you get to know them,” Kaitlyn stated. “Anyways, why are you even here?”
“Ah, right,” Crowley hummed. “I’m here to ask a favor of you three. Can we talk inside? It’s sort of a private matter.”
The two girls looked at each other before nodding and calling out to Grim to follow them into the house. Once inside, Crowley began talking.
“Let me start off with this,” he began. “There’s been an increasingly concerning amount of students getting injured in accidents around the school. I was hoping you three could investigate the matter.”
“What kind of accidents are you talking about?” Kate asked.
“Falling down from stairs, getting scalded by boiling water, etc,” Crowley answered. “The reasons vary, but the fact that more people keep visiting the infirmary due to accidents still stands. There was another incident by one of the staircases yesterday. That makes him the tenth victim. Unfortunately, there were very few witnesses. The Spelldrive tournament is getting closer, making the students more restless, but the fact that there are a lot more accidents this year than last year is suspicious. Not to mention that all of the accidents happened to students that were the top candidate for the tournament.”
“The accidents might have been done on purpose,” Kaitlyn thought out loud.
“Excellent deduction, Kaitlyn,” Crowley smiled. “Unfortunately, we have no evidence. All accidents happen with only one witness, and the victims all say that they weren’t acting differently before the accident.”
“So, they could just be clumsy,” Grim shrugged. “Not sure what we can investigate.”
“I need you three to take statements,” Crowley explained. “If you manage to find the culprit, I’ll find a way to get Grim into the tournament.”
“Okay, I’ll help!” Grim exclaimed, his tail swishing back and forth excitedly. “C’mon you two! Let’s get to investigating!”
“Grim, wait-and, he’s gone,” Kate huffed before turning to Crowley. “Did you really have to bribe him with that?”
“He’s out of his funk, and I make sure to never forget a deal,” Crowley shrugged. “If the culprit is caught, then he’ll get to play. Now, before you two go, here.” He handed both of them a cell phone. “I managed to obtain some phones for you. I already added my phone number into them, so if you’re in any trouble, don’t hesitate to call. I must be off. Make sure Grim doesn’t get into any more trouble.”
With that, he left, a worried look on his face.
***
“So, this is the infirmary, huh?” Kaitlyn hummed, Grim hanging off her shoulders. “Where are the students we’re looking for?”
“Oh, over there,” Kate replied, pointing at two Heartslabyul students. “I think it’s those two.”
The three of them made their way over, gaining the attention of the two boys.
“Who are you guys?” the one with a cast on his leg asked.
“Oh!” his friend realized. “They’re from Ramshackle Dorm, remember? They were also at the Unbirthday Party.”
“Well, look at that!” Grim chuckled. “We’re famous!”
“I’m surprised the nurse just didn’t give him an ice pack,” Kate muttered to Kaitlyn, ignoring Grim. She then cleared her throat before turning her attention back to the two boys. “Can you please tell us what happened that caused you to get like this?”
“I’m not sure what exactly happened either,” the injured boy frowned. “I was walking and talking with my friend here, and before I knew it, I was falling down the stairs. It just felt like my body moved on its own.” He sighed. “I can’t really explain it well…”
“That’s good enough,” Kaitlyn reassured before turning to Kate. “You got all that?”
“Yeah,” Kate nodded. “Let’s go talk to the others now.”
***
“Hey, we’d like to ask you how you got injured yesterday,” Grim bluntly told two Pomefiore students.
“Who in the world are you guys?” one of the students asked, raising a brow.
“Sheesh, what a welcoming,” Kaitlyn huffed. “We’re gathering information on students that have been mysteriously injured. What happened to you?”
“His feelings are hurt right now because he trained so hard for the tournament,” his friend replied for him. “But now he can’t even participate!”
The first boy bristled at this, and turned his anger on the group.
“How insensitive of you three!” he exclaimed, taking out his pen. “You come here asking without even a shred of sympathy! I challenge you!” He quickly took off one of his gloves and threw it at the ground at the girls’ feet. “Pick up that glove and fight!”
“Dude,” Kate deadpanned. “We’re both magicless. We can’t duel you in a magic fight.”
