Chapter Text
Ah… My dearly beloved,
My noble and beautiful flower of evil,
You are the fairest in the land,
—Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Who is the most…
—O thee, guided by the Dark Mirror
Follow thy heart’s desire
And take the hand of the one reflected in the mirror.
Flames that incinerate even the stars,
Ice that imprisons even time,
The great tree that engulfs even the skies,
Fear not the power of darkness.
Now — demonstrate thy powers.
For me. For them. For you.
We are all running out of time.
No matter what,
Never let go of that hand ⸻
▶[Continue]
PLAYER
TIME
BADGES
POKéDEX
▶New Game
▶Option
Are you a boy, or are you a girl?
Won’t you please tell me?
So, you’re a — then?
Please tell me your name.
Your name is — ?
— ! Are you ready?
Your very own tale of grand adventure is about to unfold.
Fun experiences, difficult experiences, there’s so much waiting for you!
Dreams! Adventures!
Let’s go to the world of ⸻ !
She couldn’t see anything in front of her.
Dark, was the first thing she noted when her bleary eyes finally managed to crack open. Even without having to push away her bangs could she see that the world was dark. But, was this even the outside? It felt so much smaller than she could recall.
“…Phlo?” …Vanya?
Lucien, her mind supplied as reality started to seep into her exhausted frame. A hand searched for her partner amidst the shrouded space. Fingertips met soft, warm fur she was familiar with. Her hand crept upwards until she could finally make out the outline of Lucien’s narrow muzzle. She could feel Lucien emit low purrs that rumbled from the base of his throat.
‘His flames must be off.’
She tapped a finger on the side of Lucien’s jaw two times. He blinked, red eyes staring down at the girl pressed to his front.
“Phlosion… Typhlosion, phlo.” I don’t know where we are… It’s cramped, is all I can tell.
Lucien heard the girl expel a quiet sigh. Small, triangular ears perked up at the sound of something banging against something clearly heavy. Red eyes narrowed. It was coming from whatever was in front of them.
“Crap. Peo……are……ming,” a voice said. “Gotta……a unif……”
Feeling another tap against his jawline, Lucien nodded. He shifted his body around as best as he could, attempting to move the girl to the side of whatever that’s keeping them incased. Once he was satisfied with their new positions, he braced his arm.
Bam!!!
“Whaaaaaaaa!!!!!”
A voice screeched as its owner scrambled out of the way. Lucien stumbled out from the tiny space, landing with a shaky step. It wasn’t a large tumble but the sudden unbalanced footing threw him off. Red eyes darted around the room. Coffins — there were dark coffins floating within the large room. All seemed to have an insignia carved into the covers. Green lights perched on sconces provided dim lighting. Small, crystal garlands were strung up.
The center of the room threw Lucien off. Suspected mid-air was a large mirror with a charcoal black reflection. Below it was an opening in the floor that seemed to pour chartreuse liquid like it was a fountain.
“What the hell!? What are you?!”
Lucien paused in his surveying to turn his attention toward the voice. Red eyes blinked at a larger-than-typically gray feline. This cat, aside from the size, was noticeably different due to the features it carried. Sapphire embers sprouted from its ears along with a pitchfork-shaped tail instead of the standard thin or fluffy end.
Oh, and this cat was capable of verbally speaking. Completely different.
Lucien glared at the strange feline, the orange-crimson flames erupting from the nape of his neck crackling. The cat picked up on the rising aggression in him and flinched.
“Hiieee! D-D-Don’t come any closer!” The cat tried to warn. It narrowed its blue eyes at Lucien, though the intimidation tactic wasn’t working due to the obvious tension in the feline’s posture. “Or I’ll roast ya to crisps!”
“Phlo, sion.” That’s an awful threat, Meowth.
“What the heck is a Meowth? I’m the Great Grim!” The feline proclaimed. “I ain’t scared of some large rat! Just try and land a spell against the Great Grim, I dare ya!”
The cat, Grim, shrieked when Lucien opened his maw, ivory incisors glinting in the low light. Lucien’s fire spurted and cracked, the heat rising. Grim raised his paws to brace himself for what seemed to be an attack.
Click…
Lucien’s ears perked at the sound of shoes clicking against the floor. Swerving around, the flames calmed down to their normal temperature. Grim shakily lowered his paws, confused by the lack of immediate demise. Blue eyes looked past Lucien and blinked inquisitively at what caught the ‘large rat’s’ attention.
A person hopped down from the floating coffin with ease. Her newly acquired dress shoes clicked against the polished floor. Long, black robes hung from the girl’s stature due to the oversight in correct measurements. Golden embroidery lined the robes with the inside colored a shade of purple. Crossed, golden key designs littered the purple interior. Accompanying the robes were black slacks and a black, button-up dress shirt. The shirt’s collar had the same golden intricate embroidery.
Slung around the girl’s waist were six capsules. The top halves were painted a sleek coat of red with the bottom being a silver-white. Circular buttons were visible on the orbs’ fronts. A hood attached to the robes covered the girl’s head so Grim could only make out the lower half of her face. Strands of snow-white hair peeked out from beneath the hood.
Lucien trudged over to the girl, inspecting her change in attire. Hands reached up to smooth over the fur beneath the base of his ears. Lucien immediately reacted with quiet purrs. The tip of his yellow snout leaned down to nuzzle the girl’s hood.
“Typhlosion. Phlo, sion?” Nice get-up you got there. But, where did you get it?
She shrugged. A shout interrupted their moment.
“Oi! Human!” Grim glared, pointing a stubby paw at Vanya. “You weren’t supposed to wake up yet so I could steal your robes!”
