The Fallen Empath - Welcome to the Villain's World

Chapter Five: A Perplexing Puzzle

 We reach the rusted gate of the dorm, and it is in much worse condition than I imagined. There's a random shovel just sitting against the fence and cobwebs hang everywhere, including in the branches of the dead trees. There are some rocks that kind of reminds me of tombstones. The grass is thin, showing patches of rock underneath. It's hard to tell in the dark, but I wouldn't be surprised if the grass was brown. The only thing that looks somewhat alive is the tall shrubbery that's scarcely placed around, but even those look to be on the verge of withering away. The stone path leading up to the house is the only thing that looks to be in moderate condition, heck there are even some lights that actually work.

The building itself wasn't in any better condition. It looks like an old Victorian house, maybe roughly three or four stories tall. Most of the windows are boarded up and some shingles have fallen off the roof. It does look to be sturdy enough to live in, but I doubt it can take too much more.

"Um, Mr. Crowley? I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but, are you sure it's safe?" I look up at Mr. Crowley with a concerned expression.

"Isn't it delightful? Right, scoot inside now. There you go." Mr. Crowley completely ignores my question as he pushes me through the gate and into the house.

The inside of the house was in possibly worse condition. Paintings are tilted on the walls if they are not on the floor with some books. Cobwebs are everywhere and I don't think I can find a surface that isn't coated in dust. Furniture is thrown around like a tornado ran through and the wallpaper is peeling off like it was just pulled out of the ocean. The floorboards creak with each step we take.

"This should keep the elements at bay for the time being. Now, I should return to my research. Do try to find some way to busy yourself." Mr. Crowley puts his hands on his hips.

That isn't going to be a problem. I think I'll be cleaning this dorm until I return home.

"But don't let me catch you wandering the campus! Ta!" His sudden loud toan makes me flinch. He quickly turns and walks out of the building like he doesn't want to any longer than he has to.

I look around the building. "I can't even find a clean place to sit with all this dust. Guess I better start cleaning then."

I find a broom and duster in the nearby closet and start cleaning.

~ ~ ~

After a little bit of cleaning, I hear the pitter-patter of rain and look up to see the wallpaper starting to dampen. "Of course it's raining." I sigh.

"GWAH! It's pouring out there!" I hear a familiar squeaky voice.

I jump slightly and look around before my eyes fall onto the creature from orientation.

"Bwahahaha! That look on your face is priceless! Like a bat that got blasted by a water gun." Grim laughs.

"Weren't you kicked out?" I tilt my head.

"As if I wouldn't just sneak back onto campus the second I escaped pryin' eyes. You all got no idea what I'm capable of! I ain't givin' up on goin' here just 'cause I got kicked out one measly ol' time. And if you think otherwise, you don't know Grim!" He crosses his paws with a smirk.

I sit down on a recently dusted couch, it squeaks under my weight. "Why are you so determined to go to this school?"

"Isn't it obvious? I was born to do this! I'm a magical prodigy who's got the makin's to become one of the greatest mages who ever lived!" Grim raises his paws above his head, then lowers them. "So I've been waitin' and waitin' for that black carriage to come for me, and yet... Hrmph! That Dark Mirror's got no eye for talent! That's why I took the initiative and came here myself. You humans don't understand what a mistake you're makin'! Not lettin' me in is a great loss for the world!" A drop of rain lands right on top of Grim's head. "Mrrao! C'mon, scoot over! I'm gettin' dripped on here!" He jumps onto the couch next to me. Another drop of rain hits him near his flaming ears. "Bwah! Another hole in the roof! These flamin' ears are like my trademark, Y'know? I can't let them get doused!"