01x01 - Stranger Waking

[bunniefuu]

[♪ Eerie music playing]

[person] Ah, my cherished benefactor.

My wicked bloom
holding others in thy noble thrall.

Thou truly art the fairest of them all.

Mirror mirror, close at hand
come from farthest space,

show me to their voice and face.

-[students chattering]
-[clacking]

TOKYO HIBARI HIGH SCHOOL

TOKYO - ENMA

TOKYO - YAMADA

[panting]

[shouts]

Men!

Whoa.

Strike to the head. Match point.

[sighing]

KENDO CLUB VICE CAPTAIN
YUKEN ENMA

A counterstrike right to the head?
Oh, man, that was so freaking cool.

Yeah, you had such crazy aura.
That was sick.

Thanks. Felt good. And tomorrow…

Is the kendo club's
first official match in ten years!

TOKYO - SUZUKI

I can't wait!

We're gonna clean up tomorrow.
Just you watch.

We better. We've trained so hard
and come this far, against all odds.

Those qualifiers won't know what hit 'em!

-Yeah.
-Yeah.

[Suzuki]
Yuken is, like, wildly impressive.

The kendo club was almost
totally dead, remember?

If he hadn't gone out of his way
to recruit us all…

[Yamada] Yeah.

Oh. [stammers] Hey!

Koito! You okay, bud?

[Koito panting]

I just worry about Koito. He doesn't have
a lot of experience or strength.

I know.

Koito.

Y-Yes, sir. What is it?

Remember this is a team tournament.

I know you've been practicing really hard.

I'll be there to back you up,
so you can take it easy.

-No!
-[gasps]

Koito?

No way. I joined this club
because I wanted to be more like you.

I gave up on all the other sports I tried
because I was too small and weak.

RECRUITING MEMBERS
BEGINNERS WELCOME

But not you.
You never gave up on what you wanted.

Not for a second.

So I won't either. Please don't
let me off the hook that easy.

I want to be a great athlete.

Okay, then. We'll get you there.

We're all in this together.
You're not alone, okay?

You really mean that, huh?

[Yuken] Now then… On your feet.

We're gonna spar a while longer.

We're gonna knock 'em dead tomorrow.

Yeah!

Thank you for everything today.

Any time. I'll see you tomorrow.
Good night.

Koito's going to do well.

We're going to win every match
in the tournament tomorrow.

[hissing, yowling]

[chittering]

[cawing]

[♪ Eerie music playing]

[hooves approaching]

[horse whinnies]

[gasps]

[♪ Action music playing]

[gasping]

[music stops]

[♪ Whimsical music playing]

[person] Ye, whom the Dark Mirror
did beckon forth…

If thy heart so desires,

then take now the hand of
the one reflected in the looking glass.

Flame shall reduce the very stars to ash.

Ice shall seal away even time itself.

And great trees
shall swallow the vast sky.

But fear not the forces of darkness.

Rather, come
and demonstrate thine own power.

To me. To them. To thyself.

Our time is running short,
you understand.

So take great pains.

Do not release that grasped hand.

[♪ Theme song playing]

[song ends]

STRANGER WAKING

[grunts]

Well, that was odd.

[gasps] Oh, right. The bus…

-[bangs]
-[groans]

I don't… Where am I?
Am I trapped?

No, no, no.
Someone come open this door.

Please!

I'll have to walk home
if I don't get out of here!

[gasps]

[♪ Tranquil music playing]

So where…

[gasps]

That looks like…

A… A coffin!

-No. Am I dead?
-[crowd murmuring]

Hey. What gives? No one comes
through the gate on their own.

Ridiculous. Is this some kind of a joke?

Okay… And who are all of them?

Surely this must be a dream. Right?

[sighs]

Huh?

Hmm.

-[sighs]
-[chuckles]

[breathes shakily]

[person] Goodness me.

It is unheard of for a student
to emerge from the gate unbidden.

What a terribly impatient lad
you must be. I mean, really.

[gasps] You stay away!

Oh, do calm yourself.
You have no reason to distrust me...

[Yuken]
I have every reason not to trust you!

This whole thing stinks.

Who are you weirdos,
and why did you bring me here?

I want answers now!

[person] Why, you ask?
Because you were chosen, of course.

And what does that mean?

Hmm. It would appear
your mind is somewhat hazy,

yet likely due to the effects of
time-space teleportation.

Of… time-space?

Yes, it has been known to happen.

I sense confusion.

Well, fear not.
Kindhearted Crowley will explain.

Welcome, dear boy,
to Night Raven College.

This is the most prestigious arcane
academy in all of Twisted Wonderland!

Fledgling mages are chosen
from across the world

for their rare and exceptional talents,

and are brought here to hone them
under our careful tutelage.

Students are assessed and divided
by their spiritual attributes

into one of seven Houses,
modeled on the Great Seven.

There, they live and work and study
alongside their peers.

