Mana Academy (IC) (Open, Fantasy)

[Charlia]

Natalie's hands started shaking as she stared at the spot where Bunny-man had been what seemed like only moments ago. He'd never answered her. She'd ripped off the necklace she'd been given for everyone's safety and even threatened to eat Madame Bourbon, all in his defense...

And he wouldn't even speak to her? He just... he just walked away to go talk to someone else without even looking at her?

Her lower lip started trembling, and she bit it, hard, to keep it under control. Her inhumanly sharp teeth bit through the flesh easily, leaving a row of bleeding puncture marks behind. Feeling warm liquid on her lips, Natalie brushed it off and then looked down at her red-stained fingertips, her eyes widening and focusing in on the drops that had formed there.

She licked her lips, and her eyes widened even further as the strange coppery taste of blood overwhelmed all of her senses. There was nothing around her but a haze of beautiful red lines, dripping, so, so beautiful, why didn't the entire world look like this?

Then she realized.

She could make the world look like that. She could paint it red. It would be so easy...

"I'm sorry..."

A glint of blue in the red, and Natalie's eyes went even wider. Red... and blue... and red... falling down around the blue and hiding it... another color, almost white but not quite there... black... swirling colors... so much red...

"I... I can't take it anymore..."

Blood.

NO! NO! I DON'T WANT TO--

Natalie shoved the necklace back around her neck, and the feelings dissipated, the bloodlust that had nearly consumed her. She shivered violently and said a quiet thank-you to her girl who had saved her even though she was dead.

She shuddered again, and then pulled out a piece of cheese, beginning to nibble on it.

...That was scary...

Seeing how nervous she was, standing alone and eating a piece of cheese, Rabbit bent down and picked her up, as he continued to speak to Quartz. He did not question what she had just seen or felt, and that would be for a later time. Right now, she was a scared, tiny little creature who had just been shaken by the events that had unfolded in front of her. She had even tried to defend Rabbit from being harmed by Madame Bourbon, nearly turning into a monster to do so. His only worry was that by doing so, she could have hurt herself far more than she could have hurt Madame Bourbon. "You look a little shaken yourself, sweetheart," he told her, as he held the tiny "girl", "are you alright too? I did not mean to leave you without an answer. I was merely busy as usual..."

It's okay, Bunny-man, Natalie mumbled, cuddling into Rabbit's arms happily. She looked like she might start purring, now that she was getting hugs. And cheese. She was very happy now. Always so busy... 'cause you know everything and you're helpful... I get it... As long as you keep giving me hugs I will forgive you! She chuckled, back to her happy self now that the monster inside her was safely sealed away again.

[Luminesa]

Seeing how nervous she was, standing alone and eating a piece of cheese, Rabbit bent down and picked her up, as he continued to speak to Quartz. He did not question what she had just seen or felt, and that would be for a later time. Right now, she was a scared, tiny little creature who had just been shaken by the events that had unfolded in front of her. She had even tried to defend Rabbit from being harmed by Madame Bourbon, nearly turning into a monster to do so. His only worry was that by doing so, she could have hurt herself far more than she could have hurt Madame Bourbon. "You look a little shaken yourself, sweetheart," he told her, as he held the tiny "girl", "are you alright too? I did not mean to leave you without an answer. I was merely busy as usual..."

It's okay, Bunny-man, Natalie mumbled, cuddling into Rabbit's arms happily. She looked like she might start purring, now that she was getting hugs. And cheese. She was very happy now. Always so busy... 'cause you know everything and you're helpful... I get it... As long as you keep giving me hugs I will forgive you! She chuckled, back to her happy self now that the monster inside her was safely sealed away again.

"That is entirely doable," Rabbit answered. Thus he continued to hold her, before he turned back to Quartz. Natalie would remain calm in his arms, cuddling and dormant again. Hopefully she would not feel a need to attack like that again for a while, and not around Ruta. Considering what Ruta knew now, it was entirely possible that he would go after Natalie, thinking her to be evil. He would have to protect her as well as himself...

Cecily merely remained in the corner, having been silent the entire length of the tournament thus far. After the debacle with Bourbon, she had lowered her eyes again and had tried to act like nothing was wrong. Yet she knew that Rabbit would eventually find out. This absorbed her thoughts completely, and she continued to avoid eye-contact with everyone in the room.

[Rhomaia]

Archibald Percival of Steadcester

Finally, the dust had cleared and the heated debate regarding Aria's legitimacy as a competitor in the tournament had been decided. Granted, the decision had been made on account of Lady Abendroth's rather indiscriminate use of violence and a mob ruling against Bourbon which resulted in the ever-overly-elegant French Headmistress fleeing the room without even another word of explanation for her outburst, but he couldn't help but be grateful that this had been the outcome. Disorderly and whimsical as it was, it would be beneficial for him in the end, with Bourbon's reputation in tatters and a Steadcester heading the tournament in her place, with eloquence and strength befitting his name.

Smiling at his red-haired niece, who smiled and waved in return after finishing her conversation with Himiko and the Rabbit, Percival clapped his hands together to gather the crowd's attention and to call for order, which would surely be necessary for the continuation of activities. His face looked much sobered now, the redness from laughter at Bourbon's audacious accusations replaced by a calm kind of sternness and authority, and though doubts towards the Mana team in his mind lingered (Thanks in huge part to the caterpillar girl, Percival honestly didn't know what the hell to think of that.), he remained calm and composed. The same could be said for his companion Ferra, who seemed intent on keeping watch over Aria...

"Now, now, everyone, I do believe that is more than enough outrage and excitement for one morning! As delightful as it would be to continue on with our break, the Second Round of the International Student Mage Championship has one final contestant who has not yet competed. Lorianus Comnenus, of the Italian National Academy, step forward!" Percival announced, his deep and jubilant voice booming throughout the ballroom without even requiring the assistance of Air Magic to amplify the sound.