Vanya’s eyes widened from behind a curtain of hair. She glanced around the room, finding no one the cat could be referring to. She pointed a finger at herself for confirmation. Grim stomped his hind paw down with a huff.
“Yes, you! Do you see any other human in here?”
Pursing her lips, Vanya scratched her cheek. He had a point; she was the only thing classified as ‘human’ in this weird room. But now that he’s pointed it out, that triggered her confusion. Was anybody here? Someone who could’ve possibly put her and Lucien inside a coffin. And just where were they?
Shaking her head, Vanya raised her hands in a shrug. Might as well leave this room to explore. She took one step forward before Grim raised his hackles again.
“Hey, hold it! Where do you think you’re going?” Grim scowled, ears twitching. “I told ya I need those clothes — hand ‘em over if ya don’t want to be roasted alive!”
He didn’t even give her time to consider an answer. Inhaling air, Grim opened his mouth to spew a burst of sapphire flames. Vanya didn’t move as Lucien reacted by instinct. He stood tall, unmoving, as the fire engulfed his bulky stature. Grim’s eyes widened with what looked to be horror. Why?
Because his embers were nulled entirely.
Sapphire flames licked at Lucien’s fur but yielded no harm. Instead, his body glowed, the embers disappearing into cream-colored and dark navy fur. The orange-crimson flames on Lucien’s nape spurted briefly before dissipating into its regular levels. Lucien scoffed, red eyes glowering at the now trembling cat.
“W-W-What the hell!? My fire magic!” Grim screeched. “It didn’t burn you at all!”
“Phlo? Typhlo phlosion phlo.” Don’t you know? A Typhlosion’s hidden ability is Flash Fire.
Lucien hunched slightly, ears flicking with agitation.
“Sion typhlo. Typhlo, sion.” Attacking first means you enacted a battle. My turn, Meowth.
Vanya winced at the pathetic whine that slipped from Grim’s mouth. Grim, fear swimming in blue eyes, turned tail for the double doors located behind him. Stubby paws bounded for the apparent exit as the cat ran on all fours. Vanya reached a hand out, mouth parted in a silent plea, but it was too late. The cat had escaped, leaving the doors wide open.
‘He fled the battle… Ah, but at least we know this room wasn’t locked. Time to see where the heck we are.’
Vanya tapped the Typhlosion’s back once. Lucien peered over his shoulder, all of his attention on the girl. All she had to do was point a finger at the doors and her partner understood. The two poked their heads out, checking the outside. What greeted them was an exterior corridor. Vanya rushed out into the dark corridor, looking out through the gaps in the structure’s columns.
‘It’s night time. This is… a courtyard. And around it are more corridors by the looks of it. This is a large area — most likely not a city building.’
“Phlo.” Vanya.
She glanced back at her partner. Lucien was pointing a paw at the further end of the corridor. Nodding, Vanya slid back into her place next to the Typhlosion, the two walking down the carpet laid out on the stone floor.
Stone walls had various paintings hung up to decorate the layout. Lanterns loomed over them, no light visible within the glass confinement. Only Lucien’s flames acted as their limited light source in the empty corridors. Vanya noted the various doors lined evenly at certain points of the building. Choosing one at random, the girl pushed open a double set of wooden doors.
‘This is a classroom, right?’
Like the corridor, the room was devoid of light, pale moonlight peeking through glass windows. A chalkboard was placed all the way in the back, a large desk situated on a low raised platform. Rows of desks lined the sides of the room opposite of each other.
Vanya and Lucien stepped inside. Lucien crouched down onto all fours, sniffing at the floor. Vanya glanced around the classroom for anything noteworthy. She checked every row of desks and seats, finding no discarded items. Fingers grazed the clean surface of the chalkboard. The books lined up on the bookshelf near the board had different languages she could somewhat recognize.
‘This one is Unovan, or Galarian judging by the spelling. Galarian, galarian, I think this one is Kalosian… They have Kantonian books as well. But the characters are shaped a bit differently. I’m pretty sure it’s not Hoenn or Sinnoh dialect. No way it’s Johto dialect.’
She checked the large desk’s drawers. All she found were papers discussing a class’s syllabus for a few days in September. The wording was done in Galarian dialect.
‘Exploring the various methods to perfect a transfiguration spell, how teleportation magic has changed over the decades, discussing the properties of offensive magic… Huh?’
Magic… Like, the same kind shown in cartoons and stories? Vanya scrutinized the papers. No matter how many times she read over the lines, they all had something to do with ‘magic’.
‘Maybe they don’t use modern Pokémon terms? It’s been centuries since anyone has last called Abilities and Moves magic…’
Deeming this room a bust, Vanya signaled for Lucien to leave the classroom. She closed the door and the two continued further into wherever they were placed. Spotting a split in the road, Vanya motioned for Lucien to choose the new path. Walking into the opening led them into interior hallways lined with more paintings and doors. Some had a lantern hanging above the doorway. Candle stands helped provide dim lighting for the halls with their eerie green embers.
‘It doesn’t feel like the typical places I’d explore. Rather, this almost reminds me of that giant palace I visited in Kalos. What was it called again? …Oh, right; Parfum Palace. It’s like that, but less shiny and the lack of pokémon memorabilia.’
She didn’t have a clue as to how long they’ve been wandering around. Checking the pockets of the weird robes, she couldn’t find her Rotom Phone or Pokégear. Who knows how long they’ve been going through dark hallways? At least she still had Lucien and her Pokéballs.
‘I don’t even have my bag or Pokédex. Did whoever placed us in that coffin take them?’
“Ah, found you at last. Excuse me! Young man!”
Vanya and Lucien paused. They shared brief looks, not daring to look behind them. There’s someone else?
