Mana Academy (IC) (Open, Fantasy)

[Luminesa]

He reached into one of his pockets, holding his there for a moment as he began to lose his nerve. Gaining it back, he pulled out the old letter he had kept at the top of his suitcase. "...I-I saw this...wh-when I came to bring you breakfast, one morning, and...I-I read it...th-there was a map on the back...Yona...the woman who loved you...sh-she wanted you to find another letter. Th-There was another one written, a-and it was hidden here...So...S-So I came here and I found it..." He pulled the second letter out, still unopened and addressed clearly to Ruta. He then paused and breathed for another moment, so his anxiety would not take control and send him crashing to the ground. He was not sure now how Ruta would react.

"...I-I didn't read this one...b-but...I went to find it...b-because I thought...m-maybe while you were gone...y-you had gone looking for it too...I-I even walked around the bar looking for you, to show you I had found it for you...b-but...you weren't here...a-and...the woman inside, she thought that I was a Jaegar...so...th-that's how the fight started...a-and...th-that's why I was here...because I wanted to help you and to make you happy..." he explained. His blue eyes sparkled worriedly, as he stared at the wounds on Ruta's body and the blood on his cloak. He also noticed the bodies around them for the first time. The decapitated head nearby. All of it frightened him, though he tried to stand his ground and to not get sick. He had to show Ruta he was strong, just like him.

Antonius Ruta

Ruta's eyes grew wide with plain shock upon seeing the white page emerge from Soleil's pocket, his cold gaze transfixed on the letter. Once bitter and warrior like, the Jaegar's azure eyes looked upon the white piece of paper upon which that same emblem, a black dove flying on one wing, was emblazoned, the same symbol that his dear Yona had been so fond of in youth, and the one Ruta had adopted in remembrance of her. Sorrow, grief, longing, anguish, and heartache played across his eyes, like a child who was attending the funeral of a loved one that he had so dearly cherished. Seeing that mere mark was enough to bring it all back, from the first moments he had known her to the last...

Closing his eyes and trying to ignore the grueling pain of his wounds, physical and emotional, the man could barely find the words to accurately describe how he was feeling as of this moment. Soleil, who had been so eager in his quest to soothe Ruta's suffering and misery, had resorted to stealing his most treasured possession and nearly been killed in the process to see it through. Even if the boy was blissfully unaware as to the consequences of his actions, the thought of the boy putting himself through such an incredibly dangerous ordeal as this one only brought the Jaegar more pain inside, knowing that that his own negligence was to blame for all that had happened tonight...That his own idiocy and ineptitude had nearly killed Soleil Rise.

"...Soleil...I understand your desire to help me...to 'heal my soul'...and to ensure that everyone around is...as happy and content with life as they can possibly be...but none of that...is worth anything...to me especially...if it means that you...or anyone else was put in harm's way...to achieve it..." Ruta croaked harshly, his grip on his sword growing looser and weaker by the moment. He practically forced himself to stop and pause, as if to do more than he already was would strain his already stressed vocal cords, yet still his words sounded angered and dismayed toward Soleil.

"What you did tonight...though I appreciate it...was nothing less than irresponsible...And for this...I do wonder...if you were trying to...to get yourself killed..."

Soleil did not answer immediately. He had been expecting to get lashed-at, but instead the rebuke he got was much quieter. Disappointment, but not just disappointment. None of what he had done meant anything to Professor Ruta. His exact words. He only saw that Soleil had gotten hurt once again. That he was simply irresponsible. He did not look at him the same way Sol looked back. He saw Soleil's actions and saw none of the good intent. He only saw a fool who was trying to get himself killed.

You idiot. Your actions nearly got you and all of your friends killed. Do you realize that now? It was selfishness, that was what it was. You were so eager to try and get Ruta to care about you, to appreciate you, that you forgot about everyone who truly loves you. All of your friends and teachers who almost died to protect you.

His breathing got faster now, as his anxiety finally caught-up with him and overtook him. He stared down at the ground, breathing hard now as the thoughts came. He put a hand over his mouth, as though he was going to be sick at the same time.

You failure. You stupid, worthless little failure. He will never love you, not as long as you are the way you are. Scared, too worried about yourself, desperate, self-hating, selfish, amoral...a burden. You're nothing but a burden to him. That's why you can't look into his eyes, isn't it? Because you know the truth. You know that he wishes he did not have to deal with you now. He's in all of his pain because of you, and you just added to it. Again. I'm surprised he hasn't run away yet. And you. Why are you still here? You deserve this. Suck it up and face it. He'll never love you. He only saved you because he had to. You should have let that woman kill you.