Uh, magic?

You are here today because
the Dark Mirror recognized in you

a particular aptitude for magic.
Congratulations.

Do you not recall being visited
by a black carriage

carrying the gate that brought you here?

[gasps]

Then this isn't a dream.

Now, that ought to be enough explanation
for the time being, yes?

We have our final student, everyone!

Let us regain our composure
and begin the orientation.

[Yuken grunts] Hey, wait!

That didn't explain anything! Look,
maybe you've just got the wrong guy.

Would you wait?

Hey, I don't know how to do magic.

[gasps]

What did you just say?

-Did he say he can't use magic?
-[murmuring]

Yeah. What is that about?

And besides, I have something
very important to take care of tomorrow.

So if you'll excuse me.

Come back here.

A student refusing their admission
is unheard of!

Goodness gracious. Quite rude, isn't he?

Childish is more like it. Who else throws
such unbelievable tantrums? Heh.

[chuckles] I wanna squeeze this kid silly.

[laughs]

This guy's a real maverick.
What a k*ller start to the year.

[grunts]

[Crowley]
Sir, if you would just remain calm…

[Yuken] I'm done listening to you.

[Crowley] Halt! Stop right there!

-[clicks tongue]
-[gasps]

He's making a mockery of our traditions.
[growls]

[Crowley] I will not allow you
to refuse your enrollment.

I obviously don't belong here.

[voice]
Oh, yeah? Then this is where I come in!

-Huh?
-[students gasping]

[chuckles]

Sorry for eavesdropping,
but I've got something to say.

People from all over
are dying to get into this school,

so if you don't wanna be here,

then hand over your spot
to the great and wonderful me!

Now what manner of creature is this,

to barge into our ceremony
and speak nonsense?

Speechless, huh?

What's the matter, kiddo?
Cat got your tongue?

Huh. A talking tanuki?

Excuse you! I am not a whatever-you-said!

I am a monster who's destined
for extraordinary magehood.

I am the illustrious Grim!

[laughing]

-The monster wants to become a mage?
-Yeah, good luck.

[student] Take your jokes back to
wherever you came from, little raccoon.

Oh, that does it!

If that's how you wanna be, then
check out this super special spell I got!

[exclaims]

[students screaming]

[gasps]

-Hot! Hot!
-[panting]

You see that?
Grim the Great and Powerful!

And there's a whole lot more
where that came from.

[student] Run!

[students screaming]

Maybe we ought to get out of here, Juice.

Not Juice. It's Deuce!

[cackles]

Oh, dear. Oh, dear. The school
will be engulfed in a sea of flame!

Someone capture this rogue raccoon
immediately!

Aw, party's barely even started yet.

Oh? [yelping]

Someone put me out! My butt's on fire!

[sighs]

-[whimpers]
-Oh, no!

Uh-oh. Azul has vanished.

So he has.
But where would he have disappeared to

in the midst of all this chaos?

-Pardon, Headmage.
-[gasps]

I believe I may be
of some assistance here.

If you'll allow it, I will gladly take on
the unenviable role

of apprehending and torturing
this poor, unfortunate little soul.

[tablet voice] Azul's the GOAT.

Scheming his way to better grades
and special treatment.

[chuckling]

What say you? For the sake of the school,
I would happily sacr...

[screams] Azul! Anyone!
Someone put this butt fire out.

I can't take it anymore! [yelping]

What in the blazes is going on?

Someone put out these flames!

So soon?
Things were just getting warmed up.

Ah, well. Better join in on the fun
while it's here.

[stammers] No, no. Lilia, you can't.
Please step back.

Hmm?

Silver, I thought I told you
to keep both eyes on him!

Hey, I'm trying!

[students clamoring, screaming]

You okay? Hurt at all?

We're okay.

[growls]

Tsk. Dumb herbivores.

Hey, Ruggie. Wake me when it's over.

[snickers]

Sure thing, Leona. You relax.

Really? The great hunter
sitting on the sidelines?

Even though the prey's
a great big, juicy snack?

Huh? Waste of my time.

You go enjoy yourself.

[scoffs] Me, hunting?
Goodness, no. How uncouth.

[students clamoring]

Beautiful.

[sighs] Monsieur Fuzzball est magnifique.

And to set ablaze not only the room,

but the very hearts
of those who surround him…

Je suis vraiment impressionné!

[sighs] Come on now. [screams]

[grunts] Cut that out, you dang hair ball!

What the heck is up with this school, man?

It's already a complete mess.

Did you see that?
They're not familiar with our game.

-Cater. No one here is playing around.
-Hmm?

Huh? [gasps]

[breathes shakily, strains]

[Yuken]
Hey! Be careful. You'll hurt yourselves.

[clamoring continues]

Hey, kid! The exit is this way.

First an enrollment refusal,
and now it's a monster intrusion.

They've ruined our entrance ceremony,
and for that there will be consequences.