“I’m speaking to you! Stop right there!”
Debating over whether she should continue walking or prepare for a surprise battle, hurried footsteps clicked their way in her direction. Vanya and Lucien cautiously turned to face the newcomer. The girl blinked behind white bangs.
It was a man; he wore an ensemble of a suit with a coat and tophat. His dark vest was bedazzled with faint purple embroidery, a white long-sleeved shirt beneath with a black tie. He wore black slacks with an assortment of small mirrors and golden keys hanging off on the side of his hip. The jacket mimicked wings with dark plumes of feathers attached to the shoulders. His tophat had a mirror and black feather attached to the side.
The man held a cane in one of his hands. Vanya could make out the word ‘Raven’ molded with gold metal close to the end. The handle was shaped to look like what Vanya assumed was some sort of bird pokémon. His hands were hidden underneath black gloves and what seemed to be golden talons.
But what really caught Vanya’s attention was the man’s face. Or, lack thereof. A black mask with an elongated nose covered the man’s upper half of his face. Glowing, golden beady eyes were partly visible. His ears were slightly pointed.
‘A Murkrow? No, maybe a Corviknight due to the eyes. How is he even doing that in the first place?’
The mysterious man stopped when he took notice of Lucien. Somehow, the feathers attached to his coat ruffled to match the shock he expressed. He crooked a clawed finger at the Typhlosion.
“W-Why is your familiar here in the school?!” He exclaimed. “Students are not allowed to bring their familiars to the entrance ceremony. Speaking of, you shouldn’t leave the Gate on your own. It’s against the school rules.”
Vanya and Lucien looked at each other. The masked man sighed, picking up on his trek to reach them.
“Goodness, it’s unprecedented for a new student to leave the gate on their own,” he sighed, as if scolding a young child. “How impatient can you be?” He shook his head. “The entrance ceremony is already well underway. Let us head for the Mirror Chamber.”
The masked man turned, already retreating his steps in the direction he came from. Lucien nudged Vanya, obvious confusion written all over his muzzle. Vanya could only shrug, puzzled as well. Without much to go off of, they hurried to catch up with the masked man.
“My, my, you’ve already broken two rules and you haven’t yet been sorted into a dorm,” the masked man tutted. The end of his cane tapped against the floor in stride with his steps. “And to have opened the gate without a special key… I do wonder how you managed such a feat.”
Despite Vanya and Lucien genuinely listening to the man’s words, this interaction looked more as if the man was speaking to himself. The three were rounding their way back through the halls Vanya already noted down.
“Honestly, the quality of Night Raven College students have seemed to dwindle over the years,” the masked man lamented. “Yes, there are still promising young men, but the bad apples always seem to outnumber them.”
And that was what she needed to know. Night Raven College, she repeated to herself. Was that the name of this castle… school… place? Going off of the term ‘college’, that seemed to be the case.
‘He called me a student… Wait, hold on! Since when did I become a student again? I don’t remember announcing I’d return to studying, nonetheless agreeing to switch schools.’
Vanya eyed the still rambling man. Pressing her mouth into a thin line, she sped-walked up to him, reaching out to tug at the back of his coat.
“…at the most prestigious school in–! Huh?” The masked man blinked, stopping in his tracks. He turned around to find Vanya craning her head up. “Yes? What is it?” He tilted his head in a bird-like fashion when the girl moved her hands in steady, specific gestures, moving her mouth. Golden eyes squinted, “Young man, what are you…”
Realization seemed to dawn on him, judging by the way his mouth parted.
He cleared his throat, wiping off his surprise. “Pardon me; I did not realize you are unable to verbally communicate,” the masked man apologized. He nodded along to the words Vanya was mouthing with a hum. “School… student… magic… You wish to know why exactly you’re here?”
Vanya nodded.
“Isn’t it obvious? You were selected to attend one of Twisted Wonderland’s finest arcane institutes!” He beamed, proud of the declaration. “Since you’re a new student, I shall introduce myself: my name is Dire Crowley, the headmaster of this school as appointed by the board chairman.”
‘Crowley… So that’s his name. Okay, let’s backtrack: this is a school called Night Raven College where people go to learn magic tricks or something like that, and they’re holding an entrance ceremony today for new students. This is all taking place in somewhere called Twisted Wonderland… Is that the label they use for this area? Was I taken to some magician’s school?’
“Those chosen by the Dark Mirror are summoned here through the use of the Gate from around the world. An ebony carriage carrying a gate should have gone to meet you as well,” Crowley said.
Vanya tried to rattle her brain for any memory of a carriage. Only specks of recollection flickered. Everything felt like a blur no matter how much she tried to remember. There was something about weird Ponyta pulling along a giant carriage, but that was it. Damn it.
“Surely you must have met an ebony carriage before you were brought here,” Crowley mused, tapping his chin with a golden talon. “Ah, but that’s beside the point. Come — we’ll be late for the closure of the entrance ceremony. Please keep in mind to control your familiar whilst in the Mirror Chamber so as to avoid interruptions.”
There it was again. ‘Familiar’, he says. Why wasn’t he using ‘Pokémon’? Lucien appeared to share the girl’s confusion evident by the way he wrinkled his snout. The Typhlosion opened his mouth to bark a correction at the headmaster but Vanya grabbed his arm. All she did was shake her head. Lucien huffed but complied.
Crowley continued to lead them until they reached what looked to be the same exterior hallway they previously started at. He marched over to the large wooden doors Vanya recalled coming out from. Vanya flinched when Crowley practically flung the doors off of their hinges with a flourish.
“Not at all!” Crowley exclaimed.
