Mana Academy (IC) (Open, Fantasy)

[Rhomaia]

He had not wanted to let go of her in that moment. He had wanted to hug her until all of the pain was gone, like any good parent would try to do for their daughter. Nevertheless, he did not want to make her uncomfortable, nor was he sure how to explain how he saw her as such. However, he did want to comfort her. "...You have no reason to apologize...that is why I am here...as your professor...to help you when you are uncertain or afraid," he answered with a small laugh, in spite of the emotions bludgeoning him inside. He then looked toward her suitcase, where her dress remained. "...May I see your dress?" he asked.

Aria looked to her side, still looking at the white carpeted floor as she did, so as to avert her gaze from the Rabbit. "...O-of course..." she replied after a moment of deliberation. Her suitcase was medium sized, and was a burgundy color matching her hair and robes. It looked rather plain, as nothing truly special could be said about it from a first look alone.

Aria walked over to the bedside next her luggage, and opened it slowly and carefully, as if what was contained within was delicate in some way. The zipper made a small amount of sound as she drew it back, finally exposing the contents.

There was actually a surprising amount of space within the case, holding two weeks worth of spare robes in a variety of colors (though red was, as usual, the main color aside from purple.), a small red journal, and of course, Aria's dress. From even a simple glance one could tell it had been meticulously crafted, with a pure, ivory white bodice and a long, full golden skirt with an ornate, intricate design beginning just below the chest. It was extraordinarily smooth for having been in the suitcase for a full day, along with everything else in her luggage. Taking it in her hands carefully, Aria presented it to the Rabbit, though still found herself unable to look at him.

"...I...I thought it might look nice...for a dance, or for a gathering..." she said hesitantly, her large silver eyes looking over the gown for any imperfections.

[Rhomaia]

Sage

After the last word left his mouth, it wasn't difficult to figure out what he meant. Ruta had refused her because of someone he lost in the past, most likely a girl, a lover. He still suffered from grief, refusing to let go. Without saying a word, she did as Soleil had taught her and wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her head against his chest in an effort to comfort him.

"What was her name?" Sage asked after a moment of silence, her voice nearly a whisper.

Ruta's black clothes were as frigid as the air that lingered around him, as if the sadness that constantly hung over him had become material, something that you could hold in your own two hands, magical or no. He did not return the hug from Sage, nor could he feel her warmth. His sense of touch seemed to fail as well.

"...Her name was Yona..." Ruta said softly, looking down upon Sage and closing his tired, world weary eyes. "...I loved her more than anything in the world..." he continued quietly, his gloved hands balling themselves into fists, as if to hold tight to the memory of the smiling face of his beloved.

'Why...why did you leave me so soon?'

'Was it fate, for me to lose you, like everything else before?'

'We forsook our home, family, and our very souls so that we could die side by side...Was it worth it?'

'I may never know the answer to that question...It will forever haunt me.'

[Archembalt]

Shaun Calhoun

Shaun firmly grabbed his hand and shook it, and gave a single nod in agreement to him as well before lowering his arm and putting it in his pocket. And as Scott said what school he was from, he was a little embarrassed by the fact that after all this time, he'd had never seen or heard of him before. Though given his degree of popularity, which was quite a decent amount, he more than likely wouldn't have known that. Unless he was like one of those little stage extras that quietly sat in the back of the class while the main cast took over the show.

"Oh. Well then. I don't recall seeing you before, or have I? If you do, than please remind me. I don't want to make you feel like you're left out."

Shaun just had to pile the feeling of being invisible onto Scott. Now he sort of just wished Shaun would fuck off. Now he had to answer with something like "well, yes, it's just that I'm very quiet and somehow don't manage to get along with others all that well". Or he could find something else to say. Hmm...

On the surface, however, Scott managed to maintain a relatively neutral face and responded. "I just like sitting in the back of the room. It's always interesting to see how people like Aria continually break down in a histrionic fit -- from a safe distance of course. Also whenever things go down in classrooms, I'll be closest to the door so I can escape more easily."

This is probably the longest Scott has talked for all day today.

[Charlia]

Amélie Aleramici-Gramont


As the cat ran towards them, Orso stopped dancing and hid behind Natalie. Amélie crouched down to the little bear.

"Ah, l'Orso non ti preoccupare, sono sicuro che non accadrà di nuovo. Basta non mangiare il gattino. Sorry about that, Orso has had some issues with cats before, good thing I know how to sew."

Slowly the teddy bear came out from behind Natalie, but only just.

Natalie giggled reassuringly and wrapped her long, floppy arms around Orso, patting him on the head and offering him some cheese, not even thinking that maybe he couldn't eat it.

Cheese makes everything better, she encouraged.

