The wave of once blazing, mesmerizing, blue fire suddenly flickered to a slow stop as a multitude of gasps and shouts rang throughout the courtyard.

Ace let out a horrified shriek, eyes growing large as his mouth subconsciously opened in pure terror. Disregarding the hot anger that once enraged him, he ran up to the now singed statue of the Queen of Hearts. "Oh no! Now the Queen of Hearts' statue looks like it's been flame broiled!" He yelled in disbelief.

Grim, who had been yelling passionately only moments before had turned silent. His mouth formed into a line, eyes darting back and forth from you, to the statue, and to Ace. "That's your fault for tryin' to divert it! You shoulda just let it burn you to a crisp!" He stuttered.

"Who in their right mind would ever do that?" Ace cried.

Like him, your mouth fell agape at the now ruined statue. It's once precise details were now melded together, drooping sadly as the flames cooled.

Perhaps, it wasn't too bad... maybe just a quick shining or paint job and it'd be back to normal?

You didn't know much about statues.

"We should Uhm—"

"What is going on here? Cease this at once!"

A new voice suddenly silenced the gasps and whispers of the crowd behind you, whirling around to meet the eyes of an angered Headmage. He stalked towards you, shooing away the remainder of the crowd, as students scattered at the sight of him.

Ace reeled back, "Oh no! The headmage!"

Grim yelped, ears flattening against his head, "Not more lashings of love! We gotta get outta here!" The two tried to flee, only for Crowley's whip to smack against them over and over again.

Hands flew to your mouth, eyes widening as you watched the two flinch with each violent crack of the whip.

He was a teacher, a model for students- why was he hitting them?

This had to be abuse.

Despite the itch t the back of your throat, urging you to speak up, you remained silent. You couldn't say anything to Crowley. He was kind enough to let you stay in this unfamiliar world with nothing, gracious enough to at least provide you with some necessities.

Although, you were beginning to like him less and less now.

The cat demon jumped as the whip hit him once more, "Myaaaah! And I'm still sore from yesterday too!"

"As if the likes of you could ever flee from me!" Crowley sneered.

He sighed, golden eyes staring up at the Queen's statue with irritation. He looked like he was contemplating whether or not to kill the students or himself.

"Did I not just warn you, 'no more incidents?'"

He turned to you and Grim with a disappointed glance, "And now you've charred one of my statutes?! It's almost as though you WANT to be expelled."

The last statement was likely directed towards Ace, who fell into a bow at the mages threat.

"No! Forgive me!"

The headmage huffed, crossing his arms with a glare, "And you, Y/N. You were specifically told to keep Grim under control."

You simply looked down, brows furrowing as your hands came to fidget with the chain around your neck.

Sure, you could've easily stopped them by casting an easy spell that would block them. But to do that you'd either have to take out your keyblade or draw much attention to yourself with a loud incantation.

And considering there was a crowd here only a few seconds ago, you knew it wouldn't go well.

Still, you stood silent.

"Sorry," you muttered, head falling into a small bow.

Crowley shook his head in disappointment before turning to Ace, "This will not do. And you! State your name and grade."

"Ace Trappola... Freshman."

You watched as the boy bit his lip. His body was still bent into a bow as his eyes glared up at Crowley through bangs. Every once in a while his eyes would dart to Grim aggressively.

Your eyes narrowed at him, suppressing the urge to roll them.

It was his fault you were getting scolded in the first place.

"Then listen well, Trappola. You as well, Grim, Y/N. As punishment for today's infractions, you are hereby ordered to wash a hundred windows!"

The three of your mouths fell open at the command. A hundred windows?!

Thinking about it, it wasn't an unreasonable request— but that many for a statue? You could've just cleaned the sculpture instead- or do a quick spell to return it to its former glory.

Ugh. Glory to a villain.

Maybe cleaning windows was a better punishment.

However, the other two didn't seem to follow that sentiment.

Grim turned to Ace with a hiss, pointing at him accusingly. "That's what you get for making fun of me! This is all your fault!"

The heart boy ignored him, raising his head to Crowley in shock, "Whaaat? I have to do it too?!"