“I can!” Grim exclaimed right before letting loose some fire.
The two boys dogged the fire while the two girls just watched as Grim ran after them.
“How long until they calm down?” Kaitlyn asked.
“3…” Kate replied, holding up her fingers. “2…1…”
“Fine!” the first boy yelled. “Fine! You win! I’ll tell you what happened!”
“Good job, Grim,” Kate smirked as the monster returned to his perch on Kaitlyn’s shoulder. “I’m impressed.”
“Of course you are,” Grim chuckled.
“Well?” Kaitlyn asked as the two boys approached them. “Explain.”
“It was when we were in the laboratory,” the second boy began. “The cauldron he was using suddenly slipped from his hands, causing an uproar in the classroom! The potion spilled over and covered absolutely everything! I was so surprised, goodness…!”
“Do you really have to narrate everything?” the first boy asked exasperatedly.
“Well?” Kaitlyn asked, turning to Kate.
“Let’s head back to the dorm for now,” Kate replied. “And as far away from these two as possible.”
***
“It still sounds to me like they’re just all clumsy,” Grim huffed as Kate paced back and forth. “Maybe we’re just overthinking the situation, yanno?”
Kate was about to say something, but was cut off by the doorbell.
“When did we have a doorbell?” Kaitlyn muttered as she answered it. “Ace? Why are you here?”
“What, can’t a guy visit his friends?” Ace asked, entering the dorm. “Oh! Looks like Grim is feeling better!”
“Oh, it’s you,” Grim frowned. “I’m busy, so I can’t play with you.”
“Busy?” Ace asked. “You guys aren’t done with your homework yet?”
“Well, that’s not the issue,” Kate replied. “You see…”
***
“Ah, investigating the accidents, huh?” Ace hummed. “What were your thoughts?”
“I just thought they were clumsy.” Grim replied. “Or they just weren’t paying atte-”
The door to the dorm slammed open and the group turned to see Deuce standing there, a panicked look on his face.
“Jeez Deucey,” Ace blinked. “I was only gone for twenty minutes, I didn’t think you’d miss me that much.”
“This isn’t about you,” Deuce glared. “It’s about Trey! He fell down the stairs and was injured!”
“What?!?” the others exclaimed.
“He doesn’t strike me as being clumsy,” Kate frowned. “Deuce, can you bring us to him?”
Deuce nodded and took off, the others following after him.
***
“Excuse us!” Ace exclaimed as the group entered Trey’s room.
“Trey, are you doing okay?” Deuce asked, worry all over his face.
“Oh!” Cater grinned as he noticed them enter. “If it isn’t Adeuce! And the Ramshackle Trio!”
“Hey-wait,” Ace started. “Wait, what do you mean by ‘Adeuce’?”
“I mean, it’s you two!” Cater explained. “You’re Ace. He’s Deuce. That’s basically an Ace-Deuce in Poker!”
“D-Don’t give us a couple nickname!” Deuce stuttered, the tips of his ears turning red in embarrassment.
“No, no, please do,” Kate chuckled. “Cater, I think you just became my favorite person ever.”
“Ahem,” Ace roughly coughed, turning his attention to Trey. “Anyways, Trey, how are you feeling?”
“Ah, I missed a step on the stairs,” Trey chuckled embarrassed. “I tried to be careful, but my right leg ended up getting injured, so I’ll be on crutches for a while.”
“Wait, isn’t that kinda bad?” Kaitlyn asked, raising a brow.
“Bad enough that I won’t be participating in the tournament this year,” came the reply.
“I was gonna let this slide if the injury was minor,” Grim huffed, holding out a can of tuna. “Here. A get well present. Get well soon, Glasses.”
“Heh,” Trey chuckled, taking the can. “Thank you, Grim.”
“Ah, jeez,” Cater huffed. “First our star player gets injured, and now we have to do a whole player selection.”
“‘Player selection’?!?” Ace and Deuce asked at the same time, excitement shining in their eyes.
“If you two don’t calm down right now, I’m kicking you out.”
The group froze as Riddle entered the room, a frown on his face.
“Ah, it’s the irritable Riddle!” Grim exclaimed.