[Prusselanden]

Amélie Aleramici-Gramont


As the cat ran towards them, Orso stopped dancing and hid behind Natalie. Amélie crouched down to the little bear.

"Ah, l'Orso non ti preoccupare, sono sicuro che non accadrà di nuovo. Basta non mangiare il gattino. Sorry about that, Orso has had some issues with cats before, good thing I know how to sew."

Slowly the teddy bear came out from behind Natalie, but only just.

Natalie giggled reassuringly and wrapped her long, floppy arms around Orso, patting him on the head and offering him some cheese, not even thinking that maybe he couldn't eat it.

Cheese makes everything better, she encouraged.

"Hmmm...Soleil, you like cats right? Well if the school's on holiday someday I could maybe take you to a cat shelter around the lake area. Volunteers there get to play with and take care of cats and kittens all day. " Ignis took out a small cat treat and offered it to Bastille.

"Eh, I woul'n't be surprised. Cats tend te scratch at stuffed animals like 'im." Cheese patted Orso on the back. "He don' seem like a mean cat, though."

[Saldinado]

Shaun just had to pile the feeling of being invisible onto Scott. Now he sort of just wished Shaun would fuck off. Now he had to answer with something like "well, yes, it's just that I'm very quiet and somehow don't manage to get along with others all that well".

On the surface, however, Scott managed to maintain a relatively neutral face and responded. "I just like sitting in the back of the room. It's always interesting to see how people like Aria continually break down in a histrionic fit -- from a safe distance of course. Also whenever things go down in classrooms, I'll be closest to the door so I can escape more easily."

This is probably the longest Scott has talked for all day today.

Shaun Calhoun

"Oh. Okay." Shaun simply said while rubbing the back of his head trying to think of something else to say. This was now getting kinda annoying. He then wondered what were to happen if he were to try a even more direct approach to this whole thing. He then softly sighed and flat out said to Scott,

"Look here. As you can see, I am not good at this whole conversation thing, alright? I just wanted to come over here and talk to you because I was feeling bored and lonely. And now, I have no idea what to say or do now. Unless you have something to say to me or something? Like questions or something, I dunno. But to be honest, I really don't want to just end this conversation. Especially now that I know that you're from the same school as me. You seem kinda cool.", he bluntly said sounding a little more confident about his statement. As he waited for an answer, he blew a strand of hair out of his face and idly played with his earring.

[Luminesa]

He had not wanted to let go of her in that moment. He had wanted to hug her until all of the pain was gone, like any good parent would try to do for their daughter. Nevertheless, he did not want to make her uncomfortable, nor was he sure how to explain how he saw her as such. However, he did want to comfort her. "...You have no reason to apologize...that is why I am here...as your professor...to help you when you are uncertain or afraid," he answered with a small laugh, in spite of the emotions bludgeoning him inside. He then looked toward her suitcase, where her dress remained. "...May I see your dress?" he asked.

Aria looked to her side, still looking at the white carpeted floor as she did, so as to avert her gaze from the Rabbit. "...O-of course..." she replied after a moment of deliberation. Her suitcase was medium sized, and was a burgundy color matching her hair and robes. It looked rather plain, as nothing truly special could be said about it from a first look alone.

Aria walked over to the bedside next her luggage, and opened it slowly and carefully, as if what was contained within was delicate in some way. The zipper made a small amount of sound as she drew it back, finally exposing the contents.

There was actually a surprising amount of space within the case, holding two weeks worth of spare robes in a variety of colors (though red was, as usual, the main color aside from purple.), a small red journal, and of course, Aria's dress. From even a simple glance one could tell it had been meticulously crafted, with a pure, ivory white bodice and a long, full golden skirt with an ornate, intricate design beginning just below the chest. It was extraordinarily smooth for having been in the suitcase for a full day, along with everything else in her luggage. Taking it in her hands carefully, Aria presented it to the Rabbit, though still found herself unable to look at him.

"...I...I thought it might look nice...for a dance, or for a gathering..." she said hesitantly, her large silver eyes looking over the gown for any imperfections.

Rabbit smiled, seeing the lovely silk gown that she had packed away. "...That's a lovely gown, Aria," he answered, admiring the beautiful dress. He then turned to Aria kindly. "...Now. There's no way you could ever embarrass me, or any of your classmates. As I said before, they all adore you. They would defend you with their lives. I would defend you with mine," he told her, calmly. He then added after a moment, "So why don't you put on your dress and come see your friends? They are worried about you, and they want to see you are okay. I promise, if any of the students from the other schools even thinks of insulting you, they will have to deal with me." He then stepped toward the door, and he walked outside, to allow her to have her privacy.

[Archembalt]

Shaun just had to pile the feeling of being invisible onto Scott. Now he sort of just wished Shaun would fuck off. Now he had to answer with something like "well, yes, it's just that I'm very quiet and somehow don't manage to get along with others all that well".