Vanya and Lucien peered inside the room they woke up in. Both nearly flinched at the now crowded chamber of robed people. The coffins were still suspended in the air with the large mirror nestled above its strange fountain. Like clockwork, everyone’s heads swerved in the direction of the entrance.
Vanya gripped Lucien’s arm. The Typhlosion huddled closer, laying his head gently on top of her hood.
“Ah, he’s here.”
Crowley strode right into the packed room with one hand planted on his hip, the other tapping his cane against the polished floor. Vanya bit her bottom lip, taking a hesitant step inside. She and Lucien trailed behind the headmaster, trying to ignore the stares digging into them.
“I cannot believe you all. We were missing one student so I went to find them,” Crowley stated. A clawed hand waved for Vanya to step closer. “You are the only one yet to be assigned a dormitory. If you could, please step in front of the Dark Mirror; I shall watch over your familiar.”
Lucien narrowed his eyes at the order. He gripped Vanya’s shoulders, pressing himself closely to her side. Vanya reached for one of his paws and gave it a squeeze. She shook her head.
Crowley tilted his head, “Hm? You refuse to go without it?” Expelling a sigh, he lifted his hands in a show of conceding. “Then I shall allow it just this once. Do not let it touch or damage the Dark Mirror.”
Vanya pulled Lucien along with her as she cautiously marched up to the large mirror. Crowley didn’t have to clarify what he meant by ‘Dark Mirror’ since this was literally the only mirror present. Eyes scrutinized the girl who finally came to a stop in front of the suspended mirror. Idly, she wondered if the mirror was being held up by some kind of device or with the use of a pokemon she can’t see.
Her eyes widened when an ominous green face appeared in the reflection. Emerald flames accompanied it, adding an extra layer of foreboding. Intricate stitches and embroidery decorated the face’s eyes, almost mimicking a mask. Its eyes looked hollow.
“State thy name,” the face spoke. Its voice was an octave deep, carrying a stern tone.
Vanya pursed her lips. Awkwardly, she glanced at Lucien from the corner of her eye. Lucien shared her uncertainty judging by the way his muzzle twisted. Mumbles and whispers could be heard from the crowd of presumed students.
“Is he not going to give his name? Come on, man…”
“Not only is he late, but he’s wasting time. Asshole.”
“Kinda lame to get stage fright at this moment. Geez, I want to head to my dorm already.”
Lucien bristled at the comments aimed at the girl. Raising the exhaust of his fire, Lucien opened his mouth but Vanya squeezed his paw. He could only grumble and relent to her silent demand. Vanya nibbled on her lip before settling on what she usually does: sign out her name.
“ V-a-n-y-a A-m-a-n-o. ”
She released a muted sigh of relief when the face repeated the name.
“Vanya Amano. The shape of thy soul is…” Hollow eyes pierced through the girl for what felt like an eternity. Every now and then they would narrow in concentration. Eventually, it spoke again. “…is unknown.”
Those four words sent the crowd into a flood of exchanged whispers. Vanya blinked, unsure of what to make of the shock coursing through the chamber. What about her soul? What did any of this even mean? This was some weird magician’s school. Lucien gave her a blank look, conveying his own resignation to the odd happenings surrounding them.
“Come again?” Crowley croaked, hints of surprise peeking through his calm voice.
“I sense not a spark of magic from this one,” the Dark Mirror declared. “The color, the shape… are all nothing. Therefore, they are suited for no dormitory.”
Vanya wanted to roll her eyes. Obviously she didn’t have any magic — she was a regular human, for crying out loud. Plus she didn’t really know any magic tricks she’s seen performers on television and crowded streets do. What was with the startled reception to this news?
“However… I sense something else within this child. A divine spark resides in thy soul.”
Her eyes widened, her hand tightening its grip on Lucien’s. Lucien narrowed his gaze at the strange mirror; yet, despite the almost intimidating glare, fear sparked in red irises. He returned the squeeze with his own.
“Impossible!”
Vanya nearly jumped at the shout Crowley released. The headmaster pressed a hand to his head, disgruntled. “Never in 100 years has the ebony carriage gone to meet someone who cannot use magic! So why in the world…”
“Then I’ll take their place!”
Vanya and Lucien turned to the chamber’s doors at the sound of a familiar voice. There stood Grim on his hind legs, stubby paws crossed over his fluffy chest. A broad, almost boasting, smirk stretched across the cat’s muzzle.
Crowley sputtered, crooking a talon at the cat. “Wha– How did a tanuki enter the school?!” He shouted.
“Ya see? You should’ve given me those robes like I told ya!” Grim huffed, pointing a paw at Vanya. “Unlike that dumb human, I can use magic! Let me in this school!” His pronged tail swayed as unabashed confidence oozed from his body. “If you need proof, I’ll show ya right now!”
A boy’s voice called to the occupants of the room. “Everyone, get down!”
“Nnnaaah!”
Lucien pushed Vanya behind him the moment Grim launched a plume of sapphire flames into the chamber. Startled shrieks and yelps echoed within the room as robed students scurried to avoid being burnt. Vanya saw a few shove others out of the way while some tried to extinguish any stray embers that their sleeves caught. Burgundy curtains were unfortunately victims of the fire as a few had their ends making contact.
“Waaaaah! Hotttttttt!” A boy yelped. The rear end of his robe had managed to graze the stream of flames, catching fire. The boy ran in circles like a headless chicken as he tried to swat the embers away. “My butt’s on fire!!”
Vanya and Lucien tensed from the chaos unfolding. Grim cackled, unbothered by the destruction his magic was causing, darting into the room so that he could spew more flames as ‘demonstration’.
“At this rate the school will be a sea of fire!” Crowley griped. “Somebody catch that tanuki!”
