Heartwarming / Twisted Wonderland

Per wiki policy, Spoilers Off applies here and all spoilers are unmarked. You Have Been Warned.

Main Story

• Prologue:
  • Even though they started off on the wrong foot, one option has Yuu feeling a little sorry for Grim when he gets thrown out of NRC after the entrance ceremony fiasco.
  • Yuu, Grim, Ace, and Deuce cementing their newfound friendship once they complete their mission and bring Crowley the magic stone.
• Chapter 1:
  • Ace decking Riddle in the face when The Napoleon starts insulting Yuu for being nothing but an uneducated, magic-less commoner. Becomes even better given this reaction was inspired by Ace's love for his father who is also magic-less, showing that Ace had very much accepted Yuu as his friend.
    • After everything is resolved there appears to be no bad blood between Riddle and Yuu, the former even fixing the latter's messy tie later in Chapter 2.
  • Riddle's flashback, while a Tear Jerker overall, shows that Trey and Che'nya were the first people to make cracks in Riddle's mother's iron grip, convincing Riddle to play with them during his hour of freedom and letting him eat the strawberry tarts that he always wanted. While Riddle's mother does find out and forces them to cut ties, the three do manage to remain friends once they reunite and Trey eventually becomes Riddle's #2.
  • The chapter ends with everyone attending the make up Unbirthday Party and having a good time with each other. Riddle even manages to keep his cool when a few rules get broken.
    • True to his word, Riddle made tarts for everyone without Trey's help... although he took Trey's joke about oyster sauce literally and added it in. Grim, Cater, and Che'nya (who snuck in for a bit) remark that the tarts have a nice if odd taste regardless.
    • Riddle taking a moment to play with the mouse in the teapot.
• Chapter 2:
  • After Grim is bummed out about not being able to join the sports tournament, the Ramshackle ghosts cheer him up with a friendly game of Spelldrive.
  • As inexcusable as an approach it was, Leona came up with his plan to take out strong Spelldrive players because he knows that his sports-based dorm depends on being able to attract the eyes of recruiters if its students want to go anywhere after their school years, something that took a massive hit once Malleus enrolled. Again, if only he had picked a better strategy...
  • After being betrayed by Leona and almost getting murdered by him, Ruggie helps bring him back from his overblot state despite his own injuries. He then uses his Unique Magic, aptly named "Laugh With Me", to make Leona do just that, and seems to have forgiven him after a few playful jabs and guilt tripping in the next chapter. This is in direct contrast to the people in Leona's life until then, who feared and hated him for his powers, whereas Ruggie stuck around and treated him more or less normally even after receiving the blunt of it.
  • While undoubtedly for pragmatic reasons, when the option is put on the table Leona never opts to have either Ruggie or another member of his dorm harm Jack when Jack makes it clear he's going to work against them.
  • Crowley letting Grim and Yuu be the non-official opening game for the Spelldrive tournament, complete with Ace and Deuce being on their team and the Savanaclaw dorm being down to play as their opponents.
  • Leona's nephew Cheka making an appearance after the game and, much to Leona's chagrin, shows how much he adores his uncle despite said uncle getting his butt whooped. Yuu also has the choice to call Cheka an innocent angel in the dialogue.
• Chapter 3:
  • Yuu's determination to break all of Azul's victims free from the contracts that they were swindled into, going as far as to put their claim to Ramshackle Dorm as well as their own freedom on the line for a chance to do so. Even being told that Azul did everything under legal limits and that said victims deserved what they got for being naive enough to make contracts with the sleazy businessman wasn't enough to make Yuu turn away, especially with Ace, Deuce, and Grim being among them.
    • Malleus appearing to Yuu when they believe they are going to lose and talks with them about gargoyles, notably about how there is more to them than what meets the eye. While Malleus actually wasn't being cryptic and just wanted to chat about his favorite subject to someone who would listen, it did get Yuu out of their funk and got the gears turning in their head to plan out Azul's takedown.
    • Speaking of Malleus, when Yuu first calls him by his silly nickname he appears stunned for a second, but then he gives a laugh and happily accepts it as long as it's Yuu using it. He also changed the subject from Yuu potentially losing to Azul to gargoyles because he noticed Yuu looked upset.
  • While in a pretty callous and underhanded way, Leona does help Yuu, Grim, and Jack out by filling them in on how Azul and the twins conduct their "business", motivating the group to not be afraid of fighting dirty since their opponent did so first. Jack even starts to gain respect back for Leona after this.
  • When Azul returns his old picture to the museum he laments on how he couldn't accept his past of being a chubby and helpless octopus while the Sea Witch was able to overcome her tainted past. Yuu responds that Azul, through his hard work, was able to obtain a magnificent power strong enough to put Crowley on edge. Azul does tell Yuu not to praise him like this, as he admits his motivation was merely for revenge, but him smiling while he says this could be interpreted as accepting the sentiment on some level.