Just like that all of his nerve was gone. Soleil very well could have stood up for himself, but not now, not as weak physically and emotionally as he was. Like a sack of lead, he slid to his knees, continuing to stare at the ground, his once-hopeful eyes now devoid of any trace of hope, and his breathing incredibly labored and erratic. He moved his hand from his mouth, and all of it came to him. The dead bodies, the ruined bar, the criminals that got away, the disapproving eyes that stared down at him. "...I'm sorry...I'm sorry...I'm sorry...I'm sorry...Professor...Professor...I'm sorry..." he gasped between breaths.

Seeing that the boy was having a panic attack, Rabbit rushed to his side and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. As Soleil continued to mutter the same words over and over again to himself, having completely broken-down as a result of both Ruta's words and the voice in his mind telling him he was worthless. He himself could not speak for a few moments, both from anger at Ruta's roughness and from horror at the degree of the boy's breakdown.

He had indeed expected for Ruta to be angry with him, but he was not expecting quite this. A quiet 'none of it matters'. He knew Ruta was taking his anger at himself out on the boy, and this infuriated him. When he finally spoke, his tone seeped with cold rage. "...Henry, take Soleil with you and the others back to the hotel. Bring him to John and make sure he gets his rest. Antonius and I will meet with you momentarily," he spoke, turning toward Henry and speaking uncharacteristically sharply, "that is an order."

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Antonius Ruta

Ruta's eyes grew wide with plain shock upon seeing the white page emerge from Soleil's pocket, his cold gaze transfixed on the letter. Once bitter and warrior like, the Jaegar's azure eyes looked upon the white piece of paper upon which that same emblem, a black dove flying on one wing, was emblazoned, the same symbol that his dear Yona had been so fond of in youth, and the one Ruta had adopted in remembrance of her. Sorrow, grief, longing, anguish, and heartache played across his eyes, like a child who was attending the funeral of a loved one that he had so dearly cherished. Seeing that mere mark was enough to bring it all back, from the first moments he had known her to the last...

Closing his eyes and trying to ignore the grueling pain of his wounds, physical and emotional, the man could barely find the words to accurately describe how he was feeling as of this moment. Soleil, who had been so eager in his quest to soothe Ruta's suffering and misery, had resorted to stealing his most treasured possession and nearly been killed in the process to see it through. Even if the boy was blissfully unaware as to the consequences of his actions, the thought of the boy putting himself through such an incredibly dangerous ordeal as this one only brought the Jaegar more pain inside, knowing that that his own negligence was to blame for all that had happened tonight...That his own idiocy and ineptitude had nearly killed Soleil Rise.

"...Soleil...I understand your desire to help me...to 'heal my soul'...and to ensure that everyone around is...as happy and content with life as they can possibly be...but none of that...is worth anything...to me especially...if it means that you...or anyone else was put in harm's way...to achieve it..." Ruta croaked harshly, his grip on his sword growing looser and weaker by the moment. He practically forced himself to stop and pause, as if to do more than he already was would strain his already stressed vocal cords, yet still his words sounded angered and dismayed toward Soleil.

"What you did tonight...though I appreciate it...was nothing less than irresponsible...And for this...I do wonder...if you were trying to...to get yourself killed..."

Soleil did not answer immediately. He had been expecting to get lashed-at, but instead the rebuke he got was much quieter. Disappointment, but not just disappointment. None of what he had done meant anything to Professor Ruta. His exact words. He only saw that Soleil had gotten hurt once again. That he was simply irresponsible. He did not look at him the same way Sol looked back. He saw Soleil's actions and saw none of the good intent. He only saw a fool who was trying to get himself killed.

You idiot. Your actions nearly got you and all of your friends killed. Do you realize that now? It was selfishness, that was what it was. You were so eager to try and get Ruta to care about you, to appreciate you, that you forgot about everyone who truly loves you. All of your friends and teachers who almost died to protect you.

His breathing got faster now, as his anxiety finally caught-up with him and overtook him. He stared down at the ground, breathing hard now as the thoughts came. He put a hand over his mouth, as though he was going to be sick at the same time.

