Mana Academy (IC) (Open, Fantasy)

[Charlia]

They were back at the hotel at last, Himiko rather exhausted(although she was hiding it) and Momoko still just as cheerful as ever. She'd bought something, but she'd hidden it in a bag and Himiko had absolutely no idea what it was.

"...That was fun, wasn't it?" she asked Momoko, her tone light even though her heart was heavy. "I wish we could do some more stuff together, but I have some other things that need doing. I guess I'll see you later?"

Momoko nodded, holding a bag with something in it. The black bag was large, and it indicated something expensive, but she had only shown Himiko the price tag. She would have to show her later. Something about the trip made Momoko feel playful and a little mischievous, and she was excited about what she had bought. Today thus far had been a great day, even though she had nearly died a couple of hours ago. Life was good...for now...somehow.

"Then... I'll see you around, Momoko-chan," Himiko said with a smile(forced, but not obviously so), and then turned, walking away and up a nearby flight of stairs, preferring that to an elevator.

She doesn't love you.

Himiko's steps were heavy as she walked the halls of the hotel. She couldn't return to the room she shared with Momoko, not after what had just happened. But she wanted to curl up in bed and cry the way she used to when she was still living with her father, the way she would after he finished yelling at her and telling her how worthless she was.

You're not good enough for someone like her.

She knew that was true, now.

You're too damaged for someone like her.

She approached a door at the end of the hallway and reached out, touching the lock and creating a key of ice, one shaped to fit with the contours of the tumblers and open the door for her. Once inside, she walked over to a full-length mirror and looked in. The shell looked back.

You poured out your soul for her, and she doesn't love you.

She wore the same black headband and purple, black, and white costume, she stood about the same height--except the girl in the mirror was drooping slightly, like a girl who had just finished carrying blocks of concrete on her back. Her hair was still long, thick, and black, but looked less sleek than it should. Her eyes were still that same misty purple, but they were lifeless. She found no pleasure in seeing her own reflection. Why were mirrors so constantly truthful?

You would do anything for her, and she doesn't love you.

She reached into a hidden pocket in her skirt and pulled out a photo of her and Momoko, two happy people, looking like they should have looked. She brushed the surface of the picture as if uncertain of its reality.

You would die for her, and she doesn't love you.

It was real. She put the picture back in her pocket. She was sick of reality.

She will never love you.

And it's your fault.

With that thought, she collapsed onto one of the beds, unleashed the emotions she'd been hiding for Momoko's sake, and began to scream, using the pillow and the blankets to muffle her cries, violent, pitiful, originating from a place in her soul that she had not known she had, a place she wished she had never known she had, as if insanity had knocked on the door of her mind and then simply broken it down. When she could no longer scream, she just buried her face in the pillow. Like light through the window of the room, silence streamed in as she closed her eyes, feeling tears trickling under the lids and wishing for a sleep that would take her to dreams of a happy life, one where Momoko loved her and everything was bright and beautiful... wishing for a slumber so deep that she would never wake from her dreams again.

[Finsternia]

Annice Null


Annice felt something touching her, but couldn't place it, it was like she was being held everywhere at once, but at the same time that there was no one there. Everything was so strange, her mind didn't have the vocabulary to describe what she was feeling. She just curled up tighter at the touch, mumbling random assortments of words from the languages she knew, they all swirled together with out meaning in her head.

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor hugged her closer, comforting Annice as much as possible. "Shhh... There, there. You'll be fine..." Her wounds are now fully encased by healing ice, glowing with whitish gold light. Allistor looked around the room and found nothing, not even a single trace of magic inside except for his own. Her wounds would slowly knit on itself, flesh, blood, and skin magically restoring to normal. He then ran his hand through her hair, hugging her closer to his chest, whispering encouragements to her ear. He then wiped off her tears, long fingers brushing against her cheeks. "You'll be fine I promise."

[Saldinado]

As they stood on the sidewalk, and Shaun spoke to Soleil, the boy listened intently, taking in every word. So he had to make it natural, and he did not have to be all big and showy. He just had to be himself. Be calm, talk, and then ask her out. He liked this idea. He was not sure what "you know what to do" meant, but he understood the rest. With this, he smiled at Shaun. "...Yes...Th-Thank you, Shaun...Y-You...y-you are a wonderful friend...I-I'm so happy to have met you..." he answered, gratefully. His face was now a comfortable pinkish color again, as he relaxed again. Hearing Shaun mention maybe going back and resting, though, Soleil looked up at the clear blue sky, and he himself yawned. "...B-But...perhaps you are right...m-maybe we do need to go back and rest..." With that, he smiled and walked with Shaun back to the hotel. He was just happy to be with him, to be walking with him, even if they did not get to travel around the city and see everything.

Shaun

And just as his face was calming down to its normal state, Soleil seemed to have made it flare up once again when he said that he was happy to have met him. He weakly laughed as he patted his head and shyly smiled. "Oh? W-well thank you; I'm happy to help you and be here for you." And with that, they went back to the hotel, cutting their journey to an early halt for today. All the way there, Shaun keeping quite as he has really lost his energy to talk anymore and was in need to recharge. As he was walking, thinking about where to start, he looked down at his arm where there was still a large scar there from when Virgo attacked him.