• Chapter 4:
  • Despite their complicated relationship and everything that's happened between them so far, Kalim and Jamil occasionally have their moments of this.:
    • In Chapter 4, when Jamil wakes up post-overblot, Kalim completely forgets his declaration to punch him as payback for his betrayal. Instead, he sobs as he thanks Jamil for still being alive.
      Kalim: Jamil... you're alive... I'm so glad you're alive...!
    • At the end of Chapter 4, Jamil's fond smile as he talks about how Kalim hasn't changed at all implies that he might not have entirely hated him. Also counts as a Freeze-Frame Bonus, since if you don't keep your eyes peeled, you wouldn't notice that expression on his face at all.
    • The two of them watching the star shower spectacle together in the Wish Upon A Star event.
      Kalim: This year's star sending is awesome! Don't you think so, too, Jamil?
      Jamil: Yeah. Makes other things seem so trivial.
    • Kalim greeting Jamil "happy birthday" again and again during his birthday celebration on September 12, 2020.
    • Kalim's Fairy Gala SR personal story gives tons of heartwarming tidbits on how he and Jamil's dynamic grew after the Scarabia arc. Baby steps. They'll be alright someday.
    • The finale of Al'ab Nariya of the Scalding Sands. From Kalim giving Jamil the privilege of launching the fireworks to this exchange right at the end...:
      Jamil: That's right... This year's fireworks are special.
      Jamil: ...
      Jamil: ...Kalim.
      Kalim: Hmm?
      Jamil: ...Watching this together isn't so bad after all.
• Chapter 5:
  • Deuce taking notice of Vil's abusive behavior towards Epel and, after failing to get Vil to knock the tactics off and getting his butt whooped when picking a fight, deciding to enter the VDC competition to try and help Epel.
  • Vil's stance that things such as clothing and dancing shouldn't be categorized as "just for men" or "just for women", something that many have resonated with.
  • Epel and Deuce's field trip to the beach after Epel had enough of Vil's treatment of him and Deuce decides to get his hands on a magic wheel so he and Epel can get away for a bit. They then proceed to bond over their grievances against Vil and Ace.
  • Vil, after Epel breaks down and runs away, deciding to use his influencer status to promote the apple juice that Epel's family sells, which causes it to fly off the counter faster than they have ever seen. Bonus in that Vil wasn't doing this solely as a manipulation ploy to get Epel to return, and while he is still strict Vil does ease up a little on the Drill Sergeant Nasty during the rest of the training.
    • Before that, Rook and Kalim have a talk with a frustrated Deuce on how sometimes one's weaknesses can be turned into their strengths. Deuce admits to Epel that while he's not one to think things through he's proud that it helps him run harder towards his goals, and he encourages Epel to find what he doesn't like about himself (namely his cute appearance) and turn it into a positive.
    • Epel and Deuce explaining what they learned during their trip to Vil as well as how Epel learned how powerful one's charm can be after seeing Vil's Magicam post boost his family's sales. Vil is content with them and lets them back into the group...although he does make them do 30 laps around the Pomfiore campus first (although being athletic boys, neither seem to mind).
  • While a Tear Jerker in its own right, but in the flashback of Vil's past, we are shown the image of Vil confiding in his father about how he keeps getting villainous roles. Instead of belittling him, Vil's father cheered him up and supported him. Given how the parents of the other characters who did overblot are either an Abusive Parent, neglectful to their other child due to Parental Favoritism, or have a case of Parents as People, it's refreshing to see that one of them has Good Parents.
  • Another example from Vil's childhood is Jack coming to Vil's rescue when he's about to be attacked by fans of his shows who wanted to beat him up for playing the villain. Vil admits that he could have handled the group by himself, but nonetheless he appreciated Jack's actions and the two remained friends up to the present day.
  • Malleus fixing the VDC stage for Yuu after Vil's overblot-induced rampage as well as allowing Yuu to keep calling him Tsunotaro when Vil reveals his identity.
    • For their part, Yuu doesn't become frightened by or treat Malleus any differently once they find out he's the powerful and dreaded crown prince of the Valley of Thorns. He's still just Tsunotaro to them, something that Malleus appreciates.
    • Yuu deciding to invite Malleus to the VDC once they realize he was the "M.D." who gave them a holiday card to which they never responded back to. One choice has Yuu believing they made Malleus' night by inviting him.
• Chapter 6:
  • Vil apologizes to everyone in his band for the actions he had taken during the VDC competition, to which everyone responds by letting him know that they hold no resentment towards him. To further show atonement Vil decides to pay everyone, out of his own wallet (which would have been 50,000 madols/thaumarks total), the amount that they would have received had they won the competition.
    • Kalim decides to give his share to Yuu so that they can have some finances to continue refurbishing Ramshackle Dormitory. After discussing how much they owe it to Yuu for hosting them as well as for the fun memories they made together, everyone else barring Ace (who simply didn't want to give up his share) and Deuce (who wanted to give his share to his mother) decide to also give their shares to Yuu.
    • Even though they chose not to donate, Ace and Deuce do still promise to get Yuu and Grim some deluxe lunches once they are able to get Grim back.