You failure. You stupid, worthless little failure. He will never love you, not as long as you are the way you are. Scared, too worried about yourself, desperate, self-hating, selfish, amoral...a burden. You're nothing but a burden to him. That's why you can't look into his eyes, isn't it? Because you know the truth. You know that he wishes he did not have to deal with you now. He's in all of his pain because of you, and you just added to it. Again. I'm surprised he hasn't run away yet. And you. Why are you still here? You deserve this. Suck it up and face it. He'll never love you. He only saved you because he had to. You should have let Sable kill you.

Just like that all of his nerve was gone. Soleil very well could have stood up for himself, but not now, not as weak physically and emotionally as he was. Like a sack of lead, he slid to his knees, continuing to stare at the ground, his once-hopeful eyes now devoid of any trace of hope, and his breathing incredibly labored and erratic. He moved his hand from his mouth, and all of it came to him. The dead bodies, the ruined bar, the criminals that got away, the disapproving eyes that stared down at him. "...I'm sorry...I'm sorry...I'm sorry...I'm sorry...Professor...Professor...I'm sorry..." he gasped between breaths.

Seeing that the boy was having a panic attack, Rabbit rushed to his side and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. As Soleil continued to mutter the same words over and over again to himself, having completely broken-down as a result of both Ruta's words and the voice in his mind telling him he was worthless. He himself could not speak for a few moments, both from anger at Ruta's roughness and from horror at the degree of the boy's breakdown.

He had indeed expected for Ruta to be angry with him, but he was not expecting quite this. A quiet 'none of it matters'. He knew Ruta was taking his anger at himself out on the boy, and this infuriated him. When he finally spoke, his tone seeped with cold rage. "...Henry, take Soleil with you and the others back to the hotel. Bring him to John and make sure he gets his rest. Antonius and I will meet with you momentarily," he spoke, turning toward Henry and speaking uncharacteristically sharply, "that is an order."

Henry Von Kressel

"Got it. Allistor, stay with me."

Pulling Soleil off the ground and passing one of the boy's arms around his shoulders, Henry led him back to the hotel, hearing the continuous muttering of his friend. Ruta was unnecessarily rude to a boy who never met any positive emotion in his family circle, and struggled to be himself against the hardships. Ironically, Henry saw a bit of himself of Soleil, and cared about him deeply because of it.

He knew what could happen if he ever fell. He knew that Saturninus was the constant reminder of it near him, and Henry couldn't let that happen. Not to Soleil. In his task to preserve his friend's essence, he struggled to keep his essence as well. And in a dualistic relationship, Henry needed to help and protect Soleil.

Finally reaching the hotel, Henry wasn't worried about Ms. Holstein's penalty. He had to lead Soleil to John, and so he carried his friend to the door of the teacher's room, knocking on it.

"Professor John? Henry. I need your help with Soleil."

[Luminesa]

Soleil did not answer immediately. He had been expecting to get lashed-at, but instead the rebuke he got was much quieter. Disappointment, but not just disappointment. None of what he had done meant anything to Professor Ruta. His exact words. He only saw that Soleil had gotten hurt once again. That he was simply irresponsible. He did not look at him the same way Sol looked back. He saw Soleil's actions and saw none of the good intent. He only saw a fool who was trying to get himself killed.

You idiot. Your actions nearly got you and all of your friends killed. Do you realize that now? It was selfishness, that was what it was. You were so eager to try and get Ruta to care about you, to appreciate you, that you forgot about everyone who truly loves you. All of your friends and teachers who almost died to protect you.

His breathing got faster now, as his anxiety finally caught-up with him and overtook him. He stared down at the ground, breathing hard now as the thoughts came. He put a hand over his mouth, as though he was going to be sick at the same time.

You failure. You stupid, worthless little failure. He will never love you, not as long as you are the way you are. Scared, too worried about yourself, desperate, self-hating, selfish, amoral...a burden. You're nothing but a burden to him. That's why you can't look into his eyes, isn't it? Because you know the truth. You know that he wishes he did not have to deal with you now. He's in all of his pain because of you, and you just added to it. Again. I'm surprised he hasn't run away yet. And you. Why are you still here? You deserve this. Suck it up and face it. He'll never love you. He only saved you because he had to. You should have let Sable kill you.

