Behavior problems...

The sound of the heavy knock snapped Yuu out of her thoughts. Her heart pounded as she swung the door open to reveal Ace and Deuce, both looking equal parts annoyed and confused.

Ace raised an eyebrow, taking in the three unfamiliar faces in the room. "Alright, Prefect, we're here. Now, what's so important that you dragged us all the way back after Vargas tried to turn us into pretzels?"

Deuce, still catching his breath, glanced nervously between Yuu and the fae trio. "Uh... Yuu? Who are they?"

Before Yuu could answer, Grim puffed up his chest and declared, "They're weirdos from Briar Valley! They barged in here talking about Malleus and how we're all doomed!"

Ace frowned. "Because he blasted us during that... incident?"

Deuce stiffened. "Don't remind me."

Lilia smiled, clearly amused by the reactions of the two students. "Oh, we're more than just 'weirdos,' I assure you."

Yuu groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Ace, Deuce, meet Lilia, Silver, and Sebek. They're... Malleus's close friends, apparently. And they're here because, well... they know about everything."

"Everything?" Ace repeated, his expression shifting to disbelief.

"Everything," Yuu confirmed grimly.

Deuce stepped forward, his gaze steady but cautious. "So you're here to help us... right?"

"Correct," Silver said, his voice calm and steady. "We believe that uniting our efforts is the best way to save Malleus."

Sebek nodded emphatically. "We would never abandon our lord in his time of need!"

Ace scratched the back of his head, glancing at Yuu. "And you're cool with this, Prefect? They're... you know, fae. We don't exactly have a great track record with fae lately."

"I don't think we have a choice, Ace," Yuu replied firmly. "If they know something that can help us, we need them."

Ace sighed, clearly not thrilled, but he didn't argue. "Alright, fine. But if they start acting shady, don't say I didn't warn you."

Deuce crossed his arms. "So... what's the next step? We already have most of the group together, but there are still a couple of people we haven't talked to yet."

Yuu nodded. "We need Rook and Jamil. And, well, if Jamil agrees, Kalim will probably tag along too."

"Jamil, huh?" Ace mused. "Good luck convincing him. That guy's got trust issues the size of Scarabia's treasure vault."

"True," Deuce agreed. "But he's sharp. If anyone can handle themselves in Briar Valley, it's him."

Leona, who had been leaning against the wall quietly, finally spoke up. "I'll deal with Jamil. He's more likely to listen to me than anyone else."

Ruggie, lounging on the arm of the couch, snorted. "Yeah, because you're so charming and persuasive, right?"

Leona shot him a glare, but he didn't bother responding. Instead, he looked at Yuu. "You should focus on getting Rook. That guy's obsessed with anything mysterious and dangerous. He'll probably jump at the chance to go to Briar Valley."

Vil, seated elegantly in the corner, nodded. "I'll come with you to speak to Rook. He respects me, and my presence might make things easier."

Yuu glanced around the room, "w-when did you guys get here...?"

"Not important." Leona spitted out nonchalantly. 

 Yuu's resolve strengthening, "Alright. Let's split up. Leona, Ruggie, Ace, and Deuce, you handle Jamil. Vil and I will go see Rook."