On the surface, however, Scott managed to maintain a relatively neutral face and responded. "I just like sitting in the back of the room. It's always interesting to see how people like Aria continually break down in a histrionic fit -- from a safe distance of course. Also whenever things go down in classrooms, I'll be closest to the door so I can escape more easily."

This is probably the longest Scott has talked for all day today.

Shaun Calhoun

"Oh. Okay." Shaun simply said while rubbing the back of his head trying to think of something else to say. This was now getting kinda annoying. He then wondered what were to happen if he were to try a even more direct approach to this whole thing. He then softly sighed and flat out said to Scott,

"Look here. As you can see, I am not good at this whole conversation thing, alright? I just wanted to come over here and talk to you because I was feeling bored and lonely. And now, I have no idea what to say or do now. Unless you have something to say to me or something? Like questions or something, I dunno. But to be honest, I really don't want to just end this conversation. Especially now that I know that you're from the same school as me. You seem kinda cool.", he bluntly said sounding a little more confident about his statement. As he waited for an answer, he blew a strand of hair out of his face and idly played with his earring.

Well, that was something. Alright. He called Scott 'cool'. He's never considered himself that of all things. Is that what Shaun was trying to be right now? Cool? Is that what he calls it? These thoughts hung about in Scott's head some before he realized he should formulate a response. He supposed that it wasn't nice to shit on your conversational partner too much in your mind.

"The tournament," Scott began, jerking his head over in the crowd's direction. "Let's talk about that. Who here do you think is a toughie? See any intimidating faces?"

[Saldinado]

Well, that was something. Alright. He called Scott 'cool'. He's never considered himself that of all things. Is that what Shaun was trying to be right now? Cool? Is that what he calls it? These thoughts hung about in Scott's head some before he realized he should formulate a response. He supposed that it wasn't nice to shit on your conversational partner too much in your mind.

"The tournament," Scott began, jerking his head over in the crowd's direction. "Let's talk about that. Who here do you think is a toughie? See any intimidating faces?"

Shaun Calhoun

"Toughie?" Never in his life has Shaun heard of the word "toughie" before. It was actually cute to him and in response softly laughed before answering his question.

"Fine. Now from what I can see, the main 'toughie' as you call it will probably be the one that resulted in our classmate getting their patience removed and breaking his nose.", Shaun said pointing his head towards the direction of the Russian boy with a young French girl. "And besides that, there's also the one that broke the other toughie's nose. There's also Aria, Catherine, and maybe....Annice as well. Hm. It seems that most of the toughies are mainly female. Neat." He said slyly smiling while still looking at the dancing crowd.

[Archembalt]

Well, that was something. Alright. He called Scott 'cool'. He's never considered himself that of all things. Is that what Shaun was trying to be right now? Cool? Is that what he calls it? These thoughts hung about in Scott's head some before he realized he should formulate a response. He supposed that it wasn't nice to shit on your conversational partner too much in your mind.

"The tournament," Scott began, jerking his head over in the crowd's direction. "Let's talk about that. Who here do you think is a toughie? See any intimidating faces?"

Shaun Calhoun

"Toughie?" Never in his life has Shaun heard of the word "toughie" before. It was actually cute to him and in response softly laughed before answering his question.

"Fine. Now from what I can see, the main 'toughie' as you call it will probably be the one that resulted in our classmate getting their patience removed and breaking his nose.", Shaun said pointing his head towards the direction of the Russian boy with a young French girl. "And besides that, there's also the one that broke the other toughie's nose. There's also Aria, Catherine, and maybe....Annice as well. Hm. It seems that most of the toughies are mainly female. Neat." He said slyly smiling while still looking at the dancing crowd.

Scott nodded in understanding, now going to face away from Shaun so that they were both gazing out at the rest of the participants of the dance. He wouldn't linger too much on why Shaun thought 'toughie' was laughable.

So . . . Aria, Catherine, and Annice. Storm girl, not-really-sure-what-magic girl, and armor and sword girl. He had seen them perform their magic before, but it didn't intimidate Scott too fiercely. The only thing he could think of that could possibly oppose his magic tremendously was lightning. Otherwise, he had a game plan figured for how to defend against most other magics.

He gave a side-long glance at Shaun and then asked a provocative question.

"Think you can beat them? Or are they too strong for you to take on?"

[Chrome Legion]

Amélie Aleramici-Gramont


Orso looked down at the cheese being offered to him for a second. Then he took it, throwing it up in the air while doing a back flip himself. Just as it looked like he was about to catch it, the "zipper" on his chest opened up revealing a pair of steel jaws, like a bear trap. The jaws snapped shut and the cheese disappeared forever. Orso landed back on his feet, arms spread as if he was saying "Ta-da!".