[Luminesa]

Archibald Percival of Steadcester

Finally, the dust had cleared and the heated debate regarding Aria's legitimacy as a competitor in the tournament had been decided. Granted, the decision had been made on account of Lady Abendroth's rather indiscriminate use of violence and a mob ruling against Bourbon which resulted in the ever-overly-elegant French Headmistress fleeing the room without even another word of explanation for her outburst, but he couldn't help but be grateful that this had been the outcome. Disorderly and whimsical as it was, it would be beneficial for him in the end, with Bourbon's reputation in tatters and a Steadcester heading the tournament in her place, with eloquence and strength befitting his name.

Smiling at his red-haired niece, who smiled and waved in return after finishing her conversation with Himiko and the Rabbit, Percival clapped his hands together to gather the crowd's attention and to call for order, which would surely be necessary for the continuation of activities. His face looked much sobered now, the redness from laughter at Bourbon's audacious accusations replaced by a calm kind of sternness and authority, and though doubts towards the Mana team in his mind lingered (Thanks in huge part to the caterpillar girl, Percival honestly didn't know what the hell to think of that.), he remained calm and composed. The same could be said for his companion Ferra, who seemed intent on keeping watch over Aria...

"Now, now, everyone, I do believe that is more than enough outrage and excitement for one morning! As delightful as it would be to continue on with our break, the Second Round of the International Student Mage Championship has one final contestant who has not yet competed. Lorianus Comnenus, of the Italian National Academy, step forward!" Percival announced, his deep and jubilant voice booming throughout the ballroom without even requiring the assistance of Air Magic to amplify the sound.

Rabbit only slightly eyed Lorian as he went to go, as he was still speaking to Quartz. Still, he was curious as to what Lorian would do to perform. He wondered if he was also going to be as volatile as he was in the last round. Probably not...not after what he realized he did to Miss Kageyama... he told himself, as he looked on.

Soleil watched as well, though now he was sitting once again next to Asmodeus, lying against his warm, fluffy fur. He was planning what he was going to do for tonight, and as he looked at Lorian, a quiet determination twinkled in his eyes. He was going to save his professor no matter what, and then Ruta would be happy and would not hate him anymore. Maybe then he would see that Soleil could be a Jaeger, and that they could indeed work together and be happy. All of these things filled his mind as he waited for the boy's performance.

Even Etienne remained quiet, deciding not to taunt Lorian before he got on stage. If the boy was not actively being a jerk, there was no reason to. Then again, he was probably afraid to say anything, with Steadcaster and Rabbit both in the room. This made him chuckle. The boy was certainly afraid of a whopping from the huge, jovial man behind the judges' desk...

[True Refuge]

RETCONNED

Rabbit turned to him, remembering once again his presence, and he turned to him. "Ah yes. I am well. Ladies such as herself do not bother me. They are cowards. I was more worried for my students, that she might attack them somehow and start a fight. I would certainly like to avoid a fight at this point in the tournament, unless the round calls specifically for fighting," he answered, with a slight laugh. He looked at the cane now, and also at Quartz's pocket. "...You look rather tense yourself, Quartz. Perhaps I should ask if you are alright?" he inquired politely, as he turned to look at the man again.

"The cane is a weapon, not a crutch, in case Bourbon returns and loses her form again, or if one of the students or other attendees breaks something in the ensuring fight," Quartz intoned flatly, idly twisted the top of the Cane and sending streaks of yellow energy throughout its enhancements. It emitted a slight thrum as the mana filled the markings. "I live by security and preparedness. It's a very, very well-ingrained family trait that's saved me and my work several times."

He glanced down to the little girl in Rabbit's arms and leaned forward slightly to briefly examine her. "Perhaps she's a good example of the magics I'd like to see," he said with a spot more cheer. "It certainly looked she was asking like some kind of Animalism when the Madame was screaming." He turned his attention to the girl and asked, "What's your name?"

---

Esamir glanced at Midori's friend, feeling a bit miffed at being ignored throughout the ordeal, even though Crispin was making his best efforts to stare at him and occasionally squirm. It looked a little like his little black and red eyes were begging his owner to save him, but Ez let Momoko be for a while. Even she had somehow forgotten that she was holding a fox and simultaneously managed to hang onto him during the entire altercation with whoever the Madame Bourbon woman was and the non-human Academy student, she seemed to be somewhat enjoying herself.

However, there was a point where it got to be a bit too long, and so Ez moved over to get his pet back.

"Excuse me," he said, with sing-song politeness, "you've been holding Crispin for the last few minutes. Can I have him back please?"

[Charlia]

Rabbit turned to him, remembering once again his presence, and he turned to him. "Ah yes. I am well. Ladies such as herself do not bother me. They are cowards. I was more worried for my students, that she might attack them somehow and start a fight. I would certainly like to avoid a fight at this point in the tournament, unless the round calls specifically for fighting," he answered, with a slight laugh. He looked at the cane now, and also at Quartz's pocket. "...You look rather tense yourself, Quartz. Perhaps I should ask if you are alright?" he inquired politely, as he turned to look at the man again.

"The cane is a weapon, not a crutch, in case Bourbon returns and loses her form again, or if one of the students or other attendees breaks something in the ensuring fight," Quartz intoned flatly, idly twisted the top of the Cane and sending streaks of yellow energy throughout its enhancements. It emitted a slight thrum as the mana filled the markings. "I live by security and preparedness. It's a very, very well-ingrained family trait that's saved me and my work several times."

He glanced down to the little girl in Rabbit's arms and leaned forward slightly to briefly examine her. "Perhaps she's a good example of the magics I'd like to see," he said with a spot more cheer. "It certainly looked she was asking like some kind of Animalism when the Madame was screaming." He turned his attention to the girl and asked, "What's your name?"

My name's Natalie! she chirped, nibbling happily on a piece of cheese. Who are you? Ooh! She pulled out another piece of cheese and handed it to him. Do you like cheese? I love cheese. Are we friends now? No, wait, you have to tell me your name! She comically hit herself in the head. Silly me!