  • Also during the start of Chapter 6 Vil admits that he regrets saying negative things about Neige and even goes into Neige's backstory of juggling his acting career with the heavy responsibilities of taking care of the dwarves. While the group agrees that the quality of performances should always come before one's backstory, they still commend Neige for his efforts and always doing so with a smile.
  • While on the subject, the group also do not treat Rook with contempt for deciding to vote for RSA instead of NRC. Rook explains that he honestly and unbiasedly found the team dynamics and beauty of Neige's group to be superior to that of Vil's, and the group ultimately agrees with what Rook had to say.
  • Leona making it a point to tell Ruggie not to go against S.T.Y.X. and the Charon op force when surrendering himself to them. He probably viewed going peacefully as the most strategic move, but given his knowledge of the assailants he probably doesn't want Ruggie or his underlings becoming casualties to a doomed cause.
  • Crosses over with Funny, but apparently Leona didn't have any major reservations about an unconscious Riddle using his lap as a pillow during the three-hour "trip" to the Isles of Lamentation.
  • Although he was badly affected by the ambush and wanted to try saving Vil and Jamil then and there, Rook prioritized making sure that the injured students were attended to and brought Kalim back to his senses when he was wracked in shock.
  • After giving them a stern talking to as part of his duties as dorm head, Vil drops the act and, true to his word earlier, gives his dorm mates and Yuu a hug and a kiss each for coming to his rescue. He even refers to Rook as "my hunter" and Epel as "my poison apple".
  • Vil and Rook telling Epel and Yuu the story of how they first met while Rook was still a Savanaclaw student. At first Vil dismissed Rook's initial approaches as just a fan who felt too entitled or just had an empty interest in him, but after Rook shows a genuine interest by giving Vil honest and thorough critiques of his performances as well as showing deep knowledge of media in general the two hit it off. Rook also admits that because of Vil he found his calling to understand beauty to its core, and after going through the tough transfer process along with Vil's teachings Rook learned to improve himself in many ways from when he first entered the school.
  • From frequently arguing with each other to eventually acknowledging the other as a worthy equal, Azul and Riddle's development throughout the final chapters of Chapter 6 is nothing short of heartwarming. The high-five they spontaneously and gleefully shared after defeating an ancient phantom together would bring a smile to any player's face.
  • Just Azul and Riddle talking about their childhood and their dreams for the future. Azul being comfortable enough to share a few of his regrets from the past, and Riddle admitting that he is somewhat doubtful of the path his mother decided for him... Considering who and how these two are, this is a very significant leap.
  • Azul reassuring Riddle that he has the choice to choose what he wants for the future, and that if he desires so, he could just do everything he's ever taken an interest on. Later, he also makes Riddle realize that sacrifices are necessary for dreams to be fulfilled; a prime example being Azul's decision to dwell on land despite the fact that he could very easily just remain in the Coral Sea.
  • While talking about his dreams and aspirations, Azul is eventually overcome by exhaustion and unwittingly falls asleep against Riddle's shoulder. Riddle smiles fondly at this, indicating that he didn't really mind.
  • Prior to that, Azul also spent three hours awake just to watch over Riddle who fell asleep while the Spear was still recharging. He denied that he did so for Riddle's sake, but the Heartslabyul dorm leader was thankful for it nonetheless.
  • Leona giving Jamil some blunt but straightforward advice, forcing him to reflect on himself and grow as his own person. Much of Jamil's outbursts about not having anyone understand his pain echoes Leona's words in Chapter 2, and their similar circumstances only gives Leona's arguments more weight. This is also likely the first time Jamil has encountered an adult who did not expect him to keep his head down and be the "good child", and instead saw him for his true worth and pointed out his flaws to his face.
    • Leona's last words to himself crosses into Tear Jerker as it's implied he took the time to give Jamil some advice because he knew that Jamil could take a different path than himself, the second-born prince with no way to get what he truly wants.
      Leona: Well, take your time and think long and hard on it. [to himself] Because you're not the same as me.
  • After all the turns taken throughout chapter 6, Grim finally gets to reunite with Yuu again and was given the assurance that he'll always have a place in Ramshackle.
  • After he is defeated and wants to join Ortho in the Underworld, Idia has a vision of his brother telling him that he has so much to live for and encouraging Idia to keep living even if it feels impossible to do so.
  • Once everyone lands on Night Raven College grounds, every one of the named cast possible come running to check on and greet back the kidnapped students and in their own ways, show that they are relieved at their return.
  • Kalim glomps Jamil immediately after seeing him, and immediately checks on his injuries and declares that he'll get the best doctors to do his check-up. Jamil sighs at this, but admits later on that he's relieved to see Kalim's face again.
  • After seeing Vil's magic induced Rapid Aging, Malleus offered to restore Vil to pay back for Vil, Rook, Epel, the other overblotted victims and Yuu for stopping Ortho and Idia's Apocalypse How plan. Vil's joy at being able to return to his original appearance and being back at Sage Island together with everyone else encapsulates that their long two days of struggle are finally paid off. They've earned their happy ending, at least for now until the Diasomnia chapter starts.