“I ain’t some tanuki!” Grim bellowed as he fired another burst of embers.
“Tch, just do it yourself,” a man said from the crowd of students. His voice carried a nice timbre, no doubt an attractive trait.
Another man spoke beside the first, expressing mockery in his equally handsome voice. “Hmm? Aren’t you good at hunting?” He jabbed. “Doesn’t that tanuki look like a nice, plump snack?”
“Hmph, like a stray would be worth the trouble.”
“Headmaster, allow me to catch it,” a boy with glasses offered. With half of his face visible from beneath his hood, anyone could see the sharp smile gracing his lips. “I’m sure the others couldn’t stomach harassing the poor creature, so I will take it upon myself.”
Vanya jumped when she noticed a blue, thin tablet hovering nearby. That’s right — hovering. It was somehow able to float midair. She narrowed her eyes, trying to pick up on the faint energy those under Psychic’s effect radiated.
‘Is it actually just a floating tablet? Maybe it’s a Rotom device… But usually you can tell when a Rotom is possessing something by the orange color of the item. This is blue; is there another form of Rotom or something? It’s even lacking a Rotom face…’
“That’s Azul-shi for you,” a voice from the tablet’s mic crackled. It sounded almost dry, bored. “Always trying to earn himself points.”
The boy with his arse on fire was still running around in a panic. “Um, hey, could someone put out my butt fire already!?” He screamed.
Vanya scanned the disorderly room. She pursed her lips, beyond confused. Why wasn’t anyone trying to put out the fire with their pokemon? Someone has to have at least one pokemon that knows a Water-Type move. Water Gun, Water Pulse, or Rain Dance. This place should at least have a fire extinguisher on hand in cases of emergencies!
“Are you all even listening?!” Crowley bellowed, frustrated.
Lucien nudged the girl, pity expressed on his muzzle.
“Phlosion phlo. Typhlo sion, phlo sion.” Let’s just cut this crap already. Reece and I will take care of the fire, while you battle the runaway Meowth.
Personally, Vanya thought Grim resembled a Purrloin rather than a Meowth. Or even a Glameow. Shoving those sidetracked thoughts aside, Vanya nodded. Lucien jutted one of his digits at the still panicking boy with his rear end on fire.
“Sion, phlo. Typhlo.” Take care of him first, though. His screaming is getting annoying now.
Vanya quietly exhaled through her nose. Unhooking a Pokéball from her waist, she clicked the center button. In a burst of white out came a bipedal Pokemon with a light-blue coating to its moist skin. Tiny, black eyes blinked while a sunny grin slipped onto its wide mouth. Its tail wagged.
“Quag!” Hello!
Vanya moved her hands urgently, “ Please help Lucien put out the fire, Reece. Starting with that boy over there. ”
Reece nodded, saluting with a slimy hand. Hopping on her feet, she bounded for the boy who continued to struggle with putting out the fire on his robe. Reece opened her mouth and, carefully, sprayed a gush of water at the boy. He yelped at the sudden splash but relaxed once the cold water doused the fire on his rear.
“A~ah, much better…” he exhaled. He turned to Reece with a large smile. “Hey, thanks! Oh, you sort of look like a salamander. Ah! Are you actually a salamander type of monster?”
Reece blinked, grin unwavering.
“Quagsire!” I have no idea what that is!
Meanwhile, Lucien took to settling down the fires spreading via the curtains. He only had to stand close enough to the burnt cloth for the embers to shift over to his body. Orange-crimson flames burned brightly as Lucien absorbed the fire. Onlookers took in the strange sight, pointing at the pokémon.
“Hey, look; the guy’s familiar is dispelling the tanuki’s magic. How is it doing that?”
“Better question is, what the hell is it supposed to be? It looks like an oversize badger, or a mole… I don’t know — some kind of rodent.”
“Ah– Quiet! It looked over here when you called it a rat.”
Vanya searched the chamber for Grim’s whereabouts. Barely, she could see the strange cat darting between the frenzied students. There’s the target. Adjusting the robe’s sash, Vanya broke out into a sprint. Students clambered to avoid the girl as she easily maneuvered around the fire littering the floor. The dress shoes weren’t as well equipped for running compared to her sneakers, but she’d have to make do with it. Yet the distance between her and Grim was growing shorter even with the wrong footwear. Vanya took this chance to unhook another Pokéball from her waist.
Pulling her arm back, the girl tossed the Pokéball.
“Nyaha! How’d ya schmucks like the amazing magic of the Great Gr–”
Grim’s taunt fell into a stammer when a capsule landed in front of him. He yelped, skidding to a halt so as to avoid getting hit. The Pokéball bounced before bursting open with a white flash. A quadrupedal figure emerged with a whinny, its front hooves clomping at the air.
Vanya pressed her index finger and thumb to her mouth, whistling sharply. The pokemon immediately looked at the girl. Vanya quickly pressed a finger to the side of her head, then used both hands to form the outline of a cage. She jutted her chin at the cat. The pokemon nodded.
“Gaaah! What the heck?!” Grim exclaimed, surprised by the pokemon in front of him. “What are ya, some kinda pony?”
The pokemon narrowed its eyes at him. With a stomp of their hoof, blue energy engulfed the cat. Grim shrieked, trying to move his limbs but was unable to even squirm in place. Doe, black eyes regarded the cat with distaste.
“Giraf, raf. Girafarig.” I’m a Girafarig, dumbass. Don’t ever confuse me for a Ponyta.