[Luminesa]

Rabbit turned to him, remembering once again his presence, and he turned to him. "Ah yes. I am well. Ladies such as herself do not bother me. They are cowards. I was more worried for my students, that she might attack them somehow and start a fight. I would certainly like to avoid a fight at this point in the tournament, unless the round calls specifically for fighting," he answered, with a slight laugh. He looked at the cane now, and also at Quartz's pocket. "...You look rather tense yourself, Quartz. Perhaps I should ask if you are alright?" he inquired politely, as he turned to look at the man again.

"The cane is a weapon, not a crutch, in case Bourbon returns and loses her form again, or if one of the students or other attendees breaks something in the ensuring fight," Quartz intoned flatly, idly twisted the top of the Cane and sending streaks of yellow energy throughout its enhancements. It emitted a slight thrum as the mana filled the markings. "I live by security and preparedness. It's a very, very well-ingrained family trait that's saved me and my work several times."

He glanced down to the little girl in Rabbit's arms and leaned forward slightly to briefly examine her. "Perhaps she's a good example of the magics I'd like to see," he said with a spot more cheer. "It certainly looked she was asking like some kind of Animalism when the Madame was screaming." He turned his attention to the girl and asked, "What's your name?"

---

Esamir glanced at Midori's friend, feeling a bit miffed at being ignored throughout the ordeal, even though Crispin was making his best efforts to stare at him and occasionally squirm. It looked a little like his little black and red eyes were begging his owner to save him, but Ez let Momoko be for a while. Even she had somehow forgotten that she was holding a fox and simultaneously managed to hang onto him during the entire altercation with whoever the Madame Bourbon woman was and the non-human Academy student, she seemed to be somewhat enjoying herself.

However, there was a point where it got to be a bit too long, and so Ez moved over to get his pet back.

"Excuse me," he said, with sing-song politeness, "you've been holding Crispin for the last few minutes. Can I have him back please?"

"I suppose I could always be more careful myself. I'm not sure what exactly my family trait is, however. I guess I do not have one," he answered dryly, with a shrug, "but it is good that you are always prepared to fight. Just as long as you're not paranoid, I suppose...though you seem pretty healthy to me." When he saw the professor looking at Natalie, he continued with a laugh, "This is Natalie, as she just introduced herself. Quite a tough little creature, wouldn't you say?"

In the meantime, Momoko heard Ez calling for Crispin back, and she looked down at the little fox. Petting his head, she assured him, "Okay, okay. I'll give you back to your owner. I'm sorry." Then, with a giggle, she handed him back to Ez. "He's so cute! Thank you for letting me hold him."

[True Refuge]

RETCONNED

My name's Natalie![/i] she chirped, nibbling happily on a piece of cheese. Who are you? Ooh! She pulled out another piece of cheese and handed it to him. Do you like cheese? I love cheese. Are we friends now? No, wait, you have to tell me your name! She comically hit herself in the head. Silly me!

Quartz twitched, although it was basically imperceptible, as was the ever-so-slight exhalation of air. He glanced up at Rabbit, forehead furrowed to an incredibly high degree. Couldn't there be one not ridiculously happy-go-lucky student that didn't drain his energy by talking to them? First Dominique, this strange little doll, and, judging from the many earlier shouts nearby from enthusiastic supporters, there'd probably be many more. Normalcy would be good, just once.

He looked back at her with the same hard glare as always. What appeared to be him thinking up a reply was really an thankfully successful attempt to understand her through the squeaking. "Doctor Ernst, Natalie, and I'm not in the mood for food at the moment," he replied, somewhat gruffly. His hands remained by his side, one on his cane, leaving the cheese alone and instead switching the conversation back to Rabbit.

He heard Rabbit's withdrawn tone, of course, enough to make him forget a little of Natalie's doll appearance. "Looks like you don't need one, at least not to deal with Bourbon and her ilk," he said in the proper, kindly way. "I'm not one to judge toughness," he continued normally. "I'm too biased for that, but yes, she's brave and all that. I gauge it more on other things."

---

Crispin bounded away from Momoko to Ez without looking back. At his owner's feet he turned around and watched as warily as normal. Ez squatted down and held out his hand near Crispin's head, and soon his pet was nuzzling his head into his palm for a pet. "Come on, Crispin," he whispered, "be more social." But Crispin only cared for the pats as far as his owner could see, and Ez turned to Momko and smiled.

"Thanks for looking after him," he said lightly, ignoring Crispin's flailing attempt to get more attention by nudging his legs. "I was worried he'd panic in the middle of all that and I'd lose him in all the commotion."

[Charlia]

My name's Natalie![/i] she chirped, nibbling happily on a piece of cheese. Who are you? Ooh! She pulled out another piece of cheese and handed it to him. Do you like cheese? I love cheese. Are we friends now? No, wait, you have to tell me your name! She comically hit herself in the head. Silly me!

Quartz twitched, although it was basically imperceptible, as was the ever-so-slight exhalation of air. He glanced up at Rabbit, forehead furrowed to an incredibly high degree. Couldn't there be one not ridiculously happy-go-lucky student that didn't drain his energy by talking to them? First Dominique, this strange little doll, and, judging from the many earlier shouts nearby from enthusiastic supporters, there'd probably be many more. Normalcy would be good, just once.

He looked back at her with the same hard glare as always. What appeared to be him thinking up a reply was really an thankfully successful attempt to understand her through the squeaking. "Doctor Ernst, Natalie, and I'm not in the mood for food at the moment," he replied, somewhat gruffly. His hands remained by his side, one on his cane, leaving the cheese alone and instead switching the conversation back to Rabbit.

He heard Rabbit's withdrawn tone, of course, enough to make him forget a little of Natalie's doll appearance. "Looks like you don't need one, at least not to deal with Bourbon and her ilk," he said in the proper, kindly way. "I'm not one to judge toughness," he continued normally. "I'm too biased for that, but yes, she's brave and all that."

