~~

"What the hell is this?! There's an anemone coming outta my head!"

.......

"It's quite obvious. Based on the contract you signed, your bodies and souls belong to me and me alone."

.......

"You saw what happened earlier. We'll just end up the same if we don't strategize."

.......

"Ah! Splendid that you'll handle this for me! This is what I expected from a prefect I can always count on! With that settled, I will leave you be. I'm counting on you to get the job done!"

——————————

The next day was the day to start. I followed several feet away from Azul, who was walking down the hall without a care in the world.

"We came all this way to spy on Azul..." Jacks whispered beside me.

"By skipping class..." I claim. I turned to look back at him. "I didn't think you'd tag along with me."

"It's a direct order from the headmaster. I'm sure he'll see cutting class as an exception..." he shrugged. "That, and I'm sick of this losing streak. If you're still keen on finding Azul's weakness, I might as well know too."

I let him. Might as well have backup.

——————————

||

What...the actual fuck?

Azul's voice....

"He's...one hell of a singer..." Jack says, looking through the door. I could only nod in response.

||

Okay...Azul speaking cat...to Lucius....something you don't see everyday back in my world.

And the furball is actually responding back!!

"Hmmm....I see. The treat that was given to Lucius was around three hours ago."

"Correct, Ashengrotto. As expected." Trein nods.

"He understands animal language and speaks it himself..." Jack murmured. I shake my head. We're getting nowhere with this....

||

"A beluga's tooth, sturgeon eggs, aurora moth scales and mermaid tears." He added in the things to the cauldron before him. "Add in extract from 120 kinds of medicinal herbs blended together..." a cloud of magenta puffed up. "And done! Consume this potion and it's possible to change any part of the body into another animal."

"Good boy." Crewel nods. "This kind of alchemy is something you'd master in your third year. The rest of you puppies best learn from the likes of Ashengrotto."

"He's also a master at difficult position making....like nothing."

I wanted to snap the pencil I was leant in half. What a waste of time.

—————————

By the time lunch rolled around, I was about ready to give up. Not even my favorite gnocchi dish was making me happy. But I finished it nonetheless because I know how moody I can be when I don't eat for several hours. It's the hangry side of me I'd rather not let anyone see....for now.

We found nothing on Azul's weakness. And I could've been getting more class time in. But this was the Headmaster's request...

"For lunch, the squid ink pasta. And can't forget the vegetables. Devouring only carbs will throw my health off course and more importantly, weight gain..." I heard Azul order.

"He really is a flawless honor student." Jack admits, sitting across from me. Beside us-

"Ffgnaa...I'm dead beat after being bossed around by Azul..." Grim lied down, not bothering to touch his food.

"He's made me run around Octavinelle, cleaning and waiting tables, and picking up supplies..." Ace groans, massaging his likely sore arms.

"And made me come in to work at 6am..." Deuce rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

"And now we gotta help out again today..." the redhead moaned.

"As soon as I told Riddle, all he said was, 'Entering a contract with Azul?! It should be off with your head!' Thankfully, he toned down and made me write an apology." Deuce ended.

"We still look stupid with these anemones on..." the cat groans.

The three sighed simultaneously.

"Serves you right. You reap what you sow, eggheads." Jack said.

"I couldn't find anything on Azul...we gotta do something fast, their work environment is full of problems...." I murmured to myself.

"Oh, what seems to be the matter? Why the long face?"

"Ha...so many anemones floating around the place~."

Oh c'mon!

"Fggya! It's those rascal twins again!"

—————————

"It seems that you have exceeding trouble in your hands." Jade repeated.

"Because a certain someone worked us to the bone." Ace spat.

Floyd laughed, "The contract breaking anemones have something to say~. You've no right to complain, so be quiet."

Grim whimpered and hid behind Deuce. "I'm getting squeezed again!"

"The one we are speaking to is not the anemones but rather, her. Charlotte Luchessi of the Ramshackle Dorm."

The girl who was mentioned lifted her head up to see both Leech brothers looking at her. On instinct, she stood carefully and composed from her spot, but with one more look at them, their eyes never leaving her, she couldn't help but let her fear show. Not only due to their auras but their height as well.

"Me? Well...wh-what is it?" She stuttered, but backed up a bit as they approached her, fear evident in her eyes.

"Ha, she's so timid and scared like a shrimp." Floyd neared her, and she couldn't help but let her eyes trail up to see him towering over her. "You're so tiny, I guess that means you're Koebi-Chan~!"

'Did he just call me a shrimp!!' She thought.

"Practically any student would look small next to these guys." Deuce whispered.

"These two, being that tall, is already nerve-wracking." Ace nodded.

"If I recall, you were spying together with Riddle a month ago. You're probably aware of us...but we shall reintroduce ourselves." Jade took her left hand gently. "Jade Leech. And My twin brother, Floyd." At that, the twin took her right hand."I'm Floyd. Nice to meetcha, Koebi-Chan." He smiled, showing off sharp teeth.

