Mana Academy (IC) (Open, Fantasy)

[Rhomaia]

Catherine de Sanguine Vivere

Catherine smiled widely again, breaking the bar in half with her fingers, before ripping the packaging with her teeth, holding her piece in her mouth and tossing the other one to Aria. Before taking a bite, she moved the half back to her hand. She let out a fake, evil villain laugh, classic to all phony cartoon villains.

"Now you have shown me your true weakness, nothing will stop me!" Catherine laughed again, her own, then plopped down next to Aria, wrapping her long arm around Aria, and resting her head on the smaller girl's shoulder. It did make it a bit awkward to eat her half of the chocolate bar, since she had to reach out in front of Aria to get a bite. "You know, this really is turning out to be a pretty nice trip, hopefully the rest of it stays this good."

Aria

With a precise motion of her hand, Aria caught the piece of chocolate that Catherine had thrown to her and eagerly took a bite out of it, and she looked absolutely delighted. The dark chocolate, a wonderful combination of sweetness and bitterness, was the best thing she'd had in months, or perhaps years even, better than any feast or gathering Aria had ever attended.

Smiling and laughing at Catherine's jovial, joking manner, she couldn't help but recall a morning just like this one, where they had both woken up side by side in one another's arms after a night of passion. It was nostalgic, and even if both Aria and Catherine knew they would never truly get those days back, this was not such a far cry from those carefree end of summer days.

"Oh, you fiend! How could you have known?" Aria responded in an equally grandiose manner, giggling childishly as Catherine kept her one arm around her small frame and leaned on her for support. In return, she gently put an arm around Catherine as well, holding her softly to her chest and shoulders, still smiling brightly at the levity and lightness of this moment.

With a small, content sigh, Aria slowly ran her free hand through Catherine's short, shineless black hair and continued to smile at her. "I shouldn't say anything...Knowing me, I'll probably jinx it..." she said gently, with a small, self deprecating laugh afterwards. Aria hoped that every morning they spent together would as good as this one, even if she knew that outcome was all but impossible.

[Finsternia]

Allistor Abendroth

"Ja"

With a blink on an eye Allistor's body collapsed into a pile of snow and he reappeared in front of Henry, swinging the rapier in a wide arc in an effort to knock the spear out of Henry's grip. "Using a long range weapon puts me in a strategically uncomfortable situation." Blue light flashed in his left hand and a dagger made of ice formed in it, thrusting it into Henry's direction.

Henry Von Kressel

Strategically, he let the spear turn around in his hand while giving a quick backstep, only to turn the blunt end of his spear incoming right at Allistor's chin, luckily putting him into the ground. If it didn't break the motion of the attack with the dagger, he would use the pole as a way to hold Allistor back, while watching Étienne's moves.

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor used the momentum of his dagger strike to sidestep to the left to evade Henry's blow that could sent him flying and tumbling like a piece of paper ball. He then tried to strike again at Henry with an upward slash followed by a downward thrust. Fighting someone whose using a spear with a rapier isn't a good idea, with the spearman effectively harrassing and pushing back the swordsman. 'I only need to disarm him or overwhelm him.' He then raised his left hand, the dagger melting back into mana, and a wall of ice rose behind Henry, blocking him from backstepping and rendering him suspectable within close distance combat for a few seconds before he chooses to move away.

[Chrome Legion]

Amélie Aleramici-Gramont


Amélie only had a split second to decide on her course of action. She could probably take the attack, but that would reveal more than she wanted. She needed to put as much pressure on the other boy to reveal his talents, with out her doing so. She could strengthen her natural Solum affinity for the ground, using that to brace herself again the blow and meet it with her hammer, but again that would show more than she wanted to. She had caught more than a few opponents off guard by holding strong against their attacks. No, she didn't want to give that up either. So in the blink of an eye she had, Amélie chose a course of action, coming out of the first blow with her hammer, she swung it around again, using the momentum to pull her body out of the way, then sling the weapon at her opponent while he was in mid spin. Freed from the wieght of the hammer, she moved back even quicker, completely moving out of his path. She summoned two shorter blades, broad and heavy. She hoped to dive into his guard and use her strength and speed.


Elizabeth Tsukuyomi


"Yes, an indecent has occurred. Your cousin, I believe. He got into... A confrontation with one of your classmates. I would like for you to tell me everything you can about the boy, Saturninus Rise."

[Chrome Legion]

Catherine de Sanguine Vivere


"Eh, I don't know about that. You know, you're the only one that it right to be... well myself around. Kinda silly and all that. I guess maybe Soliel to, that kid is adorable. Everyone else I always feel like I should be putting on airs around. And you even stood by me at my lowest point." Catherine curled up closer around Aria. "I've thanked you enough for helping me with that. So.. uh thanks for just letting me be silly."

Catherine laughed again, remembering that time they had spent under the tree at lunch before everything.

"You remember the time that Albrecht ended up letting the school animals loose? I believe my exact words as some animal or another ran past were 'Fuck that noise'. Barring all the trouble that caused, that was pretty damn funny. I think I remember seeing Tsukuyomi flying around on a gryphon, dressed up like a cowboy, with a lasso and everything. Feels like a long time ago, but I guess it really wasn't was it?" Are those times really so far behind us that we won't see them again?

[Prusselanden]

"Ah, yes, it seems she got in a fight with a boy who was much bigger than her. Also rather skilled in Dark Magic, it seems, which may pose a problem in the future," Rabbit explained, as he looked down at Katelyn and watched her sleep. He then turned to Hailey, and noticed the worry and hopelessness in her eyes. She and Katelyn were close, like Aria and Catherine, and she wanted Katelyn to be safe and taken care of. Rabbit thus encouraged her, telling her, "She will be better soon enough, if you do all of those things for her. There is no need to worry, especially considering you already know how to take care of a concussion. I will be sure to come check on her occasionally as-"

"Oh my stars!"

As Rabbit had been speaking to Hailey, Madame Bourbon had managed to find the room, and she hurried over in her red gown and high heels to Katelyn's side. She looked over her, examining the damage Saturninus had done to her, which was quite substantial. "...Oh good heavens. I must apologize myself, for my student's behavior," she answered, as she turned back around to face Rabbit. She did not even acknowledge Hailey, who was standing by and trying to look at Katelyn herself. "If there is anything I can do, I will make up for it however I can," she continued.

