The Winged Child

♥ Chapter 20: Rookie Frustration

***Library***

Michael POV:

"Ah... I believe I understand the situation. You are resistant to the idea of apologizing, but unable to devise any other method to get the housewarden to remove the collar." Crowley sums up. "Yeah, pretty much." Ace replies. "I see. If you and the housewarden are truly unable to reconcile, you could always transfer. However, this is the dorm that the Dark Mirror chose for you based on the essence of your being. Any attempt to relocate would necessitate quite a burdensome process, as well as a new ritual." Crowley explains. "A transfer, huh...? That'd make me feel like I was running away with my tail between my legs." Ace states bluntly. "Hmm. Then it sounds like you should challenge Mr. Rosehearts for leadership of the dorm." Crowley says. "WHAAAAAT?!" the boys yell in shock.

"Lower your voices! This is a library!" Crolwey scolds. "....I don't think I'd trust Ace in any leadership positions...." I mutter to Yuu. "Agreed.." Yuu replies. "But what you said was...insane!" Ace says. "There is nothing remotely "insane" about it. After all, that's how Mr. Rosehearts got the position." Crowley states. "What exactly is the process by which housewardens are selected at Night Raven College?" Deuce asks. "Trey said that Riddle became housewarden within his first week as a student here." Grim recalls. "There are several ways. You could be appointed by the previous housewarden, for example, or duel the current warden and win. A duel is certainly one of the simpler methods." Crowley explains.

"But isn't fighting with magic against the rules?" Ace asks. "In general, yes. A duel initiated through a formal procedure and conducted in the presence of the headmage is another matter entirely." Crowley replies. "I don't trust teenages enough as it is..." I mutter. "Aww, is little Eggs getting flashbacks?" I hear a robotic voice mock me, making me jump. "...For fucks sake Ennard....I thought you weren't here..." I complain quietly to myself. "Nope." Ennard replies. "Great.." I mutter. "So what do you say, Mr. Trappola? Will you challenge Mr. Rosehearts?" I hear Crowley ask, snapping me back to the previous topic.

"Sure, I'll give it a shot!" Ace says. "Then I will too." Deuce adds. "Oh dear lord...no..." I mutter. "Me three!" Grim adds. "I'm afraid not, Mr. Grim. You cannot challenge a housewarden of a dorm to which you do not belong." Crowley states. "Myah?! Then how'm I supposed to get this buzzkill collar off?!" Grim whines. "If I become housewarden, I'll just order Riddle to remove it! Easy-peasy!" Ace replies. "How will everyone know how tough I am if you do that?" Grim asks. "Are you sure about this? I certainly didn't expect you to throw your hat in the ring, Deuce." Trey says in concern. "You didn't? I think every man's gotta make a grab for glory at least once in his lifetime. And if we're teaming up to take him down, ya better believe I'm running the show!" Deuce say. "Deuce...No, just no...." I say, earning a confused look from him.

"Oh man, here we go again." Ace sighs. "Huh? What'd you say?" Deuce asks. "Then I'll get started on the paperwork." Crowley says. "This cannot be a good idea." Yuu says. "Don't get all worked up on me now. All we need's a plan. Anyone got one?" Ace asks. "Hmm. Hard to imagine we can beat Riddle with straightforward magic. A solid left hook, on the other hand..." Deuce mutters while thinking. "Yeah, that guy looks like a pushover!" Grim exclaims. "Ah, did I forget to mention that detail? These duels are to be fought solely with magic." Crowley states. "What?!" Deuce asks in surprise. "Ha ha ha! Nothing beats a good, civilized duel! Now, the paperwork should be prepared and filed on the morrow, and the duel scheduled accordingly." Crowley says before leaving. "Aight, let's do this! I may not be the world's greatest mage, but...I'll figure something out!" Grim exclaims.

"That's the spirit!" Deuce says. "My head's on the line here, so don't mess this up!" Grim adds. "You guys..." Trey sighs. "When I'm housewarden, I'm gonna make Riddle fess up to bein' wrong. I'll make him apologize, too! And no one in the dorm is gonna have to live by any crazy rules ever again!" Ace says proudly. "This school is doomed..." I hear Yuu mumble. "Tell me about it..." I reply.

***Mutilated Mindscrolls***

Cassidy POV:

"I want to burn him. Again." I say coldly while looking at the unconscious robotic body of Afton. "Cass, no. We have more important worries. Plus we have two toddlers here." Gabe says. "Fine. Whatever." I reply dismissively. I walk back to the kitchen to see Suzie talking to Charlie and Eli while they eat pizza. "Guys, it's almost day time. Eli, do you have a place to go?" I ask. "Mhm! Circus Baby!" Eli replies with a mouthful of food. "You mean the burnt scrap next to Afton?" I ask bluntly, earning a nod. I sigh and leave, letting the others tend to the toddlers and get ready. I walk into Fredbear, or Golden Freddy as C.C. renamed him. I find myself alone in the darkness. With my thoughts. And they aren't good ones.