The Girafarig’s eyes scanned the surrounding area. Students pointed and whispered, staring at the pokémon. The Girafarig snorted, rolling its eyes. Vanya jogged up to her pokémon and Grim. Preparing her hands to grab Grim by his waist, she nodded. The Girafarig released Grim from Psychic’s hold.
Grim scrambled to run but Vanya clamped her hands gently around the cat before he could flee. Vanya brought him up, ignoring the bites he started to leave on her concealed arms. She sent a thankful smile to the Girafarig, mouthing the words ‘thank you Morgan’. Morgan only snorted in response.
“Raf.” It wasn’t difficult to nab him.
“Halt!”
Vanya and Morgan turned their attention to the person running up to them. Grim kept clawing and biting at the girl holding him. Vanya blinked at the short boy who approached them. If she looked closely, she could make out the scarlet-red strands of hair poking out from the hood. The boy unlatched what looked to be a pen from the side of his hip. He waved it, projecting a chant.
“Off With Your Head!”
White sparkles fluttered in the air before something made a sharp clink sound. Vanya peered down at Grim and nearly shrieked from what she saw. A collar was clasped around the cat’s neck, one side red and the other was black. The shape was that of a heart. Grim clawed at the large collar, shocked.
“What the heck is this!?” Grim exclaimed.
Vanya grazed her hand against the collar’s front, registering the cold texture of steel. She grasped the side and yanked. Grim groaned. Vanya immediately let go, a wave of guilt washing over her.
The boy shook his head, “Do not toy with it. It’s meant to be disciplinary.” He cleared his throat. “Queen of Hearts’ Rule Number 23: One shall never bring a cat into a festival. ”
Morgan and Vanya shared confused glances.
“Seeing as you are a cat, you’ve broken the rule,” the red-haired boy declared. “That is only one of your crimes. Public nuisance, property damage, and intruding on private property all accomplished in one day.”
Grim growled, scratching his claws at the steel locked around his neck. “I’m not a cat!” He rebutted. “Get this stupid collar off of me!” Ears twitched with burning irritation. “I’ll burn ya to a crisp… Eh? H-Huh?”
The cat opened his mouth to spew balls of fire, but nothing came out. He tried again, and again, and then again. Nothing was coming out. Vanya turned him over in her hold, tilting his head high enough to get a glimpse of his throat. She ignored the paws pushing at her in favor of inspecting the cat.
‘No, it’s not strangling him. His voice isn’t hoarse so it’s not a sore throat. Then why can’t he produce fire?’
“Hmph.” The red-haired boy donned a smirk. “You won’t be using any magic until I remove the collar. Just like an ordinary housecat.”
“Wh-What!? I’m not some pet!” Grim scowled, though his drive to argue further was dwindling due to the collar. He pulled at it again. “Damn it… Get it off!”
The red-haired boy opened his mouth to say something but Vanya cut in with a raised hand. He stopped, staring at her. She pointed a finger at the collar, mouthing ‘ it’s making him uncomfortable. Take it off ’. The boy tutted, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Are you this cat’s owner?” He asked. When Vanya shook her head, he sighed. “Then you have no right to demand that sort of request. It’s supposed to detain him as a way to avoid further pandemonium.”
He startled when a hand shoved at his shoulder. The red-haired boy glanced up, seeing Vanya encroaching his space. Her lips were pulled down with obvious frustration. She pointed at the collar again, mouthing ‘ take it off ’.
“I said, no,” the red-haired boy doubled down with a stern gaze. “I will take off the collar once he gets thrown out of the school. You are in no place to demand his sentence be uplifted.”
Sensing the girl’s souring mood, Morgan trotted up the red-haired boy, scrunching up her pink snout. The boy flinched at the venomous glare the Girafarig was sending him. Morgan opened her mouth, specks of murky purple and black forming on her tongue, when she felt a hand on her back. Vanya shook her head. Morgan clicked her tongue but dispersed the Shadow Ball.
“Now; if you may,” the red-haired boy coughed, extending a hand out.
Vanya stared at the limb. Did he want her to hand over Grim? She glanced at the still struggling cat. Yes, he wasn’t her pokemon; most likely a wild that stumbled in here. But she didn’t want him to be treated like this. Just when she was about to refuse, the headmaster walked over.
“Young man! Is this tanuki your familiar?” Crowley accused, glowing eyes hardened. “I’ve told you before that it is against the rules for students to bring familiars to the entrance ceremony. Especially untrained ones!”
Vanya raised a brow. Pointing a finger at Grim, she shook her head, mouthing ‘ he’s not mine ’.
Crowley blinked owlishly. “Eh? It’s not yours?” He awkwardly cleared his throat with a cough. “Yes, well… You still need to hand it over to Mr. Rosehearts so that he may release it back outside. Understand?”
Vanya gazed down at the cat. Grim was still scratching at the collar, huffing and puffing in hopes of igniting his magic. With a heavy heart, she gently moved him into the red-haired boy’s awaiting hand. The boy sniffed but nodded his head.
Crowley cupped the side of his mouth, bellowing, “Will someone help Mr. Rosehearts escort this tanuki off of the school?”
“Allow me, Headmaster.”
The boy with glasses eagerly stepped forward. He was tailed by Lucien and Reece. Lucien looked exhausted while Reece gleefully skipped along. The Typhlosion was actively eyeing the bespectacled boy up and down, frowning.
“Riddle-san, let me assist you with this,” the bespectacled boy smiled. “Might I say that I’m stunned by your Unique Magic. Impressive as always — how I wish I could have… No, I’d never want that cast on me.”
The red-haired boy, Riddle, only acknowledged the boy with nothing more than a nod. “Thank you, Azul.”
The two brushed past the headmaster with Grim in tow, the cat still struggling. His hind legs kicked at air as he scratched the confining metal.
