(Editing) Twisted Wonderland X Zhongli!Reader (Version I)

☠️An Urgent Deadline☠️

"I really must thank you again friend Crowley. Because of that dream spell you demonstrated to me earlier today I was able to contact some companions of mine from Liyue. They were able to deliver a message for me." You informed Crowley with a smile while you both walked, searching for where the teen boys went off to.

"Since I am generous I found the task to be of no issue!" The bird man laughed happily with pride evident. "But, who are these companions you speak of?"

"A female, with a rather amusing personality, named Madeline. And a boy that I enjoy speaking to, Neo. He is reliable and very thoughtful. I made sure to repay him." You spoke with fondness as you thought of the two. It had already become a plan of yours to speak with them once in awhile to check on both them and Liyue.

Crowley smiled, "I am happy to have been of help to you Mr. Lapis." His statement was answered with another smile from you.

Of course, the calm and happy moment between you two had to be interrupted by a loud bang and curses from the cafeteria.

As you both entered the view was very unpleasant. A ruined chandelier, a nearly knocked Grim, Ace and Deuce yelling, and finally, a terrified Yuu off to the side. He was slightly shaking. It made you frown.

You slipped away from Crowley and walked over to Yuu. "Dear Friend. Are you alright? Were you injured in any way?" You quietly questioned him while slowly pulling him into a protective hug. Yuu hugged you back, extremely tight and slowly calmed down.

"I-I'm fine Y/n. Thank you for checking on me. I feel better now." Yuu softly spoke out while giving a small nod.

Giving him a light pat on his head you released him from your hold. Then you looked over at the two other boys with Crowley, who hadn't seen him yet.

"We got Grim, but we broke the chandelier! If the headmage finds out about this-" started Ace.

With his yellow glowing eyes in a tilted down half circle to show his anger, Crowley voiced his presence from behind the loud ginger. "If I find out about...what, dear Ace?" He calmly asked.

Ace closed his eyes bracing for the soon to happen yells, "Ah! Headmage Crowley...!"

"YOU. THREE. AGAIN. What have you done this time?!" Demanded the crow themed headmage.

Grim still laid in Ace's arms. "Myaaah... Everything's spinning..."

"Nearly burning a statue wasn't enough for you? Now you've destroyed a chandelier instead?! Enough. You three are expelled and Grim will be thrown out." Crowley explained in a frustrated tone. Anger still written all over his face.

The two that are able to create only one whole braincell when to together then exclaimed in unison, "Whaaaaaaaaat?!" Again you pulled Yuu into a protective hug, clearly not willing to let him be expelled. 'Kill me first before you lay a hand on Yuu.'

"Headmage, please! Give me a second chance! I can't get expelled from this school! I need to be here!" Begged Deuce.

"Then blame yourself for your own foolish behavior." Crowley fired back.

"I'll pay for the damages! However much it costs!" Deuce declared.

Crowley crossed his arms over his chest, "That chandelier is no mere light fixture. It is a magical chandelier. Its candles are powered by a magical energy source, enchanted so that they will burn for eternity. It was created for us by a legendary artificer. Possible their finest creation. It has been here since the school was established, and I imagined it would be here forevermore. Considering its historical value, I would estimate its worth to be no less that a billion thaumarks. And you intend to repay that sum?" Explained and interrogated the headmage.

"A... A billion marks?!" Cried Deuce.

Ace then began to try and flatter the headmage, "B-but I'm sure with your magical talent, sir, you could snap your fingers and fix it right up!"

"If Headmage Crowley was able to fix the chandelier with a snap of his fingers he would have done so already. Not to mention this situation would be less intense if it were that simple to fix." You mentioned to the one braincell duo.

"Even magic has its limits." Crowley agreed, "Furthermore, its magestone - the figurative heart of any magical artifact - is cracked. A magestone cannot easily be replaced. I fear the candles of this majestic chandelier will never burn again." Informed the bird man as he lowered his head.

"This is bad..." Ace mumbled to himself.

"What am I going to do?! How am I going to tell me mother...?" Deuce asked himself in a mutter.

Clearing your throat, you gained the attention of the boys around you. "Headmage. Is there not another way for them to solve this problem and stay? Can they find a replacement stone or perhaps work to pay off their debt?" You questioned Crowley.

"Ah...! But there may be one way. One tiny sliver of a chance to repair this chandelier." Noted Crowley.

"There is?!" The due exclaimed in unison.

"The magestone that powered this chandelier was minex from the Dwarfs' Mine. If you can acquire a magestone with the same properties, it may be possible to repair it." Informed Mr. Bird.

With a determined nod, Deuce made up his mind. "Then I'll go find a magestone! With your permission, sir!"

Crowley then warned the bluenette, "I should caution you that I cannot promise there yet remain magestones to find. The mines were closed quite some time ago. It is quite likely that all of the magestones have already been mined."

"I will do anything to avoid expulsion, sir!" Deuce loudly claimed.

The headmage held his chin between his finger and thumb. "Hmmm... Very well, then. I will suspend your expulsion for a single night. But if you fail to return with a magestone by morning, then all of you are expelled."

Deuce quickly bowed, "I understand, sir. Thank you very much for this opportunity!"

Letting a sigh out Ace finally contributed to the conversation. "Fine, then. Let's hurry down there, find a magestone, and get this whole thing done with."

"You should be able to reach the Dwarfs' Mine instantly by using one of the gates in the Mirror Chamber." Suggested Crowley.

"Yes sir!" Deuce said while saluting.

Grim finally wake up with a groan, "Myah! Wh-? Where am I?!"

"You may end up wishing you'd remained unconscious. Things have taken a turn for the worse." Yuu then looked in your direction. "Are you coming with us Y/n?"

"I'm afraid not Friend Yuu. I have something to do. You should be fine in the mine. All you will be doing is looking for a valuable stone. I shall await your return in Ramshackle. I believe in your skills and luck." Was all you said before ruffling the boy's hair and watching the group run off.

Crowley poked your arm with his clawed finger, "Soooo.. What are your plans for this evening? Would you like to stroll the campus together?"

Chuckling at his offer, you shook your head with a smile. "Perhaps another time. I must meet with someone and discuss a topic with them. Your offer is very tempting though."

"I see.." Crowley softly said while looking deflated.

Chuckling once more, you patted his shoulder and walked away to the Hall of Mirrors.