Just like that all of his nerve was gone. Soleil very well could have stood up for himself, but not now, not as weak physically and emotionally as he was. Like a sack of lead, he slid to his knees, continuing to stare at the ground, his once-hopeful eyes now devoid of any trace of hope, and his breathing incredibly labored and erratic. He moved his hand from his mouth, and all of it came to him. The dead bodies, the ruined bar, the criminals that got away, the disapproving eyes that stared down at him. "...I'm sorry...I'm sorry...I'm sorry...I'm sorry...Professor...Professor...I'm sorry..." he gasped between breaths.

Seeing that the boy was having a panic attack, Rabbit rushed to his side and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. As Soleil continued to mutter the same words over and over again to himself, having completely broken-down as a result of both Ruta's words and the voice in his mind telling him he was worthless. He himself could not speak for a few moments, both from anger at Ruta's roughness and from horror at the degree of the boy's breakdown.

He had indeed expected for Ruta to be angry with him, but he was not expecting quite this. A quiet 'none of it matters'. He knew Ruta was taking his anger at himself out on the boy, and this infuriated him. When he finally spoke, his tone seeped with cold rage. "...Henry, take Soleil with you and the others back to the hotel. Bring him to John and make sure he gets his rest. Antonius and I will meet with you momentarily," he spoke, turning toward Henry and speaking uncharacteristically sharply, "that is an order."

Henry Von Kressel

"Got it. Allistor, stay with me."

Pulling Soleil off the ground and passing one of the boy's arms around his shoulders, Henry led him back to the hotel, hearing the continuous muttering of his friend. Ruta was unnecessarily rude to a boy who never met any positive emotion in his family circle, and struggled to be himself against the hardships. Ironically, Henry saw a bit of himself of Soleil, and cared about him deeply because of it.

He knew what could happen if he ever fell. He knew that Saturninus was the constant reminder of it near him, and Henry couldn't let that happen. Not to Soleil. In his task to preserve his friend's essence, he struggled to keep his essence as well. And in a dualistic relationship, Henry needed to help and protect Soleil.

Finally reaching the hotel, Henry wasn't worried about Ms. Holstein's penalty. He had to lead Soleil to John, and so he carried his friend to the door of the teacher's room, knocking on it.

"Professor John? Henry. I need your help with Soleil."

John opened the door as he heard Henry's voice, and he looked at the mumbling, crying boy on his back. Nodding as he realized this was a serious situation, he pried the boy off Henry's back carefully, and he placed him on the bed. He examined him, watching Soleil as he muttered 'I'm sorry' over and over again to himself, as though his life depended on it, as though he would die if he stopped. "...Dear God...he's almost in a stupor..." he whispered, as he placed the blanket over his shoulders and sat in a chair front of him, putting a hand over Soleil's as the boy clenched the blanket in them. "...What on earth happened?...He didn't run into his cousin by any chance, did he?...Henry, this is a genuine emotional breakdown...how long has this been happening and who did this?" He looked up at him with shock. He knew the boy was fragile, and showed symptoms of depression, serious abuse, and severe anxiety disorder. It would not have taken much to drive him into such a state, but he knew that something serious had driven him over the edge.

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

"Got it. Allistor, stay with me."

Pulling Soleil off the ground and passing one of the boy's arms around his shoulders, Henry led him back to the hotel, hearing the continuous muttering of his friend. Ruta was unnecessarily rude to a boy who never met any positive emotion in his family circle, and struggled to be himself against the hardships. Ironically, Henry saw a bit of himself of Soleil, and cared about him deeply because of it.

He knew what could happen if he ever fell. He knew that Saturninus was the constant reminder of it near him, and Henry couldn't let that happen. Not to Soleil. In his task to preserve his friend's essence, he struggled to keep his essence as well. And in a dualistic relationship, Henry needed to help and protect Soleil.

Finally reaching the hotel, Henry wasn't worried about Ms. Holstein's penalty. He had to lead Soleil to John, and so he carried his friend to the door of the teacher's room, knocking on it.

"Professor John? Henry. I need your help with Soleil."

John opened the door as he heard Henry's voice, and he looked at the mumbling, crying boy on his back. Nodding as he realized this was a serious situation, he pried the boy off Henry's back carefully, and he placed him on the bed. He examined him, watching Soleil as he muttered 'I'm sorry' over and over again to himself, as though his life depended on it, as though he would die if he stopped. "...Dear God...he's almost in a stupor..." he whispered, as he placed the blanket over his shoulders and sat in a chair front of him, putting a hand over Soleil's as the boy clenched the blanket in them. "...What on earth happened?...He didn't run into his cousin by any chance, did he?...Henry, this is a genuine emotional breakdown...how long has this been happening and who did this?" He looked up at him with shock. He knew the boy was fragile, and showed symptoms of depression, serious abuse, and severe anxiety disorder. It would not have taken much to drive him into such a state, but he knew that something serious had driven him over the edge.