As Natalie's offer of cheese and friendship was rebuffed, she drew the piece back and started to nibble on it herself, her floppy arms shaking.

Ruta didn't want to be friends with her, the scary lady and the snow lady had both tried to kill her, and now this new old guy didn't want to be friends either... It wasn't fair. What did she do wrong? Why did so many people not like her? It wasn't fair at all...

[Luminesa]

My name's Natalie![/i] she chirped, nibbling happily on a piece of cheese. Who are you? Ooh! She pulled out another piece of cheese and handed it to him. Do you like cheese? I love cheese. Are we friends now? No, wait, you have to tell me your name! She comically hit herself in the head. Silly me!

Quartz twitched, although it was basically imperceptible, as was the ever-so-slight exhalation of air. He glanced up at Rabbit, forehead furrowed to an incredibly high degree. Couldn't there be one not ridiculously happy-go-lucky student that didn't drain his energy by talking to them? First Dominique, this strange little doll, and, judging from the many earlier shouts nearby from enthusiastic supporters, there'd probably be many more. Normalcy would be good, just once.

He looked back at her with the same hard glare as always. What appeared to be him thinking up a reply was really an thankfully successful attempt to understand her through the squeaking. "Doctor Ernst, Natalie, and I'm not in the mood for food at the moment," he replied, somewhat gruffly. His hands remained by his side, one on his cane, leaving the cheese alone and instead switching the conversation back to Rabbit.

He heard Rabbit's withdrawn tone, of course, enough to make him forget a little of Natalie's doll appearance. "Looks like you don't need one, at least not to deal with Bourbon and her ilk," he said in the proper, kindly way. "I'm not one to judge toughness," he continued normally. "I'm too biased for that, but yes, she's brave and all that. I gauge it more on other things."

---

Crispin bounded away from Momoko to Ez without looking back. At his owner's feet he turned around and watched as warily as normal. Ez squatted down and held out his hand near Crispin's head, and soon his pet was nuzzling his head into his palm for a pet. "Come on, Crispin," he whispered, "be more social." But Crispin only cared for the pats as far as his owner could see, and Ez turned to Momko and smiled.

"Thanks for looking after him," he said lightly, ignoring Crispin's flailing attempt to get more attention by nudging his legs. "I was worried he'd panic in the middle of all that and I'd lose him in all the commotion."

"Thank you. I do suppose I am far too used to dealing with types such as hers," Rabbit answered, referring to Madame Bourbon. Snooty, easily-irritated nobles who ducked their tails and ran away the moment someone opposed them. "Strong, well-grounded nobles are rather hard to come by...as they always have been, it seems. Fortunately, the children-Noblebloods who are here will prove to be better than their parents, for the most part," he continued. He then looked down at Natalie, who seemed shaken that Quartz did not want to be her friend. "Don't feel bad, Natalie. Professor Quartz is simply new here. I'm sure he will like you more after he gets to know you," he assured her.

Meanwhile, Momoko nodded and smiled to Ez nearby, as she gave Crispin back to him. "It's no problem. He's a cutey, even though he's a squirmy one. As for the commotion, he didn't seem to mind much. Or at least he didn't seem to mind it any," she answered him cheerfully. "I'm always happy to babysit him if you ever need it!"

[Finsternia]

House Abendroth

Allistor woke up from his peaceful dream, remembering the warm touch of the dreamscape's sun on his skin, the sands of the lone island where he laid down, and the sea's light sweeps. "It's always that dream. Ever since I was a kid." He stretched, the sound of satisfying pops as his joints cracked from their sleep, and sat up. His body still ached, like a soft burn on his skin. He noticed that Henry was sleeping on the bed beside his with his pillow somewhat stained by a liquid substance. Debating whether Henry cried himself to sleep or just plain drooled like a baby, Allistor nodded to Fawkes who was perching on a chair's backrest and stripped down for a bath. Before coming in, he glanced at the clock and saw it was already early in the afternoon. "That's some satisfying nap."

For a very long stretch of time that might have spanned an hour or so, Allistor emerged from the steamy and humid bathroom with his hair in a wet mess. He's not fond of warm or hot baths but today's an exception. The hot shower did wonders to his aching body and refreshed his mind. As he scrubbed his hair and hummed in the tone of Mozart's Requiem, he searched through his wardrobe and picked a black blazer and a white long sleeved polo to wear inside. He paired it with a plain black necktie, black pants and black boots, his most common and most practical look. Glacia seems to be sleeping on the bed's sheep soft blankets and left her, escaping into the halls, making sure that the sound of the doors closing won't wake Henry up.

He then soon found Shaun's and Soleil's room which was just down the hall. He knocked thrice on the wooden door and placed his hand on the doorknob. He found it unlocked and walked inside and saw Shaun huddled in a mountainous stack of blankets, sound asleep like a baby. He grabbed a nearby chair and sat on it. Allistor pulled out a small spellbook from his blazer and thought of reading it as he watched over the sleeping teen.

While her son's in a peaceful state, Mercillia is still in an enraged state. Fleeing into the garden to sooth her nerves, Mercillia kneeled down on the garden's fountain as she washed the blood from her hand. Rabbit already did some steps to help her relax and come to her own self but it wasn't enough. She needed the presence of flowers, of plants and greenery, the things she grew to and loved. Matthias stood behind her in silence and finally broke it. "My Lady, if you may allow it, I hope to give you some words of advice." Mercillia sighed and rose, her hands clean and pristine. "I know that I cannot say no to that." The old butler cleared his throat before speaking and started. "My family and I have served House Abendroth and her various allied families since when. My Lady, I know that you're a woman of passion and burning with fire inside but hurting and probably mutilating the French Headmistress' face might be pushing it too far." Mercillia turned to the man who she already considered like a grandfather. "Yet you do seem to bat an eye when I do that to our enemies." Matthias nodded in agreement. "Yes, I do for it is for the benefit of your House. But humiliating a probably mentally scared woman and gaining unnecessary attention is just... unnecessary." There were footsteps ringing behind Matthias and the tall frame of Aloysus greeted them both. "My Lord, we were just talking about---" Aloysus broke his sentence and gave a tiny smile. "Ah, yes. I've heard it Matthias. If you may please excuse us." Matthias gave a bow and left the garden, leaving the married couple behind. "Don't give me that look, Aloysus." Aloysus just sighed and draped Mercillia's kimono over her shoulders. "What's done is done. Just like what Old Mat said, hitting Bourbon in the face and flinging her away bloody is overstretching it. It's already afternoon. We need to finish the rounds." Mercillia pulled it away from his hands and started to walk back the ballroom. "You're not mad for threatening you?" Aloysus gave off a chuckle as he followed. "You always do that. I'm more concerned if I won't hear a threat from you in a day." Mercillia reached and slapped his head and walked faster, the ballroom's already in sight. "Shut up."

