After a long while it's good to be back. Hope you guys enjoyed that special chapter cause now we're back to our regularly scheduled program. Something I wanna add is there will be mention of Ruggie having siblings, technically this isn't cannon but I am going by YaoYaobae's art of them. They are Ruggie's youngest siblings and triplets, the three of them are based on the three hyenas from the Lion king movie. Now we're here at Scarabia with Kalim and Jamil. Are you guys ready cause I know I am! Haha anyway, grab your tissues, drinks, and snacks cause here we go! Well, maybe not the tissues....ahem. Like always remember to enjoy and happy reading!
*********************************************
"I can respect whatever choices you make and who you choose to befriend here. After all, these little imps seem to show you as much care as we do. What I can't respect are those from your home, but I have my friends on the side for those fools..."
~ Sam 🖤
(Y/N) left out a small yawn as she got ready for bed. It had been a long day for the raven haired female and she had to admit, it was rather pleasant exploring the depths of the ocean with her new Princely friend.
Now in bed, the female looked over at her two sleeping friends before she too soon fell asleep with darkness soon taking over her.
🐍 Dream World 🐍
"So dry...the air feels so dry and it's sandy all around...."
"You're late." A tall man wearing a black robe said.
"A thousand apologies, o' patient one. But I got it!" The short raven haired male apologized.
"Trust me, my pungent friend. You'll get what's coming to you." The taller male said as a golden beetle flew by now catching his attention. "Quickly! Follow the trail! Faster!" The male exclaimed as he then went after the flying small creature as he rode on horseback.
When the small bug soon came to a haunt this made the male's eyes widen as he stared in awe at the sight before him.
"At last, after all my years of searching...The Cave of Wonders." The tall male dressed in black said.
"Cave of Wonders!" His parrot repeated.
"Do all animals talk in my dreams?"
"Now remember, bring me the lamp!" The male dressed in black ordered the shorter male.
"A lamp? Why a lamp?"
"Who disturbs my slumber?" The Cave of Wonders suddenly spoke now causing the female's eyes to widen.
And with those last words spoken by The Cave of Wonders, the female soon woke up. "I was dreaming of a desert..." She mumbles to herself before soon getting up and now getting herself ready for the day.
🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍
Once she was finished, (Y/N) soon made her way to the dorm's living room where Grim and Kanzaburou were waiting for her along with the ghosts.
"Good morning Tomioka sama!" The raven haired male greeted her with a familiar red hedgehog who peacefully laid on his shoulders.
"Looks like those two got along, that's good..."
"Hey (Y/N)." Grim said as the female gave them all a small smile.
"Good morning." (Y/N) said as she sat next to Kanzaburou who gave the female a plate of onigiri. "Thank you..."
"Hey (Y/N), why so bleary eyed?" The chubby ghost said as he examined the raven haired female.
"Heheh, you look like you've seen a ghost." The smaller ghost said as he then let out a small laugh.
"I'm alright..." The female reassured as she took a bite of her onigiri.
"Today is the last day of the fall semester. Look sharp and don't bungle the landing." The skinny ghost said.
"Oh yea, tomorrow is the first day of the winter holiday. Have you three decided what you'll be doing?" The chubby ghost said, his words making Kaiya and Kanzaburou stare at him with deadpan looks.
"Seriously..."
"Not much I guess..."
"Huh? What's a winter..holly...day? Grim questioned as he stared at the ghost in utter confusion.
"It's when school lets out for the season. Most students go home to celebrate the new year with their families. They have fancy dinners too." The chubby ghost explained.
"Wait, there's food?!" Grim exclaimed now clearly interested.
"And plenty of it. Roast turkey, pie, a ham as big as your head, you name it. Not that us ghosts can eat of course." The skinny ghost said.
"Some ghosts head home to the netherworld to spend holidays with the family too, you know." The chubby ghost said.
"Heheh, yea and some of them never come back!" The smaller ghost laughed.
"Spending time with the family while getting your grub on sounds nice..." Grim said.
"If you have family that is..."
"And how about you? What about your family?" Kanzaburou said as he eyed Grim with Kaiya soon copying the raven haired male.
"Huh? Am...am I going crazy or is she copying Kanzaburou?"
"My family? Hm, I don't remember them." Grim said now shocking everyone in the room.
"Huh?" The ghosts said in unison.
"What do you mean by that?" The female said as now everyone now waited for Grim's answer.
"I remember waking up hungry and alone.