Where are you going?
Stop. It's too dangerous!

[chuckles] Hmm?

Thought all of a you were running away.

You think you're some kinda tough guy?

You misunderstand.

I am judge, jury and executioner.

[scoffs]
You talk a big game for a little brat.

Let's go then! [growls]

[Yuken grunts, gasps]

Hey, kid, are you okay?

[gasps]

Hey!

"Are you okay"? Me?

Who do you think you're talking to?

-Huh?
-Get off!

[Cater] Uh, is he…

He is. That's not good.

You little punks don't know
when to give up.

-I've had enough!
-Silence!

[yelps]

[red-haired student]
Your sentence comes first.

[gasps]

[whimpers]

The verdict, afterwards.

[whimpers] I kinda got
a bad feeling about this one.

Have you any last words?

Is tha… I don't...

[whimpering]

Then it's Off With Your Head!

[panting]

[screaming]

[gasps]

-Hmm.
-[both grunt]

Hmm.

[sighs]

[struggles]
What's with this stupid collar?

Someone get this thing off of me!

[straining]

I hope you're comfortable.

Rule Number 23:

"One must never bring a cat
to a formal affair."

I'm not a cat or a raccoon.
Show some respect!

What the heck?
Why can't I breathe fire anymore?

Why, Riddle Rosehearts, what a marvelous
display of skill in catching the fiend.

Of course I expect nothing less from
the house warden of Heartslabyul House.

"Off With Your Head" seals its target's
magical ability, no matter the type.

You know, I've always been
quite partial to that spell myself.

No! [groans]

[straining]

[gasps]

Now, it is high time
that we rid ourselves of this little pest.

[gasps]

Fret not.
I have no designs on harming you.

I am ever so kind.

[Grim grumbles]

I'm not giving up! Ever!
I'll be back. Do you hear me?

[winces]

Okay then, I'm definitely not dreaming up
how much that hurts.

Or the magic…

Surely I'd have woken up by now
if it wasn't real.

-[footsteps]
-[gasps]

Oh. Hey, it's you. So, you were okay?

Silence!

It's not enough that you intrude,
but you would dare insult me as well?

That is tantamount to insulting the Queen
of Hearts herself, you prodigious buffoon!

I will not tolerate
such an affront to the crown!

To wit… Your punishment will be
swift and righteous.

And your head will roll!

[growls]

It's almost time to begin, yes?

Yes. Everyone has been summoned.
They should arrive soon.

Yo, Headmage! What's up? What are we
supposed to be doing here today, huh?

You should have been informed.

This will be a rehearsal
for the upcoming entrance ceremony.

Oh, yeah! I remember.

This will be like
a banquet-type thing, right?

We'll eat and sing and dance
to our hearts' content!

It's time to raise the roof!

Unfortunately, I've never heard
of such a ceremony.

[warden] Oh… So it's gonna be
even more fabulous?

Like a parade of elephants
and camels and lions?

If you'd like to organize such a thing,

I believe that I may be of some assistance
in that area, dear Kalim.

Azul!

It is my sole purpose in life to be
of the utmost service.

I will gladly support you
in any way I can.

[voice on tablet sighs]
Never a moment's rest for you!

Adapting to the new meta, GG. [chuckles]

I bow to you, Azul.

-[Azul] Idia.
-[Idia gasps]

I mean, it's admirable.

Anyway, I propose we drop
the in-person ceremony.

This is the age of the internet.
Let's hold it online.

Yes, my foundation could be improved…

Housewarden Schoenheit? That is not
an approved usage of the Dark Mirror.

A mirror is a mirror.
Now, we need more light in here.

[Idia] What? How'd he do that?

[Kalim] Oh, you're already
in your ceremonial robes.

But of course I am.

Who cares if this is a rehearsal.

I always strive to look my best.

I need to determine what sort of makeup
will read well in such a dark room.

-[bell tolls]
-[Riddle] All right. It's time to begin.

Fine, let's get this over with.
I want a nap.

Headmage! We're all met,
so you can take it away.

The Night Raven College entrance ceremony
is a long-standing tradition

in which we receive the incoming student
magicians chosen by the Dark Mirror.

Each of you illustrious housewardens

will be asked to stand
and introduce your House

with a few words of welcome
to the new recruits.

So now, I… Oh dear.

Where is Housewarden Draconia
of Diasomnia House?

-[Kalim] Ah.
-[Schoenheit] He's not here.

[Idia] Did no one tell him
this was happening?

I don't know. I sure didn't.

But someone should have, right?

There are only seven of us.
How is it that he was overlooked?

Time is money, I'm afraid. We can't afford
to fret over every little detail.

What a waste of time.

Wait, Housewarden Kingscholar.
We need you!

[Idia] Eh, RIP.
We can just wing-it day of.

I do wonder
what Malleus is up to right now.

Hmm. I have a sneaking suspicion
they forgot to invite me.