“‘Irritable’?” Riddle repeated. “I won’t get mad if you don’t break the rules.” He then turned his attention to Trey. “Trey, how are you doing? Do you need anything? Food? Something to drink?”
“You don’t have to worry, Riddle,” Trey replied, a soft smile on his face. “I already told you that I feel fine.”
“But…” Riddle argued. “You got hurt because of me…”
“What?” Kate asked. “What do you mean by that?”
“Well,” Riddle began. “I was on my way to the Juniors’ classrooms as I had business with them. But then, when Trey and I were walking by a flight of stairs, I suddenly tripped and fell down the stairs. Trey had grabbed onto me and covered me, resulting in my being unharmed, but as you can see, he didn’t escape unfazed.”
“This is very suspicious,” Ace whispered, Kate and Kaitlyn nodding.
“Come on, Riddle,” Cater said, trying to lighten the mood. “There’s no need to be gloomy! I feel bad that Trey is injured like this, but all we can do is our best in his place.”
“You’re right,” Riddle sighed.
“Good,” Cater smiled before ushering the group out of Trey’s room. “Now, let’s leave him to rest. Out! Out!”
***
“I take it there’s a reason you wanted us all out of there?” Riddle asked. “What can’t you say in front of Trey?”
“As always, you got me, Riddle,” Cater replied, his cheeriness gone. He turned towards Kate, Kaitlyn and Grim. “You three know something about this, don’t you?”
“You caught us,” Kate sighed. “The Headmage asked us to investigate what was going on with the accidents.”
“I see,” Riddle hummed. “I thought something was amiss as well, so I asked Cater to gather information.”
“It appears that the only ones who are targeted are top players, like Trey and Riddle,” Cater explained.
“It was a weird sensation,” Riddle frowned. “It wasn’t like I tripped or anything, more like someone was controlling my body.”
“That's what the others said too when we asked around,” Kaitlyn said. “Do you think we should narrow the list down to the players?”
“Yes, I do,” Riddle nodded. “This tournament is connected to a guaranteed way to secure a student’s future, so it’s not unthinkable that they would use any means necessary to win.”
“This just keeps getting stranger and stranger,” Deuce muttered. “And you’re sure that you didn’t feel anything when you fell? Like a gust of wind or something similar?”
“I’m certain,” Riddle replied. “There were also students who got injured during lessons. Hmm…”
“Well, we have no choice!” Cater exclaimed, wrapping his arms around Kate and Kaitlyn’s shoulders. “Do we, Riddle? We’ll help search for the culprit!”
“What are you scheming, Cater?” Ace asked, narrowing his eyes.
“Ouch, Acey,” Cater fake winced. “Our dormate got hurt, right? So it’s only natural to help him!”
“If that’s the case, then I’ll help,” Ace declared.
“I will too,” Deuce added. “We’ll avenge Trey!”
“This is all for the open player spot, isn’t it?” Kate asked, removing Cater’s arm from her shoulders. “And don’t even think about lying to me.”
The two boys tried to deny it, but Riddle cut them off with a sigh.
“I will take it into consideration if you manage to catch the culprit,” he winced at the boys’ cheers. “Let’s get back on topic. In order to catch the culprit, why don’t we try and figure out who’s next on their list? While securing the student’s safety, we’ll also be able to scope the vicinity for anyone suspicious.”
“Oh!” Kate exclaimed. “Like an ambush plan!”
“You’re quick on the uptake, Kate,” Cater grinned. “We already have plenty of ideas of who is going to be next. I’ll send the info via group chat.” He suddenly frowned when he remembered something. “Oh, but I forgot, you two don’t-”
“Actually, C-the Headmage gave us phones this morning,” Kaitlyn replied, pulling hers out of her pocket as Kate did the same. “So, just put your number in there.”
Cater chuckled at this as he swiped both phones and quickly entered his phone number into them. Then, instead of handing them back, he shoved them towards Riddle, who jumped in surprise at the movement. Letting out a little huff, he entered his number into them as well, and soon the phones were being passed to Ace and Deuce, who did the same thing before handing them back to Kate and Kaitlyn.
“Now that that’s settled,” Cater hummed. “Let’s go check up on some potential targets!”