It was really cold and I was waiting out there for someone to come get me for ages. What happened after that again? I don't know, it's all so foggy." Grim said as his eyebrows furrowed a bit in thought before his usual smile made its way back on his face. "But hey, I'm a forward facing kind of guy anyway! The future is way cooler than the past! Especially cause I'm gonna be a rich and powerful sorcerer! Myahaha!"
"Grim..." The female started off as she leaned down to pat Grim's head. "Well little tanuki, at least now you have all of us. Kanzaburou, Kaiya, our ghost friends, and myself. We're all here together." She said now making Grim smile upon hearing her words.
"Thanks (Y/N)!" Grim exclaimed.
"Awww, poor little Grimmy had it rough!" The smaller ghost said now getting a bit teary eyed after hearing Grim's story.
"How would you all like to spend the holidays sitting around the fireplace with us?" The skinny ghost said.
"Myahaha! If there's good food to be had, consider me ready for some holiday cheer!" Grim happily exclaimed.
"Sure, that sounds great." Kanzaburou smiled at the ghost before he face the small hedgehog. "What do you think? Sounds like a plan?" He asked Kaiya who simply seemed to nod in agreement.
"Alright, so it looks like we're all in agreement." The female said as she smiled at her ghost friends.
🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍
Currently, the female along with Grim was now in Professor Crewel's class listening to his lecture. Kanzaburou was currently in the classroom as well sitting next to the female simply taking a nap, Kaiya now sleeping by the male's arm.
"Tch, he's lucky he's not a student...." Grim mumbled as he stared at the sleeping male and the small red hedgehog. "He gets to do whatever he wants..."
"Just leave him alone..." The female said as she let out a small sigh before glancing over to the sleeping male and hedgehog.
"Hmph!"
"Listen up, pups." Crewel started off now gaining everyone's attention once again. "Your holiday vacation starts tomorrow and I'm sure all of you are foaming at the mouth to get back home. But every year, there's always some foolish pup who forgets about homework and spends the whole break goofing off." He said as he then eyed all the students in the classroom before his eyes soften a bit upon landing on (Y/N). "Just remember that I have a severe punishment in store for any such slackers out there. Are we clear? You have permission to use the Dark Mirror to return home for the holidays. Report to your dorm mirror once you've packed your things!"
"Yes Professor!" Students said as they now got up to leave.
"Looks like that's the end of class." Grim said as the female nodded in agreement.
"Kanzaburou wake up, class is over so we're leaving now." The female said as she poked the male's cheek.
"I'm up now, thank you." He said before picking up the small hedgehog and placing her back where she was. "Tomioka sama, I brought you this. You almost left it behind back at the dorm." Kanzaburou said as he gave a lunch box to the female.
"Thank you Kanzaburou, now let's now."
"I hope he's not gone yet..."
🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍
Once (Y/N) gathered her necessary things, she bid goodbye to Crewel and soon left the classroom with Grim and Kanzaburou. Now out, she continued her walk to meet up with Deuce and Ace, where she could hear many students conversing left and right about what they would do for their long awaited break.
"Ugh, finally! A break from this cramped dorm life!" Ace said sounding a bit relieved.
"Good grief. Night Raven College doesn't kid around with holiday homework." Deuce said as he let out a small sigh. "Just look at all this."
"Speaking of going home, I guess you haven't found a way back yet (Y/N)?" Ace questioned as (Y/N) simply gave a small shrug.
"I uh..." She trailed off a bit as she looked down at the lunch box in her hands. "That's the least of my worries now..." She quietly said as her raven haired companion along with the two Heartslabyul males smiled a bit.
"She deserves better than them anyway..."
"Who the hell would wanna go back there?"
"Will you guys be spending the holidays in your dorm?" Deuce questioned.
"Yea!" Grim said as he grinned at the male. "We've made plans to have ourselves a feast with the ghosts!"
"Oh, right. There's plenty of ghosts on campus to keep you company, so it won't be just the two of you." Ace said.
"But when school lets out, don't the cafeteria and school store shut down too?" Deuce said.
"Mrow! I didn't even think about that. Where am I supposed to get the food for my feast?!" Grim exclaimed.
"Yea I kinda have to agree with Grim..." Kanzaburou said as he gave a small nod. "I'd rather not starve over this winter break."
"It's ok." (Y/N) said now gaining everyone's attention. "I'm sure mo- er...I mean, I'm sure Headmage Crowley has something planned for this..."
"Crowley doesn't meet the requirements to be a responsible mother..."
"Did she almost call the Headmage mom?"
"Sounds like you better check in with the Headmage soon." Deuce said.
"You need Crowley's permission to use the Dark Mirror, so my guess is he's probably there right now. Let's find out." Ace said.