The masked teacher was not at all pleased to see her, and his stiff posture and cool air demonstrated this. He was not sure how she got here, or why she even thought she was helping by making such a scene. She would only make Hailey more nervous and more insecure than she already was. "...Thank you, Madame, but there is no need at the moment. Miss Winters behind you will take good care of her. Of course, you could do a favor and keep Saturninus from potentially killing anymore students. I am sure you would not like for me to catch him doing something like this again, now, would you?" His tone was incredibly cold, and it was clear he wanted her out of the room. He did not trust her anymore than he could throw her.

Madame Bourbon did acknowledge Hailey, as Rabbit mentioned her, but as she looked behind her at the cute, pink-haired girl, her eyes showed the slightest glint of disdain. Looking at her, one could tell that Madame Bourbon saw Hailey as trash. "...Perhaps you should have a trained medical professional examine her, instead of a young femme de la rue?" she asked, counting on Rabbit to not know French.

He knew enough, of course, and if Hailey and Katelyn had not been in the room, he would have dealt with her very badly. Of course, he maintained his (semi)professional air, and he answered, "We do indeed have a medic. But I am sure Miss Winters can take care of her friend quite well. If she was not, perhaps then I would have gone looking for someone who walks around during the daytime in a $600 gown and 4-inch heels to give me medical advice. Other than that, I see no problems with this current setup. Have a good day, Madame."

She was absolutely insulted by Rabbit's comments, but she of course could not bad-mouth him right here and show him that he had gotten on her nerves. He had kicked her out the room, and now she needed to go and regain her composure. After all, she had plenty of work to do later. Without another word, she marched out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

As soon as she was gone, Rabbit laughed, a little louder than usual, since he had obviously frightened her off. He then turned back toward Hailey. "I believe in you, sweetheart. I will tell John to help you if you need anything, but other than that, we are both sure you can take care of Katelyn, are we not?" he asked her.

Natalie tugged on Rabbit's clothes.

Bunny-Man, she whimpered, can... can I have a hug now?

He sprinted inside and jumped into her bed.
Thank you.
Cheese wiped his eyes and curled up next to Hikari. He rested his muzzle on her shoulder.
"...What's wrong?"

Hikari reached up with a trembling hand and stroked Cheese's nose.

"...I... I..."

She couldn't talk about it. She just shook her head. Cheese didn't know, and she didn't want him to know. She'd only ever told one person, and he was the only one she trusted to be able to help her.

Cheese gently pushed his nose against her hand.
"You can tell me. I've never told anyone a secret ever."

[Luminesa]

Amélie Aleramici-Gramont


Amélie only had a split second to decide on her course of action. She could probably take the attack, but that would reveal more than she wanted. She needed to put as much pressure on the other boy to reveal his talents, with out her doing so. She could strengthen her natural Solum affinity for the ground, using that to brace herself again the blow and meet it with her hammer, but again that would show more than she wanted to. She had caught more than a few opponents off guard by holding strong against their attacks. No, she didn't want to give that up either. So in the blink of an eye she had, Amélie chose a course of action, coming out of the first blow with her hammer, she swung it around again, using the momentum to pull her body out of the way, then sling the weapon at her opponent while he was in mid spin. Freed from the wieght of the hammer, she moved back even quicker, completely moving out of his path. She summoned two shorter blades, broad and heavy. She hoped to dive into his guard and use her strength and speed.


Elizabeth Tsukuyomi


"Yes, an indecent has occurred. Your cousin, I believe. He got into... A confrontation with one of your classmates. I would like for you to tell me everything you can about the boy, Saturninus Rise."

Étienne blocked the shorter blades, grinning as Amelie came at him and met his shield. She was good, but she would have to be faster to keep up with him. "Come on, is that all you've got?" he teased. "Two little daggers aren't going to get me to lay up, just to warn you right now," he answered.

Inside, Soleil heard the name, and he nearly dropped his tray of food. His eyes widened, and he simply stood there shaking, for a moment. "...S-Saturninus?...I-Is...H-He's here?...H-He's in the tournament?" He wanted to faint. Now he knew for sure his mother was watching him from somewhere, and she had planted his wicked older cousin to make sure he did not slip-up and use Light Magic. It was only a matter of time before she found him.

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

Strategically, he let the spear turn around in his hand while giving a quick backstep, only to turn the blunt end of his spear incoming right at Allistor's chin, luckily putting him into the ground. If it didn't break the motion of the attack with the dagger, he would use the pole as a way to hold Allistor back, while watching Étienne's moves.

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor used the momentum of his dagger strike to sidestep to the left to evade Henry's blow that could sent him flying and tumbling like a piece of paper ball. He then tried to strike again at Henry with an upward slash followed by a downward thrust. Fighting someone whose using a spear with a rapier isn't a good idea, with the spearman effectively harrassing and pushing back the swordsman. 'I only need to disarm him or overwhelm him.' He then raised his left hand, the dagger melting back into mana, and a wall of ice rose behind Henry, blocking him from backstepping and rendering him suspectable within close distance combat for a few seconds before he chooses to move away.

Henry Von Kressel

If anything, the wall of ice behind him eliminated the option of backstepping from Henry's arsenal. But that didn't mean it emptied his set of moves. The upward slash passed few inches away, while the downward thrust was simply diverged away to his side. With a stepping to the side while spinning his body and aiming the blunt end of the spear with part of the pole heading to Allistor's chest, with a small addition.

If Allistor created a wall to restrict Henry's movement, Henry had a much subtle idea. Creating a small rectangle of stone right behind his calves, he expected to break his opponent's balance, effectively putting him down.

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Simone Bellerose

As the Sun slowly crept it's way through the window and brighten the large hotel room with an abundance of natural light, the room was filled with a silecne that was to be broken by the sounds of honking and cars passing by full of Parisians that were doing their daily commutes. The young and well-satisfied Anatoly would find wake up to see that he was once again alone. It would seemed that the young lady known as Simone was nowhere to be found now. Such a young, beautiful woman as herself didn't even leave a note for him as it seemed that she also took all of her belongings and left.