"Now, back to the matter at hand. Could it be that perhaps what's troubling you..." Jade let go of her hand, as he gestured to the three behind him, watching intently. "...Are these rather dumb anemones here?"

" 'Perhaps' my ass." Jack stood up. "The way you're smiling says otherwise."

"And who are you? He's spiky like a sea urchin." Floyd sang.

"Wha-? I'm not an urchin. I'm a wolf!" Jack bites.

"Easy, Jack. We don't want another brawl..." Charlie put a hand on his arm to stop him. That made his less tense, but he still stood on guard.

"If the source of your concern is these anemones, then it'd be best if you confront Azul about it." Jade suggested.

They obviously caught me and Jack spying on him.

"Azul is a deeply benevolent person like the Sea Witch of the Great Seven. I'm sure he will hear you out."

"He can clear any of your worries~. Even: freeing these anemones you call friends from their shackles~."

The three gasped. A chance at freedom!

"You mean it?" Charlie was skeptical. She kept what Riddle said in mind, about not trusting the twins. But she had to help the others somehow.... even if they do deserve to get beaten to bloody pulps at their mindless actions.

"However, you should know that everything comes with a price." Jade added.

Jack stood protectively in front of her, Floyd's hand letting go of hers in the process. She had forgotten he was holding her hand all this time. "So that's your aim. You wanna rope Rabbit into signing a contract with him as well."

"You don't have to bare your fangs so fast. Land creatures are quick to resort to violence, it seems."

"We're only telling her out of the kindness of our hearts~. Isn't that right, Jade~?"

"Indeed, Floyd. We're not the kind to leave a poor, unfortunate soul at the mercy of indefinite-ness." The two laughed together, send chills up her spine.

"Now I'm starting to see Riddle's point..." she murmured.

"If what we spoke to you about is of any help, stop by the Mostro Lounge at 9." Even if she stood behind a behemoth like Jack, she could still feel their eyes on her, like sharks on their next meal. "We'll be greeting you with our best tea at will."

"Until then, Koebi-Chan~." The sound of footsteps was heard. Jack moved out of her way, to see that the twins were gone. But the lingering feeling of their eyes on her creeped her out to no end.

"So this means...."

"If she signs a contract with Azul and actually beats him...."

"We'll be free from our workload?!"

All of a sudden, the three leapt to her. "Please, Charlie! You have to beat him!!!"

"G-guys!" She said, off guard at their outburst.

"You three are hopeless." Jack shook his head.

"Anyone without an anemone will never understand our suffering!" Grim griped.

"At least I didn't cheat my way through the tests." Jack said nonchalantly.

"And we've learned our lesson, no lie!"

"Yep. We're not doing that again. Even if I fail, I'll accept a red mark on my permanent record."

"I think it's better to say you should take your academics more seriously." Jack said before turning to Charlie. "What say you, Rabbit? Wanna go along with their whims?"

"Well... as much as I'm not going to let these three get away with their brainless schemes as they deserve punishment-," she shot the three a dirty look. "-This may be the only chance we have. So....let's hear him out."

Grim leapt up and hugged her stomach. "Y'know, this may be the first time I'm looking up to you as a Prefect!"

"...Tch. Can't be helped. You're only in danger going solo. So I'm coming with you." Jack nods.

"Ooh~! Jack's being so nice~!" Ace chirped.

"D-Don't get the wrong idea. I'm just trying to be aware of what Azul is planning. And adding on, I'm still pissed about losing to a group of morons who used someone else's resources to blast their way to the top." Jack crosses his arms.

The sound of squelching was heard.

"Man! Not again with the anemones!"

"They're enforcing us to work during the lunch hour?!"

"It's all on you, Charlie!!" The three screamed, being dragged out the doors.

Jack sighed. "These guys are hopeless. Well, better clear our schedules: we're heading to the Mostro Lounge tonight."

She nodded silently, hoping things go well....

——————————

Jack waited for me outside the Ramshackle dorm. I was dressed in my peach-beige blouse and jeans with boots look, and my hair thrown up in its usual ponytail and bandana. He stayed in his uniform. I decided to leave my bag behind, the ghosts promising to keep an eye on it, should anyone consider sneaking in and stealing from the place. Not that there's anything valuable to steal from that place anyways.

Ophelia gave me a few words of encouragement before I left with Howl.

We got to the Mostro Lounge as quick as possible. We walked through the doors to see the place packed, as a jazzy tune filled the lively air.

"Wow...it's pretty popular..." I nod.

"We're in enemy territory. Don't let your guard down." Jack warned me.

And that's when I felt lanky arms wrapping around me in a back hug and I squeaked out of fear as a face neared mine.

"Ah, Koebi-Chan~! You're here! And you brought Uni-Chan with you." Floyd cooed in my ear.

"I told you I'm not a sea urchin!"

"Jack, please calm down. Remember what we're here for?" I reminded him. He settled a bit as Floyd let go of me.