It seemed to be better than before, albeit it was still quite bad enough for it to be a conversation starter and a rather eye-turner. He quietly sighed as he looked at it as he knew that it will take quite a long time for this heal to wound. In both his arm and his trust as he had trusted him, treat him as a friend one moment, only to pray over his macabre, dead body the next. Thinking about it, he clenched his arm tightly and closed his eyes, trying to forget about it. But he knew that this was something that he will not be forgetting this no time soon.

---

Soon they reached the hotel once again. Walking from the more quieter area of the sidewalk around the premise, they entered through the hotel garden courtyard. The autumn leaves greeting them as their footsteps echoed through the air, along with the sound of distant cars passing by and honking, the small flowing water of the fountain that stood in the middle of the courtyard as a centerpiece to tie it all together. Stopping in front of it, Shaun looked at Soleil as his eyes were filled with tiredness. Shyly smiling at him, he held out his hand, revealing the sleeping fawn in his hand.

"Well, we're here. I-I had a great time with you. I really needed this." His face then grew slightly red as he heard the words that he was saying. This was something that someone that was taken out on a date would say. he adverted his eyes away from Soleil, trying to think of what to say now as he didn't know what to say now. "Now what are you going to do now? Are you gonna come with me? Go and practice on your asking-out skills? On the tournament some more?" He said weakly as he yawned covered his mouth. "Excuse me." He weakly smiled.

[Rhomaia]

Rabbit saw the door open, and he walked in, calmly. "...I meant to inform you that there is a situation which we may need to keep an eye on...one of the Russian students was apparently working on a poison to knock his opponents unconscious. Anatoly. Henry brought this to my attention, and I merely wanted to explain that we may have to keep a close eye on him in the near-future. In the meantime, I have informed Madame Bourbon, and she has agreed to meet with the boy. I hope you do not mind me bringing this to your attention, in case your help is needed...Are you alright?" He interrupted his report as he realized Ruta seemed to be in quite a lot of pain, more physical pain than usual. This was added onto the pain he saw in his eyes from much earlier. "...Antonius...something is deeply wrong with you, and I cannot tell what it is...Do you need any medical assistance?" he inquired, concerned.

Antonius Ruta

Slowly the Jaegar drew his hand away from his pale face, those icy blue eyes glinting a little as they were once again exposed to the harsh morning light. His face was tired, wrinkled, and grimacing as it always was, the battle scars upon it clear to see as daylight illuminated all that was around him, from the white carpet to the marble walls to the bloodred curtain behind him. Ruta certainly looked pained, though the expression he showed merely gave him a quiet kind of anger.

"...So it would seem the French are not the only Academy that holds dishonorable persons within it's ranks..." Ruta muttered quietly, letting a discontented sigh pass from him as he shook his head. He didn't look at the Rabbit after being asked whether or not he needed medical attention, as if the question was some unimportant passing remark. It was only a few moments after the Rabbit's inquiry that he responded, covering his face once again with a black gloved hand.

"...There is nothing wrong with me, Rabbit...I am merely tired...If you've nothing else to say, then I would suggest that you leave." he lied to the masked professor, not even looking at him as the words came out. The cold air that seemed to blanket the area surrounding him during the night of the dance could be felt once again within the confines of the room, lowering the temperature of the room by about 10 or so degrees, a sign that all was truly not well with the old hunter.

[Luminesa]

Rabbit saw the door open, and he walked in, calmly. "...I meant to inform you that there is a situation which we may need to keep an eye on...one of the Russian students was apparently working on a poison to knock his opponents unconscious. Anatoly. Henry brought this to my attention, and I merely wanted to explain that we may have to keep a close eye on him in the near-future. In the meantime, I have informed Madame Bourbon, and she has agreed to meet with the boy. I hope you do not mind me bringing this to your attention, in case your help is needed...Are you alright?" He interrupted his report as he realized Ruta seemed to be in quite a lot of pain, more physical pain than usual. This was added onto the pain he saw in his eyes from much earlier. "...Antonius...something is deeply wrong with you, and I cannot tell what it is...Do you need any medical assistance?" he inquired, concerned.

Antonius Ruta

Slowly the Jaegar drew his hand away from his pale face, those icy blue eyes glinting a little as they were once again exposed to the harsh morning light. His face was tired, wrinkled, and grimacing as it always was, the battle scars upon it clear to see as daylight illuminated all that was around him, from the white carpet to the marble walls to the bloodred curtain behind him. Ruta certainly looked pained, though the expression he showed merely gave him a quiet kind of anger.

"...So it would seem the French are not the only Academy that holds dishonorable persons within it's ranks..." Ruta muttered quietly, letting a discontented sigh pass from him as he shook his head. He didn't look at the Rabbit after being asked whether or not he needed medical attention, as if the question was some unimportant passing remark. It was only a few moments after the Rabbit's inquiry that he responded, covering his face once again with a black gloved hand.

"...There is nothing wrong with me, Rabbit...I am merely tired...If you've nothing else to say, then I would suggest that you leave." he lied to the masked professor, not even looking at him as the words came out. The cold air that seemed to blanket the area surrounding him during the night of the dance could be felt once again within the confines of the room, lowering the temperature of the room by about 10 or so degrees, a sign that all was truly not well with the old hunter.