    • Vil's "Kya!~" after being restored to his original age is absolutely adorable, especially coming from someone who is typically so poised.
  • Mixes with Awesome is the reason for Vil's condition in the first place: Having seen what a small amount of contact did to Riddle, Vil jumped head on into the Underworld in order to recover Idia and Grim. Vil finally got his wish to play the part of the hero as opposed to the villain, though it does get negated some when Vil begins to regret what he did since he didn't think of how losing his youth and good looks would affect his career.
  • The end of Chapter 6 has Idia, Ortho and the VDC participants hanging out at the newly refurbished and repaired Ramshackle lounge gaming together and having fun. It's one of the moments of relief that reminds you that the cast are still teenagers and they deserve to have some time to act their age.
  • In the end, Ortho is granted full student status and allowed to join the first year class. He even is given a new gear uniform for the occasion.
    • Before that, when Idia fixes and reboots Ortho it turns out Ortho cannot receive external input anymore, meaning that Ortho now has his own free will and heart. Idia offers Ortho a chance to be free and no longer have to act as his little brother, but Ortho, who has the memories and feelings of the original, says that the two Orthos are one in the same and that he would have it no other way.
• Chapter 7:
  • While packing for his departure, Lilia gives Silver back the crown ring that was around his neck when Lilia found him as a baby. Lilia then says that Silver has made his parents' wish a reality by growing into a fine young man and has him promise to continue living life as proudly and brightly as possible.
  • When Toddler!Malleus froze the castle during a tantrum, Lilia didn't harshly reprimand him but instead gave him a big bowl of sliced ice and syrup to help calm him down. Lilia then told Malleus that he must remember that he has great power and could hurt many people if he doesn't keep himself in check to which, up to this point, Malleus has taken quite seriously.
  • Seeing everyone (barring Silver and Malleus) at Lilia's farewell party and, in their own way, wishing Lilia nothing but overall praise and well wishes for his future. Even among those like Leona who didn't have the greatest relationship with him, it's clear that Lilia was a very respected member of the NRC student body.
    • Unlike most cases where a student who drops out does so in disgrace, Lilia more than proved himself worthy to be allowed to leave NRC with his head held high.
  • While it goes downhill shortly afterward, Malleus reassuring a crying Silver that Lilia cared for Silver far more than merely as someone who would take care of Lilia when he becomes too weak.
  • We finally see Mr. and Mrs. Shroud in person and in contrary to the initial impression that they seem to be neglectful parents since Idia's flashback of his past shows that the staff of S.T.Y.X. are the ones to take care of him, the first on-screen interaction we see is of Mrs. Shroud worrying for her sons, even the currently Humanoid Ortho whom she and her husband also considered their child. It shows that the Shroud's do love their children, even if they are too busy with work.
    • Mrs. Shroud/Head Engineer in particular, while still worried, believing in both her "mother's" and "engineer's" hunches that her boys are alright and choosing to remain positive as opposed to pessimistic. One can see where Ortho gets his personality from.
    • Before heading off on his mission Ortho begins to feel like he's not truly part of the family given that he's a humanoid, but the Shrouds swiftly put a kabob on that assumption and assure Ortho that he is indeed their child and, after hugging him, make him promise to stay safe and return alive along with Idia.
  • Malleus's spell somehow places Yuu and Grim in Mickey's dream room. Yuu and Mickey finally meet in person after all that time communicating through the mirror, and they happily high five.
  • In a somber variant, once he is "awakened" from the spell Sebek realizes that Malleus has gone way off the grid and, as opposed to serving his liege blindly, helps Silver in trying to fight off the darkness.
  • Also a somber example that crosses as Tear Jerker is Silver, acknowledging that he very much would have preferred the happy scenario Malleus conjured where Lilia never had to leave, opting to respect and carry through with Lilia's true wishes even if it means Silver will be in pain over them.
  • Sebek and Silver cooking meat and cheese risotto for Lilia and the Briar Valley troops.
    • Baul initially refuses to eat a meal cooked by humans no matter how delicious Lilia says it is, but his growling stomach and seeing Grim eat what would have been his dish causes him to not just backtrack but down three whole servings.
  • After explaining the mission to deliver the Princess's letter Lilia warns the group again that they'll be risking their lives should they remain with him and the troop. They respond that not only has Lilia strengthened their resolve but also how NRC's diverse group of strong-willed personalities have also sharpened them and further encourage Lilia to enroll should he get another letter.
    • Lilia offers the group multiple chances to leave if they do not wish to continue the dangerous journey, showing that despite being humans (half in Sebek's case) he has enough trust in them that they are not threats. They refuse at every turn, though.
  • Lilia referring to Princess Mellenoar and Duke Leverne as lovebirds, hinting that Malleus's parents were probably Happily Married before their demises. And, despite painting her as a "wicked princess", Lilia admits that the only reason Mellenoar isn't on the warpath herself is because she's attending to her egg which needs love and nurture in order to hatch.