[Saldinado]

House Abendroth


He then soon found Shaun's and Soleil's room which was just down the hall. He knocked thrice on the wooden door and placed his hand on the doorknob. He found it unlocked and walked inside and saw Shaun huddled in a mountainous stack of blankets, sound asleep like a baby. He grabbed a nearby chair and sat on it. Allistor pulled out a small spellbook from his blazer and thought of reading it as he watched over the sleeping teen.

Shaun Calhoun

After Soleil had left him alone, Shaun was once again able to get some sleep. He haven't really had any in the last couple of days given his stress and nervousness of the tournament as well as other things. Now that he was able to take his mind off of the catalyst of his insomnia, he knew that he could relax knowing that all was good and that everyone will be fine. Even if it was only for a day. Still in his deep slumber, as well as the noise of his soft snoring filling his ears as his entire body was underneath his blankets, Shaun was completely oblivious to the knocking and entering of Allistor into his hotel room as right now, he was in a state of deep REM. Nothing was going to wake him up from this eternal-like rest, and whoever had the audacity of doing so will be met with rather nasty consequences.

After about an hour or so of a mixture of soft snoring, tossing and turning in his bed, and random unconscious talking about cooking shows, the younger boy slowly began to wake up from his slumber. His mind was awake, however his body was still exhausted from a lack of energy, still in a stage of sleep, and from a little pain from earlier. After a few minutes of quiet growls, groans, and restless moving, Shaun finally showed his first signs of getting up as his head soon popped out from underneath the blankets as if a meerkat was poking it's head out of it's den to see if the coast was clear; he slowly scanned the room as his vision was limited as without his glasses or anything, all he could see were blurry outlines. However, something made him stop. There was a black disfigured mass sitting beside him. Squinting tightly, he still couldn't correctly see who this person was, and thus got paranoid. Slowly raising his waist up from under the blanket, he prepared himself for the inevitable. Looking dead at the distorted figure in what he believed to be their eyes, his purple irises looked rather darker as if a plum purple and shot a rather deadly glare at them while sitting in silence; his soft, snowy-white hair looking like a complete mess as he was suffering from severe bedhair and a little chilly from the lack of clothes that he had on, for which was only an orange graphic tanktop and a pair of teal and turquoise blue boxer briefs. Suddenly, he spoke to them.

"First of all, who the hell are you, second of all, why the hell are you here, and third of all, what gives you the Goddamn right to just come into here and sit there watching me?" He said with a ting of malice in his words as underneath the blankets, a small obsidian dagger was being formed just in case. "Now...You got less than three seconds to answer those questions before I eviscerate you and make you wear your own intestines as a necklace." He quietly growled as he sat crossed-legged counting down the time in his head.

1.....2.....

[Finsternia]

House Abendroth


He then soon found Shaun's and Soleil's room which was just down the hall. He knocked thrice on the wooden door and placed his hand on the doorknob. He found it unlocked and walked inside and saw Shaun huddled in a mountainous stack of blankets, sound asleep like a baby. He grabbed a nearby chair and sat on it. Allistor pulled out a small spellbook from his blazer and thought of reading it as he watched over the sleeping teen.

Shaun Calhoun

After Soleil had left him alone, Shaun was once again able to get some sleep. He haven't really had any in the last couple of days given his stress and nervousness of the tournament as well as other things. Now that he was able to take his mind off of the catalyst of his insomnia, he knew that he could relax knowing that all was good and that everyone will be fine. Even if it was only for a day. Still in his deep slumber, as well as the noise of his soft snoring filling his ears as his entire body was underneath his blankets, Shaun was completely oblivious to the knocking and entering of Allistor into his hotel room as right now, he was in a state of deep REM. Nothing was going to wake him up from this eternal-like rest, and whoever had the audacity of doing so will be met with rather nasty consequences.

After about an hour or so of a mixture of soft snoring, tossing and turning in his bed, and random unconscious talking about cooking shows, the younger boy slowly began to wake up from his slumber. His mind was awake, however his body was still exhausted from a lack of energy, still in a stage of sleep, and from a little pain from earlier. After a few minutes of quiet growls, groans, and restless moving, Shaun finally showed his first signs of getting up as his head soon popped out from underneath the blankets as if a meerkat was poking it's head out of it's den to see if the coast was clear; he slowly scanned the room as his vision was limited as without his glasses or anything, all he could see were blurry outlines. However, something made him stop. There was a black disfigured mass sitting beside him. Squinting tightly, he still couldn't correctly see who this person was, and thus got paranoid. Slowly raising his waist up from under the blanket, he prepared himself for the inevitable. Looking dead at the distorted figure in what he believed to be their eyes, his purple irises looked rather darker as if a plum purple and shot a rather deadly glare at them while sitting in silence; his soft, snowy-white hair looking like a complete mess as he was suffering from severe bedhair and a little chilly from the lack of clothes that he had on, for which was only an orange graphic tanktop and a pair of teal and turquoise blue boxer briefs. Suddenly, he spoke to them.

