"Mister Argentum."

Jonah looked up from his book. "Yes," he said as he stood up, looking at Trein straight in the eyes.

"Please explain to us about the uprising of Elfric the Eager."

"Uprising... Um..." Glancing to the opened book in front of him, he cursed when he realized that it wasn't on the right page of the subject. Jonah drummed his fingers onto the side of his thigh, nervousness starting to creep up into his chest as he stumbled on his own world. "Well... the uprising of Elfric the Eager was a moment – I mean, a revolt! – formed by Elfric the Eager... Umm... It happened in.... I mean, it happened because...?"

Jonah clammed his mouth shut and ducked his head in shame. "Can't continue, Mister Argentum?" asked Trein.

Jonah shook his head. "No, Professor."

"Sit down," Trein said and Jonah did that, quickly flipping his book to the pages he wanted, and honestly, he wanted to smack himself for not knowing the answer. "Mister Howl. Same question."

Jack stood up from his seat. "Yes, Sir!" His explanations were very detailed and on point as if he rehearsed in front of a mirror. Jonah rested his chin onto his palm of his hand, sighing without a word.

-----

"Ugh... This stink..."

Ace sighed, folding his and behind his head as he leaned back against the back of his chair. "Chin up, Captain," he said, glancing at Jonah who rested his head on top of his folded arm on top of his desk. "It's understandable with your memories problem and all."

Deuce, who was standing in front of Jonah with his hands on the table, nodded. "Plus, since you're technically a non-magician. So, everything must've been a new thing for you."

Jonah let out a groan. "I've been in this school for nearly three months and I can't even write a report about some house-elf abuse."

"This might be a trouble for you..." Epel, who sat on the table, hummed, swinging his dangling legs. "Not to mention the final exam is coming up."

Ace nearly fell off his chair, Deuce smacked the table, causing Jonah to immediately shot his head up and Grim to fell off his head. "Already?!" the four of them shouted. It was actually pretty amazing how they had the same thought and reaction.

Jack, who stood next to Epel, nodded. "It's in the third week of November."

"But that's next week!" Ace shouted.

"Ugh!" Jonah groaned louder, hands messing with his hair in frustration. "What am I going to do? The headmaster is going to expel me if I get more bad grades. Or worse... He will stop paying my electricity bill!"

"No!" Grim shot up. "The fridge won't work if that happens!" He quickly flew in front of Jonah and squeezed his cheeks. "We need to get you smart quickly!"

"What are we going to do?" Ace asked. "Is there any potion to make you smart?"

Epel hummed. Fingers on his chin. "Vil probably knows something..." he mumbled.

Jack could felt himself growling. "Isn't that cheating?" He eyed the Heartslabyul and Ramshackle students. They could've forgotten what caused the whole Savanaclaw shenanigans in the first place right? "Why don't we help you study? We can teach our best subject to Jonah."

"Oh! That's a good idea," Epel exclaimed. "That way Jonah will have an expert in each subject.

Jonah looked up to both of the Class 1-B students. "Guys, thanks. But you don't need to go that far."

"Why not?" Jack asked.

Jonah weakly chuckled as he rubbed behind his neck. "I'll just a waste of time your time. You can use it to study yourself."

Epel and Jack exchanged a look. Ace, Deuce, and Grim frowned. It was no surprise to them that Jonah would reject the offer. Of course, he would rather worry about disturbing their study time than his own.

"Then how about a study group?" Jack suggested again. "That way we can study together."

"I..." Jonah looked at the small circle of friends one by one. His heart warmed up knowing that they are willing to help a stupid captain like him. He let out a sigh "Alright. Let's do this."

-----

"You seem excited," Jack said as both he and Epel walked toward the Ramshackle Dorm, carrying their book.

Epel nodded as he smiled a bit. "I've never been in a study group before."

"You don't study together at Pomefiore?" Jack asked.