Henry Von Kressel

With clear sincerity in his voice, Henry answered the worried medic. It was clear that this time, something snapped inside Soleil, and it would take time to recover.

"It is... A complicated story, Professor. Rabbit can explain it to you better, but we entered in a fight in an inn, where Soleil was looking for someone... More specifically Ruta, and when he finally appeared, Soleil ran to him, hope in his eyes, and then... Ruta basically said it was... It was irresponsible and a few other harsh words. Then, Soleil entered this state. Rabbit ordered me to come back with him, and talk with you to see what could be done about him.

But I fear his cousin must not know about it. Otherwise, Soleil would be in danger of another breakdown. Is there anything I can help you with, Professor? I must... Talk to someone that holds Soleil dearly. I've promised it to him."

[Luminesa]

John opened the door as he heard Henry's voice, and he looked at the mumbling, crying boy on his back. Nodding as he realized this was a serious situation, he pried the boy off Henry's back carefully, and he placed him on the bed. He examined him, watching Soleil as he muttered 'I'm sorry' over and over again to himself, as though his life depended on it, as though he would die if he stopped. "...Dear God...he's almost in a stupor..." he whispered, as he placed the blanket over his shoulders and sat in a chair front of him, putting a hand over Soleil's as the boy clenched the blanket in them. "...What on earth happened?...He didn't run into his cousin by any chance, did he?...Henry, this is a genuine emotional breakdown...how long has this been happening and who did this?" He looked up at him with shock. He knew the boy was fragile, and showed symptoms of depression, serious abuse, and severe anxiety disorder. It would not have taken much to drive him into such a state, but he knew that something serious had driven him over the edge.

Henry Von Kressel

With clear sincerity in his voice, Henry answered the worried medic. It was clear that this time, something snapped inside Soleil, and it would take time to recover.

"It is... A complicated story, Professor. Rabbit can explain it to you better, but we entered in a fight in an inn, where Soleil was looking for someone... More specifically Ruta, and when he finally appeared, Soleil ran to him, hope in his eyes, and then... Ruta basically said it was... It was irresponsible and a few other harsh words. Then, Soleil entered this state. Rabbit ordered me to come back with him, and talk with you to see what could be done about him.

But I fear his cousin must not know about it. Otherwise, Soleil would be in danger of another breakdown. Is there anything I can help you with, Professor? I must... Talk to someone that holds Soleil dearly. I've promised it to him."

John listened to the story, blinking with shock as Henry finished. "...So he snuck out and got himself in danger to find Ruta, and Ruta put him down..." he repeated. He then closed his eyes and shook his head. "...Agh...if I had not gone to bed, I could have caught him before he ran out the hotel...Then none of this would have happened..." He himself was shocked that Soleil would do something so reckless, but he saw no bad intent in the boy. He was afraid and he was not thinking clearly, and he wanted to help someone he cared about.

"...Saturninus won't know a thing. I plan to inform the Committee to continue to keep him in his hotel room during matches. In the meantime, I'll work whatever magic I can to keep his vitals up, because right now he is genuinely sick. I don't even know if he'll be able to fight in the tournament in this way. Though not that that's something that needs to be worried about right now..." Turning to Henry, he added, "You go and do what you need to do. Make sure to take care of yourself, though. You've been overworking yourself as well, I can tell." He then turned toward Allistor and added, "Allistor, stay in the room with me. He needs to see a familiar face while I work, since I can't sit and speak to him while I perform the spells I need to perform to awaken him."

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

With clear sincerity in his voice, Henry answered the worried medic. It was clear that this time, something snapped inside Soleil, and it would take time to recover.

"It is... A complicated story, Professor. Rabbit can explain it to you better, but we entered in a fight in an inn, where Soleil was looking for someone... More specifically Ruta, and when he finally appeared, Soleil ran to him, hope in his eyes, and then... Ruta basically said it was... It was irresponsible and a few other harsh words. Then, Soleil entered this state. Rabbit ordered me to come back with him, and talk with you to see what could be done about him.