Another clear lie. Rabbit did not even need to ask. He felt the temperature drop. Deep turmoil stirred inside of Ruta, as usual, though right now it was making him more stressed and worried than usual. He almost seemed as though he was losing control of his powers. Slowly approaching Ruta, Rabbit gently put a hand on the Headmaster's arm. "...It got colder in here as you said that...all is not well, is it?" he asked, kindly. "...Something is obviously hurting you...please...let me help you...You do not have to bear all of your pain on your own..." he whispered. He knew Ruta would probably shove him away, but he at least wanted to try. Ruta pushed him away every time he tried to help him, and yet there was an awful pain inside of him that stirred and fermented the more he hid it away.

[Luminesa]

As they stood on the sidewalk, and Shaun spoke to Soleil, the boy listened intently, taking in every word. So he had to make it natural, and he did not have to be all big and showy. He just had to be himself. Be calm, talk, and then ask her out. He liked this idea. He was not sure what "you know what to do" meant, but he understood the rest. With this, he smiled at Shaun. "...Yes...Th-Thank you, Shaun...Y-You...y-you are a wonderful friend...I-I'm so happy to have met you..." he answered, gratefully. His face was now a comfortable pinkish color again, as he relaxed again. Hearing Shaun mention maybe going back and resting, though, Soleil looked up at the clear blue sky, and he himself yawned. "...B-But...perhaps you are right...m-maybe we do need to go back and rest..." With that, he smiled and walked with Shaun back to the hotel. He was just happy to be with him, to be walking with him, even if they did not get to travel around the city and see everything.

Shaun

And just as his face was calming down to its normal state, Soleil seemed to have made it flare up once again when he said that he was happy to have met him. He weakly laughed as he patted his head and shyly smiled. "Oh? W-well thank you; I'm happy to help you and be here for you." And with that, they went back to the hotel, cutting their journey to an early halt for today. All the way there, Shaun keeping quite as he has really lost his energy to talk anymore and was in need to recharge. As he was walking, thinking about where to start, he looked down at his arm where there was still a large scar there from when Virgo attacked him.

It seemed to be better than before, albeit it was still quite bad enough for it to be a conversation starter and a rather eye-turner. He quietly sighed as he looked at it as he knew that it will take quite a long time for this heal to wound. In both his arm and his trust as he had trusted him, treat him as a friend one moment, only to pray over his macabre, dead body the next. Thinking about it, he clenched his arm tightly and closed his eyes, trying to forget about it. But he knew that this was something that he will not be forgetting this no time soon.

---

Soon they reached the hotel once again. Walking from the more quieter area of the sidewalk around the premise, they entered through the hotel garden courtyard. The autumn leaves greeting them as their footsteps echoed through the air, along with the sound of distant cars passing by and honking, the small flowing water of the fountain that stood in the middle of the courtyard as a centerpiece to tie it all together. Stopping in front of it, Shaun looked at Soleil as his eyes were filled with tiredness. Shyly smiling at him, he held out his hand, revealing the sleeping fawn in his hand.

"Well, we're here. I-I had a great time with you. I really needed this." His face then grew slightly red as he heard the words that he was saying. This was something that someone that was taken out on a date would say. he adverted his eyes away from Soleil, trying to think of what to say now as he didn't know what to say now. "Now what are you going to do now? Are you gonna come with me? Go and practice on your asking-out skills? On the tournament some more?" He said weakly as he yawned covered his mouth. "Excuse me." He weakly smiled.

The fawn slowly disappeared, as Soleil released the magic, to refresh his Mana reserves. He then walked up to Shaun and simply hugged him. For almost a whole minute, he did not say a word, he merely clung to him and did not let him go. He closed his eyes and simply focused on the moment, as pure and calm as it was. The sun was shining warmly over them, the afternoon was filled with a chilly breeze, but not too chilly, and everything was silent between them. Soleil felt happy, like he had found himself a best friend, and he did not want to let his best friend go, out of fear that he might lose him again, when he let go.

[Chrome Legion]

Hailey Winters


Hailey was heading back to her room after having watched the first round, she was impressed by all the magical talent that had been displayed. It was also nice to see that her school had done so well, when it seemed like everyone else wanted to take them down. But, she hadn't just been watching the fights, she had been listening, picking up all of the gossip from other students, from Henry and Rabbit, to Amelie and another Itallian discussing why Saturinus hadn't used any magic. She might not be that strong, but she was good at not being nocticed with all the other action going on, and her magic let her overhear much that she wasn't supposed to. For now though, she wanted to ignore all the intrigue and scheming. Hailey just wanted to spend some time with Kate, so she had gone out and got a movie, Airplane, her personal favorite, and some lunch sandwiches for them both. Just as she was turning to corner to the hall for their she ran into who she was looking for.

"Hey there Red, I got us lunch and a movie, I thought I would be back before you woke up or I would have told you where I was going. I though we could just chill out, enjoy lunch in bed with a movie? It's my favorite, Airplane, I guess it might be a bit silly for your tastes, but it's a good movie. I think it's just the right kind of silly help cheer you up a bit."