Epel steps slowed down as he sighed. "I don't really get along with the other Pomefiore kids. Hadn't really find a great connection." He clicked his tongue. "But I don't mind. I have you and those four."

Jack hummed in agreement. "Sometimes it's great to hang out with other people."

"Or even have someone to hang out with," Epel muttered under his breath.

Of course, Jack's sensitive ears caught that. "What?"

Epel shook his head again. "Nothing." He reached for the Ramshackle Dorm gate and opened it for both of them.

When the two of them reached the front door, Epel gave it a few knocks before opening it. "Excuse me."

"Epel, Jack! Welcome!" greeted Jonah.

The lounge was a mess. Books and papers scattered on the ground while the kids in there were lazying around. The table, instead of filled with studying material, was filled with various snacks and drink.

"Do you guys want some tea?" Jonah offered, stirring his milk tea.

Veins popped on Jack's forehead while Epel just sighed. "We're supposed to be studying! Not having a tea party!" the wolf-boy howled.

-----

"I don't get why we need to learn about werewolves in defense magic," Grim muttered, holding his book in front of his face.

"This will be important for next year," Jack said. He reached for an empty paper and started to write his explanations on it as the other kids leaned forward to pay more attention. "Lycanthropy is a magical illness known to be spread by contact between saliva and blood; thus, when a transformed werewolf bites a human, the bitten will become a werewolf themselves. We were taught that there are several ways to prevent and heal werewolf attacks, however, none of them can't really completely sure a bitten victim. One of the ways is using the homorphus charm, which temporarily reverts the werewolf into human form. You can also use a mixture of powdered silver and dittany to prevent the victim of a werewolf bite from bleeding to death."

Ace whistled. "Wow, you sure know a lot about werewolves." He glanced toward Jack, particular to the twitching wolf-ears. "Are you sure there isn't any connection with your unique magic?"

"No. Only because I can change into a wolf, that doesn't make me a werewolf," Jack huffed as he crossed his arms in front of his chest, clearly annoyed he was referred to as this dangerous creature. "Plus, Unleash Beast can be used anytime I want, while lycanthrope can only transform during a full moon. Werewolves are dangerous. Encountering one might lead to your death. That's why we need to defend ourselves. That is why we learn this."

Jonah reread the explanation in amazement. "So, what's your secret of knowing this?"

"Nothing." Jack shrugged. "All you need to do is listen to your professor. And always remember to review."

*bang!*

Collective heads fell flat on the table. Jack looked at all of his friends in confusion.

"But if you didn't do that..." muttered Ace.

"What are we going to do..." Deuce added.

"Don't tell me you guys only study when they give you homework?" Jack's only response came in a form of groans from each of the shocked students. The wolf-boy sighed as he ran his hand down his face. "Seriously..."

-----

"Captain!" Ace waved when he spotted Jonah sitting at their usual lunch table. "It's rare to see you here."

Jonah laughed. "Yeah. I woke up late today, so I didn't get a chance to cook for breakfast."

"Studying history of magic this time?" Deuce asked when he and Ace sit down across Jonah and Grim. The cat was happily munching a tuna sandwich while Jonah got a plate of bacon and eggs, although it seemed to be untouched.

"Yep," Jonah answered. "Magicians are weird. Why is there even a thing called 'Soap Blizzard'?"

Ace laughed. "I remember reading that! When was that blizzard again?"

Jonah paused mouth opening and closing like a fish. "Ah... Um..." He flipped the pages of his book trying to find the passage about it. Until he reached the page he was looking for. "Ah! 1378!"

Ace shrugged. "Don't worry. I don't know the exact year."

Jonah pouted. "Then, why are you quizzing me?"

"Hey, that's part of learning," Ace grinned.

Deuce rolled his eyes. But then he looked like he just remembered something. "Oh. I have something that might help." He opened his back and took out a book, sliding it on the table so it reached Jonah. "Those are my notes from history of magic. I highlighted everything important."