"First of all, who the hell are you, second of all, why the hell are you here, and third of all, what gives you the Goddamn right to just come into here and sit there watching me?" He said with a ting of malice in his words as underneath the blankets, a small obsidian dagger was being formed just in case. "Now...You got less than three seconds to answer those questions before I eviscerate you and make you wear your own intestines as a necklace." He quietly growled.

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor abruptly closed his book and looked at the paranoid Shaun. Thinking of playing a prank on him, he changed his voice into a gutteral and deep one. "Fear not, young one, for I am here to ease your sufferings. Come now, your time slowly ticks towards the end." He then waited for Shaun's response and just can't hold the laughter anymore. "Shaun, you should see your face! You look like someone who had their eyes splashed with lemonade!"

He then stopped and reached for Shaun's glasses that are placed on the nearby desk. He then set them on Shaun's nose bridge where it just fit itself perfectly. "There. Can you see me now?"

[Saldinado]

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor abruptly closed his book and looked at the paranoid Shaun. Thinking of playing a prank on him, he changed his voice into a gutteral and deep one. "Fear not, young one, for I am here to ease your sufferings. Come now, your time slowly ticks towards the end." He then waited for Shaun's response and just can't hold the laughter anymore. "Shaun, you should see your face! You look like someone who had their eyes splashed with lemonade!"

He then stopped and reached for Shaun's glasses that are placed on the nearby desk. He then set them on Shaun's nose bridge where it just fit itself perfectly. "There. Can you see me now?"

Shaun Calhoun

Shaun growled as he moved the blanket off of him and revealed himself and his dagger to the stranger, only to hear playful laughter and raise an eyebrow at it, scratching his head in confusion. "Eh?" He said as he then heard the voice spoke as it called his name and realized the certain tone of that voice and began to slowly figure out who it was. But that prediction was soon solved as he saw the figure reach for something on the desk and placed his glasses on his face. Blinking quickly and pushing his glasses up upon his nose, he soon realized that it was Allistor sitting there as turned deep red as he was completely embarrassed.

"Oh...I-I guess I apologize for such harsh actions..." He awkwardly chuckled while rubbing the back of his messy head; the dagger soon dissipating into thin air as there was no use for it anymore. "I didn't know who it was...But wait a minute..." He then looked at him and growled, grabbing onto Allistor's collar with one hand and bringing him closer to him with a still annoyed, albeit playfully, and tired look on his face; the curls in his messy hair covering his eyes as he looked up at them and blew them out of his eyes before staring into the cold grey eyes of Al's. "How did you get in here and why are you in here?" He winced a bit from the sudden jerk of his body as he was still in pain and used his other hand to rub his stomach and quietly groan, looking down at his stomach before back at the older teen.

[Chrome Legion]

Catherine de Sanguine Vivere


"I thought you would have caught it when I was called up to perform. My birth name is Catherine Ann Kennedy, though I have chosen the nom de guerre Catherine de Sanguine Vivere. Speaking of handshakes, and other such things, they says so much more than that, but those are subtleties that are hard to explain. More than anything it shows what you think of the other person. So much is communicated in those few moments of contact. You have to be constantly aware of what kind of message you're sending, especially in a place like this. I'm sure all of the judges carefully watch our performances, not just to grade them, but to see what we said about ourselves. I wasn't very subtle with my own message, but I'm still wondering what you were looking to say about yourself. You actions after the round ended seem so contrary to your performance, at least to me."

[Finsternia]

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor abruptly closed his book and looked at the paranoid Shaun. Thinking of playing a prank on him, he changed his voice into a gutteral and deep one. "Fear not, young one, for I am here to ease your sufferings. Come now, your time slowly ticks towards the end." He then waited for Shaun's response and just can't hold the laughter anymore. "Shaun, you should see your face! You look like someone who had their eyes splashed with lemonade!"

He then stopped and reached for Shaun's glasses that are placed on the nearby desk. He then set them on Shaun's nose bridge where it just fit itself perfectly. "There. Can you see me now?"

Shaun Calhoun

Shaun growled as he moved the blanket off of him and revealed himself and his dagger to the stranger, only to hear playful laughter and raise an eyebrow at it, scratching his head in confusion. "Eh?" He said as he then heard the voice spoke as it called his name and realized the certain tone of that voice and began to slowly figure out who it was. But that prediction was soon solved as he saw the figure reach for something on the desk and placed his glasses on his face. Blinking quickly and pushing his glasses up upon his nose, he soon realized that it was Allistor sitting there as turned deep red as he was completely embarrassed.

"Oh...I-I guess I apologize for such harsh actions..." He awkwardly chuckled while rubbing the back of his messy head; the dagger soon dissipating into thin air as there was no use for it anymore. "I didn't know who it was...But wait a minute..." He then looked at him and growled, grabbing onto Allistor's collar with one hand and bringing him closer to him with a still annoyed, albeit playfully, and tired look on his face; the curls in his messy hair covering his eyes as he looked up at them and blew them out of his eyes before staring into the cold grey eyes of Al's. "How did you get in here and why are you in here?" He winced a bit from the sudden jerk of his body as he was still in pain and used his other hand to rub his stomach and quietly groan, looking down at his stomach before back at the older teen.

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor yelped as he was pulled closer by Shaun. His position is quite awkward as he bent down, looking like as if he might fall over the bed. "As for how, I got here through the unlocked door and as to why, I just want to see how you're doing." He then smirked when he heard Shaun groan. "And it seems that you're still experiencing cramps. Tsk tsk." Allistor then leaned in, giving a playful peck on Shaun's nose before pulling out. "Did you really intend to disembowel me awhile ago?"

[Charlia]

Catherine de Sanguine Vivere


"I thought you would have caught it when I was called up to perform. My birth name is Catherine Ann Kennedy, though I have chosen the nom de guerre Catherine de Sanguine Vivere. Speaking of handshakes, and other such things, they says so much more than that, but those are subtleties that are hard to explain. More than anything it shows what you think of the other person. So much is communicated in those few moments of contact. You have to be constantly aware of what kind of message you're sending, especially in a place like this. I'm sure all of the judges carefully watch our performances, not just to grade them, but to see what we said about ourselves. I wasn't very subtle with my own message, but I'm still wondering what you were looking to say about yourself. You actions after the round ended seem so contrary to your performance, at least to me."