"Duh," you spat, "You started the fight dude. Not to mention you kinda caused the fires to hit the statue. You could've just let it hit you instead."

"What– why would I–?!"

Crowley nodded along with you, "Of course you do. You will meet in the cafeteria after class. Are we clear?"

Ace nodded solemnly, "Yes, sir..."

Grim whined, rolling his eyes along with his head with the slump of his body. "Ugh, I can't catch a breaaaaak!"

You looked down at Grim with an annoyed sigh, "I need a break more than you, man."

↳

Eventually, you found yourself in an empty cafeteria.

It was quite pretty- having wooden benches lined with an assortment of fruit and candlelight. Above you was a tree shaped chandelier, with golden lanterns hanging from its stems. You just knew it'd look beautiful in the night.

Your eyes drifted to the left, seeing a slumping Grim next to a pile of cleaning supplies.

He was sprawled against the purple and green checkerboard floors, ear flattened. "I'm already exhausted from a full day of cleanin'. I can't believe we still gotta wash a hundred windows!"

"Half of it's your fault Grim," you sighed, "You could've just walked away instead of attacking him."

He rolled onto his stomach, flicking his tail with a groan, "What's bugging me is, Ace ain't even here yet! To make us wait, after what he did... Grrr!"

You sighed, allowing yourself to sit on one of the tables.

Grim was right. You could've been halfway done by now if that heart boy decided to show up.

But you knew he wouldn't.

"He's probably not gonna show up but still. I'm not gonna let him get away like that Scott free. We should go look for him and make sure he helps clean." You spun the mop around in your hand, looking down at Grim with a smile.

The cat shot up from the floor, tail flicking around in annoyance. "Grrr— he started this but he's tryna get outta it? I'm gonna drag him by the colla' if I have to! Ain't no way am I doin' his punishment for him!"

You grinned, snickering.

You were about to beat this bitch up for sure.

The two of you raced out of the cafeteria, skidding down the halls as you threw open classroom doors, looking for the ginger.

You ignored the stares and whispers of students.

They were muttering, glancing between one another and pointing at the sight of you in your uniform, mumbling something about a girl ACTUALLY being enrolled in the school.

Your brows furrowed.

Based on the way they all dismissed you during the chamber ceremony, you didn't think they realized that the mirror had even said you were a girl. Some must have been paying attention though- and now your existence was a rumor?

Well that's fun.

Although, being the only girl in the school was just a teeny weeny bit frightening.

( it was a lot frightening )

You found yourself in one of the school's many classrooms- hopefully the one Ace was in.

Grim barged in exaggeratingly- stomping his feet around like he owned the place. "Hey Ace! Get over here! Try to hide from me, will ya!

The room, however, was empty.

Upon Grim's grand entrance, students had shuffled out of the room- none of which were Ace, you made sure to check- leaving wooden desks and books in their wake.

The monster crossed his arms over his chest, eyes wandering around the classroom, "Huh... maybe there's really no one here?"

"Oh, I wouldn't say that. I'm here." An unfamiliar voice spoke from behind you, turning only to see a man in a painting staring directly at you and Grim.

"What the-" You muttered, eyes widening.

A talking painting?

In this place?!

Sure, talking paintings weren't uncommon to find- especially considering the various worlds you'd traveled to. But while Sora and the others had talked to statues and paintings, you personally hadn't.

It was oddly jarring to find one in this unfamiliar world.

Grim jumped behind you, "Bwaaah! That painting just talked!"

The man in the portrait raised a brow, perplexed, "Yes, and...? Is a talking painting such an oddity in this school?"

With a hum, the man's eyes flickered to the left, to a painting of a pretty girl in a flower field. "The lady in the portrait on that wall talks too. As does the gentleman in the portrait on this one."

His lips contorted into a teasing grin, "As long as a painting has a mouth, why wouldn't it be able to talk? Is that really so strange?"

You nodded in agreement at his words, "In a magic school, no."

You'd seen so many magical items and nicknacks— most of which being the most random objects, even beings, that one could think of— that a painting wasn't as exciting anymore.

Plus, the man probably knew where Ace had gone- and you weren't about to get on his bad side and screw up a chance at figuring out where the heart boy was.