"Oh, andiamo ora, è questo il modo di comportarsi in giro azienda? I'm sorry about that, Orso likes to show off sometimes, no matter the social setting."

[Charlia]

Amélie Aleramici-Gramont


Orso looked down at the cheese being offered to him for a second. Then he took it, throwing it up in the air while doing a back flip himself. Just as it looked like he was about to catch it, the "zipper" on his chest opened up revealing a pair of steel jaws, like a bear trap. The jaws snapped shut and the cheese disappeared forever. Orso landed back on his feet, arms spread as if he was saying "Ta-da!".

"Oh, andiamo ora, è questo il modo di comportarsi in giro azienda? I'm sorry about that, Orso likes to show off sometimes, no matter the social setting."

Natalie's little eyes seemed to take up half her face as she stared in delighted shock. Then she let out an ear-piercing cheer filled with total awe, and started clapping madly, as best as she could with the lengths of cloth that passed for her arms--or were they sleeves that were just way longer than her arms? She really didn't know.

Either way, she was totally delighted by Orso's trick. It was fantastic! She really liked this bear, she thought. He was funny and cool.

[Saldinado]

Scott nodded in understanding, now going to face away from Shaun so that they were both gazing out at the rest of the participants of the dance. He wouldn't linger too much on why Shaun thought 'toughie' was laughable.

So . . . Aria, Catherine, and Annice. Storm girl, not-really-sure-what-magic girl, and armor and sword girl. He had seen them perform their magic before, but it didn't intimidate Scott too fiercely. The only thing he could think of that could possibly oppose his magic tremendously was lightning. Otherwise, he had a game plan figured for how to defend against most other magics.

He gave a side-long glance at Shaun and then asked a provocative question.

"Think you can beat them? Or are they too strong for you to take on?"

Shaun Calhoun

Shaun internally sighed in annoyance at the question. Why are people so violent? Always trying to find a way to add fighting into the mix of things, even when not called for. But even though he was a little irritated by the question, he calmly and quietly answered it, just enough for Scott to listen to him speak.

"To be honest, I cannot answer that without really experiencing it myself. It's like saying what would you do with a million dollars. Or a 'what if...' question. You can say all you want about it, but until you're actually put in that situation, you really don't know the answer towards it. So that's my answer; sorry if it's now what you were looking for. Unlike the majority of people, I am not really that type of guy."

[Archembalt]

Scott nodded in understanding, now going to face away from Shaun so that they were both gazing out at the rest of the participants of the dance. He wouldn't linger too much on why Shaun thought 'toughie' was laughable.

So . . . Aria, Catherine, and Annice. Storm girl, not-really-sure-what-magic girl, and armor and sword girl. He had seen them perform their magic before, but it didn't intimidate Scott too fiercely. The only thing he could think of that could possibly oppose his magic tremendously was lightning. Otherwise, he had a game plan figured for how to defend against most other magics.

He gave a side-long glance at Shaun and then asked a provocative question.

"Think you can beat them? Or are they too strong for you to take on?"

Shaun Calhoun

Shaun internally sighed in annoyance at the question. Why are people so violent? Always trying to find a way to add fighting into the mix of things, even when not called for. But even though he was a little irritated by the question, he calmly and quietly answered it, just enough for Scott to listen to him speak.

"Too be honest, I cannot answer that without really experiencing it myself. It's like saying what would you do with a million dollars. Or a 'what if...' question. You can say all you want about it, but until you're actually put in that situation, you really don't know the answer towards it. So that's my answer; sorry if it's now what you were looking for. Unlike the majority of people, I am not really that type of guy."

'That type of guy'. Scott really didn't know what he meant by that. Was he not going to think this stuff over, though? Scott had been thinking a while now, especially on the plane. He kept going over different scenarios in his head. But Shaun didn't want to talk about it. Was he just not worried whatseover? Maybe he just didn't want to reveal his cards to Scott.

Must be powerful.

"Uhm. Right then. So, do you like France so far?"

[Rhomaia]

Rabbit smiled, seeing the lovely silk gown that she had packed away. "...That's a lovely gown, Aria," he answered, admiring the beautiful dress. He then turned to Aria kindly. "...Now. There's no way you could ever embarrass me, or any of your classmates. As I said before, they all adore you. They would defend you with their lives. I would defend you with mine," he told her, calmly. He then added after a moment, "So why don't you put on your dress and come see your friends? They are worried about you, and they want to see you are okay. I promise, if any of the students from the other schools even thinks of insulting you, they will have to deal with me." He then stepped toward the door, and he walked outside, to allow her to have her privacy.