[Saldinado]

The fawn slowly disappeared, as Soleil released the magic, to refresh his Mana reserves. He then walked up to Shaun and simply hugged him. For almost a whole minute, he did not say a word, he merely clung to him and did not let him go. He closed his eyes and simply focused on the moment, as pure and calm as it was. The sun was shining warmly over them, the afternoon was filled with a chilly breeze, but not too chilly, and everything was silent between them. Soleil felt happy, like he had found himself a best friend, and he did not want to let his best friend go, out of fear that he might lose him again, when he let go.

Shaun

Shaun nearly lost his balance and fell into the fountain behind him once Soleil hugged him. As he did, the small bunny in his arms soon dispersed into thin air as it felt the constriction and pressure of being pressed together. All it did was just...Go to sleep so-to-speak so that Shaun could reserve himself for later on. He didn't want to use everything in just one sitting. And as he was hugged, and the fawn was no longer in his arms, he hugged back, a little weaker than his counterpart did as to him, he was the one that needed some comfort. The warmth of his body and the Sun perfectly contrasted the cool chilly breeze of the autumn air blowing gently. The deafening silence was absolute heaven to him. He rarely like hugs, but it seemed that when it came to a certain set of people, he could actually enjoy it without feeling awkward or embarrassed. He wanted this to last forever. However, this wasn't possible and sooner or later, the connection will have to be broken.

After what seemed like eternity, which was in reality a couple of minutes, Shaun slowly released himself from Soleil's grip and placed his hands on his shoulders, his face still a bit red from the sudden touch, however shyly smiling at him. "Well that was a different answer than I expected.", he chuckled.

[Charlia]

Hailey Winters


Hailey was heading back to her room after having watched the first round, she was impressed by all the magical talent that had been displayed. It was also nice to see that her school had done so well, when it seemed like everyone else wanted to take them down. But, she hadn't just been watching the fights, she had been listening, picking up all of the gossip from other students, from Henry and Rabbit, to Amelie and another Itallian discussing why Saturinus hadn't used any magic. She might not be that strong, but she was good at not being nocticed with all the other action going on, and her magic let her overhear much that she wasn't supposed to. For now though, she wanted to ignore all the intrigue and scheming. Hailey just wanted to spend some time with Kate, so she had gone out and got a movie, Airplane, her personal favorite, and some lunch sandwiches for them both. Just as she was turning to corner to the hall for their she ran into who she was looking for.

"Hey there Red, I got us lunch and a movie, I thought I would be back before you woke up or I would have told you where I was going. I though we could just chill out, enjoy lunch in bed with a movie? It's my favorite, Airplane, I guess it might be a bit silly for your tastes, but it's a good movie. I think it's just the right kind of silly help cheer you up a bit."

"...That would be awesome," Katelyn responded, her eyes lighting up as soon as she spotted Hailey. "I keep having the most awful nightmares, don't really remember all of them but I know they were really bad, so yes. Silly is good. Silly is definitely good." She kissed Hailey on the cheek. "You're the best girlfriend ever," she affirmed, "and anyone who says otherwise shall have to deal with me!" Turning and pulling Hailey back to their room, which was a few doors away by then, she paused and noticed that it appeared to be unlocked.

...I thought I locked it...

And the lock was dripping cold water.

...Yeah, I definitely didn't do that.

Come to think of it, she had heard someone unlocking and opening a door. To their room? It could have been brushed off as a mistake, but... if it had been a case of mistaken rooms, they wouldn't have been able to get in...

"...Hailey... Someone broke into our room. In the five minutes I wasn't in it, someone broke in. First point--You are the best girlfriend ever, and I am the unluckiest, so many, many apologies for that. Second point--let's see who's in there..."

She summoned her spear, and quietly reached out and threw the door open, shouting, "Hey! Do you have any idea who--"

Oh, crap.

She recognized the girl who was currently curled up in her bed, crying like someone had just ripped her heart straight out of her body. One of the Japanese students.

...What's going on?

She looked at Hailey cluelessly.

[Luminesa]

The fawn slowly disappeared, as Soleil released the magic, to refresh his Mana reserves. He then walked up to Shaun and simply hugged him. For almost a whole minute, he did not say a word, he merely clung to him and did not let him go. He closed his eyes and simply focused on the moment, as pure and calm as it was. The sun was shining warmly over them, the afternoon was filled with a chilly breeze, but not too chilly, and everything was silent between them. Soleil felt happy, like he had found himself a best friend, and he did not want to let his best friend go, out of fear that he might lose him again, when he let go.

Shaun

Shaun nearly lost his balance and fell into the fountain behind him once Soleil hugged him. As he did, the small bunny in his arms soon dispersed into thin air as it felt the constriction and pressure of being pressed together. All it did was just...Go to sleep so-to-speak so that Shaun could reserve himself for later on. He didn't want to use everything in just one sitting. And as he was hugged, and the fawn was no longer in his arms, he hugged back, a little weaker than his counterpart did as to him, he was the one that needed some comfort. The warmth of his body and the Sun perfectly contrasted the cool chilly breeze of the autumn air blowing gently. The deafening silence was absolute heaven to him. He rarely like hugs, but it seemed that when it came to a certain set of people, he could actually enjoy it without feeling awkward or embarrassed. He wanted this to last forever. However, this wasn't possible and sooner or later, the connection will have to be broken.