"And I'm sorry about his manners," you continued, looking down at Grim. "He's a stray and is still trying to adjust to life around other beings. I apologize."

The painting smiled in appreciation, "Why thank you. Now, it seems as if the two of you are searching for someone, correct?"

Grim crossed his arms as you nodded, shooting you a look at the diss before explaining who you were looking for.

"We're looking for this guy called Ace. He's got messy hair and a heart drawn on his face."

You deadpanned at the very brief description. How was anyone going to go off of information like that? At least mention the color of his hair- or eyes at the very least.

The heart mark didn't do much either, you had noticed many other students with shapes drawn on their faces. You caught sight of spades, clovers, diamonds, and of course hearts. So if Ace was in this class- there was a high probability he wasn't the only one with a heart drawn on his face.

An exasperated sigh left your lips, "His full name is Ace Trappola, a first year. He's got orange hair, as well as red eyes. I'm pretty sure there's also red accents on his uniform- a crimson vest I think?"

The painting hummed at the more thorough description, "Ah, I know the one. A new student, I believe? Today was his first day of school. I think he went back to his dorm a while ago."

You rose a brow.

Looks like you were right. He was trying to skip.

You were going to beat him up for sure.

Grims eyes widened, ears flaming higher, "Myaah! So it's true! He's tryna' ditch us! So you know which way he went?"

"The door to the dorms is in the eastern building."

Grims tail flicked, punching his paw to his fist with a growl, "Let's chase after him, Y/N!"

You huffed, nodding. This was too much chasing for anyone.

↳

The eastern building— or rather the hall of mirrors— was a beautiful sight to behold.

As said, it was a hall of mirrors, reflective glass each with their own intricate details and patterns lining the room.

They all had their own distinct designs, separating them from one another in beautiful fashion. Above them lay metal plaques, having- what you assumed- their matching dorm names above them.

Green fire lit up the hall, perfectly contrasting the purple beams that held up the mirrors. This school had a thing for purples and greens, didn't it?

Still, it was absolutely gorgeous.

And standing in the middle of it all, was Ace.

The boy coughed lightly, letting out a sigh. "Yeah right, like I'm gonna wash a hundred windows. I'm just gonna go back and—"

Grim jumped out, skidding in front of Ace with a growl, "AHA! GOTCHA PUNK!"

"Oh. No! They saw me!" The redhead yelped, his eyes darted back and forth before turning. Only for you to be standing behind him, arms crossed and disapproving.

He tsked, likely debating on what the easiest exit to take was- or who would be the easiest to pass by- or if he could throw Grim at you and make a break for it. So many choices... such as;

A) Look for an escape route.

B) Attack

C) Turn himself in

In his opinion, letter A seemed like the best option.

Grims ears burned brighter with rage, eyes narrowing, "Stop right there, pal! No fair gettin' a head start! Wait!"

Ace pushed past him, too fast for either you or the monster to process, "Who in their right mind would ever wait?! Seeya!"

"No way are you gettin' out of this! You think I WANNA wash windows?" The cat hissed, chasing after the boy with a snarl.

You let out a loud sigh, shaking your head as you watched Ace get chased around the room by a fire breathing cat. How big was this chamber? You didn't have enough sleep to deal with him— let alone him and Grim.

Still. You weren't about to let him get away.

Up ahead was a blue haired boy, who turned to the commotion with confusion— only to see Ace sprinting at him with top speed, "Outta my way!"

The boy stumbled back with a yelp, eyes wide in surprise, "Hey! What gives?!"

You ran up to the two boys, Grim hot on your trail, "Please stop him! He's avoiding his punishments—!"

The boys he's turned from you to Ace— discombobulated. "What? That's not right! But how to stop him?" He began to mutter, "Like, freeze his legs? Or bind them with a rope?"

Both you and Grim groaned, "I don't care how! Just do something! Anything!"

His eyes widened, falling on Ace's form. "Anything?! Anything, huh...."

His hand slowly reached for his front pocket, grabbing the crimson colored pen before pointing it at the redhead.

Your eyes widened, watching as magic swirled around the pen, sparkling similar to that of a keyblade almost. The jewel glowed brightly, burning hot as it reflected against the light.