Jonah opened the book with Grim peering from the side. The cat's eyes widened, looking at the colorful marker on the pages. "You highlighted everything!"

"Which means everything is important." Jonah closed the book and smiled at Deuce. "I need to memories this Thank you, Deuce."

Deuce sat up straight, feeling proud that he had helped someone today. "Anytime, Captain."

-----

"Okay. Let's try herbology," Epel said when the small gang gathered in the Botanical Garden's Temperate Zone, in front of a long table filled with pot and plants that sprouted from the soil.

Epel put on his earmuff, pressing it a few times against his ears to make sure it was secure or not. "You know how to re-pot a mandragora, right?"

Jonah nodded. Meanwhile Ace was groaning. "Ugh... I have terrible memories with those plants..."

Epel laughed, clearly remembered what happened during that particular scene. "Mandragora is a powerful restorative. You can make various potions with mandragoras, like the mandrake restorative draught to cure petrified victims. The cry of the mandrake is fatal to anyone who hears it, but when it's still a seed the cry just knocks you out for several hours."

Epel went to reach one of the mandragora stems. "So, you just grab your mandragora tightly-"

"Earmuff, ready?" Jack asked. Deuce nodded and Ace gave him a thumbs up.

Unfortunately with Jonah, he was fumbling when he was supposed to wear his earmuff. "Wha-"

"And you just... Pull it off the pot!" At that point, Epel ripped the mandragora sprout off the ground. Screech banshee-like filled the room. Epel stretched out his hand, trying to keep the mandragora away from his eardrum.

Jack and Grim covered their earmuff, giving it more pressure to protect their sensitive ear. Even Ace and Deuce could still hear the screeched.

But Jonah's eyes just rolled upward and he closed his eyes, falling to the ground like a ragdoll.

"Captain!" Ace was the first one to reach the fallen boy, kneeling beside him as he rolled Jonah to lay on his back.

"Oh no!" Epel quickly threw the mandragora into an empty pot and knelt as well. "What's wrong?"

Ace checked on Jonah before noticing that small gap between the ar and the earmuff. "His earmuff isn't that tight." he sighed. "Welp. Looks like we won't be studying for the next few hours."

-----

"Jonah?"

"Huh?" Jonah turned his head from the library window to a worried-looking Deuce. "What were you saying?"

"Are you sure you're okay?" the blunette asked again. "We can take a break if you want."

Jonah shook his head. "No. I'm fine." He ran a hand down his face. "What was the question again?"

"Can you give us a small explanation about the Orion constellation?"

For the first time, Jonah grinned widely. "Oh! I know this!" He reached one of the scrolls and unrolled it, presenting a group of stars connected with some lines. "The Orion constellation is shaped like a warrior, but it was referred to as a shepherd back in time. Named after the hunter in mythology. The brightest stars are blue-white Rigel or Beta-Orionis, and red Betelgeuse, or Alpha-Orionis."

Ace raised an eyebrow at this. He looked up from the star chart to Jonah. "We don't learn this in class. How do you know this?"

Jonah shrugged. "The Orion constellation is probably the most recognizable of them all, so it's used by many sailors to navigate their way through the sea." He let out a small chuckle. "I guess I really like learning about stars and navigations."

"I'm not even surprised," Ace said, resting an elbow on the table and his chin on his knuckle. "Of course you would connect it with your pirate tendencies."

Jonah smiled. "Eh, he. Unfortunately, this is pretty much useless in the test." The bright smile dimmed, replaced by a tired expression as the captain sighed. "You know, I've been setting the bar really low by now. I just want to pass the test."

Jonah reached for the star chart and grabbed his telescope and the list of star names. He walked toward the window and pointed his telescope toward the sky. He could hear the sound of scrapping chair against the carpet, followed by Deuce's voice. "Hey. Want to grab something to eat first? It's nearly dinner time."

Without even looking at them, Jonah answered, "You guys can go ahead without me."