But I fear his cousin must not know about it. Otherwise, Soleil would be in danger of another breakdown. Is there anything I can help you with, Professor? I must... Talk to someone that holds Soleil dearly. I've promised it to him."

John listened to the story, blinking with shock as Henry finished. "...So he snuck out and got himself in danger to find Ruta, and Ruta put him down..." he repeated. He then closed his eyes and shook his head. "...Agh...if I had not gone to bed, I could have caught him before he ran out the hotel...Then none of this would have happened..." He himself was shocked that Soleil would do something so reckless, but he saw no bad intent in the boy. He was afraid and he was not thinking clearly, and he wanted to help someone he cared about.

"...Saturninus won't know a thing. I plan to inform the Committee to continue to keep him in his hotel room during matches. In the meantime, I'll work whatever magic I can to keep his vitals up, because right now he is genuinely sick. I don't even know if he'll be able to fight in the tournament in this way. Though not that that's something that needs to be worried about right now..." Turning to Henry, he added, "You go and do what you need to do. Make sure to take care of yourself, though. You've been overworking yourself as well, I can tell." He then turned toward Allistor and added, "Allistor, stay in the room with me. He needs to see a familiar face while I work, since I can't sit and speak to him while I perform the spells I need to perform to awaken him."

Henry Von Kressel

Is it that visible that I'm overworking? That I'm... In such state?

"Thanks, John. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me. You might need some extra help when he wake up. I'll be on my way. Have a good night."

Politely, he ran off the room, knowing that his next conversation would involve a level of stress of seriousness that was justified. He promised to talk to Kasumi, and he was going to fulfill, despite knowing very well that the bringer of bad news is often mistaken for the "villain" of the story.

Uniting all of his strength and courage, he went to the room of the Shimizu sisters, knocking on the door.

"Kasumi? It's Henry. I need to talk with you. Privately."

[Charlia]

John listened to the story, blinking with shock as Henry finished. "...So he snuck out and got himself in danger to find Ruta, and Ruta put him down..." he repeated. He then closed his eyes and shook his head. "...Agh...if I had not gone to bed, I could have caught him before he ran out the hotel...Then none of this would have happened..." He himself was shocked that Soleil would do something so reckless, but he saw no bad intent in the boy. He was afraid and he was not thinking clearly, and he wanted to help someone he cared about.

"...Saturninus won't know a thing. I plan to inform the Committee to continue to keep him in his hotel room during matches. In the meantime, I'll work whatever magic I can to keep his vitals up, because right now he is genuinely sick. I don't even know if he'll be able to fight in the tournament in this way. Though not that that's something that needs to be worried about right now..." Turning to Henry, he added, "You go and do what you need to do. Make sure to take care of yourself, though. You've been overworking yourself as well, I can tell." He then turned toward Allistor and added, "Allistor, stay in the room with me. He needs to see a familiar face while I work, since I can't sit and speak to him while I perform the spells I need to perform to awaken him."

Henry Von Kressel

Is it that visible that I'm overworking? That I'm... In such state?

"Thanks, John. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me. You might need some extra help when he wake up. I'll be on my way. Have a good night."

Politely, he ran off the room, knowing that his next conversation would involve a level of stress of seriousness that was justified. He promised to talk to Kasumi, and he was going to fulfill, despite knowing very well that the bringer of bad news is often mistaken for the "villain" of the story.

Uniting all of his strength and courage, he went to the room of the Shimizu sisters, knocking on the door.

"Kasumi? It's Henry. I need to talk with you. Privately."

The first one to wake up was Hikari, who was a rather light sleeper. As soon as she heard someone knocking on the door, she shot up in bed with a muffled gasp, instinctively clutching the covers to her chest. Drying the tears that were still left on her face from her nightmare, she heard Kasumi's name being called and shook her sister awake.

"...Hikari-chan?" Kasumi mumbled. "What is it? You... were crying... you okay?"

"No," Hikari said quietly, "but that's not why I woke you up. Henry's at the door." A spark of an idea welled in the back of her mind, and she crushed it down into nothing. Nevertheless, it started to grow again, and she had to keep her mind occupied on something else.

It's a terrible idea, don't even think about it, she scolded herself.

Meanwhile, Kasumi crawled out of bed, rubbed her eyes and went to the door, opening it.

"What are you doing?" she muttered, stifling a yawn. "It's the middle of the night. You're breaking curfew. Why are you even awake? Is something going on...?"