In a matter of what seemed like to be forever, which was in actuality, over thirty minutes, the door to Anatoly's hotel room slowly opened as a soft, feminine voice suddenly spoke.

"Excuse me if you are not ready; I'm coming in just to let you know." She said with a soft French accent sounding melodious. Soon after, they entered the room and their lilac-colored eyes surveyed the room around them as they closed the the door behind them.

It was the young lady known as Simone, who was dressed in an outfit that seemed to be full of simplicity as well as chicness and style. She had went back to her hotel room to get herself prepared and changed for this lovely morning and day ahead of them. She walked towards the window and looked outside to see the view and feel the warm morning rays caress her body. With a soft sigh of relief, she suddenly spoke.

"Bonjour monsieur."

Anatoly

Still adapting his eyes to the sunshine rays, Anatoly slowly crawled out of bed, shirtless, putting his hand over his eyes so he could see Simone more properly. Immediately, the expression of bother gave its place to one of satisfaction.

"You left the bed too early, my dear. We could've stayed here a while longer, you know... But how is your day so far?"

[Finsternia]

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor used the momentum of his dagger strike to sidestep to the left to evade Henry's blow that could sent him flying and tumbling like a piece of paper ball. He then tried to strike again at Henry with an upward slash followed by a downward thrust. Fighting someone whose using a spear with a rapier isn't a good idea, with the spearman effectively harrassing and pushing back the swordsman. 'I only need to disarm him or overwhelm him.' He then raised his left hand, the dagger melting back into mana, and a wall of ice rose behind Henry, blocking him from backstepping and rendering him suspectable within close distance combat for a few seconds before he chooses to move away.

Henry Von Kressel

If anything, the wall of ice behind him eliminated the option of backstepping from Henry's arsenal. But that didn't mean it emptied his set of moves. The upward slash passed few inches away, while the downward thrust was simply diverged away to his side. With a stepping to the side while spinning his body and aiming the blunt end of the spear with part of the pole heading to Allistor's chest, with a small addition.

If Allistor created a wall to restrict Henry's movement, Henry had a much subtle idea. Creating a small rectangle of stone right behind his calves, he expected to break his opponent's balance, effectively putting him down.

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor expected another attack from Henry and tried to dodge the thrust but the block of stone made him trip and the spear's blunt end grazed his shoulder. The result was him falling down to the ground. 'Not so fast.' As his body slammed into the ground, it turned to snow and in a puff of cold wind, Allistor appeared a few feet away from Henry. "If you're trying to remove my mobility then you need to try harder and hit harder." As he smiled at his opponent, he stretched his right arm, extending the rapier to the right and an ice path swiftly materialized between him and Henry. He then slid on it like as if he was gliding in an alarming speed and brought his rapier into a horizontal strike. If the strike would connect then it would induce a paralyzing effect and will make Henry's movements and magic sluggish thanks to Annice's enchantment.

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

If anything, the wall of ice behind him eliminated the option of backstepping from Henry's arsenal. But that didn't mean it emptied his set of moves. The upward slash passed few inches away, while the downward thrust was simply diverged away to his side. With a stepping to the side while spinning his body and aiming the blunt end of the spear with part of the pole heading to Allistor's chest, with a small addition.

If Allistor created a wall to restrict Henry's movement, Henry had a much subtle idea. Creating a small rectangle of stone right behind his calves, he expected to break his opponent's balance, effectively putting him down.

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor expected another attack from Henry and tried to dodge the thrust but the block of stone made him trip and the spear's blunt end grazed his shoulder. The result was him falling down to the ground. 'Not so fast.' As his body slammed into the ground, it turned to snow and in a puff of cold wind, Allistor appeared a few feet away from Henry. "If you're trying to remove my mobility then you need to try harder and hit harder." As he smiled at his opponent, he stretched his right arm, extending the rapier to the right and an ice path swiftly materialized between him and Henry. He then slid on it like as if he was gliding in an alarming speed and brought his rapier into a horizontal strike. If the strike would connect then it would induce a paralyzing effect and will make Henry's movements and magic sluggish thanks to Annice's enchantment.

Henry Von Kressel

Presuming the height and avoiding serious damage, Henry knew he had two measures to take: Once more, employ his already traditional armor made of lava and try to remove the rapier from Allistor's hand. The plaques of his armor quickly formed as Allistor came in his direction, as Henry placed his spear vertically in the direction of the base of the rapier's blade, hoping to knock it off and creating an opening for an attack.

[Finsternia]

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor expected another attack from Henry and tried to dodge the thrust but the block of stone made him trip and the spear's blunt end grazed his shoulder. The result was him falling down to the ground. 'Not so fast.' As his body slammed into the ground, it turned to snow and in a puff of cold wind, Allistor appeared a few feet away from Henry. "If you're trying to remove my mobility then you need to try harder and hit harder." As he smiled at his opponent, he stretched his right arm, extending the rapier to the right and an ice path swiftly materialized between him and Henry. He then slid on it like as if he was gliding in an alarming speed and brought his rapier into a horizontal strike. If the strike would connect then it would induce a paralyzing effect and will make Henry's movements and magic sluggish thanks to Annice's enchantment.

Henry Von Kressel

Presuming the height and avoiding serious damage, Henry knew he had two measures to take: Once more, employ his already traditional armor made of lava and try to remove the rapier from Allistor's hand. The plaques of his armor quickly formed as Allistor came in his direction, as Henry placed his spear vertically in the direction of the base of the rapier's blade, hoping to knock it off and creating an opening for an attack.

Allistor Abendroth

The force exerted by Allistor and the enchantment of the blade made Henry's armor freeze and shatter on contact, nullifying the magical armor. Just before the rapier makes its red bloody bite, the spearhead effectively stopped its course but the rapier stayed in Allistor's shaky hand, albeit nearly knocking it off, and frost slowly formed and advanced upon the spearhead. "You nearly disarmed me." He spun and attempted to strike at the spear's pole.

[Prusselanden]

Ignis looked out of the sliver of sunlight pouring from her window.