Aria nodded along with the Rabbit's remarks on the dress, quietly saying "Thank you," to him as he complimented it. It truly was a beautiful thing, and even if it was held in Aria's cold, gloved hands, nothing could change that.

The Rabbit's kind words, calm and fatherly, helped her to make the decision that had been eating away at her for these past minutes, which felt as if they had dragged on for hours in her mind. If he really did mean what he said...If he would defend Aria from those who despised her for the fact she was not human, then perhaps she had less to fear than she thought.

Besides, Catherine and Henry were likely waiting for her in the ballroom, after they went to the dance together. Neither of them were truly close, and conversations between them were awkward at best, mostly owing to Aria herself not knowing exactly how to handle the complexities of relationships and the unconditional affection she gave to both of them. With that being said, they were probably not having as much fun as they would like.

Though there were still countless doubts in her mind, Aria decided to heed the Rabbit's words and come down to see her friends. Even if the anxiety was crushing, she knew it would be selfish of her to stay here, after Catherine had asked for a dance with her. Letting out a long breath, she looked down at the gown in her hands, giving a silent nod to the Rabbit as he left the room.

After a few minutes, Aria walked slowly out of the hotel room and out into the hallway where the Rabbit was presumably waiting for her, clad in the white and gold gown she had shown them, which seemed to almost perfectly match her pale white skin. The crimson alchemical symbols and patterns which went down her arms and shoulders were rather visible, as the dress had no sleeves and the black opera gloves she had worn with her burgundy robes did not fit in with the pure white and gold.

Her face looked apprehensive, and a little scared even, but she was more than determined to bring a smile to her friend's faces. Her silver eyes, once dim and hopeless, were tinted a mellow amber, reminiscent of her old self.

"Professor...I've made my decision." Aria said steadily and firmly, giving the Rabbit a look of calm steadfastness as she stood in the gilded halls, the golden light shining upon her small, pale figure.

[Saldinado]

'That type of guy'. Scott really didn't know what he meant by that. Was he not going to think this stuff over, though? Scott had been thinking a while now, especially on the plane. He kept going over different scenarios in his head. But Shaun didn't want to talk about it. Was he just not worried whatseover? Maybe he just didn't want to reveal his cards to Scott.

Must be powerful.

"Uhm. Right then. So, do you like France so far?"

"...It's been...Alright." Shaun said with a hint of melancholy in his voice. He didn't want to really say what was on his mind, for fear of worrying Scott and making it awkward. Plus, he wasn't really comfortable telling him about it anyway. He softly sighed and finished what he was saying.

"It's always been a dream of mine to come here since I was little. Seeing that I have a little French in me, I was excited to come and visit the country where some of my family originated from. I can't wait to really see the rest of this city, and what it has to offer for us. For me.", he said still facing the crowd before looking at Scott out of the corner of his eye. "However, before I can adventure the city, I must get some rest. Now...Mind me asking the same question to you?"

[Luminesa]

Rabbit smiled, seeing the lovely silk gown that she had packed away. "...That's a lovely gown, Aria," he answered, admiring the beautiful dress. He then turned to Aria kindly. "...Now. There's no way you could ever embarrass me, or any of your classmates. As I said before, they all adore you. They would defend you with their lives. I would defend you with mine," he told her, calmly. He then added after a moment, "So why don't you put on your dress and come see your friends? They are worried about you, and they want to see you are okay. I promise, if any of the students from the other schools even thinks of insulting you, they will have to deal with me." He then stepped toward the door, and he walked outside, to allow her to have her privacy.

Aria nodded along with the Rabbit's remarks on the dress, quietly saying "Thank you," to him as he complimented it. It truly was a beautiful thing, and even if it was held in Aria's cold, gloved hands, nothing could change that.

The Rabbit's kind words, calm and fatherly, helped her to make the decision that had been eating away at her for these past minutes, which felt as if they had dragged on for hours in her mind. If he really did mean what he said...If he would defend Aria from those who despised her for the fact she was not human, then perhaps she had less to fear than she thought.

Besides, Catherine and Henry were likely waiting for her in the ballroom, after they went to the dance together. Neither of them were truly close, and conversations between them were awkward at best, mostly owing to Aria herself not knowing exactly how to handle the complexities of relationships and the unconditional affection she gave to both of them. With that being said, they were probably not having as much fun as they would like.

Though there were still countless doubts in her mind, Aria decided to heed the Rabbit's words and come down to see her friends. Even if the anxiety was crushing, she knew it would be selfish of her to stay here, after Catherine had asked for a dance with her. Letting out a long breath, she looked down at the gown in her hands, giving a silent nod to the Rabbit as he left the room.