  • While he makes it clear to her that he answers only to the royals and will not act on an injured peasant's behalf, Lilia sympathizing with a fae woman whose fields were destroyed by the Silver Owls and promises that he'll show no mercy for what they've done. She gives him some berries as thanks.
  • When Sebek despairs on whether he should remain in the dream or not, Silver tells him that guardsmen should never blindly obey their lieges and instead must be willing to speak up if it's in their liege's best interest. This gives Sebek the boost he needs to get out of his funk as well as a renewed sense of working to achieve his goal of becoming a worthy guardsman.
  • A small one, but after coming to his senses Sebek referring to Grim by his name instead of just "monster" or "beast".
  • Yuu promising Silver that if he ever goes back on their plan they will stop him, one option even saying they'll punch him if they have to.
  • Lilia admitting to Baul that he's seen Baul sneakily watching over Sebek and the others, although Baul plays it off as only doing so for surveillance. Lilia also notes how similar Baul's and Sebek's fighting styles are.
  • Lilia being compelled to take a dangerous hit to protect Silver while they are in the Silver Owl's fortress. Even if Lilia doesn't remember their relation, Silver is his boy and no one will hurt him on Lilia's watch.
• While sad, Mellenoar's decision to fight till the end even if she dies, to protect Malleus, shows how much of a good and loving mother she had been to her son.
• We later see how Lilia eventually found and adopted Silver. Lilia had all the opportunity to kill a defenseless baby easily in vengeance, but he ended up deciding not to do so because it not only has been years since the Dawn Knight and what is left of the Silver Owls are gone, it would make Lilia a hypocrite to Malleus after all that he told the boy of what his father said. Lilia then gave the baby Silver a blessing that changed his blonde hair to the silver hair that we know Silver had, protecting the baby from further scrutiny and adopt him right on the spot.
  • Additionally, a vision seen through Lilia's Unique Magic reveals that the fairies who enchanted Silver to stasis in order to protect and keep him alive has the fairies state that Silver will awaken should one person who would truly love the baby with all their heart appear to him. Lilia had been the one to hear baby Silver cry and eventually decided to adopt him, so the fairies who enchanted Silver had been right, in a way.
  • Earlier before this, Lilia tells Mellenoar that he doesn't know love and is incapable of love, and yet, he chose to raise the child of his former enemy, for a child is innocent of the sins of their parent, and he was eventually able to hatch Malleus' egg down the line and raised him well. For as much as Lilia claims otherwise, he is capable of loving someone else and had raised both Malleus and Silver as his children.
• During the flashback of when Baby!Silver was found and adopted, Lilia and Malleus singing him the lullaby that Melleanor used to sing to Egg!Malleus.
• Baby! Silver's first words spoken to Lilia is to call him "Dada"^ExplanationA young Silver refers to Lilia as とと(Toto), which can be interpreted as baby speak to "dad" in Japanese..
• We later learn that the rotted acorn bracelet that was found early in the chapter in Lilia's dorm room was Silver's gift to Lilia when he was younger, a young Silver gifted that to Lilia in hopes that Lilia will live a long life. While Silver's response is a tearjerker in itself, the fact that Lilia kept it all these years show that Lilia does cherish it and truly loved Silver as his son.
• After Silver finally gets over his own despair of his origins, the ring with him glows and the group is brought to the boundary between dreams where a silhouette of the Dawn Knight appeared and smiled at his son before he leaves. Even after his death, the Dawn Knight still protects his son from afar and will always be with him.
• One flash of the memories that Silver, Sebek, Yuu and Grim see of Lilia's travels is his visit to what was implied to be the village that would become Harveston village, Epel's hometown, where an elderly couple gave Lilia shelter from the snow storm and also treated Lilia with respect. After seeing how Lilia was faced with discrimination in his travels before, it's a sweet memory and the experience convinced Lilia that humans are ever changing.
  Lilia: You're not afraid, of me?
  Elderly lady: Why? You haven't done anything to make us fear you.
• The moment Malleus finally hatched out of his egg and Lilia's emotional reaction to the moment. Despite Lilia himself believing otherwise, Meleanor was right that Lilia was capable of being able to hatch Malleus and love him. Even though Malleus was forcefully taken away after that, it was the happiest moment of Lilia's life and the reason his dreams remains unchanged is because he feels that he won't trade it for anything else.

Personal Stories

• Malleus's Birthday Suit card has a lot of these:
  • Unlike the other Birthday Suit card stories where Yuu simply wishes them a happy birthday before starting the interview, they add that Malleus looks good in his suit. Malleus replies that while black is the standard colour of the Valley of Thorns royalty, he doesn't mind wearing white once in a while.
  • Despite being very busy as the current Queen of Briar Valley, Malleus's grandmother still finds some time to write him a birthday card. She even attaches a packet of rose seeds to it. Malleus then tells Yuu that he would love to show them his rose garden.