"Jonah, you've been studying the whole day," Ace said. "Time to take a break."

"Let me just finish memorizing this list of star names," Jonah said again, still not looking at them. "I'll catch up with you guys."

He didn't hear a response. After a few moments of silence, he heard the sound of footsteps walking away and the air suddenly got cold. Jonah knew he was alone. He let out a sigh, lowering his telescope and rubbing his eyes. Despite astronomy being the only lesson he like, he couldn't help but feel tired. Maybe he could just sleep for a moment...

Wait. No.

He slapped his cheeks a few times to refresh himself. No. He needs to pass this test. He can't rest now. What kind of captain doesn't set himself as an example for his crew?

Picking up his telescope again, he continued his study in the name of every bright star he could see.

He needs to pass this test. For himself. And for his crew.

He just can't disappoint them.

-----

"Man, he's really studying hard," Ace said, playing with his macaroni on his plate. "You know, compare to us."

Deuce nodded, setting his spoon next to his empty plate. "Yeah, we have advantages with magic but we're not even serious with this."

"Wait. Are you saying we slacked off?" Ace glared at him, in which Deuce answered with a huff.

"I'm saying compare to Jonah, we're taking this lightly," he said, resting his chin on his propped up arm. "But, he's not the only one worried here." He just can't make his mother cry again.

"Damn straight." Ace groaned, running his hand down his hair. "There's a lot to study. We need to cramp-up all those textbooks."

Grim's ears went down, hugging a sandwich in a plastic wrapper for Jonah. "Kinda wish we can find a way to study easier."

"Oh my, what is wrong? You're making such long faces."

A pair of shadows suddenly towered over them. When the three heads looked up to see the culprit, they say the familiar identical face with teal hair and heterochromia eyes. One of them let out his signature goofy smile as he waved his hand at them. "What's wrong, little fishie?"

"Gah!" Grim screamed. "Jonah's co-worker!"

The calmer one chuckled. "It seemed we hadn't properly introduced ourselves despite meeting each other multiple times." He put a hand on his chest and bowed slightly as a formal greeting. "I am Jade Leech, and this is my twin brother, Floyd." Straightening up again, he looked at each one of his juniors. "Now then, let us go back to our main topic. Could it be that what's troubling you is connected to the upcoming final exam?"

Ace frowned. "How do you know?"

"We had some people with the same problem," Jade explained. "All of them are afraid they might fail in the test."

"Well, duh." Ace rolled his eyes. "Nobody wants bad grade, you know?"

"That is very true. May I suggest a solution?"

The three of them shut their mouth. Their eyes focused on Jade who smiled at him. "Why don't you three come with us to Mostro Lounge and we'll bring you to Azul?"

"Jonah's boss?" Grim asked. "The mafia boss?"

Floyd nodded eagerly. "Yup~ Azul can solve any problems. For example..." He smiled, showing his shark-like teeth. "He has some pretty neat notes to study for the exams."

"Notes?" Deuce asked.

"Uh-huh. It's way easier to study if you can guess what type of question will come out, right?" Floyd said. "Azul's notes are really amazing, easy to read, and were made just for guppies like you."

The three juniors exchange glances. "That's sound..." Deuce muttered.

"Actually pretty neat," Ace finished and Deuce nodded at this.

Grim hummed and looked up to the twins again. "How can we know you're not lying?"

Jade chuckled. "Azul is a very compassionate person much like the Sea Witch of the Great Seven. I am sure that he will listen to your worries."

They didn't know why but they felt as if the twins were towering over them even more. They had this dangerous glint in their eyes and their smile were dangerous. Every part of them radiating the aura that rang the alarm bell in their mind. They should've been talking to them. But they had no choice in this short amount of time. They were desperate. Every chance they were given might be a blessing in disguise.

Ace sighed. "Fine. We'll be the judge."

"Wonderful," Jade said as he and Floyd let out a similar chuckle. "Shall we?"