"Sylvi? Sylvi where did you go?"
The Chinese cobra paced along the glass wall of her enclosure. It hadn't eaten for weeks and its water bowl was close to drying up.
She heard a deep voice sounding down the hallway.
"I don't want anything with that brat's disgusting worm. Get rid of it."

The door was finally opened. The snake shot over enthusiastically, thinking that the girl had come back.
"Sylvi? are you back? Sylvi! Sylvi-"
A rough gloved hand grabbed her behind the head, nearly choking her, and covered it with a canvas. A rope was wrapped around it so it wouldn't come off.

"Ah!"
"What's wrong?"
"The little bastard bit me." The low voice grunted.
"Alright, Joe you do it instead."
Ropes tied to stones were wrapped around her girth, some so tight they caused her to bleed. The reptile writhed and thrashed frantically. "Stop! What are you doing!? Stop please! What did you do to Sylvi!? Where is she!?"
But it only came out as a loud hiss.

A loud splash sounded and she felt her lung filling up with mucky fluid.

"...Why am I thinking of this now?" She shook her head and went out to find someplace to eat breakfast.

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

Presuming the height and avoiding serious damage, Henry knew he had two measures to take: Once more, employ his already traditional armor made of lava and try to remove the rapier from Allistor's hand. The plaques of his armor quickly formed as Allistor came in his direction, as Henry placed his spear vertically in the direction of the base of the rapier's blade, hoping to knock it off and creating an opening for an attack.

Allistor Abendroth

The force exerted by Allistor and the enchantment of the blade made Henry's armor freeze and shatter on contact, nullifying the magical armor. Just before the rapier makes its red bloody bite, the spearhead effectively stopped its course but the rapier stayed in Allistor's shaky hand, albeit nearly knocking it off, and frost slowly formed and advanced upon the spearhead. "You nearly disarmed me." He spun and attempted to strike at the spear's pole.

Henry Von Kressel

"Igniting" his spear, Henry melted the frost away, quick enough to plan his counter attack to Allistor's rapier. He pulled the spear back, launching it back forward and above the rapier, leveling it to the ground and completing with a spin of his body that ended in a strong kick heading to Allistor's chest, trying to create distance between his opponent and his weapon.

[Charlia]

Hailey Winters


Hailey nodded. Not entirely content now, to be in a foreign hotel hosted by school who's headmaster seemed perfectly content if her students ended up killing those from mana. She didn't really know how well Rabbit could keep his promise, but he was powerful enough to be a teacher at mana, so he must have some pretty impressive.
Then Hailey had an idea, she held her hand up to her head, carefully tuning her magic to make just the right frequency of sound. It took a bit to get right, but soon she could "see" the inside of her own head, it was an interesting experience she took some time, making note of what she "saw". Then she moved on and repeated the procedure with Kate, looking with sound to see if she could find anything wrong. Her magical ultrasound didn't reveal anything to different from what she saw in her own, hopefully healthy head. That was a good thing. She had been told that the biggest immediate threat with concision was a bleed in the brain, when she was being treated for her concussion. Hailey went to the bathroom and filled up a large glass with water, somehow also finding a straw in the room. She put the glass down on the nightstand next to Kate, then sat down on the bed across from her.

Katelyn opened her eyes and looked over at Hailey, managing a smile.

"Hi..." she mumbled, reaching for the glass of water and drinking some of it, wincing as she did so. "...What's up? You know... other than concussions... Sorry to scare you..."

Natalie tugged on Rabbit's clothes.

Bunny-Man, she whimpered, can... can I have a hug now?
Hikari reached up with a trembling hand and stroked Cheese's nose.

"...I... I..."

She couldn't talk about it. She just shook her head. Cheese didn't know, and she didn't want him to know. She'd only ever told one person, and he was the only one she trusted to be able to help her.

Cheese gently pushed his nose against her hand.
"You can tell me. I've never told anyone a secret ever."

"...I... I can't do this anymore," she said dully. "I can't keep pasting a smile on my face so no one worries about me."

The doll's smile seemed to mock her even more.

"I can't keep being this fake... doll... thing..."

...But Mama isn't a doll, Natalie said in confusion. Mama is cool. If Mama's anything, she's an action figure. Natalie tried to laugh, but failed miserably.

...I wish she wasn't mad at me, she said sadly.

"...She is more angry at herself than she is at you, sweetie...You may not understand now...but one day you will see..." He walked down the hall with her, and he carried her out to the courtyard, allowing her to sit on her shoulder as he did so. In the meantime, he spoke to her. "...When I was just a little bigger than you, Natalie...I remember seeing snow for the first time...Someone very special to me...showed it to me...It was beautiful...But then, not too long later..."

"...Papa? Please get up...please..."

"He's dead, Rabbit. You need to move so we can take the body.

"...Papa...Papa, please...get up...I am sorry for disobeying you...If I say sorry, will you get up again?...Papa?"

"Look at it. It's mourning him."

"Don't be an idiot. Machines can't feel. It's just like a gun without a hand. Now it has nobody to use it."

"Well, then, it will just need someone else."

Looking down into the pale face of a young man in his early thirties. Once upon a time, there was life in that cold face. Not ten minutes ago, in fact. Yet now there was nothing there. The green eyes that had shown so many expressions and that had glowed so uniquely were now blank and lightless.

Then there was the small, thin, pale creature kneeling over it, staring into those eyes, long white hair brushing the snowy ground beneath it. The creature shivered profusely, wearing the large, thick, black wool coat 'Papa' had left behind for it. Of course, the creature could not actually see 'Papa'. Its mask was nearby in the snow, thus its face and bandaged eyes saw nothing.

Thus, it did not realize immediately that the man was dead. Slowly, it lowered its head against his heart to listen. Hearing nothing, it slowly dawned on the creature, and it would not move from that spot. It cuddled with the body, in the same way an army dog might try and cuddle with the casket of the dead soldier, its fallen master, inside.

"...Papa..." For the first time, the creature had whispered the word and pure sorrow, as much as the little creature knew, flowed forth. There were no tears, but none were needed. Anyone who stood near the little 'weapon' and its 'handler' could tell that human emotion had shown itself.

One of the other men shuddered, as they heard the word, and they walked toward the creature, only to be jerked back by a teammate. "Hey! What gives?!" the man shouted back.