  • Since popsicles are rare in Briar Valley, Malleus decided that after he graduates, he'll bring his collection with him back home.
  • When Yuu tells Malleus that whole cakes are not meant to be eaten by themselves, Malleus replies that he's aware of that fact, but if other people like Yuu were around, perhaps his opinion of whole cakes will change...
  • Related to suggesting eating cake together, it can be interpreted that Yuu decided to stay at Malleus' birthday party a bit longer as opposed to leaving right after giving their interview.
  • The "groovy" picture for this card is Malleus looking down at something with a warm expression from his balcony, one interpretation being that it is Yuu.
  • In one of his voice lines it appears Yuu asks Malleus what he would like as a birthday present, to which he responds with asking Yuu to join his gargoyle club. Too bad these lines don't affect the main story.
  • Malleus' second birthday card ends with him assuring Riddle that he's looking forward to the "good fortune" present (a cream pie to the face) since things like that just doesn't happen in Briar Valley. The groovy picture even has him laughing and enjoying the experience. Riddle also got Malleus an ornate ice cream bowl and spoon set.
• Azul's Birthday Suit Card provides a look to his family's life. He grew up with a Good Stepfather and loving mother, and with the indication that the staff at his mother's restaurant always celebrate Azul's birthday together every year, it's safe to say that despite his horrible school life, he grew up in a loving household.
• In Riddle's birthday story he says that throughout his life he has only ever imagined himself becoming a doctor due to his parents' influence, but after spending some time away from them at Night Raven he's starting to consider pursuing the path of a lawyer. Some implications of how Riddle would go about being a lawyer aside, it's nice to see the boy slowly taking more control of his life instead of being completely molded into his parents' image.
• Minor, but one of Epel's personal stories has him being commended by Sebek for his skills in apple carving, not to mention he took up the hobby because he didn't want to waste perfectly good apples that became blemished.
• Kalim inviting Riddle to his welcoming banquet when they bump into each other at the shop. Riddle at first refuses and even ponders to himself why someone like Kalim became dorm head, but once Kalim offers to take him for a ride on the Magic Carpet he changes his mind. Riddle also notes that, for all of Kalim's faults, his relentless positivity might be an attribute that can make him a good dorm leader.
• Deuce fixing Malleus' Gao-Gao Dragon-kun in the latter's lab coat story as well as Malleus showing genuine gratitude by gifting Deuce with a big chunk of an extremely rare ore from Briar Valley.
• Riddle feeling guilty for Trey catching a cold while running errands and cooking some soup to help him feel better. Granted, Riddle winds up getting a soup recipe from Lilia, but Trey appreciates the gesture.
• Mixes with Funny, Jamil teaching Floyd to properly spin on his head during their basketball practice, albeit only because Floyd refused to focus on said practice.
• In the original Japanese translation one of Vil's stories has Cater, after failing to convince Vil to take a picture with him for free, admit that he'd date Vil since Vil's so pretty. For his part Vil doesn't chastise Cater for (possibly) being willing to date another boy or himself, just that dating someone like Vil would be expensive and way out of Cater's league.
• Ace preventing Riddle from getting hit by a stray Spelldrive disc in his PE story. While Riddle admits he could have handled it himself, he does compliment Ace on his sharp reflexes.
• Trey using his broom riding skills to rescue Kalim when he loses control of the magic carpet and plummets from a high altitude. Unfortunately for Trey, Vargas takes note of this and decides to begin training Trey personally, something that Trey was trying to avoid.
• In one of his voiced lines for his Bloom Birthday card, Jamil says that Kalim went out of his way to get a professional curry chef to cook for Jamil's birthday. Curry might be Kalim's Trauma Button thanks to what happened to Jamil, but if it's Jamil's favorite food, he's willing to look past it.
• Malleus's Masquerade SSR revolves around him wanting to give Noble Bell College a gift for inviting him, settling on performing a local song ("Make a Wish") after Azul suggests the idea. He then makes extensive effort to make sure the performance is flawless (drilling Azul and Idia as well as practicing an additional four hours a day), and the hard work more than pays off.
  • Riddle and Deuce congratulate Malleus on the performance and they talk more in depth on the meaning of the song. Malleus admits that he deeply resonated with the lyrics of finding new connections, working to make one's dreams come true, and finding a brighter future.
  • Yuu also congratulates Malleus with one option having them say they were also quite moved by the performance. The story then ends with Malleus asking Yuu for a dance and looking forward to a night of mingling with others.
    • Deuce asks to also have a dance with Yuu after they dance with Malleus. He certainly deserves it, being one of their closest friends from the start.
• Epel's Masquerade SR features him finding an apple vendor who is a resident of his hometown and, along with Malleus who happened to be in the area, helping the vendor transport the apples as well as with some of the baking.