"I'm sorry," Himiko said with embarrassment. "I actually missed it. I saw your performance though, it was quite interesting. And... unexpected. As for my own... I simply wanted to express feelings I've been keeping hidden... ones that I can't freely express otherwise, but can't get rid of. And I'll admit that what happened just now... well, it surprised me, too. But... Aria-san had been kind to me and offered help to me, and she goes through so much but stays so strong... hearing her being attacked like that... it made me very angry. But I suppose..."

She had a tiny smile on her face, now.

"I suppose you would have felt that anger even more strongly than I, wouldn't you? Both you and Aria-san are quite strong. I admire that."

[Saldinado]

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor yelped as he was pulled closer by Shaun. His position is quite awkward as he bent down, looking like as if he might fall over the bed. "As for how, I got here through the unlocked door and as to why, I just want to see how you're doing." He then smirked when he heard Shaun groan. "And it seems that you're still experiencing cramps. Tsk tsk." Allistor then leaned in, giving a playful peck on Shaun's nose before pulling out. "Did you really intend to disembowel me awhile ago?"

Shaun Calhoun

Shaun smirked as he heard him yelp and looked at his awkward position; he then listened as he explained his reasoning as to why he was inside his hotel room, only to then give a little kiss on his nose, for which he yelped and turned nearly beet red and letting go of Allistor and hearing him

Leaning back and sitting cross-legged once more, he folded his arms over his chest, still red from the kiss and looked at him. "Well thank you I guess for checking on me; even though I didn't really need it. But I understand it. I am pretty attractive, so yeah..." He said smirking and closing his eyes. Hearing that last part of his statement, he opened one eye and looked at him, raising an eyebrow and almost devilishly smiling. "Not really, seeing as well...I can see who you are now. But upon thinking about it, stabbing you doesn't sound very bad in all honesty. However it won't be with a dagger." He chuckled before closing his eyes again.

[Finsternia]

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor yelped as he was pulled closer by Shaun. His position is quite awkward as he bent down, looking like as if he might fall over the bed. "As for how, I got here through the unlocked door and as to why, I just want to see how you're doing." He then smirked when he heard Shaun groan. "And it seems that you're still experiencing cramps. Tsk tsk." Allistor then leaned in, giving a playful peck on Shaun's nose before pulling out. "Did you really intend to disembowel me awhile ago?"

Shaun Calhoun

Shaun smirked as he heard him yelp and looked at his awkward position; he then listened as he explained his reasoning as to why he was inside his hotel room, only to then give a little kiss on his nose, for which he yelped and turned nearly beet red and letting go of Allistor and hearing him

Leaning back and sitting cross-legged once more, he folded his arms over his chest, still red from the kiss and looked at him. "Well thank you I guess for checking on me; even though I didn't really need it. But I understand it. I am pretty attractive, so yeah..." He said smirking and closing his eyes. Hearing that last part of his statement, he opened one eye and looked at him, raising an eyebrow and almost devilishly smiling. "Not really, seeing as well...I can see who you are now. But upon thinking about it, stabbing you doesn't sound very bad in all honesty. However it won't be with a dagger." He chuckled before closing his eyes again.

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor smirked and laid down the bed, his head on Shaun's lap. "Don't blame me if I'll stab you hard in return." He looked at Shaun's peaceful visage and reached for his snowy locks. He carefully combed them out of the way to see his face better. "You're not just pretty attractive. You're both pretty and attractive." He chuckled a bit before crossing his long legs. "I'm sorry if you can't go to the next round. I shouldn't have exhausted you that much."

[Saldinado]

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor smirked and laid down the bed, his head on Shaun's lap. "Don't blame me if I'll stab you hard in return." He looked at Shaun's peaceful visage and reached for his snowy locks. He carefully combed them out of the way to see his face better. "You're not just pretty attractive. You're both pretty and attractive." He chuckled a bit before crossing his long legs. "I'm sorry if you can't go to the next round. I shouldn't have exhausted you that much."

Shaun Calhoun

Seeing Allistor get up and lay his head in his lap while laying on the bed, Shaun instinctively jerked in response to the touch and remained blushing as he looked down at him while he combed his curls out of his face without any protest. Hearing him say that he was pretty and attractive, quietly coughed and looked a bit in embarrassment while he tried to look confident; although it was a weak mask of confidence from him. Hearing his apology, Shaun smirked and ran a finger under Allistor's cheek so that he would look directly into his eyes which were now their normal dark pastel purple; the stroke from under his chin sending a slight tingling and chilling sensation throughout his body.

"Aw. It's alright. If anyone should be apologizing, it should be me. If I wasn't so tired and too competitive, I wouldn't have done with you did and put both you and Soleil in danger. I'm sorry that I nearly killed you. Hopefully you can forgive me." He said looking out the window a little dejected as he was now abashed and nervous as to how he would feel or say about him. He then turned to face him with a shy smile on his face. "But thanks to you, I was to practice my sparring as I haven't fought a person in months." He giggled with the bubbly demeanor of a small child but the tone and bravado of a young man.

[Finsternia]

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor smirked and laid down the bed, his head on Shaun's lap. "Don't blame me if I'll stab you hard in return." He looked at Shaun's peaceful visage and reached for his snowy locks. He carefully combed them out of the way to see his face better. "You're not just pretty attractive. You're both pretty and attractive." He chuckled a bit before crossing his long legs. "I'm sorry if you can't go to the next round. I shouldn't have exhausted you that much."

