Once Upon a Nightmare

Infiltration

The shining white castle sat along and elegant white sandy cove and luxurious foliage. The air practically sang with springtime and was scented just as potently. Yuu, Grim, Jade, and Leona stood at the entrance all of them looking grunge and out of place.

"How did I let Malleus talk me into coming here?" Leona rubbed his temple.

"Because he promised to grant you any free favor of your choosing in return for keeping Yuu safe." Jade reminded him and had Leona chuckling.

"Oh yeah, that's right. That lizard is gonna owe me big. Guess I better come up with a good payment." He rubbed his chin.

"You can think about how you're take your revenge after we survive our time here. I still don't like the idea of playing spy." Yuu grumbled.

"You'll get over it." Leona grabbed her collar, making her grumble again. She was barely walking on her tiptoes now. "Let's go inside before they change their minds on inviting us."

As the three stepped inside, Yuu felt a buzz along her skin, the magical warding doing its job to keep any unwanted outsiders from wandering in. Almost immediately a group of students came rushing from the main building to greet them.

"Greetings, Lady Yuu and members of Night Raven College!" The sandy blonde student saluted while his free hand held the butt of his sword. "I am Percy Chamberlain, captain of the student body defense force. I am here to escort you to the Headmaster's office."

"Figures the headmaster won't let us wander on our own." He whispered in Yuu's ear. "We'll fix that. Lead the way, Captain!" He nudged Yuu forward, and tries not to bristle when the students crowded around them in a perfect protection circle.

The sound of a camera snap had all eyes turning to Jade. He lowered Yuu's ghost camera and gave an innocent smile.

"Apologies, I was told to document Yuu's experience here. Please lead on." Jade tucked the picture away in a small black bag strapped across his chest.

"Not a problem, I will ask that you refrain from photographing inappropriate areas such as private rooms and offices." Percy warned.

"Understood." Jade replied with an agreeable smile.

"Enough with the stalling! Where's the cafeteria? I wanna chow down on some fancy munchies!" Grim announced and danced at her feet.

"Ugh, we're doomed." Yuu muttered, her face blue with stress. "We'll be kicked outta here by lunchtime."

The group marched them into the main building, and brought attention to them from passersby. The wide white halls narrowed down to a tall tower and Percy led the hike up the steps to Ambrose's office.

"Geez what a climb." Yuu huffed a little and held the wall for balance. "Doesn't he get tired walking up these steps everyday."

"The headmaster usually just apparates to his office."

"Ugh, of course he does." Yuu laughed a bit breathlessly as she climbed up the stairs. She let out a little yelp when Percy stopped and picked her up princess style. "Whoa, whoa hey what are you doing?!"

"You seemed tired. Allow me to carry you up the rest of the way. I'm quite virile, so it doesn't bother me." He sent her a blinding smile. Jade took a picture and Yuu wriggled.

"Hey! JADE DON'T TAKE PICTURES!"

"Apologies Yuu-san, but the Headmaster was very explicit in his instructions." Jade snapped another. Yuu groaned as she was hoisted up the remaining steps before being set back down on her feet.

The doors open and the group entered a large yet cluttered office of books and knickknacks.

"What in the..."