"We don't 'comfort' machines! If you're going to go over there, you need to grab that thing and bring it back here. We'll have to repair it again, before the next mission," a cruel, burly man answered behind him.

"...Papa..."

Fresh snow fell softly over everyone, in the cold, bleak December afternoon. It covered the flow of blood that had poured from 'Papa's' body. It dusted the clothes of the men who stood by, flabbergasted that a tool could show any sort of affection toward its wielder. Finally, it settled in the hair and on the cloak of the mournful little creature, who found the man's forehead and gave it a kiss, before it stood again. It was not very tall, and it was dwarfed by all of the angry men standing nearby. It continued to shiver, looking as though it was going to break in any moment.

"...I love you..."

Rabbit had gotten caught in his memories, and he did not finish the sentence. When he got outside with Natalie, then, he simply stood by the door, staring into the distance in gloomy silence.

...Snow? Natalie said curiously. I've seen snow... Snow is pretty... and...

Her own memories returned to her, and her eyes widened slightly.

"Hey, Natalie, look! It's snowing!" The familiar face of her best friend was filled with cheer. "You've never seen snow before, have you? I wish I could take you out there, but it would get you all wet and you'd be in bad shape. So you just sit in the window and watch, okay? I'm going to go build a snowman by the window, so you can see it!"

Natalie sat in the window, watching her girl laugh and play in the snow, one of the memories she clung so tightly to after it all went wrong...

---

"...Look, Natalie," she whispered sadly. "It's snowing. Isn't snow so beautiful? It's so pure... It just covers everything and makes it white and clean..."

Her voice cracked.

"Except me," she whispered softly, hugging the doll tightly and crying. "Why... why can't it make me clean again, Natalie? Why... is this the way I'll always be?"

Natalie clung to Rabbit tightly, whimpering.

...Snow... she mumbled.

[Finsternia]

Allistor Abendroth

The force exerted by Allistor and the enchantment of the blade made Henry's armor freeze and shatter on contact, nullifying the magical armor. Just before the rapier makes its red bloody bite, the spearhead effectively stopped its course but the rapier stayed in Allistor's shaky hand, albeit nearly knocking it off, and frost slowly formed and advanced upon the spearhead. "You nearly disarmed me." He spun and attempted to strike at the spear's pole.

Henry Von Kressel

"Igniting" his spear, Henry melted the frost away, quick enough to plan his counter attack to Allistor's rapier. He pulled the spear back, launching it back forward and above the rapier, leveling it to the ground and completing with a spin of his body that ended in a strong kick heading to Allistor's chest, trying to create distance between his opponent and his weapon.

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor took the kick directly into his chest which left him sprawling on the ground and trying to recover his breath. The force of the kick knocked most of the air in his lungs, making him breath hard. His rapier was knocked away from his hand, making him defenseless. If you base it on him having a 'weapon' that is. He then tried to pull himself into a kneeling position, his right hand clutching his chest and his left hand assisting his body. From his left hand a wave of cold magic surged into the courtyard and jagged rows of ice rose in multiple locations and around him, shielding him from Henry's future attacks. He slowly pulled himself up and walked towards his rapier, picking it up before looking back at Henry. "Seems that I lost." He slashed at the air, blue light trailing from the blade's edge. He was still panting but not the almost hyperventilating search for air that happened to him awhile ago.

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

"Igniting" his spear, Henry melted the frost away, quick enough to plan his counter attack to Allistor's rapier. He pulled the spear back, launching it back forward and above the rapier, leveling it to the ground and completing with a spin of his body that ended in a strong kick heading to Allistor's chest, trying to create distance between his opponent and his weapon.

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor took the kick directly into his chest which left him sprawling on the ground and trying to recover his breath. The force of the kick knocked most of the air in his lungs, making him breath hard. His rapier was knocked away from his hand, making him defenseless. If you base it on him having a 'weapon' that is. He then tried to pull himself into a kneeling position, his right hand clutching his chest and his left hand assisting his body. From his left hand a wave of cold magic surged into the courtyard and jagged rows of ice rose in multiple locations and around him, shielding him from Henry's future attacks. He slowly pulled himself up and walked towards his rapier, picking it up before looking back at Henry. "Seems that I lost." He slashed at the air, blue light trailing from the blade's edge.

Henry Von Kressel

"It was a spar, Allistor. No one wins or loses in a spar. But it was a good one at that. Just one question: Who made this rapier of yours and what enchantment you placed on it? It went right through my armor, I must say."

He retracted his spear back to the gauntlet, and calmly walked to pick up his jacket, putting it back once more. His curiosity was genuine, however: A physical weapon would clearly be better than the eternal prototype Henry was using to fight around.

[Finsternia]

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor took the kick directly into his chest which left him sprawling on the ground and trying to recover his breath. The force of the kick knocked most of the air in his lungs, making him breath hard. His rapier was knocked away from his hand, making him defenseless. If you base it on him having a 'weapon' that is. He then tried to pull himself into a kneeling position, his right hand clutching his chest and his left hand assisting his body. From his left hand a wave of cold magic surged into the courtyard and jagged rows of ice rose in multiple locations and around him, shielding him from Henry's future attacks. He slowly pulled himself up and walked towards his rapier, picking it up before looking back at Henry. "Seems that I lost." He slashed at the air, blue light trailing from the blade's edge.

Henry Von Kressel

"It was a spar, Allistor. No one wins or loses in a spar. But it was a good one at that. Just one question: Who made this rapier of yours and what enchantment you placed on it? It went right through my armor, I must say."

He retracted his spear back to the gauntlet, and calmly walked to pick up his jacket, putting it back once more. His curiosity was genuine, however: A physical weapon would clearly be better than the eternal prototype Henry was using to fight around.

Allistor Abendroth

Allsitor sheathed the rapier back into its scabbard. With a snap of his fingers the claw like ice structures shattered simultaneously into fine sparking snowflakes. He then collapsed on the courtyard floor, sitting on the cold hard ground, being weary from the fight and still in need of air. "Still the victory is yours. Even with me moving around you just stood your ground there."