After a few minutes, Aria walked slowly out of the hotel room and out into the hallway where the Rabbit was presumably waiting for her, clad in the white and gold gown she had shown them, which seemed to almost perfectly match her pale white skin. The crimson alchemical symbols and patterns which went down her arms and shoulders were rather visible, as the dress had no sleeves and the black opera gloves she had worn with her burgundy robes did not fit in with the pure white and gold.

Her face looked apprehensive, and a little scared even, but she was more than determined to bring a smile to her friend's faces. Her silver eyes, once dim and hopeless, were tinted a mellow amber, reminiscent of her old self.

"Professor...I've made my decision." Aria said steadily and firmly, giving the Rabbit a look of calm steadfastness as she stood in the gilded halls, the golden light shining upon her small, pale figure.

It was a welcome sight, seeing Aria all-dressed-up. For the longest time, she had worn the same clothes and had barely done anything to take care of herself. She had been like a ghost, wandering around with no sense of self to keep her grounded. Now she was dressed wonderfully, like a young princess in her white-and-gold gown. In fact, she almost looked angelic. All Mana beings were known for looking at the very least unearthly, yet whereas many looked haunted and even angry, Aria was gentle and sweet, untainted by the knowledge of what lurked in the darkness outside of the hotel. The darkness that Rabbit would defend her from at all costs.

She will not suffer as I have. I will make sure of this. She will know she is loved and cared for. She will know she has a family. She will know all of the things I have never known. And if I fail in any of these things, may my pathetic corpse be frozen in the Ninth Circle of Hell, never to be seen or heard from again. She WILL be happy.

He walked over to her and examined her for a moment before answering. He was obviously very pleased that she had decided to go to the ball after all. Her outfit seemed to twinkle in the opulent light of the hallway, and her eyes seemed to show their old sparkle again. "...You look absolutely stunning. The Belle of the Ball. I don't think even Madame Bourbon herself could outdo you tonight," he complimented her. He then offered her his hand, so they could walk together to the ballroom. As he did so, he showed her something in his open palm. A dark-violet Japanese symbol glowed softly in his hand for just a moment, representing his deepest, darkest secret. It only lasted for a moment, but the moment meant everything. He was determined to let Aria know she was not alone.

YOU FOOL. DON'T SHOW HER THAT. WHAT IF RUTA FINDS OUT?!

I will die a thousand deaths before I let him...or anyone...try to kill her.

IMBECILE. How have you managed to live as long as you have?! You give into your emotions so quickly now, not like you used to! What, are you going to show everyone now?!

No. Only her. She needs to know she is not alone. I promised I would defend her with my life, this is my pledge.

Your pledge...why?! You know she's going to abandon you, just like everyone you've ever cared about. She's either going to die, betray you, or run away from you. JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. DON'T YOU SEE IT?! NOBODY WANTS TO BE AROUND YOU. YOU GIVE YOUR HEART TO PEOPLE OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND YOU LET THEM STEP ON IT!!! WHY CAN'T YOU JUST THINK ABOUT YOURSELF FOR ONCE?!

...

Rabbit? Rabbit? Answer me, imbecile! You know I'm right, and you can't run from me forever!

...I am not required to tell you anything. Now silence yourself. I have to bring my student to a ball.

"Shall we, dear?" he asked Aria softly, as those crushing words echoed through his head. That voice of self-hatred, it never seemed to go away. It always told him to back away, knowing that he was cared too much for others and never cared enough for himself. The constant fighting inside wore him down, and he wished sometimes he could just end it. One quick shot of mana through his chest was all it would take, after all. Yet when he looked at Aria, his student, whose eyes sparkled with trust and care for her teacher, he desired to keep living. He would give everything, even as it hurt.

[Archembalt]

'That type of guy'. Scott really didn't know what he meant by that. Was he not going to think this stuff over, though? Scott had been thinking a while now, especially on the plane. He kept going over different scenarios in his head. But Shaun didn't want to talk about it. Was he just not worried whatseover? Maybe he just didn't want to reveal his cards to Scott.

Must be powerful.

"Uhm. Right then. So, do you like France so far?"

"...It's been...Alright." Shaun said with a hint of melancholy in his voice. He didn't want to really say what was on his mind, for fear of worrying Scott and making it awkward. Plus, he wasn't really comfortable telling him about it anyway. He softly sighed and finished what he was saying.

"It's always been a dream of mine to come here since I was little. Seeing that I have a little French in me, I was excited to come and visit the country where some of my family originated from. I can't wait to really see the rest of this city, and what it has to offer for us. For me.", he said still facing the crowd before looking at Scott out of the corner of his eye. "However, before I can adventure the city, I must get some rest. Now...Mind me asking the same question to you?"