"Alright..."
🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍
Just like the halls, the Mirror Chamber was just as crowded if not even more. Voice of students could be heard from left and right as the group made their way through to look for the Headmage.
"Wow, it's already packed with students going home." Deuce said.
"Hah, they all look so antsy." Ace said as he grinned now looking around through the crowd. "Now then, where's that Headmage?"
"Alright, everyone. Announce your destination to the Dark Mirror and keep a tight hold onto your belongings." Crowley said as he wore an entirely different outfit from his usual attire. His clothes consisted of a yellow button up shirt and white shorts. "If you let go for any reason while in transit, your luggage will get spirited away elsewhere. If you have any possessions you absolutely cannot afford to risk losing, please send them by post from the school store."
"He's in total party mode!" Everyone exclaimed in unison as they stared at Crowley in shock all while (Y/N) simply remained silent.
"Wearing an aloha shirt in the middle of winter?! He's obviously ready to go on a tropical vacation!" Ace exclaimed.
"He's not even trying to hide it...." Deuce said as he stared at the Headmage with a deadpan look.
"Hey, Headmage! We gotta talk!" Grim called out now gaining the male's attention.
"Why, hello." Crowley said as he smiled at the group. "What brings your merry little band here?"
"Have you planned for our food situation over the break?" Kanzaburou asked.
"Yea, I'd rather not starve to death...that'd be a pathetic way to go...." (Y/N) mumbled.
"Or die at all. Well, at least not yet..."
"Ah...ahhh, yes! Of course I've planned for it! What kind of Headmage would I be otherwise? Why I have already made arrangements online to have food delivered to you!" Crowley said as he smiled at them. "I wouldn't let you starve!" He said as he gave the female a close eyed smile.
"Sure..." Grim said as he eyed the male suspiciously. "And I'm guessing you haven't even tried to find a way to send Kanzaburou and (Y/N) back home?"
"Do we have to go...?"
"I kinda forgot they would need to leave eventually...."
"Oh right, home..."
Crowley's eyes widen a bit upon hearing Grim's words before averting his gaze a bit. "How rude. I most certainly am."
"Not at all, now why would I commit such a mistake and send her back to such a terrible place..."
"In fact, I'll be spending the winter break expanding my investigation area to a tropical land I've never visited before." He said obviously telling a clear lie, not that the raven haired female really minded.
"You don't look dressed for an investigation to me." Ace said.
"I can't say there are people back home who where clothes like that..." (Y/N) mumbled as Kanzaburou nodded in agreement.
"What he said! You look ready to go soak up the sun!" Grim exclaimed.
"Yea because she not going home, she deserves better...all of the staff even agreed with me!"
"How could you suggest that? I've only clad myself in appropriate attire for my venture. When in a foreign land, do as the locals do.
Escaping winter's frigid bite to kick back in a hammock and sip coconut juice while gazing at the tranquil ocean waves." Crowley said as he let out a sigh. "I have no such refined and indulgent vacation plans whatsoever, I assure you."
"What an incredibly specific denial..." Deuce said as (Y/N) simply gave him a small shrug.
"Hey, it's not fair for you to have all the fun! I wanna go on a tropical vacation too. Take us with you!" Grim exclaimed.
"What? But that would spoil my delightful getaway from- ah, ahem!" Crowley says as he glares at Grim before he suddenly clears his throat. "Well, this investigation will be dangerous. Yes, very dangerous and it's best that I handle it alone. Besides, I'd much prefer it if you stayed on campus. I have a critical job for you, as a matter of fact. It's so critical, the very survival of Night Raven College hinges upon it."
"And what would that be?" (Y/N) questioned as Crowley smiled at her.
"Should you take on this job, your holiday provisions will be provided in full. I'll even arrange for a holiday feast. Roast turkey, pie, a ham as big as your head. In fact, I'll throw in some piping hot spare ribs and mashed potatoes to sweeten..er, salt? ...The deal. What do you say?" Crowley said as he looked over at the female and an enthusiastic Grim.
"Mrah! Sounds like a one way ticket to a food coma! H...hmph. I guess I'll hear you out, at least." Grim said as he gave Crowley a nod.
"Dude, you are a born sucker." Ace said as Kanzaburou nodded in agreement.
"Well how else do you think I get him to clean around the dorm? Food. It's simple." Kanzaburou said as Ace laughs a bit.
"He likes our cooking. And Kanzaburou told me not to give Grim free food if he doesn't clean..." (Y/N) said as she recalled how the raven haired male said Grim deserved to suffer by starving.
"I can't say I blame him for saying that." Deuce said only to be glared at again by Grim.