Allistor then averted his gaze for awhile, concentrating on the rapier's pommel. "I had it custom made for me back in Vienna. But the enchantment's courtesy of Annice, the nullifying effect of the blade's her work."

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

"It was a spar, Allistor. No one wins or loses in a spar. But it was a good one at that. Just one question: Who made this rapier of yours and what enchantment you placed on it? It went right through my armor, I must say."

He retracted his spear back to the gauntlet, and calmly walked to pick up his jacket, putting it back once more. His curiosity was genuine, however: A physical weapon would clearly be better than the eternal prototype Henry was using to fight around.

Allistor Abendroth

Allsitor sheathed the rapier back into its scabbard. With a snap of his fingers the claw like ice structures shattered simultaneously into fine sparking snowflakes. He then collapsed on the courtyard floor, sitting on the cold hard ground, being weary from the fight and still in need of air. "Still the victory is yours. Even with me moving around you just stood your ground there."

Allistor then averted his gaze for awhile, concentrating on the rapier's pommel. "I had it custom made for me back in Vienna. But the enchantment's courtesy of Annice, the nullifying effect of the blade's her work."

Henry Von Kressel

"I left the one I used for training in my aunt's house in Innsbruck. But I never knew Annice dealt with enchantments herself. Her sword is certainly something unique, but I never thought about it on this perspective. And holding ground... Well, thanks my aunt for it once more. But I'll admit that the spar got me quite hungry. Shall we go eat something?"

[Finsternia]

Allistor Abendroth

Allsitor sheathed the rapier back into its scabbard. With a snap of his fingers the claw like ice structures shattered simultaneously into fine sparking snowflakes. He then collapsed on the courtyard floor, sitting on the cold hard ground, being weary from the fight and still in need of air. "Still the victory is yours. Even with me moving around you just stood your ground there."

Allistor then averted his gaze for awhile, concentrating on the rapier's pommel. "I had it custom made for me back in Vienna. But the enchantment's courtesy of Annice, the nullifying effect of the blade's her work."

Henry Von Kressel

"I left the one I used for training in my aunt's house in Innsbruck. But I never knew Annice dealt with enchantments herself. Her sword is certainly something unique, but I never thought about it on this perspective. And holding ground... Well, thanks my aunt for it once more. But I'll admit that the spar got me quite hungry. Shall we go eat something?"

Allistor Abendroth

When presented the prospect of eating, Allistor's face beamed up and his stomach emitted a low gutteral rumble. "You, Henry, are a saint. Yes, let's get some tasty food." The adrenaline from the fight has now started to flee from him and he can now feel the pain in his chest and the graze on his shoulders. He reminded himself to heal those once he gets time to prevent horrible bruises. He slowly floated up and landed on his feet. "Let's check what the French can whipped up for us that isn't as horrible as their stinky snail platters."

[Prusselanden]

Hailey Winters


Hailey nodded. Not entirely content now, to be in a foreign hotel hosted by school who's headmaster seemed perfectly content if her students ended up killing those from mana. She didn't really know how well Rabbit could keep his promise, but he was powerful enough to be a teacher at mana, so he must have some pretty impressive.
Then Hailey had an idea, she held her hand up to her head, carefully tuning her magic to make just the right frequency of sound. It took a bit to get right, but soon she could "see" the inside of her own head, it was an interesting experience she took some time, making note of what she "saw". Then she moved on and repeated the procedure with Kate, looking with sound to see if she could find anything wrong. Her magical ultrasound didn't reveal anything to different from what she saw in her own, hopefully healthy head. That was a good thing. She had been told that the biggest immediate threat with concision was a bleed in the brain, when she was being treated for her concussion. Hailey went to the bathroom and filled up a large glass with water, somehow also finding a straw in the room. She put the glass down on the nightstand next to Kate, then sat down on the bed across from her.

Katelyn opened her eyes and looked over at Hailey, managing a smile.

"Hi..." she mumbled, reaching for the glass of water and drinking some of it, wincing as she did so. "...What's up? You know... other than concussions... Sorry to scare you..."

Cheese gently pushed his nose against her hand.
"You can tell me. I've never told anyone a secret ever."

"...I... I can't do this anymore," she said dully. "I can't keep pasting a smile on my face so no one worries about me."

The doll's smile seemed to mock her even more.

"I can't keep being this fake... doll... thing..."

"...She is more angry at herself than she is at you, sweetie...You may not understand now...but one day you will see..." He walked down the hall with her, and he carried her out to the courtyard, allowing her to sit on her shoulder as he did so. In the meantime, he spoke to her. "...When I was just a little bigger than you, Natalie...I remember seeing snow for the first time...Someone very special to me...showed it to me...It was beautiful...But then, not too long later..."

"...Papa? Please get up...please..."

"He's dead, Rabbit. You need to move so we can take the body.

"...Papa...Papa, please...get up...I am sorry for disobeying you...If I say sorry, will you get up again?...Papa?"

"Look at it. It's mourning him."

"Don't be an idiot. Machines can't feel. It's just like a gun without a hand. Now it has nobody to use it."

"Well, then, it will just need someone else."

Looking down into the pale face of a young man in his early thirties. Once upon a time, there was life in that cold face. Not ten minutes ago, in fact. Yet now there was nothing there. The green eyes that had shown so many expressions and that had glowed so uniquely were now blank and lightless.

Then there was the small, thin, pale creature kneeling over it, staring into those eyes, long white hair brushing the snowy ground beneath it. The creature shivered profusely, wearing the large, thick, black wool coat 'Papa' had left behind for it. Of course, the creature could not actually see 'Papa'. Its mask was nearby in the snow, thus its face and bandaged eyes saw nothing.

Thus, it did not realize immediately that the man was dead. Slowly, it lowered its head against his heart to listen. Hearing nothing, it slowly dawned on the creature, and it would not move from that spot. It cuddled with the body, in the same way an army dog might try and cuddle with the casket of the dead soldier, its fallen master, inside.

"...Papa..." For the first time, the creature had whispered the word and pure sorrow, as much as the little creature knew, flowed forth. There were no tears, but none were needed. Anyone who stood near the little 'weapon' and its 'handler' could tell that human emotion had shown itself.