You were amazed. That much magic in such a tiny pen?

It was remarkable.

The boy's brows furrowed, "I summon thee... something heavy!"

You rose a brow at the ambiguous summon. Something heavy? That could practically mean anything— even a dragon of sorts.

Suddenly, a loud crash rang through the air as a motherfucking cauldron descended down on Ace.

"Wha?! A pot?!" The boy had been crushed to the floor, the large pot having fallen directly on his spine. His cheek was pressed to the floor as groans of pain gurgled from his throat.

Your mouth fell open as Grim let out a cackle, grabbing your leg and pointing at Ace like he was a circus animal on display.

Holy fuck, you just knew that hurt.

Sure, it was a punishment for trying to shrink his duties but still, you didn't want him getting hurt! Getting hit by a cauldron was no laughing matter, ( you chuckled in your head ) those things were full on metal— and could weigh up to thousands of pounds.

You wouldn't be surprised if he had some serious bruising on his back.

Maybe even a displaced spine.

Grim laughed, "That Ace guy got crushed beneath a giant cauldron! It squashed him flat!"

"Poor guy..." you muttered, practically feeling your own spine bend.

Or maybe your posture just sucked.

The blue haired boy didn't seem to share either yours or Grim's sentiments- focusing on what he actually summoned. "A cauldron?! I wasn't expecting that... I may have overdone it this time..."

You were able to get a good look at the boy now, realizing how handsome he was.

Short, dark, blue hair framed his face, complementing his bright turquoise eyes. On one of them was a black spade, in similar fashion to Ace's. He wore his blazer fully buttoned, not allowing you to see his vest. However, he had an arm band the same color as Ace's– jeweled pens also being the same color.

You assumed they were in the same dorm.

Ace groaned from the side, whining in pain as he tried to push the cauldron off his body.

Oops. You were too busy ogling at blue boy.

You walked over to him, admiring the sight of him struggling before easily pushing the heavy cauldron off of him.

Sure, you felt bad for him, but it wouldn't hurt to laugh a little.

He slowly stood up, rubbing his aching cheek as he frowned down at you, "What are you guys bothering me for? You guys coulda just banged out the work yourself!"

Ugh, this boy had it coming.

You scoffed, glaring at the redhead, "I didn't start the fight, did I? No. I didn't insult people without reason, did I? No. So why would I do your responsibilities, that are obviously your fault?"

Ace grumbled, rubbing the back of his head bashfully as a light pink flushed his cheeks.

It was kind of hot being scolded by you.

Was that weird?

The blue boy crossed his arms, eyes widening in shock, "You have to wash a hundred windows as punishment? What the heck did you do?!"

Ace let out a humorous scoff, "I was just screwing around with that furball a little.... And, well, the statue of the Queen of Hearts got a teeny bit charred. Sue me," he begrudgingly admitted.

You huffed, deadpanning at him.

He was trying to make light of the situation— even though his consequences were to wash a hundred fucking windows.

A job he tried to make you do.

You were this close to sending a wave of ice to shatter his brains.

Blue boy's eyes widened, bringing a hand to his mouth in shock, "You damaged a statue of the Great Seven?! No wonder he flew off the handle at you! After you managed to get into THIS school, how could you get in trouble on the very first day?!"

Ace glared him, sneering at his judgemental stare, "Oh shut up. Who are you anyway?"

The blue boy's eyes narrowed, wondering how Ace couldn't remember him. "My name is Deuce. Deuce Spade. Don't you remember your own classmate?"

Deuce?

You hummed, lips pressing together as you glanced between the two boys.

One of them was named Ace— meaning one, plus it was a name usually associated with hearts and cards. And then there was Deuce Spade? Literally meaning two of spades?

What kind of naming pattern was this?

Deuce paused, "Uh..."

Ace rose a brow, placing a hand on his hip as he looked him up and down. "You don't remember my name either, do you?"

Deuce scoffed, looking away with a frown, "That's not the point! You shouldn't try to shirk an order from the headmage!"

The redhead neared Deuce, placing a hand on his shoulder as he pushed him back.