After what seemed like eternity, which was in reality a couple of minutes, Shaun slowly released himself from Soleil's grip and placed his hands on his shoulders, his face still a bit red from the sudden touch, however shyly smiling at him. "Well that was a different answer than I expected.", he chuckled.

Soleil smiled, and laughed a little. "...I-I guess it was...B-But...thank you for everything...I-I'm going to go inside and maybe sleep...I-If you don't mind..." He had his eyes lowered, and he turned and walked inside quietly as he finished. He really was more tired than he realized, and he hoped that maybe he would be able to rest decently now, after all of that walking and after his battle with Caesare had left him aching a fair bit. He was just happy that, at least for him, his day was done. When he got to his room, he did not even change out of his nice robes. He simply curled up in bed and fell right to sleep.

[Saldinado]

Shaun

He laughed as he saw the tired Venta pass by him and went to his room so that he can rest. Even though he himself was tired, he had something that he had to do. While walking in the hotel, he began to think about whether or not this hotel had a gym. He'd haven't seen one since he got here, so that might be a no. Unless he'd completely passed it up knowing him. He'd been restricted from his workouts for the pass two months already and the effects were becoming visible. He then remembered Allistor's body, something that he will not forget for quite some time and saw how it looked. And how Henry and Dominique looked as well. Every slim and leaned muscle, perfect pecs, and well defined calf and gluteus minimus that they had were all just competition to him in this world of athleticism. And there could only be one alpha male in this well fit and good-looking group. He then turned a little red as he went to his room to go and change.

When he got there, he opened the door to see that Soleil was curled on the bed, sleeping. Poor thing really was tired. Faintly smiling at him, Shaun went to his closet and pulled out his athletic wear which consisted of a grey tank top with black and blue shorts and black and white tennis shoes. Changing out of his robe and into that without going to the bathroom, Shaun folded the robes and placed them in the closet and did a couple minutes of stretches before grabbing his earrings and putting them on, replacing his glasses with contact lenses, and grabbing his MP3 and headphones before soon going out the door, jogging around the hotel hallway and down every flight of stairs before he made it to the lobby and walked back outside to the front of the hotel complex where the cool breeze was blowing and the warm sun rays touched his lightly pale skin. Placing his earbuds in his ears and turning on some music, Shaun walked along the edge of the outer hotel perimeter before slowly going off into a full run and jogging around the hotel for an epic workout.

[Chrome Legion]

Annice Null


For a bit, Annice struggled against what was holding her, but it was little more than just feeble shaking. Her body wouldn't comply with her mind right now, even if that mind had known what to do. Her eyes where wide open, but nothing she saw made sense. Maybe she saw a face, but it seemed distorted, nondescript, she couldn't connect a name to the face. It was speaking to her now, but everything seemed wrong, she knew what was being said, could hear him just fine, but couldn't connect any meaning to the sounds. She was trapped in her own head, her perception of the outside world betraying her completely. She couldn't understand anything, she couldn't even get up, or ask for help.


Catherine de Sanguine Vivere


"I can't say it didn't feel good, the victory. It was reassuring. I've been avoiding sparing with other people. I wasn't very sure that I would do well here. After the last time I was in a magical fight, I can't say I was particularly successful. But I have grown stronger. It might looked like I have been weakened by... everything. But I'm not some cripple, my victory proved that, not only to my self, but to everyone here." And to you my love, maybe This will lessen the burden on you in some way. Knowing that I can stand on my own. As hard as it would be, I want you to be free from your guilt, to be able to make your own choice.


Hailey Winters


Hailey's hands were still full with the bags containing their lunch, as she peaked around the corner into their shared room. Looking back to Kate, she mirrored her bewildered expression. Just what was this crying girl doing in their room. Then she recognized her, she had been speaking to Aria, and Hailey had been snooping on that conversation. Now she could make a guess about why the girl was crying.

"Well I have no idea why she's here, but I don't think you'll be needing your spear. I doubt we're in any danger."

[Finsternia]

Annice Null


For a bit, Annice struggled against what was holding her, but it was little more than just feeble shaking. Her body wouldn't comply with her mind right now, even if that mind had known what to do. Her eyes where wide open, but nothing she saw made sense. Maybe she saw a face, but it seemed distorted, nondescript, she couldn't connect a name to the face. It was speaking to her now, but everything seemed wrong, she knew what was being said, could hear him just fine, but couldn't connect any meaning to the sounds. She was trapped in her own head, her perception of the outside world betraying her completely. She couldn't understand anything, she couldn't even get up, or ask for help.

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor looked at her worriedly as he continued to heal her wound. Once it was all done, the ice cracked and shattered, revealing scarless skin underneath. He looked at her eyes, tiny orbs shaking and full with confusion, sadness, fear, and pain. Allistor expertly placed an arm below her legs and another below her shoulders and carried her. "I believe you're quite tired. Let's have you get rested, okay? We'll talk about this afterwards." He smiled at her and walked out of the desolated room, the door closing on its own behind him. When they arrived inside Annice's room, Allistor had her lay down on her bed and covered her with a blanket. "I'll be getting Professor Rabbit to check on you, okay? I'll leave Glacia to guard you." The serpent swiftly descended from Allistor's neck and curled on the bed. Allistor then stood up, walking towards the door.