Scott nodded throughout Shaun's reminiscing as if to signify that he was actively listening before giving his own response. "Well, it's fine. Stuffy. Sort of what I imagined a city would be like. I don't find anything too interesting about it. I guess the hotels are nice. You wouldn't happen to know some French, would you? I want to go looking around too, but I don't want to be caught off guard if I have to speak to a native. Maybe we can go around together."

His offer was direct, and Scott hoped that Shaun would take it. He seemed to actually tolerate the sun mage's personality, to a degree. Scott also neglected to ask whether or not Shaun would be okay with the arrangement. Just an assumption he made.

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Shaun Calhoun

Shaun firmly grabbed his hand and shook it, and gave a single nod in agreement to him as well before lowering his arm and putting it in his pocket. And as Scott said what school he was from, he was a little embarrassed by the fact that after all this time, he'd had never seen or heard of him before. Though given his degree of popularity, which was quite a decent amount, he more than likely wouldn't have known that. Unless he was like one of those little stage extras that quietly sat in the back of the class while the main cast took over the show.

"Oh. Well then. I don't recall seeing you before, or have I? If you do, than please remind me. I don't want to make you feel like you're left out."

Simone Bellerose

Unlike the normal teenage girls that would blush up a storm, Simone softly giggled as she heard her acquaintance offer to dance with her. Hopefully she can get to know this young man a little more and hopefully make some memories with him.

"Why thank you. Though I hope you can keep up with a woman that knows five different types ballroom dancing for nearly ten years of her life.", she said laughing before drinking the rest of her drink in a elegant and clean way before placing it on a silver tray passing by with a servant holding it. After she did that, Simone gently took his hands and looked up at him.

"So? Would you care to take the lead Monsieur?"

"I'm not a Cossack myself, but I think I can keep up with a woman like you."

The Russian extended his palm to Simone in a gentle move. Even with the beauty of his companion, his mind rested on the plan to make people believe that Henry was the wrong party, not him. And that involved playing the part.

While both of them swiftly moved across the ballroom, Anatoly carefully examined his dancing partner.

"Simone, right? So... I must be sincere with you, you managed to disorganize my ideas, so I'll be straight. Are you accompanied here?"

[Chrome Legion]

Catherine de Sanguine Vivere


Catherine stood quickly as Aria entered the ballroom with Rabbit. Even though Catherine wasn't particularly fond of the teacher, she owed him her thanks, for for helping her heal and for helping Aria tonight. He may not have been her favorite instructor in class, but he was an exemplar of kindness, and she was proud to say that he was one of her teachers. And with him... Oh Aria, beautiful, kind, amazing, ferocious Aria. Marked or not, Human or not, she was the most beautiful thing that Catherine had ever seen. The extravagant ballroom seemed to fade into the distance, Aria completely dwarfing it's splendor. Aria was everything to Catherine, and even her pain dulled and disapeared when looking upon her. Like a moth drawn to flame Cather made for Aria's brilliance, a broad smile outshining her other features, including the scars. She broke her composed walk once she had a direct line to Aria, and moved as fast as her dress would let her. She took Aria in a tight embrace planting a kiss on her forehead, ignoring rabbit, though she would have to thank him later for what ever he might have said to get Aria to come down from their room.

"I'm so glad you came down. I felt incomplete with out you here. And... Wow, you're so beautiful. I saw the dress before, but that means nothing compared to what it's looks like on you. I'm so happy."

[Saldinado]

Shaun Calhoun

Shaun still looked at Scott out of the corner of his eyes and slyly smiled at his question and offer of some sort. "Go together?" He was kinda surprised that he would say that, for he thought that he wasn't fit to be with him. With a slow shaking of his head, Shaun answered his question for him.

"Malheureusement, je ne sais pas français. C'est quelque chose que je n'ai jamais appris et il ne le sera probablement jamais. Oh, quelle horreur n'est-ce pas ?", he then turned his head towards Scott, "Sorry. I don't know French," Shaun said laughing before turning around and looking towards the entrance of the ballroom for a moment and saw who was standing there. His eyes widen as he saw Rabbit and Aria standing at the door. He was surprised, and overall excited to see the crimson-haired lady. The one that he first called a friend standing there in such a beautiful and elegant manner.

Wow...She actually came...It's really her. Is she alright? I'll need to check on her later on when we have a chance to be alone.

Simone Bellerose

"Yes, Simone. And accompanied? Besides the rest of my classmates, I have not come here with anyone else. My brothers wouldn't want to be involved with this type of stuff, and there's no partner in my life, so no. I came alone." She said wrapping her arms around the Russian boy's neck and looking at him.

Hopefully he was a good guy. By the looks of things, he seemed to be one as well. Maybe the American was the actual aggressor between the two of them? She kept a mental note of what to do next when she has the time to in order to get to the bottom of this.