"Ahem." Crowley cleared his throat now gaining everyone's attention. "The fires in our campus cafeteria and fireplaces are all furnished via fire fairy magic. They've lived in the cafeteria fireplace for many years. But if we don't supply them with dry firewood every day, they will fade away. Should the fire fairies disappear, our whole campus would be gripped with cold every winter."
"You know, I've wondered how the school stays so warm without central air." Deuce said.
"So it was magic. Alright, kind of obvious in hindsight." Ace said.
"Normally our kitchen ghost takes over fire duty during extended school breaks, but this year his daughter had a baby so he's visiting the netherworld to see his first grandchild." Crowley said as he smiled at them. "Thus, I would like to ask you all to handle things in his absence."
"Ghosts...can have grandchildren? They can actually have babies?" (Y/N) said as she stared at Crowley with confusion written on her face.
"This place is weird..." Kanzaburou mumbled as he looked off into the crowd before looking back at the female. "So I wouldn't doubt it."
"Call it, the miracle of love, ok? Don't think too much about the details." The Headmage said. "More to the point, someone needs to handle fire duty if you wish to stay warm over the holidays. Just by throwing firewood into the fireplace every day, you'll all stay warm and well fed. That is as we say, killing two birds with one stone." Crowley said happily. "Oh, what a generous deal!"
"Sounds easy enough..." (Y/N) said as Kanzaburou nodded in agreement.
"Yea very generous..."
"You know, this does sound like kind of a gimme compared to the usual messes you dump in our laps." Grim pointed out.
"Do you think so? You would be surprised at just how kind I can be. Oh yes and since I'll be out for a while, I'd like to give this to you." Crowley said as he held out a phone.
"Ooh, a smartphone?" Ace said as he look over at the phone.
"You can use this to call me in the event of any emergency. It is to be used only for emergencies, mind you. Do try not to burn through its data cap browsing Magicam or the like." Crowley said as he held the phone for (Y/N) to take only for her to shove it back in his hands.
"No thanks." The female said now confusing Crowley.
"But if an emer-" Crowley said but was soon cut off by (Y/N).
"I'll be ok." She said as she held out her own phone now showing it to Crowley. "Cater senpai got it for me when we went on our phone date." She said, unaware of the annoyed looks Deuce and Ace wore at the mention of the apparent date.
"Right...that phone date..."
"Cater senpai sure was lucky..."
"Hmph. I still don't see why you went with him..." Kanzaburou mumbled as he crossed his arms over his chest. Kaiya now snuggled up to his cheek to comfort the upset male.
Crowley's eyes widen as he gave the female a small nod. "I see..." He said as he looked between (Y/N) and Kanzaburou before clearing his throat. "Ahem. Now then, if you'll excuse me, I have many students to transport home to their families. I'll leave the rest in your capable hands. Ah, I'd better make certain to peruse some tourist pamphlets before I set out. Goodness gracious, I'm so very busy..."
"I'll have to talk to Crewel and the others about this apparent date later..."
"Now now before I leave, this is for you. Happy holidays dear (Y/N)! Until next time." Crowley happily smiled as he gave the female a headpat before placing a wrapped up box in her hands.
"What is it?" Ace said as he stared at the box.
"It's obviously a gift, duh." Kanzaburou said as Ace glared at the male.
"What's inside?" Deuce questioned as (Y/N) gave a small shrug as she watched as the older raven haired male's figure disappeared into the crowd.
"I'm not sure..." She mumbled not carefully opening the gift box only to reveal a blue scarf folded neatly inside along with a note. "A scarf..." (Y/N) said as she smiled a bit at the sight of the fabric before her.
"Hey, what about the note?" Grim questioned as he jumped over Ace's shoulder to try and get a better look.
"Stay warm during the holidays (Y/N). I've read a few books on how the Taisho Era tends to be rather cold from time to time during the winter season. I'm not sure how you've spent your holidays exactly, but I hope this little token at least gives you at least a bit of warmth. Remember to stay safe while we're gone in the meantime and happy holidays.
~ Yours Truly, Dire Crowley
"Thank you..."
Upon reading the note, (Y/N) let out a small sigh as she felt herself smile once again. "I'll take good care of this..." She said now nodding to herself as she wrap the scarf around her neck.
"That was nice of him..."
"Why isn't the Headmage like this with us?"
"Myahaha! Now I get to chow down on a fancy feast over the holidays!" Grim happily said.
"I still get the feeling you just took a sucker's deal, but hey, whatever floats your boat." Ace said.