Shaun Calhoun

Seeing Allistor get up and lay his head in his lap while laying on the bed, Shaun instinctively jerked in response to the touch and remained blushing as he looked down at him while he combed his curls out of his face without any protest. Hearing him say that he was pretty and attractive, quietly coughed and looked a bit in embarrassment while he tried to look confident; although it was a weak mask of confidence from him. Hearing his apology, Shaun smirked and ran a finger under Allistor's cheek so that he would look directly into his eyes which were now their normal dark pastel purple; the stroke from under his chin sending a slight tingling and chilling sensation throughout his body.

"Aw. It's alright. If anyone should be apologizing, it should be me. If I wasn't so tired and too competitive, I wouldn't have done with you did and put both you and Soleil in danger. I'm sorry that I nearly killed you. Hopefully you can forgive me." He said looking out the window a little dejected as he was now abashed and nervous as to how he would feel or say about him. He then turned to face him with a shy smile on his face. "But thanks to you, I was to practice my sparring as I haven't fought a person in months." He giggled with the bubbly demeanor of a small child but the tone and bravado of a young man.

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor wrapped his hand around Shaun's nape and pulled him down. "I think you should be doing something for me in return. You nearly killed me after all." He smiled and released him before crossing his arms on his chest. "But you're the one who won our little duel so I believe I owe you a dare." He smiled back as Shaun thanked him for the fight. "I am glad. Just tell me if you want to fight again, whether on the field or... someplace else." He winked at him and giggled before shooting him a piercing gaze. "But don't think that you've already won. I'm just sleepless and food deprived this morning." He tried to sound tough and commanding but for some reason it came out like a child whining.

[Saldinado]

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor wrapped his hand around Shaun's nape and pulled him down. "I think you should be doing something for me in return. You nearly killed me after all." He smiled and released him before crossing his arms on his chest. "But you're the one who won our little duel so I believe I owe you a dare." He smiled back as Shaun thanked him for the fight. "I am glad. Just tell me if you want to fight again, whether on the field or... someplace else." He winked at him and giggled before shooting him a piercing gaze. "But don't think that you've already won. I'm just sleepless and food deprived this morning." He tried to sound tough and commanding but for some reason it came out like a child whining.

Shaun Calhoun

Shaun furrowed his eyebrows as he was brought down towards Allistor by the back of his neck. His face was red as he slyly smiled at him before he was released from his grip. Although his didn't raise his head up as he continued to look into his grey eyes with a smile on his face. Upon hearing that he had won the wager, he soon realized that he didn't know what to exactly do to him as he originally thought that either Al was going to win or they would run out of time before the tournament started, thus ending in a draw.

But hearing his reason for his defeat as well as the near child-like demeanor in his voice, he smirked as he leaned in and placed his nose on Allistor's forehead, giggling, still red in embarrassment. "Well um...I honesty don't know what I can dare you to do. I didn't even know that I was going to win. Perhaps I um....Dare you to umm...." Shaun trailed off as he was at a complete lost for what he wanted him to do. "I dare you to...dare me to do something?" He said hesitantly as it sounded like he was asking him a question.

[Chrome Legion]

Catherine de Sanguine Vivere


"You should be careful exposing yourself like that, this magical world of our's isn't a safe one, and there will always be people looking to do you harm. The more you let things like that out into the world, the more they can be used against you. And you have have made a powerful enemy today. Though, I can't be the the one to fault you for that, since I effectively threatened her life for my own performance. I guess Aria can have that effect on people, you see some one acting against her and you feel like you have to leap to her defense. But like you said, she's strong, and she can fight her own battles. I have my own reasons for going after our dear and esteemed host, she just managed to add to that. And now she has fully shown her colors, and it was beautiful to watch her crumble like that."

[Charlia]

Catherine de Sanguine Vivere


"You should be careful exposing yourself like that, this magical world of our's isn't a safe one, and there will always be people looking to do you harm. The more you let things like that out into the world, the more they can be used against you. And you have have made a powerful enemy today. Though, I can't be the the one to fault you for that, since I effectively threatened her life for my own performance. I guess Aria can have that effect on people, you see some one acting against her and you feel like you have to leap to her defense. But like you said, she's strong, and she can fight her own battles. I have my own reasons for going after our dear and esteemed host, she just managed to add to that. And now she has fully shown her colors, and it was beautiful to watch her crumble like that."

For the first time during the conversation, Himiko's eyes went completely cold.

"Honestly," she said calmly, "I couldn't care less how many enemies I have, or how powerful they are. Either I have enemies that can, will, and do kill me, or I don't. It doesn't much matter to me either way."

Her eyes softened again, a bit of a wicked gleam in one. "Although you're certainly right, it was quite enjoyable seeing her falling apart like that."

[Vlamistaatti]

Hedeon Milatovka

Tiring off of tis' overdone chase of theirs, Hedeon expressed his slowly gathering disapproval by picking up his pace of speed. In possibly direct response to the chaser's quickening, the chased hastened its own speed of running. Now moving closer to a proper running speed, dogging obstacles along the way to wherever it was going to. Yet now its random choice of rooms to go to was changed, rather heading towards a singular objective.

Following still after it, they ended up heading into the wide garden area build nicely to accommodate sizable area of relatively free space. Stopping after the door he took this moment to catch a breath, head bowing down as he inhaled in deep motion, pulling head back then and staring at the creature. That little chased one having headed further away to create a empty space in between them, say in realms of 5 or so meters. Taking one step forwards to not be so close by the door 'least.

While the time had passed by somewhat already thanks to the tournament events, that burning sun was still high up in the sky, glaring down with its sun rays. Making for a most perfect outdoor atmosphere, quite not too hot, yet enough warmth to allow for enjoyable air. That creature whatever though was not a fan of this, clearly. In its attempt to tone down the burning beams that eerie smoke oozing from its very presence grew in area of effect. Now a thick smoke-like cover shielding its form, however allowing the color to be vaguely grayish enough for one to make up its physical build's outlines. Crossing arms Hedeon, different to his usual pale nothingness, gave almost like a mocking snort at it. Finding its little cover to be all but amusing in the most minuscule of ways.