Chapter Text
The Dark Mirror was a truly mysterious artifact.
No one knew how it was created, and if they did, they had departed from the world long ago. There were whispers that it once belonged to the Beautiful Queen, and that she had gifted it to the college when it was created, but there was no evidence to determine the validity to this story.
The only true facts about the mirror were that the spirit it housed possessed the ability to look into a person’s soul, to see their true nature and the essence of their being. Usually, this power was used to sort the students of Night Raven College into dorms and determine their magical aptitude; though there were those who also whispered that these tasks were a waste of power. But the spirit itself was a cryptic being, only answering questions or using its power to when it was needed, nothing more.
Yet one only needed to stand before the mirror and stare at the mask inside to know its power. To know that its knowledge of the world surpassed the comprehension of those who gazed upon it. There was also the fact that it also had the ability to transport people to almost anywhere in Twisted Wonderland.
Yes, the Dark Mirror truly was mysterious. And powerful.
“Ah Captain, there you are.”
“Headmage Crowley.”
Crowley sauntered over to the captain, his newest hire who had been admiring the mirror with great interest.
“Remarkable, isn’t it?” Crowley beamed. “It is the pride of our school, next to the Great Seven statues, of course.”
“Yes, it’s fascinating. You mentioned that it is going to be placed in a new frame soon, correct?”
Crowley’s smile continued to brighten, “Yes! We commissioned a new ornate frame for the Dark Mirror in celebration of Night Raven’s victory over Royal Sword in the VDC. We will be unveiling it during our celebration gala. I am certain it will be glorious!”
“Indeed.”
“Oh, look at the time.” Crowley suddenly said as he checked his watch. “We must get to assembly room. I managed to keep your arrival a secret from the students up until now, but I am sure they will welcome you with open arms. Aren’t I generous! Well, this way Captain.”
With that, Crowley took the other man by the arm and rushed him out of the room.
“I understand your excitement, Headmage,” the man said as he stumbled next to Crowley. “However, before the introductions start, I must insist on one thing.”
Crowley paused. “What’s that?”
“I would prefer not to be addressed as ‘Captain’. It has been quite a few years since I left the navy. I would rather be addressed by my actual title…the title of my profession.”
Crowley blinked. Then he laughed. “Of course! I did not mean to make you uncomfortable. I just thought Captain suited you, especially with your naval background. My apologizes.”
“It’s fine.”
“Very well,” Crowley continued forward. “This way, Doctor.”
****
The assembly hall was crowded. Students and faculty had begun filing into the room not long after the headmage sent out a notice for an emergency announcement. Some of the students were mildly curious about the announcement, most were relieved that their classes were on hold, and the faculty were just annoyed. Some of the other students, however-
“I have a bad feeling about this.” Yuu signed as he sat with Ace and Deuce.
“You’re just saying that because the Headmage called everyone together.” Ace said.
“What do you expect?” Grim groaned, “this is Crowley we’re talking about. Nothing good will probably come from whatever he has to say.”
“I agree with the cat.”
Yuu jumped when he heard the comment behind him. Turning around, he saw Yusaku Fujiki sitting behind him with a bored and irritated expression. Yusei Fudo, Yugi Muto, and Judai Yuki were next to him. Yuma Tsukumo and Yuya Sakaki were seated behind them.
“Crowley is the most incompetent teacher I have ever met. I’m surprised he wasn’t fired after the STYX incident.”
“Don’t be like that,” Yugi chastised gently.
“He’s just mad because Yubel dragged him here to sit with us.” Judai explained.
“I wanted to go back to my room.”
“But then we couldn’t hang out together.” Yuma exclaimed.
Yusaku grumbled but didn’t comment. Yusei gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
“Greetings everyone!”
Everyone groaned internally groaned as Crowley appeared.
“I have some wonderful announcements to make today! As you all know, we are going to celebrate our school’s anniversary next month. Such a momentous occasion has also been amplified by our recent VDC victory over Royal Sword Academy.”
“He seems really excited about this,” Ace said. “But this is first time I’ve heard anything about an anniversary celebration.”
“I don’t think you’re alone in that sentiment,” Yugi said as he looked around. He could clearly see looks of frustration on Riddle, Azul, Leona, and Vil’s faces as Crowley spoke.
“As part of the celebrations, we will be hosting an grand intercollege gala for all current students and alumni who have passed through our hallowed halls. All the expenses will also be covered by a gracious donation an alumni member- who has chosen to remain anonymous- which will allow us to celebrate with fine music and finer cuisine.”
“Food? Yes!” Grim shouted as the other students chatted excitedly.
“And who,” Azul spoke up over the chatter in a loud, but controlled voice, “will be organizing this event?”
“Why the Dorm Heads and Vice Dorm Heads, of course.”
“WHAT?!”
Clearly this was news to all those who carried those titles.
“With all due respect, Headmage,” Riddle said as he stood up from his seat, “This is the first time we are hearing of an anniversary gala.”
“Oh, did I not mention this during the last Dorm Head meeting?”
“NO!” Was the collective response.
“Oh well do not fear, Dorm Head Rosehearts, the gala itself take place in one month’s time, so that will plenty of time for all of you to prepare. Of course the faculty will be there to assist you with anything you may need. There will also be a Dorm Head meeting immediately after the assemble for further details and instructions.”
“Crowley…” Professor Trein hissed under his breath.