[Archembalt]

Shaun Calhoun

Shaun still looked at Scott out of the corner of his eyes and slyly smiled at his question and offer of some sort. "Go together?" He was kinda surprised that he would say that, for he thought that he wasn't fit to be with him. With a slow shaking of his head, Shaun answered his question for him.

"Malheureusement, je ne sais pas français. C'est quelque chose que je n'ai jamais appris et il ne le sera probablement jamais. Oh, quelle horreur n'est-ce pas ?", he then turned his head towards Scott, "Sorry. I don't know French," Shaun said laughing before turning around and looking towards the entrance of the ballroom for a moment and saw who was standing there. His eyes widen as he saw Rabbit and Aria standing at the door. He was surprised, and overall excited to see the crimson-haired lady. The one that he first called a friend standing there in such a beautiful and elegant manner.

Wow...She actually came...It's really her. Is she alright? I'll need to check on her later on when we have a chance to be alone.

Scott furrowed his brows some, and a corner of his lip curved upwards to form a wry grin. "Is that a snarky way of saying 'yes'?"

Following Shaun's eyes after, he took a gander at Aria himself and the grin dissipated. She looked nice, the drama queen. It wasn't that Scott hated her or anything, but he was so perplexed as to why the teachers continually gave her the most attention. She was even escorted in by one -- Rabbit. It made him question whether or not she could handle herself independently or if she was so broken that constant supervision was needed. He concluded that it must have been the latter deduction. When he swiveled his neck around to face Shaun again, Scott immediately became aware of his animated visage. Aria was certainly good-looking, but there were plenty of other good-looking girls on the floor. Maybe he wanted to ask her something urgently. Who knew.

"That dress doesn't match her hair all that well," he bluntly remarked.

[Prusselanden]

Shaun Calhoun

Shaun still looked at Scott out of the corner of his eyes and slyly smiled at his question and offer of some sort. "Go together?" He was kinda surprised that he would say that, for he thought that he wasn't fit to be with him. With a slow shaking of his head, Shaun answered his question for him.

"Malheureusement, je ne sais pas français. C'est quelque chose que je n'ai jamais appris et il ne le sera probablement jamais. Oh, quelle horreur n'est-ce pas ?", he then turned his head towards Scott, "Sorry. I don't know French," Shaun said laughing before turning around and looking towards the entrance of the ballroom for a moment and saw who was standing there. His eyes widen as he saw Rabbit and Aria standing at the door. He was surprised, and overall excited to see the crimson-haired lady. The one that he first called a friend standing there in such a beautiful and elegant manner.

Wow...She actually came...It's really her. Is she alright? I'll need to check on her later on when we have a chance to be alone.

Scott furrowed his brows some, and a corner of his lip curved upwards to form a wry grin. "Is that a snarky way of saying 'yes'?"

Following Shaun's eyes after, he took a gander at Aria himself and the grin dissipated. She looked nice, the drama queen. It wasn't that Scott hated her or anything, but he was so perplexed as to why the teachers continually gave her the most attention. She was even escorted in by one -- Rabbit. It made him question whether or not she could handle herself independently or if she was so broken that constant supervision was needed. He concluded that it must have been the latter deduction. When he swiveled his neck around to face Shaun again, Scott immediately became aware of his animated visage. Aria was certainly good-looking, but there were plenty of other good-looking girls on the floor. Maybe he wanted to ask her something urgently. Who knew.

"That dress doesn't match her hair all that well," he bluntly remarked.

"Why do looks even matter?"
Aaron looked up from his book at Aria.
"I think it matters more if she's a nice, honest, fair person. One day we'll all be old blokes and our eyes'll go bad, and it won't matter anymore if her hair clashes with her dress cause we can't see if it does."

[Archembalt]

"Why do looks even matter?"
Aaron looked up from his book at Aria.
"I think it matters more if she's a nice, honest, fair person."

Scott then directed his attention onto Aaron. Why did this person think it was necessary to speak up? He seemed to be going on the defensive, too. That was slightly annoying, and Scott perceived Aaron's intervening to be slightly belligerent as well.

Who the fuck . . .

The sun mage shrugged. "That is your opinion, yes." He really just left it off there before eyeing Aaron up and down and looking back out at the floor.

[Prusselanden]

"Why do looks even matter?"
Aaron looked up from his book at Aria.
"I think it matters more if she's a nice, honest, fair person."

Scott then directed his attention onto Aaron. Why did this person think it was necessary to speak up? He seemed to be going on the defensive, too. That was slightly annoying, and Scott perceived Aaron's intervening to be slightly belligerent as well.

Who the fuck . . .

The sun mage shrugged. "That is your opinion, yes." He really just left it off there before eyeing Aaron up and down and looking back out at the floor.

He went back to the corner and continued reading.
You didn't have to get that cross, sheesh.