[Charlia]

Hailey Winters


Hailey's hands were still full with the bags containing their lunch, as she peaked around the corner into their shared room. Looking back to Kate, she mirrored her bewildered expression. Just what was this crying girl doing in their room. Then she recognized her, she had been speaking to Aria, and Hailey had been snooping on that conversation. Now she could make a guess about why the girl was crying.

"Well I have no idea why she's here, but I don't think you'll be needing your spear. I doubt we're in any danger."

Katelyn ditched the spear with a shrug, and kept staring awkwardly at the girl.

"...Yeah, but... why's she in our room? Hey, you!"

Now that she'd actually been addressed, Himiko noticed what was going on, and she shot upright, rubbing the tears out of her eyes as quickly as possible.

"A-ah! Gomennasai! I'm very sorry!" she stammered, bowing deeply. "I didn't realize this was your room! I'm sorry!"

Katelyn blinked.

"...Um... oooooookay. Hailey, this is your department, I do not have the necessary social skills for this."

[Chrome Legion]

Hailey Winters


"I umm, Okay." Hailey realized it probably wasn't best to reveal she had been snooping on the girl's private conversation early, even though it wasn't that she was particularly interested in that conversation. She had just been snooping in on everyone. Some how that made her feel better about how she had violated the girls privacy, then again, it looked like the girl had returned the favor.

"So I guess I should just ask why you're here first. I have to assume you're running away from something. Did some one hurt you?"

[Charlia]

Hailey Winters


"I umm, Okay." Hailey realized it probably wasn't best to reveal she had been snooping on the girl's private conversation early, even though it wasn't that she was particularly interested in that conversation. She had just been snooping in on everyone. Some how that made her feel better about how she had violated the girls privacy, then again, it looked like the girl had returned the favor.

"So I guess I should just ask why you're here first. I have to assume you're running away from something. Did some one hurt you?"

Rubbing her eyes again, Himiko answered, "Not physically, no... It's... it would sound silly if I told you. Please believe me, I really didn't realize this room was already occupied..."

---

...So, she's back. And Akuma-san's not around...

...Time to find out if that psycho did anything to my best friend.

Strolling up to Momoko casually, Sadako said, "Hey, Momoko-chan! Out with Akuma-san? What'd you guys do?"

[Luminesa]

Hailey Winters


"I umm, Okay." Hailey realized it probably wasn't best to reveal she had been snooping on the girl's private conversation early, even though it wasn't that she was particularly interested in that conversation. She had just been snooping in on everyone. Some how that made her feel better about how she had violated the girls privacy, then again, it looked like the girl had returned the favor.

"So I guess I should just ask why you're here first. I have to assume you're running away from something. Did some one hurt you?"

Rubbing her eyes again, Himiko answered, "Not physically, no... It's... it would sound silly if I told you. Please believe me, I really didn't realize this room was already occupied..."

---

...So, she's back. And Akuma-san's not around...

...Time to find out if that psycho did anything to my best friend.

Strolling up to Momoko casually, Sadako said, "Hey, Momoko-chan! Out with Akuma-san? What'd you guys do?"

Momoko looked over at Sadako, as she went to her room, and she smiled. "Oh! H-Himiko-chan and I went out for lunch to talk about things...Sh-She was down and wanted to hang-out. I think we had fun! We even went shopping!" she explained. Of course, she knew Sadako would probably be offended that she did not take her, but Himiko had been quite down lately and had probably needed the vacation. This was not to mention that Momoko could not tell Sadako about Himiko's feelings for her, either. She did not even know how she felt about them herself.

[Charlia]

Rubbing her eyes again, Himiko answered, "Not physically, no... It's... it would sound silly if I told you. Please believe me, I really didn't realize this room was already occupied..."

---

...So, she's back. And Akuma-san's not around...

...Time to find out if that psycho did anything to my best friend.

Strolling up to Momoko casually, Sadako said, "Hey, Momoko-chan! Out with Akuma-san? What'd you guys do?"

Momoko looked over at Sadako, as she went to her room, and she smiled. "Oh! H-Himiko-chan and I went out for lunch to talk about things...Sh-She was down and wanted to hang-out. I think we had fun! We even went shopping!" she explained. Of course, she knew Sadako would probably be offended that she did not take her, but Himiko had been quite down lately and had probably needed the vacation. This was not to mention that Momoko could not tell Sadako about Himiko's feelings for her, either. She did not even know how she felt about them herself.

"...I see," Sadako said quietly. "And... what did she do? I mean... did she do anything weird or creepy?"

You don't see her the way I do, Momoko-chan, and that's why I have to protect you from her. I won't let her hurt you, not ever!

[Luminesa]

Momoko looked over at Sadako, as she went to her room, and she smiled. "Oh! H-Himiko-chan and I went out for lunch to talk about things...Sh-She was down and wanted to hang-out. I think we had fun! We even went shopping!" she explained. Of course, she knew Sadako would probably be offended that she did not take her, but Himiko had been quite down lately and had probably needed the vacation. This was not to mention that Momoko could not tell Sadako about Himiko's feelings for her, either. She did not even know how she felt about them herself.