“Let me go! Let me go!” Grim demanded. “I’m going to… going to…”
As the boys reached the doors, the cat shouted his last words.
“Become the greatest magician!”
The doors slammed behind him, only the echoes of his voice remaining for a few seconds. Vanya and her pokemon stared at the doors wordlessly. Her earlier guilt crashed down again.
‘He… He sounded really desperate. Why was he trying to sneak in here? A school, nonetheless… A school for humans who can make weird collars that null Moves. What is this, Disable? Cursed Body? To think a human is capable of recreating a pokemon’s ability and move… What is this place?’
Crowley’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts.
“We had a bit of trouble along the way but this brings the entrance ceremony to a close,” Crowley announced to the room. “Dorm Leaders, please show the new students back to the dormitories.” Obscured eyes blinked as realization dawned on the masked man. “…Hm? Now that I think about it, I don’t see the leader for Diasomnia, Mr. Draconia, around at all…”
Lucien, Morgan, and Vanya picked up on the way the room descended into uneasy whispers. Students exchanged murmurs, glancing around.
“By Draconia… Do they mean that Malleus Draconia?”
“Is he seriously attending this school?”
“Scary…”
Vanya raised a brow. Who was Malleus Draconia? By the sounds of it, not many wanted to be near him.
The same man with the attractive deep voice threw in his own remark. “That’s no different from usual, is it?” He drawled, disinterested. The thin tail behind him swayed lazily, adding to his bored demeanor.
‘Wait, tail??’
Vanya looked again to make sure she was seeing things correctly. Her mind wasn’t playing tricks on her; there was, in fact, a tail moving behind the man. It had a dark tuft of brown fur on its tip. Vanya really wanted to know where the hell she ended up at.
“What? Did nobody tell him about today?” The boy who had his rear on fire openly pondered.
“If you’re going to complain you should have done it yourself,” the man with the handsome voice said.
“Hmm, but I don’t really know anything about that guy.”
Students continued to gossip amongst themselves about this ‘Malleus Draconia’ guy. Vanya scratched her cheek, unsure of what to make of the rumors being passed around. She jumped when a sigh was expelled close to her. Her head turned, noticing a short boy waltzing up with his arms folded.
“I was correct. I had thought Malleus might come but he didn’t.”
‘Okay scratch that — that is not a boy, but a man.’
Being this close to the man, Vanya could make out certain features. He seemed to have black hair with hot-pink streaks dyed. His eyes were a crimson-magenta blend with what she believed to be slit pupils.
“It seems the invitation ‘never arrived’ again…” the man concluded. There was something accusatory in his raspy voice. “Ah, well. Members of Diasomnia can come with me.” As he started to lead a number of students out of the chamber, he mumbled to himself. “…I hope this doesn't upset him…”
Students began to file out of the chamber. With the help of Reece and Lucien, all of the fire Grim had ignited were put out. Though there were clear signs of soot remaining in varying spots along with charred curtains. As the room was becoming less crowded, the boy who was in a panic earlier weaved through the crowd, making his way to Reece. He bounded over with a grin plastered on his face.
“Hey!” He called out. “Thanks again for saving my butt. I’ve never seen a monster like you before! I mean, I’ve seen tons of different salamanders, but they've never been as big as you!”
Reece returned his smile with her own, clapping her hands.
“Quagsire!” I still don’t know what that means!
Vanya patted Reece’s head, garnering the Quagsire’s attention. The pokemon happily wrapped her arms around the girl’s waist in a tight hug. Vanya smiled, smoothing her hand over the slippery texture belonging to her pokemon. The boy blinked at the girl before directing his excited gaze to her.
“Oh, are you its owner?” He asked. “Then I also need to thank you, too! My butt would’ve been toast if you didn’t summon this salamander.” He pressed a thumb to his chest, golden earrings beneath his hood chiming. “My name is Kalim Al-Asim! Yours is… I’m sorry, I don’t remember, ahaha.”
Lucien, Morgan, and Vanya stared at the boy. He… really had a lot of energy, huh? Vanya signed with her hands while mouthing her name: ‘ Vanya Amano ’. Kalim watched with more focus than Vanya expected.
“…Huh! So that’s how you say your name in Hand,” Kalim grinned. “I’ll have to remember that. Hey, you and your familiars should stop by my dorm! It’s called Scarabia — I’m the dorm leader. If you come, I’ll throw you a party as thanks for stopping the fire!”
Vanya’s eyes widened behind snow-white hair. She vigorously shook her head, waving her hands in hopes of deterring the boy. Kalim only laughed, however, and pushed further.
“Come on, it’ll be fun! We can dance, have a parade, and you can eat delicious food! My friend Jamil is really great at cooking. You have to try his food!”
Vanya pursed her lips. It was really thoughtful, but she did not need to attend some party right as of the moment. There were more important things at hand. Quickly, she signed, “ Shouldn’t you help escort your dorm students? I’m sure they’re missing their leader. ”
Kalim’s eyes widened. “Ah, you’re right! Whoops, got distracted again,” he frowned. His smile quickly returned as he hightailed it for the chamber doors. “Bye Vanya, everyone! Drop by Scarabia to say hello!”
That was the last thing she heard from Kalim before he slipped through the doors. By now the rest of the students were long gone. Crowley stepped over to the girl, glowing eyes firm.
“Mr. Amano, I am terribly sorry to say this, but we must have you leave this school,” Crowley said. “Although you and your familiars have assisted in controlling that tanuki’s rampage, it is against the school policy to allow those without magic to attend our classes.”
Morgan side-eyed the others with a low snort.
“Raf…?” It’s real magic…?
