Twisted, Twisted, Shooting Stars

Ink/Overblot

"The magician's overall state and well-being play a huge influence on their magical limit before experiencing blot. Anger, sorrow, terror, confusion... Experiencing constant negative energies like that makes it easier for blot to accumulate. It becomes easier for one to go into overblot. A gigantic shadow similar to the one Rosehearts had when he went berserk. I guess you could call it the manifestation of all the negative energies and all the blot that Rosehearts has accumulated."

That was the headmaster's explanation about overblot way back when only Senior Riddle experienced it. That was a long time ago. Way back during the beginning of the school year. So much had happened in this one year.

Jonah sighed as he rested his elbow on the windowsill, hand busy rubbing his right eye without his eyepatch. He didn't know what keeping Grim so long, but if he didn't get here soon, he would probably end up sleeping in his wheelchair again.

He still felt weak after the Diasomnia overblot. Scratch that, all these overblots and near-death experiences were so tiring! Losing his limbs, drowning, being kidnapped and hypnotized! What many other ways to kill him?!

He signed, rubbing his temple. Calm down. Calm down. This is fine. Everything will be worth it. All seven dorms had been safe. He had enough power now. He could start looking now. For the treasure that the boy seemed to have an interest in. That one that holds the secret of the entire happy ending.

"I'm here!"

Jonah looked up and saw Grim flying toward him. "Sorry, I have to do the dishes."

Jonah's lips curled up into a teasing smile. "You? Doing dishes? Did you break any plate?"

Steams came put from Grim's ears. "Hey! Have more faith in me!"

Jonah laughed. "Okay. Okay. Come on. Help me to my bed." He pushed his wheelchair and picked himself up. Grim was holding his legs, helping him to lay down on his bed. The cat then landed on Jonah's chest, purring as he curled up. Jonah's hand fell on top of Grim's head, softly stroking his fur.

The boy glanced at the orb on his nightstand. Seven circles were flickering on it. They were so close. Just a few more steps.

"Hey, Grim."

"What?"

Jonah stopped stroking the cat and sighed. "If I someday overblot-"

"Wait." Grim sat upon Jonah's chest, looking so serious. "Don't you dare!"

"Grim-"

"No! We won't let you! You are the best guy anyone can ever befriend with. You just can't turn into those scary monster!"

Jonah stared at the cat for a few seconds before sighing again. His lips curled up into a soft smile. "Then you better keep me in check, okay?"

Grim proudly nodded. "Of course, we won't leave you alone again."

Jonah laughed. He closed his eyes before opening it again half-lidded. His smile looked lopsided. It looked as if he was drunk. He kept stroking Grim on the head and the cat couldn't help but melt in his touch.

"Then, this is your [Captain's Order]..." Jonah whispered, unknowingly summoning a magic circle swirling. His right yellow eye was nearly black, saving a few spots untouchable by the splatter of ink.

"Don't ever leave me alone, okay? No matter what happens, don't ever leave my side."

Grim nodded at him, a magic circle can be seen swirling in his eyes before it faded out. "Aye, aye, Captain."

Jonah closed his eyes and pulled Grim closer. That's right. No matter what happens, Grim is always by his side. He was there in the beginning, he would be there in the ending.

Buried deep in his mind, there were flashes. A beach during sunset. The feeling of wave splashing by his feet. A little boy standing across him.

"But if one day I become the villain. Will you be there to save me?"

"That's a stupid question. There is no way you'll turn evil."

"Aw, you trust in me so much!"

"I-I'm not! I just think someone like you would turn into a villain."

"But what if I turn into one day?"

"Then I'll save you. If you're the villain, I'll be the hero. I'll stop your evil deeds no matter what!"

"That's great. Make sure to save me, okay?"

Ah... Whoever you are... Maybe this is a good time to appear. He couldn't turn back now. He had dwelt too deep in this problem. He'll probably need to give up a few things to achieve his goal. Well, not like this is the first time.

So, hero, come and find him, okay.

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Once again, like many times before, the sound of splattering ink echoed through the world.