"It's good so he'll be easy to convince" Kanzaburou said.
"Besides, we're simply just throwing in firewood." (Y/N) said. "I did something like this as a kid...it's not much different."
"Well alright..." Ace said now letting out a small defeated sigh before a certain sandy blonde male approached them.
"Hey, guys! You can stop standing in the middle of the hall and blocking traffic now!" Ruggie said as he smiled at the group.
"Ruggie senpai..." (Y/N) said as she approached the male and gave him a head pats "Still soft, still cute..." She mumbles now catching the male off guard, making him blush a bit.
"H...huh?"
"Cute...Ruggie? Seriously? Man, not cool..."
"Ruggie? Wait, what's with all that luggage?!" Deuce said as he stared at all of the luggage in shock. "A backpack, three duffel bags, and a giant cooler..."
"Oh, this? Shishishi." Ruggie said as he looked back at his luggage with a grin before laughing a bit. "I took all the food that was about to hit its sell by date at the cafeteria and the school store. Since we're about to go on break, they gave them to me basically for free."
"For real?" Ace said in disbelief. "There's no way you can eat all that."
"You'd be surprised. The neighborhood kids devour this stuff like, well...a pack of hyenas." Ruggie said. "Besides, I gotta make sure my grandma and siblings eat well over the holidays. Speaking of which, this frozen food won't be staying frozen for long. Gotta run! Smell you next year!" The male grinned ready to take his leave only to be stopped by a certain raven haired female who tugged at his sleeve.
"Speaking of food I have something for you senpai..." (Y/N) said as she placed the lunch box on top of the male's luggage. "I made you some taiyaki and dango, to take with you." The female said as she gave the male a small smile. "I heard it was you who gave me that cookie so, enjoy. There's plenty in there for you, your grandma, and siblings to share."
"Who the heck told her?"
"Ruggie's lucky..."
"I bet it was Kanzaburou who told her..."
The sandy blonde male stared from (Y/N) and then look over the lunch box, his cheeks soon flushing a bit. "O...oh, so you found out huh? Well, it wasn't really that big of a deal." Ruggie said as he grinned at the female before glancing over at Kanzaburou who simply gave him a blank stare, seeming a bit confused. "Thanks (Y/N)!" Ruggie said as he hugged the female before taking his leave. "I'll see you later!"
"Goodbye senpai..."
"Why was he staring at me like that..."
"There he goes..." Deuce said as he watches as Ruggie's figure soon disappears into the crowd of students. "What was that about neighborhood kids, though?"
"Ruggie comes from a place where food is a bit scarce. So whenever school lets out for a long break, he stocks up on all the food he can get and shares it with the local kids." Jack said now approaching the group.
"What about you, Jack? What's with that planter you're hauling?" Ace said as he gestures towards the cactus Jack held. "You taking up gardening or something?"
"It's a cactus I've been growing in my free time. It would wither up if I didn't keep it watered over break." He mumbled now looking away slightly embarrassed. "A...anyway, enough about me!"
"Ruggie's sharing his food with a bunch of kids who ain't even family, huh? Never knew he had it in him." Grim said before pointing at the raven haired female in an accusing manner. "And worse of all, (Y/N) gave him food and not me!"
"Hyenas believe in sharing spoils equally. I'm sure that's how Ruggie was raised." Jack said.
"Well that's nice of him..."
"I still want my food..."
"Tomioka sama has priorities that are better than others..." Kanzaburou said as Kaiya nodded in agreement. "Now stop pointing at her like that, you eat everything she makes all the time."
"Hmph. The mere thought of a feeding frenzy like that gives me the willies." Leona scoffed as he now approached the group before him. "I can barely stand the noise one kid makes as it is."
"Does that mean you're skipping out on visiting your family, Leona?" Jack questioned.
"Man, I wish. Nah, they'd give me no end of grief if I did. I'm going. Ugh, talk about a holiday chore." Leona said now groaning clearly annoyed by the idea of going back home.
"But you're not bringing anything?" Jack said.
"So? I got my wallet and smartphone. What else do I need? I've got clothes at home anyway." Leona said.
"This's a whole different kind of extreme..." Grim mumbled.
"You're not even bringing your homework, are you?" Ace said.
"Homework can wait until after break. Holidays are for resting." Leona said.
"I'm not surprised, lazy Housecat..." Kanzaburou said only to receive a glare from Leona.
"Tch, later Herbivores." Leona said now ready to take his leave only to be stopped by the raven haired female who grabbed at his hand.
"Senpai, can you tell Cheka I said hi." She said as she smiled a bit thinking about the small orange haired child.