“There is no need to worry. The Dark Mirror will send you directly back from whence you came,” Crowley assured her. “Step up to the Dark Mirror and picture your home clearly in your mind…”
Vanya nodded. Tilting her head in the direction of the mirror, she and her pokemon made their way to the suspended vanity. Reece tried to poke at the silver framing but Lucien and Vanya stopped her, shaking their heads. Reece blinked, picking up on their warning, and ceased.
Eyeing the vanity, Vanya forced herself to picture her home in all of its entirety ― from the people to the pokémon.
‘New Bark Town; wind turbines spinning from the summer breeze, Route 27 close by with the water rippling gently, forests surrounding the vicinity. Professor Elm’s lab, Gold’s house, my house. Mama, Gold, and Silver…’
“Oh Dark Mirror! Guide this one back to the place they belong!” Crowley recited, projecting his voice loud enough.
Yet the face in the mirror did not respond. It only stared back at Vanya with an unreadable look.
Crowley cleared his throat, “O-Once more… Oh Dark Mirror! Guide this–”
“It is nowhere…”
“Eh?’ Crowley blurted, stunned.
“The place they belong is nowhere in this world…” the mirror stated. Its empty eyes narrowed. “It does not exist.”
Vanya exchanged confused glances with her pokemon. Crowley gripped his hat, clearly frustrated with the change in circumstance. Vanya wondered if she could just Fly out of here; that was probably the easiest way to go back home if they really wanted her out.
“That is unbelievable!” Crowley griped. The feathers on his coat were practically ruffled like an actual bird’s. “Well, the unbelievable has been on parade today… But still!” He tugged on the loose strands of dark hair peeking from beneath his tophat. “This is the first time it's ever happened since I became headmaster, what should be…”
Beady, glowing eyes turned to Vanya.
“Where exactly did you come from?” Crowley prodded.
Vanya raised her hands, but stopped. The cogwheels in her head turned in hopes of processing the pieces of information she’s gathered. Creating collars out of thin air, a mirror that has some face and can float by itself. A man with a tail, the lack of pokémon terminology. Papers outlining a syllabus for a class on magic.
A cold wave of dread pooled in the bottom of her stomach.
“ Sir, where exactly am I? ” Vanya questioned. “ Please explain in detail. ”
“Hm? I’ve already explained to you,” Crowley said. “You are currently in Night Raven College, a pristine arcane institute known throughout Twisted Wonderland. It resides on Sage’s Island; an island that is quite difficult to travel to and from.”
Vanya squinted her eyes from behind her bangs. “ But what region is this in? ” She urged with quick hand movements. “ Somewhere close to the Galar Region? The Alola Region? Are we somewhere within Kanto’s territory? ”
Crowley’s face twisted with bewilderment. “I am afraid I don’t recognize any of these names,” he mumbled. “And for you to specify ‘region’ instead of ‘country’…”
Lucien’s eyes widened along with Morgan’s. The two pokemon looked at each other, equally startled by the conclusion they’ve reached. Reece blinked, still not quite up to speed with the urgency of the matter. Vanya willed herself to not figuratively combust into flames with the rising unease.
“ Have you ever heard of a Pokémon? ”
The perplexed gaze of Crowley was all the answer she needed.
Vanya gripped the hood of the robe, biting down on her lower lip. Fingers yanked the hood with more force than necessary. Lucien tended to the girl’s spiraling thoughts, warm paws holding her shoulders as if to steady her footing. Morgan’s ears flopped down. Reece, despite not grasping the details yet, sensed Vanya’s worry. Concern covered the Quagsire’s dopey face.
‘You’re joking. You have to be absolutely kidding me. Why– Why now? It hasn’t been that long since the last mission. Last I checked, it was still July when I came back from Hisui. Does It believe I’m required elsewhere in such a short time? But this world… this world is…’
Sweat beaded her brow as the reality of the situation practically screamed into her ears.
‘It can’t be. What purpose would I serve in a world devoid of Pokémon? I’m practically useless here yet I was whisked away not even two weeks later. Besides, how can there be a world with no Pokémon? That’s completely unheard of! What if there’s no Pokémon Centers, or berries, or the currency is completely different —’
The clearing of a throat managed to snap her out of her daze. Vanya froze, slowly turning her gaze upward to meet obscured eyes.
“Well… Mr. Amano, come with me to the library,” Crowley said. “We might be able to find a map or a tome detailing your home. I will lead you there, for I am gracious.”
Vanya fidgeted in place, now wary of the man. Lucien squeezed her shoulders. The girl glanced at her partner, searching for comfort in the Typhlosion’s stare. Lucien nodded solemnly. Sharply inhaling through her nose, Vanya returned the nod. She turned her attention back to Crowley.
“Thank you, sir. Please show us the way,” Vanya signed.
“Right this way, Mr. Amano.”
Quietly, Vanya and her pokémon followed the headmaster out of the chamber. Lucien moved to holding the girl’s hand as they walked. Reece skipped along, ‘oohing’ and ‘ahhing’ at the architecture of the school. Morgan kept her gaze fixed on Crowley, cautious. Vanya resigned herself to thinking, the sounds of Crowley’s shoes clicking against the ground acting as a metronome for her.
‘Well, Vanya Amano, you’ve done it. After 8 years of tending to dire circumstances, you’ve finally got yourself in arguably the most mind-numbing one of all. Aren’t you so lucky? I can almost hear Hikaru’s voice already. “Stop digging your nose into dangerous stuff”, he’d say. “You’re just a kid. Leave it to the actual adults”, he’d say. It’s not like I can run away from this…’
A muted sigh left her lips.
‘Please… Don’t leave me in the dark, Arceus. ’