“Anyway,” Crowley continued happily. “Another part of the celebration is that the Dark Mirror will be fitted with a new frame that will be unveiled to all at the gala. Unfortunately, this also means that the Dark Mirror will but out of commission for the next month as well.”
The once excited chats suddenly became subtle groans of discontent.
“Wait, does that mean we can’t leave the island?” Deuce asked.
“On top of everything else? Yes.” Yuu deadpanned.
“I mean, we are in the middle of the semester, so it’s not like it’s in use at the moment.” Yuya tried to argue.
“I don’t think that helps,” Yusei commented as he also saw the looks of frustration on the Dorm and Vice Dorm Heads faces. The only exceptions being Idia, who had a look of terror on his face since Crowley started talking; Kalim, who was the only one who looked excited about the gala; and Malleus, who everyone was surprised to see sitting in the back of the room.
“Now, now, surprises are a part of life,” Crowley to reassure everyone. “If our illustrious Dorm Heads are unable to handle organizing a gala within the allotted time period, then how can they or any of you be prepared to handle them in the real world?”
If Trey had not pulled Riddle back into his seat before he could respond, Crowley’s patronizing tone would have caused the birdman to lost his head.
“Now, for our final announcement. We have a new faculty member that will be joining us starting today. Given some…unfortunate incidents that have befallen some of our students this year, I have made the generous and prudent decision to bring on a new school counselor. Everyone, please give a warm welcome to Dr. Hamlin Piper.”
A few students started clapping as the rest just stared at the man that walked into the room. He was tall, about the same age and height as Professor Crewel, with black hair and a pencil thin mustache. He wore a red suit that actually appeared tasteful with a his white scarf.
“Dr. Piper is a former captain in the Shaftlands navy, serving as an behavioral analyst for several years before working in the public sector. He has recently completed a yearlong sabbatical and has decided to dedicate this next chapter of his career to working with Twisted Wonderland’s youth. Doctor, if you would be so kind…”
To his credit, Dr. Piper did not seem fazed by Crowley’s over the top antics. Rather, he seemed to possessed an air of refined composer as he stood in the middle of the room.
“Thank you, Headmage Crowley,” he said. “Thank you, everyone. My apologizes for startling all of you with my presence, especially after receiving news about the gala. I am only going to say that I am here to assist you with any concerns or struggles that you may be experiencing. Whether it has to do with your academics, future career concerns, relationships, or even if you just need someone to vent your frustrations to, please know my door will always be open.”
The room erupted with applause.
“Did…Crowley just do something intelligent? By hiring a counselor?” Judai asked in disbelief.
“I guess it was bound to happen eventually,” Yusei answered.
“I don’t buy it,” Yusaku muttered. “All the other counselors Crowley brought in after the overblots were barely qualified as therapists. Even if this guy does have proper certification, he has to know he’s being underpaid.”
“Maybe, but he seems like he genuinely wants to help the students.” Yuma countered. Yuya agreed.
“…I’m still not talking to him. I prefer my own therapist.”
“Fair enough.”
“Thank you, Dr. Piper,” Crowley said as he jumped in front of the man. “With that, the assembly has come to a close. You may all return to your classes, but also please do stop by the doctor’s office to introduce yourselves. And if any of you have any questions about gala, please speak to Professor Trien or Professor Crewel as I will be unavailable for the rest of the day.”
“CROWLEY!” The professors shouted as the man ran out of the room.
“Well…that was an abrupt ending…” Yuu quipped as he walked back to class with Grim.
****
Yuu sat in the living room of Ramshackle trying to process everything that had happened earlier. The introduction of a new counselor was a nice surprise, especially since it came from Crowley of all people. Yuu figured Crowley had been forced to hire him to appease his bosses and try to prevent further overblots or another STYX Incident.
Still, from his introduction, Dr. Piper seemed nice and since the Night Raven faculty seemed to have more sense than their headmage, Yuu wasn’t going to complain.
The bigger issue was the gala. The moment classes ended; everyone received an alert on their phones to immediately return to their dorms for emergency meetings. Most of the Dorm Heads and Vice Dorm Heads were not pleased by the sudden revelation that they had to organize a college-wide gala. Yuu could picture Jamil and Azul pulling their hair out trying to get everything organized properly. The others were also probably scrambling to try and get their dorms in order before dealing with the month’s long task.
It also probably meant Tsunotaro and the other Yuus would not be stopping by for a while either.
Yuu felt a little bad. Not being part of an official dorm and not having magic meant he couldn’t do much to help with the planning. He could probably be able to help set up decorations or at least make sure Grim didn’t eat something he wasn’t supposed to.
He was about to get up and start dinner when he heard a knock at the door.
Yuu wasn’t expecting visitors, but after what happened at the assembly, it didn’t surprise him that someone wanted to come over and vent to him. Dr. Piper was still new, after all.
However, when he opened the door, he found a young man he did not recognize standing in front of him. He was about the same height as Ace, with long brown hair that was gathered in a low ponytail, and glasses. He was wearing the standard Night Raven uniform, but Yuu quickly noticed that the young man’s vest was as black as the rest of his uniform, and he was not wearing a dorm armband on his jacket sleeve. Much like how Yuu usually wore his own uniform.
He was also carrying a backpack and rolling suitcase.
“Hi, is this the Ramshackle Dorm?” The young man asked politely.
“…Yes…” Yuu answered after a moment.
“Okay. Hi…my name is Jéan Tinker…and I think I’m your new dormmate.”