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

Is it that visible that I'm overworking? That I'm... In such state?

"Thanks, John. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me. You might need some extra help when he wake up. I'll be on my way. Have a good night."

Politely, he ran off the room, knowing that his next conversation would involve a level of stress of seriousness that was justified. He promised to talk to Kasumi, and he was going to fulfill, despite knowing very well that the bringer of bad news is often mistaken for the "villain" of the story.

Uniting all of his strength and courage, he went to the room of the Shimizu sisters, knocking on the door.

"Kasumi? It's Henry. I need to talk with you. Privately."

The first one to wake up was Hikari, who was a rather light sleeper. As soon as she heard someone knocking on the door, she shot up in bed with a muffled gasp, instinctively clutching the covers to her chest. Drying the tears that were still left on her face from her nightmare, she heard Kasumi's name being called and shook her sister awake.

"...Hikari-chan?" Kasumi mumbled. "What is it? You... were crying... you okay?"

"No," Hikari said quietly, "but that's not why I woke you up. Henry's at the door." A spark of an idea welled in the back of her mind, and she crushed it down into nothing. Nevertheless, it started to grow again, and she had to keep her mind occupied on something else.

It's a terrible idea, don't even think about it, she scolded herself.

Meanwhile, Kasumi crawled out of bed, rubbed her eyes and went to the door, opening it.

"What are you doing?" she muttered, stifling a yawn. "It's the middle of the night. You're breaking curfew. Why are you even awake? Is something going on...?"

Henry Von Kressel

The deep breath preceded the seriousness of the subject. Trying to keep his calm personality, Henry answered the sleepy Kasumi, appreciating her calm while it lasted. It was clear that the following moments would be of tension and of definition.

"Yes, I know I'm breaking curfew... But it's about Soleil. Mind if I speak near your sister?"

[Charlia]

The first one to wake up was Hikari, who was a rather light sleeper. As soon as she heard someone knocking on the door, she shot up in bed with a muffled gasp, instinctively clutching the covers to her chest. Drying the tears that were still left on her face from her nightmare, she heard Kasumi's name being called and shook her sister awake.

"...Hikari-chan?" Kasumi mumbled. "What is it? You... were crying... you okay?"

"No," Hikari said quietly, "but that's not why I woke you up. Henry's at the door." A spark of an idea welled in the back of her mind, and she crushed it down into nothing. Nevertheless, it started to grow again, and she had to keep her mind occupied on something else.

It's a terrible idea, don't even think about it, she scolded herself.

Meanwhile, Kasumi crawled out of bed, rubbed her eyes and went to the door, opening it.

"What are you doing?" she muttered, stifling a yawn. "It's the middle of the night. You're breaking curfew. Why are you even awake? Is something going on...?"

Henry Von Kressel

The deep breath preceded the seriousness of the subject. Trying to keep his calm personality, Henry answered the sleepy Kasumi, appreciating her calm while it lasted. It was clear that the following moments would be of tension and of definition.

"Yes, I know I'm breaking curfew... But it's about Soleil. Mind if I speak near your sister?"

"...S-Soleil-kun?" Kasumi said, her eyes immediately open wide and her tiredness gone. "What happened?" Grabbing his shoulders, she pulled him into the room and shut the door. "Tell me everything, right now! If something happened to him, I... I'll..." Her hands were already trembling.

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

The deep breath preceded the seriousness of the subject. Trying to keep his calm personality, Henry answered the sleepy Kasumi, appreciating her calm while it lasted. It was clear that the following moments would be of tension and of definition.

"Yes, I know I'm breaking curfew... But it's about Soleil. Mind if I speak near your sister?"

"...S-Soleil-kun?" Kasumi said, her eyes immediately open wide and her tiredness gone. "What happened?" Grabbing his shoulders, she pulled him into the room and shut the door. "Tell me everything, right now! If something happened to him, I... I'll..." Her hands were already trembling.

Henry Von Kressel

"Soleil sneaked out at night, searching for... A certain Professor. He ended in the middle of a bad crowd, me, Allistor and a few other Professors intervened, Rabbit included. He came out of it alive, but the reaction of the said Professor he was looking for... He is with John, the Academy's medic now, recovering from what happened.

And... I promised him to come here, explain to you what happened. So here I am."