"...I see," Sadako said quietly. "And... what did she do? I mean... did she do anything weird or creepy?"

You don't see her the way I do, Momoko-chan, and that's why I have to protect you from her. I won't let her hurt you, not ever!

"Nope. We just went and got ice cream! Then we went shopping. Everything in Paris is really expensive, though, so I only bought one thing. But you can't see it yet!" she answered, with a giggle. She had not thought of Himiko as creepy, when she had told her she loved her. She loved Himiko and cared for her feelings. She merely thought it was...unexpected. Yet how would she explain this to Sadako? She could not do it now. She could only hope Sadako would not ask.

[Charlia]

"...I see," Sadako said quietly. "And... what did she do? I mean... did she do anything weird or creepy?"

You don't see her the way I do, Momoko-chan, and that's why I have to protect you from her. I won't let her hurt you, not ever!

"Nope. We just went and got ice cream! Then we went shopping. Everything in Paris is really expensive, though, so I only bought one thing. But you can't see it yet!" she answered, with a giggle. She had not thought of Himiko as creepy, when she had told her she loved her. She loved Himiko and cared for her feelings. She merely thought it was...unexpected. Yet how would she explain this to Sadako? She could not do it now. She could only hope Sadako would not ask.

"Well... Okay," Sadako said reluctantly. I find it hard to believe that she didn't do anything... but if I pressure Momoko-chan she'll probably close up or get scared. She's so excitable sometimes.

Then she stopped short.

"EH?! What do you mean I can't see it yet? Young lady, as your best friend since forever ago, I should think that I have a right to see what you buy!" she scolded with a grin, back to her normal self.

[Luminesa]

"Nope. We just went and got ice cream! Then we went shopping. Everything in Paris is really expensive, though, so I only bought one thing. But you can't see it yet!" she answered, with a giggle. She had not thought of Himiko as creepy, when she had told her she loved her. She loved Himiko and cared for her feelings. She merely thought it was...unexpected. Yet how would she explain this to Sadako? She could not do it now. She could only hope Sadako would not ask.

"Well... Okay," Sadako said reluctantly. I find it hard to believe that she didn't do anything... but if I pressure Momoko-chan she'll probably close up or get scared. She's so excitable sometimes.

Then she stopped short.

"EH?! What do you mean I can't see it yet? Young lady, as your best friend since forever ago, I should think that I have a right to see what you buy!" she scolded with a grin, back to her normal self.

Momoko giggled and backed-up, as Sadako "yelled" at her. She then looked down at the bag and grinned. "Okay...b-but I spent a lot on it, so don't get mad..." She then pulled out the dress. It was a frilly, bubble-pink dress that was covered in flowers. "I-It was really cute...and I liked how it fit...plus it's kind of a different style...not as frilly...so I wanted to try it! I hope you don't mind..." She then blushed and stared down at the dress, thinking about how it would look on her at a party. "I know! Maybe we'll have another party, and I can wear it again!" she suggested.

[Charlia]

"Well... Okay," Sadako said reluctantly. I find it hard to believe that she didn't do anything... but if I pressure Momoko-chan she'll probably close up or get scared. She's so excitable sometimes.

Then she stopped short.

"EH?! What do you mean I can't see it yet? Young lady, as your best friend since forever ago, I should think that I have a right to see what you buy!" she scolded with a grin, back to her normal self.

Momoko giggled and backed-up, as Sadako "yelled" at her. She then looked down at the bag and grinned. "Okay...b-but I spent a lot on it, so don't get mad..." She then pulled out the dress. It was a frilly, bubble-pink dress that was covered in flowers. "I-It was really cute...and I liked how it fit...plus it's kind of a different style...not as frilly...so I wanted to try it! I hope you don't mind..." She then blushed and stared down at the dress, thinking about how it would look on her at a party. "I know! Maybe we'll have another party, and I can wear it again!" she suggested.

Sadako stared at the dress and blinked, before bursting out with, "Momoko-chan, that's so freaking adorable! And it's so you! How do you even do that? It's like you've got the fashion sense of every designer ever, except it's good!"

[Rhomaia]

Another clear lie. Rabbit did not even need to ask. He felt the temperature drop. Deep turmoil stirred inside of Ruta, as usual, though right now it was making him more stressed and worried than usual. He almost seemed as though he was losing control of his powers. Slowly approaching Ruta, Rabbit gently put a hand on the Headmaster's arm. "...It got colder in here as you said that...all is not well, is it?" he asked, kindly. "...Something is obviously hurting you...please...let me help you...You do not have to bear all of your pain on your own..." he whispered. He knew Ruta would probably shove him away, but he at least wanted to try. Ruta pushed him away every time he tried to help him, and yet there was an awful pain inside of him that stirred and fermented the more he hid it away.

Antonius Ruta

Ruta did not lift his hand from over his face to gaze upon the Rabbit, nor did he seem to exhibit any peculiar kind of reaction when he was touched, merely remaining still as a statue. The frigid feeling of his robes made the air surrounding the Jaegar seem like a cool breeze a warm summer's day, and it would almost sting for the Rabbit to touch him, no matter what his intentions were.