"Cheka..." Leona stared at her for a minute before chuckling a bit at her reaction. "Yea I guess I will. See you later." He said before soon enough taking his leave.
"I like that kid." Kanzaburou smiles now remembering Cheka. "He's quick to make the Housecat frustrated and I find it funny. What a good kid."
"Leona gets brownie points with (Y/N) because of his nephew, damn not fair..."
"Gotta remember to introduce her to my younger siblings as well..."
"He's good enough to do anything when he applies himself, so why doesn't he?" Jack said before letting out a sigh. "Well, I know I'll be getting mine done. You guys had better do the same. Later."
"Whatever you say, tryhard. See you next year, huh?" Ace said.
"At least he'll get his work done..." (Y/N) said as Kanzaburou nodded.
"Yea, unlike some people..." Kanzaburou said as he eyed Ace.
"What?!"
"Leona's commitment to his principles is actually impressive." Deuce said as (Y/N) nodded as they all watched as both Jack and Leona disappeared into the crowd.
"Alright, froshes! Don't let any of those bad boy upperclassmen give any of you bad ideas, you hear me?" Cater said now putting his arm around (Y/N)'s shoulder as Trey soon approached them.
"Hey hey, I didn't give you permission to do that to her!" Grim exclaimed as he glared at Cater.
"How many times do I have to tell you, stop being so touchy with Tomioka sama?" Kanzaburou said all while Cater gave him a carefree smile.
"Now now, I'm not hurting her. Besides, she doesn't seem to mind right (Y/N)?" The orange haired upperclassman said as the female simply gave a small shrug.
"Hey, Trey. Hey, Cater." Ace greeted the two Heartslabyul upperclassmen.
"Ugh. Going home is kind of a drag for me, too." Cater groaned. "I just know my sisters are both coming home. They don't care if it's the holidays, they'll run me ragged anyway. I wish I could stay over at your house instead Trey!"
"You'd be welcome to, but we'd be running you just as ragged. Winter is the patisserie's busiest time of the year." Trey said as he gave the orange haired male a small apologetic smile.
"Oh yea, your family runs one of those, huh? So much for any escape." Cater sighed now letting go of (Y/N) who gave him a headpat trying to comfort him.
Riddle soon slowly approached them, not uttering a single word.
"............"
"Erk! Dorm Leader Rosehearts! Sorry for blocking the way!" Deuce said before he quickly stepped out of the way so the redhead male could walk through.
"Hm? Oh, it's you boys and (Y/N). If you're going to stand around and congregate, at least stay near a wall." Riddle said.
"Huh, he's sounding kind of defeated." Grim mumbles as Kanzaburou and Ace nod in agreement.
"Oh, right. Our Dorm Leader's got an extreme case of helicopter parenting waiting for him at home." Ace said. "No wonder he's not enthused about heading back."
"I'd hate to be him..." Kanzaburou mumbled as Kaiya seem to look at the redhead male with concern.
"Riddle, I'm not allowed in your house, so I won't be able to bring by any cakes..." Trey said as he gave him a sympathetic smile. "But you're always welcome to visit me at the store. I'm sure Chenya will drop by to hang out too."
"Yes, you're right. I think I'm going to try talking with mother some. I don't know if she'll listen, but even so." Riddle said as he let out a small sigh.
"...All right. Good luck." Trey said.
"It won't be too long so try not to worry about it too much senpai..." The female said as she took a gentle hold of Riddle's hand making the redhead male blush a bit before giving her a small smile.
"I think you probably need her more if anything." Kanzaburou said as he gently place the small hedgehog on Riddle's head. "You're gonna need the company and she's worried about you."
"You actually understand the hedgehog?" Ace questioned as he glanced at Kaiya before looking back at Kanzaburou.
"Her name is Kaiya and yea I do." Kanzaburou said as if it were the most obvious thing. "I understood her since day one."
"I can't say I'm surprised..."
"Thanks Kanzaburou..." Riddle said now cutting in between Ace and Kanzaburou. "I'll take good care of her (Y/N)." He said as the female gave him a small nod.
"Alright. Good luck." Trey said.
"What's the matter Goldfishie? Don't wanna go home?" Floyd's voice suddenly interrupted making Riddle jump a bit from shock. "Well then here's an idea, don't. We're not. Come on, you can join us in the stay at school club. Heheh!" He male said as he then went over to hug the raven haired female. "Hey there little Angelfish, it's nice seeing you again!"
"Agreed, hello (Y/N) it's a pleasure seeing you again." Jade said as he gave her a close eyed smile.
"Hello senpais." (Y/N) said not really minding the hug from Floyd.
