Once Upon a Nightmare

Operation Overblot

The incident at S.T.Y.X had blown over, and things were finally going back to normal. Vil and Riddle had healed up thanks in no small part to the generosity of Malleus Draconia. With his incredible power he restored what had been lost, and earned praises and ponders from his peers.

Many still feared him, particularly those that didn't know him well. Dire Crowley, the school principal, also feared him but for a different reason entirely. After nearly every Dorm Prefect had gone into Overblot, the thought of the insanely powerful Malleus Draconia also going over the edge left him wary.

In order to prevent that, Crowley was determined to make Malleus happy no matter the circumstances. In order to do that, he called upon the council of the man who knew him best...

"... And that is why I have asked you to come, Mr. Vanrouge. I'd hoped together we could prevent such a catastrophe."

"Hmmm I see. I do understand the growing concern. I doubt anyone would be able to stop Malleus should he reach such a state, and even if we could manage to bring him back from it the devastation would be cataclysmic." Lilia had to agree and mulled over the possibility. "Just what precautions did you have in mind? Malleus is the future of Thorn Valley, and this is a crucial time for his preparation to take the throne, so I'd prefer not to be do anything to garnish his reputation."

"Nothing extreme. He's got good control over his power, but we need to make sure his mental stability is in check. Is there anything that has been bothering him or that unnerves him?"

"Hmmm..." Lilia pondered that for a moment. He had noticed that Malleus had been distracted and dazed since the S.T.Y.X attack, and he was pretty sure he knew what was causing it.

"I think the biggest worry is the fact he feels isolated from his peers. Even those that worship him in Diasomnia keep him at a distance due to admiration." Lilia crossed his arms, frowning. "He doesn't admit it outright but this bothers him a great deal. Which is why I'm glad the Ramshackle Dorm Prefect seems to have bonded with him."

"Ah yes, Yuu Emcee... now there's someone who has no magic ability and yet they've gained many friends in the short time they've been here. Interesting..." Crowley had to smile at the fascinating parallel.

"Malleus' friendship with the human has him contemplating his life and the people around him. It has made him more aware of what he's been missing in his life... true friendship and social interaction."

"I see...If that's the case then I think we should use that friendship to our advantage and nudge him further into the social crowd. The question is, how to do so without making him and the others aware of it."

"Isn't the interscholastic Spell Drive coming up? You'll need to start putting a team together and I know Malleus would like to participate. He and Aiden Daybreak have quite the rivalry going. He's the only non-fairy I've ever seen to challenge Malleus' skill and power."

"Best not to tell Kingscholar that or he'd be deeply insulted." Crowley murmured and cleared his throat. "The Spell Drive tournament is a marvelous opportunity... and I know just how to get Yuu Emcee to participate."

~Sometime Later~

The school bell chimed dismissing classes for the day. Yuu stretched out their arms grunting a little at how stiff they felt. Yuu didn't mind class, but it was a bit disheartening that they couldn't participate in more practical magics. They did their best to help Grim, Ace, and Deuce out with the more technical elements, but Yuu wasn't sure just how much help they could give in that department.

"Finally! I'm so sleepy, I thought I was gonna pass out." Ace complained with a yawn. "How can you stay so alert through Mr Trein's boring lectures?"

"Well it's all new information for me, so I find it kinda fascinating." Yuu admitted with a smile. "Though I wish he'd have more vocal presence. The slow monotone speech doesn't help."