One of the other men shuddered, as they heard the word, and they walked toward the creature, only to be jerked back by a teammate. "Hey! What gives?!" the man shouted back.

"We don't 'comfort' machines! If you're going to go over there, you need to grab that thing and bring it back here. We'll have to repair it again, before the next mission," a cruel, burly man answered behind him.

"...Papa..."

Fresh snow fell softly over everyone, in the cold, bleak December afternoon. It covered the flow of blood that had poured from 'Papa's' body. It dusted the clothes of the men who stood by, flabbergasted that a tool could show any sort of affection toward its wielder. Finally, it settled in the hair and on the cloak of the mournful little creature, who found the man's forehead and gave it a kiss, before it stood again. It was not very tall, and it was dwarfed by all of the angry men standing nearby. It continued to shiver, looking as though it was going to break in any moment.

"...I love you..."

Rabbit had gotten caught in his memories, and he did not finish the sentence. When he got outside with Natalie, then, he simply stood by the door, staring into the distance in gloomy silence.

...Snow? Natalie said curiously. I've seen snow... Snow is pretty... and...

Her own memories returned to her, and her eyes widened slightly.

"Hey, Natalie, look! It's snowing!" The familiar face of her best friend was filled with cheer. "You've never seen snow before, have you? I wish I could take you out there, but it would get you all wet and you'd be in bad shape. So you just sit in the window and watch, okay? I'm going to go build a snowman by the window, so you can see it!"

Natalie sat in the window, watching her girl laugh and play in the snow, one of the memories she clung so tightly to after it all went wrong...

---

"...Look, Natalie," she whispered sadly. "It's snowing. Isn't snow so beautiful? It's so pure... It just covers everything and makes it white and clean..."

Her voice cracked.

"Except me," she whispered softly, hugging the doll tightly and crying. "Why... why can't it make me clean again, Natalie? Why... is this the way I'll always be?"

Natalie clung to Rabbit tightly, whimpering.

...Snow... she mumbled.

"....Alright."
Cheese picked up the doll in his mouth.
"Then don't be. Let it out. Let it all out. It's ok. Let yourself out at me. I won't leave you...I won't hurt you. I'll just listen."

[Luminesa]

Hailey Winters


Hailey nodded. Not entirely content now, to be in a foreign hotel hosted by school who's headmaster seemed perfectly content if her students ended up killing those from mana. She didn't really know how well Rabbit could keep his promise, but he was powerful enough to be a teacher at mana, so he must have some pretty impressive.
Then Hailey had an idea, she held her hand up to her head, carefully tuning her magic to make just the right frequency of sound. It took a bit to get right, but soon she could "see" the inside of her own head, it was an interesting experience she took some time, making note of what she "saw". Then she moved on and repeated the procedure with Kate, looking with sound to see if she could find anything wrong. Her magical ultrasound didn't reveal anything to different from what she saw in her own, hopefully healthy head. That was a good thing. She had been told that the biggest immediate threat with concision was a bleed in the brain, when she was being treated for her concussion. Hailey went to the bathroom and filled up a large glass with water, somehow also finding a straw in the room. She put the glass down on the nightstand next to Kate, then sat down on the bed across from her.

Katelyn opened her eyes and looked over at Hailey, managing a smile.

"Hi..." she mumbled, reaching for the glass of water and drinking some of it, wincing as she did so. "...What's up? You know... other than concussions... Sorry to scare you..."

Cheese gently pushed his nose against her hand.
"You can tell me. I've never told anyone a secret ever."

"...I... I can't do this anymore," she said dully. "I can't keep pasting a smile on my face so no one worries about me."

The doll's smile seemed to mock her even more.

"I can't keep being this fake... doll... thing..."

"...She is more angry at herself than she is at you, sweetie...You may not understand now...but one day you will see..." He walked down the hall with her, and he carried her out to the courtyard, allowing her to sit on her shoulder as he did so. In the meantime, he spoke to her. "...When I was just a little bigger than you, Natalie...I remember seeing snow for the first time...Someone very special to me...showed it to me...It was beautiful...But then, not too long later..."

"...Papa? Please get up...please..."

"He's dead, Rabbit. You need to move so we can take the body.

"...Papa...Papa, please...get up...I am sorry for disobeying you...If I say sorry, will you get up again?...Papa?"

"Look at it. It's mourning him."

"Don't be an idiot. Machines can't feel. It's just like a gun without a hand. Now it has nobody to use it."

"Well, then, it will just need someone else."

Looking down into the pale face of a young man in his early thirties. Once upon a time, there was life in that cold face. Not ten minutes ago, in fact. Yet now there was nothing there. The green eyes that had shown so many expressions and that had glowed so uniquely were now blank and lightless.

Then there was the small, thin, pale creature kneeling over it, staring into those eyes, long white hair brushing the snowy ground beneath it. The creature shivered profusely, wearing the large, thick, black wool coat 'Papa' had left behind for it. Of course, the creature could not actually see 'Papa'. Its mask was nearby in the snow, thus its face and bandaged eyes saw nothing.

Thus, it did not realize immediately that the man was dead. Slowly, it lowered its head against his heart to listen. Hearing nothing, it slowly dawned on the creature, and it would not move from that spot. It cuddled with the body, in the same way an army dog might try and cuddle with the casket of the dead soldier, its fallen master, inside.

"...Papa..." For the first time, the creature had whispered the word and pure sorrow, as much as the little creature knew, flowed forth. There were no tears, but none were needed. Anyone who stood near the little 'weapon' and its 'handler' could tell that human emotion had shown itself.

One of the other men shuddered, as they heard the word, and they walked toward the creature, only to be jerked back by a teammate. "Hey! What gives?!" the man shouted back.

"We don't 'comfort' machines! If you're going to go over there, you need to grab that thing and bring it back here. We'll have to repair it again, before the next mission," a cruel, burly man answered behind him.

"...Papa..."

Fresh snow fell softly over everyone, in the cold, bleak December afternoon. It covered the flow of blood that had poured from 'Papa's' body. It dusted the clothes of the men who stood by, flabbergasted that a tool could show any sort of affection toward its wielder. Finally, it settled in the hair and on the cloak of the mournful little creature, who found the man's forehead and gave it a kiss, before it stood again. It was not very tall, and it was dwarfed by all of the angry men standing nearby. It continued to shiver, looking as though it was going to break in any moment.