"How many of you damn parasites have to touch Tomioka sama?!" Kanzaburou said as he glared at Floyd who simply grinned at the male in response.
"Hm, where did you come from Floyd?" Riddle said now backing away from the teal haired male. "And would you kindly refrain from sticking your nose in business you know nothing about? It's quite irksome." He said as he glared at the male who held the raven haired female in his arms.
"He's right, you know. It's never a good idea to blindly pry into others' family affairs." Jade said as he stood next to his brother, smile still on his face.
"Aw, come on Jade. It's boring spending every new year with the same old suspects." Floyd sadly said. "Besides, Goldfishie is so teeny, I'm sure Azul would love to keep him as a pet!"
"I'm sorry? Would you like to say that again?
You're awfully brazen to take that tone with the head of Heartslabyul. And speaking of heads, I'll have yours for this!" Riddle exclaimed as he glared at the now grinning male.
"Yes do it!"
"Oh no..."
"R...Riddle, no! This is not the place, my guy!" Cater said as he tried to hold the redhead male back before anything could escalate.
"Settle down, Riddle. You're letting him goad you again." Trey said.
"Can't say I really blame him..."
"Yeeaargh!"
"So Floyd and Jade! Your family is in the Coral Sea, right? Why aren't you guys visiting them?" Cater asked.
"We and Azul live in the far northern reaches of the Coral Sea. At this time of year, the whole surface is covered in ice floes." Jade explained.
"What he said!" Floyd said now agreeing with his twin. "it's hard getting home with all the freezy freeze and it's boring there anyway. So the three of us prefer to go home on spring break instead when the ice has melted."
"Wow. Living under the sea has all kinds of challenges, huh?" Trey said.
"Maybe but it sure is pretty..." (Y/N) mumbled.
"Hmph! The last thing I need is to spend the new year with you Octavinelle boys. I'll be going now. I bid you all a pleasant holiday." Riddle huffed before giving the female a small smile. "I'll see you later (Y/N). Take care."
"Hey! If you ever wanna take up my offer within your little break, make sure you give us a call!" Kanzaburou called out as the redhead male simply gave him a nervous smile.
"T...thank you for that, enjoy your holiday." Riddle said before taking his leave now disappearing into the crowd.
"What did he tell Riddle?"
"Knowing Kanzaburou that offer wasn't something good I'm sure...."
"Good grief. Well at least he's got his moxie back. As for you guys, don't cut too loose over the holidays, ok? See you around." Trey said now waving at the group before smiling at the female.
"I should be getting home, too. Ah, but first a commemorative photo!" Cater said as he then took out his phone and took a group picture with everyone. "Hashtag #FallSemesterLastDay #WithTheFroshes #HappyNewYear #JumpingTheGunLOL" He said now smiling as he looked at the picture. "Ok, bye now! Happy holidays, folks!" He said before walking off along with Trey.
"So, little Angelfish." Floyd started off as he soon let go of the female. "Are you, the Pelican, and Seal staying on campus? You can always drop by Octavinelle, you know. We'd be happy to keep you company."
"They are hell birds!" Kanzaburou said as he glared at the male before crossing his arms over his chest. "I am nothing like them."
"Stop calling me that!" Grim exclaimed only to be ignored by the twins.
"A fine idea, brother. Ah, what a delightful holiday this is shaping up to be. You're welcome anytime. Now then, if you'll excuse us..." Jade said before soon walking away with Floyd as the two soon started laughing a bit.
"Heheh..."
"There they go..." (Y/N) said as she along with the rest of her friends watched as the twins walked away.
"Erk! Just looking at their faces makes me think back to when they were working me like a dog in the Mostro Lounge." Grim said.
"Oh yea? And whose fault was that?" Kanzaburou added only to receive a glare from Grim.
"Yea, that was brutal stuff..." Deuce said.
"Don't remind me." Ace said as he let out a small sigh.
"At least that's over now..." (Y/N) said as the males nodded in agreement.
"Well, the crowds are thinning out. We should probably head out, ourselves." Deuce said.
"Good call. Oh yea, (Y/N)..." Ace said as he turned to face the female, his phone ready in his hand. "Ever since you got your phone we never traded Magicam IDs. Let's do that now, you know in case something comes up."
"Alright, sounds good." (Y/N) said as she nodded in agreement.
"Oh, good idea. I'll share mine, too." Deuce said as he then took out his own phone and the three of them traded Magicam IDs.
"There we go. Registered." Ace said as he gave (Y/N) a smile. "Feel free to hit me up if you get bored over winter break!"