"...I should not be an object of your concern, Rabbit..." Ruta said quietly, his voice smooth and calm as it always was. And yet, there seemed to be a leaden weight to his words, as if he meant each and every one of them from the bottom of his heart.

'I shouldn't be an object of anyone's concern...If no one worried, if no one cared, if not a soul even bothered to learn my name, everyone else would be fine...Soleil would be happy...He wouldn't think about joining the Jaegars...'

'And if she had never been there for me...She would never have died...She would have lived a long life without me...No matter what Ruby tries to say, that will always be a fact, a guilt that I will live with for the rest of my days...'

'If no one concerned themselves with me...then perhaps no one else would dare to tread where I have...'

Ruta stayed frozen where he was, not moving a muscle as the Rabbit kept a hand on his arm. "...The first round of the Championship is over...I am sure you would rather spend your free time with the students than in this room..." he stated coldly, another wave of freezing air washing over the masked visitor, beckoning for him to leave.

[Luminesa]

Another clear lie. Rabbit did not even need to ask. He felt the temperature drop. Deep turmoil stirred inside of Ruta, as usual, though right now it was making him more stressed and worried than usual. He almost seemed as though he was losing control of his powers. Slowly approaching Ruta, Rabbit gently put a hand on the Headmaster's arm. "...It got colder in here as you said that...all is not well, is it?" he asked, kindly. "...Something is obviously hurting you...please...let me help you...You do not have to bear all of your pain on your own..." he whispered. He knew Ruta would probably shove him away, but he at least wanted to try. Ruta pushed him away every time he tried to help him, and yet there was an awful pain inside of him that stirred and fermented the more he hid it away.

Antonius Ruta

Ruta did not lift his hand from over his face to gaze upon the Rabbit, nor did he seem to exhibit any peculiar kind of reaction when he was touched, merely remaining still as a statue. The frigid feeling of his robes made the air surrounding the Jaegar seem like a cool breeze a warm summer's day, and it would almost sting for the Rabbit to touch him, no matter what his intentions were.

"...I should not be an object of your concern, Rabbit..." Ruta said quietly, his voice smooth and calm as it always was. And yet, there seemed to be a leaden weight to his words, as if he meant each and every one of them from the bottom of his heart.

'I shouldn't be an object of anyone's concern...If no one worried, if no one cared, if not a soul even bothered to learn my name, everyone else would be fine...Soleil would be happy...He wouldn't think about joining the Jaegars...'

'And if she had never been there for me...She would never have died...She would have lived a long life without me...No matter what Ruby tries to say, that will always be a fact, a guilt that I will live with for the rest of my days...'

'If no one concerned themselves with me...then perhaps no one else would dare to tread where I have...'

Ruta stayed frozen where he was, not moving a muscle as the Rabbit kept a hand on his arm. "...The first round of the Championship is over...I am sure you would rather spend your free time with the students than in this room..." he stated coldly, another wave of freezing air washing over the masked visitor, beckoning for him to leave.

"I have already spent plenty of time with the students, actually," Rabbit answered, with a slight laugh. Not all of it was positive, but he had seen quite a few people on this first day of the tournament, and had been incredibly busy keeping everything (and everyone) together. Yet he hid all of his own tiredness. Unlike Ruta, he did not give away any sort of chill to show any instability. He could merely smile and shake it off, or he could at least act like he knew how to do so, and nobody would ever think differently, it seemed. "...And everyone is my concern, Antonius...most importantly you, since you are the head of this school...And anyway, if you make this room any colder, you might catch a cold. Or hypothermia, which is arguably worse," he continued, almost jokingly. He himself was not concerned with the cold-he could withstand it-yet Ruta was a man, and his isolation was physically hurting him. It did not take a rocket scientist-or a Rabbit-to realize it. In the cold, still room, every line of Ruta's broken body was visible, even in the creases of his thick woolen robes. He was almost like porcelain, as powerful and skilled as he was. "...In fact, it seems you have carried this chill since...the Ball?"

[Luminesa]

Momoko giggled and backed-up, as Sadako "yelled" at her. She then looked down at the bag and grinned. "Okay...b-but I spent a lot on it, so don't get mad..." She then pulled out the dress. It was a frilly, bubble-pink dress that was covered in flowers. "I-It was really cute...and I liked how it fit...plus it's kind of a different style...not as frilly...so I wanted to try it! I hope you don't mind..." She then blushed and stared down at the dress, thinking about how it would look on her at a party. "I know! Maybe we'll have another party, and I can wear it again!" she suggested.

Sadako stared at the dress and blinked, before bursting out with, "Momoko-chan, that's so freaking adorable! And it's so you! How do you even do that? It's like you've got the fashion sense of every designer ever, except it's good!"

Momoko blushed at her comments, and as she put the dress away, she answered, "I-I guess I just...know what kind of clothes I like? Tee-hee...I'm not that good at picking clothes, Sadako-chan...I just know I like pink and flowers...and this had pink and flowers...so I picked it! L-Like a flower!" she explained, clumsily. Momoko did not see herself as any sort of fashionista, even though she was very comfortable and looked well in her normal pink, girly attire. She just went with it and gave it very little thought. Her only concern was how much the dress had cost, and how much she now owed Himiko for buying it for her.