"What's this? Ah, Charlotte. Thank you for coming on time." Jade approached. "Welcome to the Mostro Lounge. Your first time visiting, correct?"

"Y'know, I've been thinking since this afternoon, but you sure do enjoy asking so many questions we already know the answer to?" Jack shielded me with his arm.

"Just making sure." Jade laughed. "Although this may seem presumptuous of me, allow me to explain a few points of the establishment. The Mostro Lounge is a social gathering place for students. Disputes between dorms are forbidden. Here, you must follow our rules, no matter which dorm you're presided in. Just stay in line and you can enjoy yourselves. Now then, with that settled, what have you come here for?" His eyes were directed at me.

"I've thought about the offer... and I'd like to speak with Azul about it." I answered crisply.

"As you wish. But as of now, our boss is speaking to another customer at the moment. You might have to wait for a while. Oh, of course. It's required of you to order a drink. Make sure that is done soon. You two, handle it please." Suddenly Ace and Deuce appeared at my side. Deuce held some drink in hand.

"Sorry, gotta get these drinks delivered." Deuce apologized.

"Not to mention, we're swamped in work! Can you deal with it yourselves?" Ace retorts. "Seeing the two of you watch from the sidelines while we work our asses off makes me more pissed."

"Pretty feisty for a few anemones." Jade smiles in mirth.

Suddenly the anemones on both Ace and Deuce's heads were wrenched up, and they squirmed in pain.

"Ow!"

"Hey cut it out!"

I couldn't help but wince in pain. That's probably the equivalent of me getting my hair pulled.

"Azul gave specific instructions to the new hires. And I must properly discipline them should they talk back." Jade explained. And to emphasize his point, the anemones were tugged harder.

ADeuce yelled in pained.

"Okay! Okay! We get it!"

"Isn't that going a bit too far?!" I couldn't help but watch on as they suffered.

"Well then, this seems to be troubling. I believe I just told you that while in our domain, you must follow the rules."

"And should anyone not listen, they're only fair game for squeezing~!" Floyd emphasized his point as well by clutching my sides and digging his fingers into my rib cage.

I winced in pain, tried to run, but Floyd only clenched harder, making me hold back my tears. No! I can't let them see me like this! I can't....

"Get your hands off her!" Jack shoved Floyd away fast, and scooped me behind him. "Hey, you okay?" his eyes remain on the twins, but his voice held a tone of some worry.

"I think so..." I rubbed my aching sides. I hope this wouldn't leave bruising. It's bad enough I got bandaged after the Magift games, but getting squeezed to death by a psycho was probably worse...

Jack sneered at the two, "We're saying that seeing the two of you pick on newbies leaves a foul taste in our mouths. And after what you did to her just now, I oughta rip your throats out."

"Then if you're against it, why don't you lend a hand~?"

"Totally! You should do that! Charlie and Jack can help as temps!" Ace shouted in agreement. Both Jack and I turned to look at him.

"Che cacchio, Ace?!"

"Don't go deciding things for us!"

"Well, I don't mind who helps, so long as they take it seriously..." Jade nods.

"Besides, you can't get kicked out! You're our only hope!" Deuce whispered.

"I feel like keeling over...Grim's covered in bubbles back there! He's being used to wash the dishes! Please!" Ace begged.

Jack and I were silent for a moment. I guess we have to do anything they say in order to see Azul.

"Let's get this over with."

"Fine. Count me as well. Besides I got to get back and hit the hay."

"You gotta sleep? But it's only 9! What time you usually go to bed?"

"It's always lights out by 10 for me."

"Wow, he's so obedient..."

"So then Koebi-Chan and Uni-Chan are our extra set of hands~! Now, table three needs their drinks."

Looks like I've got my work cut out for me.

——————————

You know that feeling you get? When you feel like your first job is actually a pretty crappy one? Well, that was me for the most part.

Thankfully, I did have 2 part-time jobs at a small burger joint as well as a little café in my neighborhood where I happen to be waitressing back in my world. It's a pretty fairly simple job: take orders, ring em up, deliver with a smile, deliver checks and pick up tips.

I got me enough money for my shifts as well as bonus shifts too. As well as save up for my college tuition. My bosses were especially nice. It's rare we have people who have empathy in this world for those who don't receive any.

Those jobs came back to haunt me in this universe, and needless to say, it went smoothly. Despite Floyd threatening to squeeze us if we slack off, which I never do.

The guys joked about Jack being courteous to others and Ace pointing out that he's got a very strict face, but the former keeps saying it's how he looks.

Ace was thankful that Jack and I decided to help out, despite having doubts. But gave me a lot more credit, because he pointed out that I did this like a natural.

"It's no problem once you understand flow. It's only natural." Jack pointed out. "I've got the Prefect's directions, too!"

I couldn't help but agree with him at that. Being a naturally fast learner and keen observer, I adapt to a situation pretty fast.

An hour and a half later, we got all the backlogged orders out. Which was stressful for the most part.

Floyd complimented me on my skills. And get this: they thought we could do more than just wait the tables.