"...I love you..."

Rabbit had gotten caught in his memories, and he did not finish the sentence. When he got outside with Natalie, then, he simply stood by the door, staring into the distance in gloomy silence.

...Snow? Natalie said curiously. I've seen snow... Snow is pretty... and...

Her own memories returned to her, and her eyes widened slightly.

"Hey, Natalie, look! It's snowing!" The familiar face of her best friend was filled with cheer. "You've never seen snow before, have you? I wish I could take you out there, but it would get you all wet and you'd be in bad shape. So you just sit in the window and watch, okay? I'm going to go build a snowman by the window, so you can see it!"

Natalie sat in the window, watching her girl laugh and play in the snow, one of the memories she clung so tightly to after it all went wrong...

---

"...Look, Natalie," she whispered sadly. "It's snowing. Isn't snow so beautiful? It's so pure... It just covers everything and makes it white and clean..."

Her voice cracked.

"Except me," she whispered softly, hugging the doll tightly and crying. "Why... why can't it make me clean again, Natalie? Why... is this the way I'll always be?"

Natalie clung to Rabbit tightly, whimpering.

...Snow... she mumbled.

Rabbit came back to reality, as Natalie whimpered on his shoulder, and he held her against him. He then smiled and whispered to her kindly, "It is going to be alright...Sometimes it takes some time...but you are both young. You are growing, and you still have plenty of life inside of you...One day her wounds will heal, as will yours...and you will be well again..." He had his own sadness that marked him, but he was indeed far older than her, and his wounds were far deeper. She was a child, who would one day move beyond her wounds and find true happiness. She and Hikari...

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

"I left the one I used for training in my aunt's house in Innsbruck. But I never knew Annice dealt with enchantments herself. Her sword is certainly something unique, but I never thought about it on this perspective. And holding ground... Well, thanks my aunt for it once more. But I'll admit that the spar got me quite hungry. Shall we go eat something?"

Allistor Abendroth

When presented the prospect of eating, Allistor's face beamed up and his stomach emitted a low gutteral rumble. "You, Henry, are a saint. Yes, let's get some tasty food." The adrenaline from the fight has now started to flee from him and he can now feel the pain in his chest and the graze on his shoulders. He reminded himself to heal those once he gets time to prevent horrible bruises. He slowly floated up and landed on his feet. "Let's check what the French can whipped up for us that isn't as horrible as their stinky snail platters."

Henry Von Kressel

Soft laughing preceded Henry's answer to Allistor's statement about the food. It was a wise one, after all: He wasn't a fan of scargot for example, and was expecting to find more mundane things, or simply a petit gateau.

"They must have bread and cheese. That should kill our hunger, at least for the moment."

Then, the two students from Mana went to the restaurant of the hotel. If anything, they had way more than bread and cheese only. Calmly, Henry served himself, putting small pieces of bread and slices of cheese in a plate - something that made him remember Natalie's "addiction" towards it -, and grabbed a cup of cappuccino before he finally sat down in a table and motioned so Allistor could follow him.

[Prusselanden]

(Warning do not attempt this at home. Picking up strange rats might transmit disease I repeat do not do this at home)
On her way back from eating, Ignis picked up a limp, shivering rat from the side of sewer. She cupped the exhausted creature in her hands.
"Don't worry bud, I already ate. I'm not hungry."
____________________________________________________
"What's that?" Someone towered over her.

"Ugh...who's there...?" She couldn't see anything through the canvas, weakly moving her head .

"It looks like a snake." One of the boys pointed to the shivering animal on the muddy shore of the lake.
"Ew, I think it's gonna die."
"Let's leave before it bites us or something."

Footsteps sounded as they walked away.

"W-wait up...could you just help me? anyone? Help!" She tried to move but the large rocks weighed her down and the ropes cute further into her scales. "P-please..."

"Anyone?"

"Sylvi...?"

"Help?"

______________________________________________________


"...Why the hell am I thinking about this?" She shook her head, chuckled and put the small animal in her jacket to warm it, continuing to walk back to the hotel. "I gotta find the Bunny man."

[Chrome Legion]

Hailey Winters


"It's still pretty early, so nothing new has come up. I'll make sure too keep you up to date on any going ons, I don't want you exerting yourself. Best treatment for is to get lots of sleep, and don't try to be too active. Bout a year ago I got knocked out by a stage light and had a pretty bad concussion. I have some Tylenol if you need it. I think you'll be fine in a few days, it doesn't look that bad." Hailey didn't want to look that worried, and she wasn't about the injury. She was much more worried that Kate would keep doing things that would get her hurt. "Well, I guess activities like last night will be out of the question for a while."


Amélie Aleramici-Gramont


Amélie found a chance, catching her opponents blade far from his body while he guarded with the shield. Amélie's sword dropped to the ground and she grabbed his shield with an Iron grip, intending to rip the shield away from him, or throw him into the nearest wall.

[Luminesa]

Hailey Winters


"It's still pretty early, so nothing new has come up. I'll make sure too keep you up to date on any going ons, I don't want you exerting yourself. Best treatment for is to get lots of sleep, and don't try to be too active. Bout a year ago I got knocked out by a stage light and had a pretty bad concussion. I have some Tylenol if you need it. I think you'll be fine in a few days, it doesn't look that bad." Hailey didn't want to look that worried, and she wasn't about the injury. She was much more worried that Kate would keep doing things that would get her hurt. "Well, I guess activities like last night will be out of the question for a while."


Amélie Aleramici-Gramont


Amélie found a chance, catching her opponents blade far from his body while he guarded with the shield. Amélie's sword dropped to the ground and she grabbed his shield with an Iron grip, intending to rip the shield away from him, or throw him into the nearest wall.

Annoyed, Étienne pulled his sword away, and then he stomped his foot into the ground. Suddenly, wooden pillars formed a staircase that he rushed up, all the way to the top. He then jumped off, and he came swinging down, aiming his sword right at Amelie. Just because she was a girl did not mean he was going to hold back. "Come on! Show me what else you've got!" he shouted down to her.