"Thank you, I'll do that." (Y/N) said as she gave him a small nod.
"Aw man, you take everything I say so seriously (Y/N)! I was joking." Ace said as he crossed his arms over his chest now looking away from the raven haired female who simply stared at him slightly confused.
"Joking? Hm, ok..." (Y/N) said as she looked back from her phone then at the orange haired male. "Then I'll simply ignore you and just talk to Deuce during break. It's easy..." (Y/N) said now making Ace stare at her in shock all while Deuce simply smirked at the scene before him.
"Idiot..."
"He pretty much walked himself on that one..."
"Yea, I say it's the best route. Do that instead Tomioka sama." Kanzaburou said as Ace now stared at him with the same amount of shock.
"Well even if you were joking, it was a pretty lame one." Deuce said as he cut in. "Anyway, please feel free to reach out if you need anything at all. My mom is probably waiting on me so I'd better go. (Y/N), Grim, Kanzaburou, happy holidays."
"Yeah, I'll do the same." Ace said now ready to take his leave. "But seriously you can talk to me if you need anything. (Y/N), Grim, Kanzaburou see you next year!"
"You guys too." (Y/N) said as she bid both males goodbye. "Enjoy your break."
And with that said, the two Heartslabyul males left now disappearing into the crowd of students.
"I've always thought of those guys as a couple of loudmouths, but now that they're gone..." Grim said before soon trailing off a bit. "It's clear as crystal just how loud they've been! A bunch of meddling so and sos..." He mumbled as (Y/N) kneeled down to give him a headpat.
"Maybe yea, but looks like even you'll miss them." Kanzaburou said as (Y/N) nodded in agreement.
"They were a bit loud at times but they're still our friends. I'll miss them as well..." (Y/N) said as she gave both Grim and Kanzaburou a small smile. "Now come on let's head back to our dorm."
"Aright!"
🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍
🐍 Twisted Wonderland Secrets 🐍
• Ruggie doesn't cannonly have siblings per say, but YaoYaobae drew triplets for him. They're based on the Lion King's three hyenas Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed. Two boys and one girl, eventually (Y/N) will meet them.
• The scarf Crowley gave (Y/N) was similar to the blue scarf Tanjiro wore when she first met him.
• Kanzaburou is able to understand Kaiya, even without him being a crow.
• Aside from Riddle and (Y/N) the only other person Kaiya actually likes being around is Kanzaburou.
• Crowley and Crewel so far have been the only staff and her new family to give (Y/N) a gift.
• The ghosts are happy they're going to spend their holidays with (Y/N), Kanzaburou, and Grim.
• Kanzaburou is now slowly warming up to Riddle, however he's not at Deuce level yet.
• The cafeteria ghosts were the ones who spotted and told (Y/N) that Ruggie gave her the cookie.
• Crowley is (Y/N)'s responsible yet irresponsible mother figure.
• (Y/N) actually has a stalker on Magicam. Can you guess who? Her stalker was the first person to follow her before Cater.
• Crowley spent time in the library reading about the Taisho Era and its winter holidays in order to decide what to get for (Y/N). He settled for a scarf since it's practical for (Y/N) and it'll help keep her warm.
• Kanzaburou's offer for Riddle was that he'd go and personally gouge out his mother's eyes.
• (Y/N) is glad to spend the holidays with more people, even if it'll be just the ghost joining her. She's glad Kanzaburou and herself won't be alone for another year.
• Grim actually will miss both Ace and Deuce.
• (Y/N) is grateful for Crowley's gift.
• The moment Leona mentions (Y/N) to Cheka, he'll get attacked with many questions about her.
• Ruggie is grateful for the packed food (Y/N) gave him and promised himself to repay her for it.
• The only staff who knew about (Y/N) and Cater's phone date was Crewel and Sam. The others had no clue which is why Crowley was confused when (Y/N) told him about it.
• Deuce and Ace were jealous of Ruggie.
• Kanzaburou technically isn't a student so he's free to do whatever he wants, knowing this makes Grim upset.
🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍
A while ago I mentioned that my little 12yr brother helps pick out the order of the quotes. Whether they are the Hashira quotes or Twisted Wonderland boys.
He's only watched Demon Slayer along with a few other animes, but has never heard or played Twisted Wonderland. So I let him make a tier list based on all the Twisted Wonderland boys in this fanfic, this also including the staff, and character that are not cannon to the game. Example; Kalim's cousin Jasir. So if you're curious. Here's Twisted wonderland rated through the eyes of a 12yr old boy.
I also included a character that may or may not be added to the story later on. Who knows....