Events

• The "Wish Upon a Star" event has several instances, with various characters making surprisingly selfless wishes:
  • Riddle wishes for Heartslabyul to have the highest average during the periodic tests. He then adds that he will make it come true via tutoring the academically-weaker members until they're able to pass a mock test he will specially prepare for them. Potential Drill Sergeant Nasty aside, Riddle does have well-meaning intentions for his dorm.
  • Lilia wishes for humans and fairies to co-exist peacefully with each other, due to having seen so many conflicts between the two races due to misunderstandings.
  • Malleus wishes for his Gao Gao Dragon-kun to have friends. Upon hearing that, Idia and Ortho proceed to search for second-hand Gao Gao Dragon-kun devices and order one on the internet for him to make use of the friendship communication function on his own device.
  • Silver wishes for his father to live a long life. Considering that he's talking about Lilia...
  • Jade has difficulty in thinking of a wish, so he uses his wishing star to wish for Azul and Floyd's wishes to come true.
  • Wishes aside, Idia not only willingly came out of his room to help with the Star Sending, he even made a new gear for Ortho so that Ortho could go to space to complete the ceremony when the weather turned bad.
  • Also wishes aside, Deuce getting a call from his mother at the end of the event telling him how proud she is of her son.
• Scary Monsters:
  • Despite Vil’s constant domination and abuse of him, Epel still lead the charge of protecting Vil from obnoxious visitors that wanted to take photos of him without his consent in the Halloween event "Scary Monsters".
  • The fact that the Ramshackle ghosts helped Yuu and Grim out by making their costumes (A wizard costume for Grim and a bedsheet/curtain ghost for Yuu) and taking a picture together to commemorate Halloween. Sure they started out as a nuisance during the prologue of the Main Story, but as time goes by, it shows that they start to care about the pair like a parent would. They want Yuu and Grim to simply have fun and enjoy Halloween with the rest of their friends.
  • Related to the above, the reason they even know that Yuu and Grim didn't have costumes in the first place is because Ace and Deuce told them. Ace claims that he and Deuce were making fun of Yuu and Grim for not having costumes near the Ramshackle dorm and the ghosts just happened to overhear them, but this deliberately contradicts the ghosts recounting of how they'd heard it from them, and considering Ace's track record of not being honest with his feelings, it's likely the ghosts were telling the truth and Ace simply didn't want to take credit. Either way, it's fairly heartwarming that the two cared enough to inform them.
  • The reason that Malleus decides to have Ramshackle Dorm be Diasomnia's stamp rally point? He too wanted Yuu to have a fun Halloween at Night Raven and even feels remorseful when the Magicam Monsters trespass and make a ruckus at the dorm. He even asks Yuu after the main event if they had a good time in which they respond that they did (one option being that it was thanks to Malleus).
  • A relatively small one, but Jade and Floyd, two characters that have a reputation for being dangerous and violent, being gentle with the children who needed assistance in their respective areas was also a sweet sight.
• Al'Ab Nariya of the Scalding Sands:
  • Jamil being revealed as a doting and overprotective brother to Najma.
  • Despite it being extra work and stress on Jamil, it was still sweet of Kalim to offer Yuu and Grim (and later Cater, Trey, and Malleus) a chance to go to the Land of Scalding Sands to watch the fireworks and learn about the country in general. And Kalim wasted no effort to pull all the stops and more to ensure the group got a trip that they will never forget, and as a result everyone immensely enjoyed the outing to the point of wanting to do the whole thing again next year (much to Jamil's displeasure).
    • Kalim originally intended to ask Lilia since he's part of their light music club, but Lilia faked being sick so Malleus could have the opportunity to go out into the world.
    • In general, everybody takes genuine interest in learning about the history and culture surrounding the Land of Scalding Sands, Malleus in particular being quite impressed and wanting to continue learning more about it.
  • When the fireworks expert offered Jamil to be the one setting off the show as thanks for retrieving the stolen USB he instantly refuses, saying that since he's a servant it should be Kalim who does so. Kalim has none of it, saying that he knows of no one else more fit for the role and everyone else agrees. Jamil's genuine happiness at this is the cherry on top, especially after he spent most of the event working harder than usual and getting humiliated a few times.
• Endless Halloween Night:
  • Many of the remaining students become genuinely worried when it turns out Yuu and Grim are among those that were kidnapped by the ghosts.
  • Riddle went into another High-Pressure Emotion moment both because of the ghosts daring to challenge them and for going as far as to kidnapping Yuu of all people. A far cry from how Riddle treated and insulted Yuu back in Chapter 1.
  • While still a very questionable move, it appears part of the reason Crowley placed Yuu into Ramshackle Dorm was that the abandoned building would make it look like no one lived there and would lower the risk of Yuu being kidnapped. He even laments that Diasomnia making Ramshackle their stamp point might have broken that image and therefore compromised Yuu and Grim enough that they were kidnapped to the ghost realm.
  • The final chapter reveals that Malleus masterminded the whole event for the sake of the ghosts who missed Night Raven College's Halloween Party, with Lilia, Grim, Yuu and the Ramshackle ghosts helping and playing along.
    • While everyone else had qualms about the way they plan it, making the event looking far more serious than it looks in context, they all eventually agreed to help give the ghosts an unforgettable Halloween party and enjoyed themselves by the end.
• Glorious Masquerade:
  • Professor Trein reminiscing about his wife during the trip to the City of Flowers and mentioning that when they finally reunite he'll tell her how he finally got to see the Bell of Salvation.
    • In general, the event delves into some details of Trein's relationship with his wife and how they were Happily Married. In stark contrast to Lady Tremaine, whom Trein is twisted from, Trein had a happy married life, as evidenced in how fond he spoke of his wife and had a loving relationship with his daughters.
  • Another for Trein for acting rather dotingly towards Yuu and Grim when they are put in his care.
  • During his portion of the research trip Azul buys souvenirs for his dorm members, charmed necklaces for the twins, and notebooks for Deuce and Epel. Azul may still be greedy and shady to the point it's rarely failed to be mentioned, but he knows when to show gratitude.
  • Overall seeing the students having a good time exploring the City of Flowers and learning more about the place.
  • The rhythmic during "Glorious Masquerade" features the participating students dancing with each other during the City of Flowers' festival. Grim twirling around while gleefully watching the students then dancing a bit with Malleus is also quite adorable.
  • Grim, in his excitement, using his magic to set off fireworks during the Topsey Turvey Festival which leads to a chain reaction of everyone joining in on the fun. Grim also makes a special golden firework for Yuu after Rollo disregards them for their opinion on being around magic.
    • Yuu's response that made Rollo turn on them counts too. Despite all of the Dysfunction Junction going on and the nightmarish scenarios they faced because of it, Yuu doesn't knock magic or magicians down and says they either don't mind it or that magic makes things fun.
  • Sebek and Silver coming through as guardsmen when they save Malleus from nearly passing out (or possibly even dying) when he is ensnared by the crimson flowers.
  • Che'nya and Neige putting themselves in the line of fire to protect Riddle, Rook, and everyone else from the crimson flowers.
  • When everyone in NRC fell down due to a trap door that Rollo activated, Trein used his magic to cushion all their falls even at risk of attracting the parasitic crimson flowers. As stern and serious as he maybe, Trein shows great care for the students under his tutelage.
  • Malleus calling out to Yuu when they all fall and being the one to protect them from impact.
  • The gargoyle standing by the Bell of Salvation turning out to be sentient and making quick friends with Malleus.
  • Said gargoyle reminiscing how no matter if it was good weather or bad Rollo would dutifully take care of him as well as the bell tower. Touch of Tear Jerker since the gargoyle admits this made Rollo's plan all the more of a curveball to him as well the task merely being a requirement for Rollo.
  • Everyone (aside from Rollo) enjoying the ball as well as Malleus's, Azul's, and Idia's performance of "Make a Wish".
• Lost in the Book with Stitch:
  • The event has the featured cast bonding with Stitch, it starts out awkward but eventually, they grew to adapt and grew attached to Stitch. Just like Lilo did.
  • After having their fun with surfing, the first years plus Stitch still stuck around to play in the water. Having fun and just being teenagers.
  • When Lilia and Floyd offered for Stitch to come along with them to Night Raven College, Stitch's ears drooped and mentions "Ohana", and it's why he can't go with them yet. Stitch still remembers and cares about Lilo and the ones who are waiting for him, and doesn't forget them. ʻOhana means family, and family means that nobody gets left behind, or forgotten.
  • When the time comes for everyone to eventually go separate ways in the end, Stitch gives everyone a hug and tells them that he loves them all. Stitch has come to consider them as part of his "Ohana".
  • The event ends with everyone thinking about going to the beach and feeling like something is missing, having grown fond of Stitch and subconsciously still remember him.

Comic

Other

• The commercial for Twisted Wonderland's second anniversary can be interpreted as Yuu going around the campus taking pictures of the various students and putting the photos up on their wall. Mixes as Funny as some students look annoyed (Vil and Leona), shocked (Ace and Deuce), or disinterested (Idia), but the majority of them are fine with taking a picture and smile for the camera.
  • The last picture is of Malleus who turns to the camera looking happier than ever, topped off with fireworks going off.
• Speaking of anniversaries, each one so far has featured an event where a group of students go to Ramshackle to help Yuu and Grim celebrate by throwing a party.
• The third anniversary commercial has a few moments:
  • Grim excitedly sending out the invitations to the party, at one point looking proud of himself.
  • Leona showing up to Ramshackle and actually looking happy to be there.
  • Vil fixing Grim's robe in a stern yet gentle manner.
  • Grim's adorable smile when Malleus and Lilia arrive, along with (presumably) Malleus booping Grim's head with the invitation he got.
  • Ace and Deuce showing up at the end and Grim happily jumping towards them, as well as the group picture of them.
• Small and expected for his character, Kalim being one of the only characters to ask if his opponent is ok after winning a battle as opposed to merely gloating.
  • Malleus's battle won line has him request that he be invited back on a team again.

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