There wasn't anymore words to describe it, and Henry's tiredness shortened the story to what it actually mattered. Staring at the Japanese girl, he awaited for her reaction, trying to be ready for whatever it was.

[Charlia]

"...S-Soleil-kun?" Kasumi said, her eyes immediately open wide and her tiredness gone. "What happened?" Grabbing his shoulders, she pulled him into the room and shut the door. "Tell me everything, right now! If something happened to him, I... I'll..." Her hands were already trembling.

Henry Von Kressel

"Soleil sneaked out at night, searching for... A certain Professor. He ended in the middle of a bad crowd, me, Allistor and a few other Professors intervened, Rabbit included. He came out of it alive, but the reaction of the said Professor he was looking for... He is with John, the Academy's medic now, recovering from what happened.

And... I promised him to come here, explain to you what happened. So here I am."

There wasn't anymore words to describe it, and Henry's tiredness shortened the story to what it actually mattered. Staring at the Japanese girl, he awaited for her reaction, trying to be ready for whatever it was.

Kasumi's hands started shaking even more.

"...You... You idiots!" she shouted. "Why did any of you allow him to get hurt in the first place? Why didn't his roommate stop him from sneaking out? You complete and utter morons! Screw respect! If I find out which professor you're talking about..."

Her eyes narrowed.

"Well. I can't promise anything good," she growled, and shoved Henry out of the way of the door, opening it and slamming it behind her before running to find Soleil, curfew no longer high at all on the list of things she was concerned about.



Hikari just sighed. "Well, that went well," she muttered to Henry. "I'm sorry about that. She's... well, she's very devoted to Soleil. But then, I suppose you'd react the same way if something happened to Aria, wouldn't you? How has that been going, by the way? I know there's been some trouble, so... Is everything okay? Are you okay?"

[Finsternia]

Henry Von Kressel

With clear sincerity in his voice, Henry answered the worried medic. It was clear that this time, something snapped inside Soleil, and it would take time to recover.

"It is... A complicated story, Professor. Rabbit can explain it to you better, but we entered in a fight in an inn, where Soleil was looking for someone... More specifically Ruta, and when he finally appeared, Soleil ran to him, hope in his eyes, and then... Ruta basically said it was... It was irresponsible and a few other harsh words. Then, Soleil entered this state. Rabbit ordered me to come back with him, and talk with you to see what could be done about him.

But I fear his cousin must not know about it. Otherwise, Soleil would be in danger of another breakdown. Is there anything I can help you with, Professor? I must... Talk to someone that holds Soleil dearly. I've promised it to him."

John listened to the story, blinking with shock as Henry finished. "...So he snuck out and got himself in danger to find Ruta, and Ruta put him down..." he repeated. He then closed his eyes and shook his head. "...Agh...if I had not gone to bed, I could have caught him before he ran out the hotel...Then none of this would have happened..." He himself was shocked that Soleil would do something so reckless, but he saw no bad intent in the boy. He was afraid and he was not thinking clearly, and he wanted to help someone he cared about.

"...Saturninus won't know a thing. I plan to inform the Committee to continue to keep him in his hotel room during matches. In the meantime, I'll work whatever magic I can to keep his vitals up, because right now he is genuinely sick. I don't even know if he'll be able to fight in the tournament in this way. Though not that that's something that needs to be worried about right now..." Turning to Henry, he added, "You go and do what you need to do. Make sure to take care of yourself, though. You've been overworking yourself as well, I can tell." He then turned toward Allistor and added, "Allistor, stay in the room with me. He needs to see a familiar face while I work, since I can't sit and speak to him while I perform the spells I need to perform to awaken him."

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor simply nodded and grabbed a nearby chair to sit on. "This is more severe than I first thought." Soleil's psych is quite fragile, he already knew that, but this is the first time that every fragile piece of Soleil's mirror was shattered to fine shards of glass. Whatever Ruta said to him, which Allistor didn't hear, it sure was devastating to reduce a ray of sunshine into a boy with a frothing mouth.

Allistor already removed his torn up blazer sometime when they were rushing back in the hotel, leaving only a white polo shirt stained with blood up to the elbows and a dishevelled necktie. He ran a hand through his hair, now stiff with the crusted blood on it. "How long will it take for him to recover sir?"

[Luminesa]

John listened to the story, blinking with shock as Henry finished. "...So he snuck out and got himself in danger to find Ruta, and Ruta put him down..." he repeated. He then closed his eyes and shook his head. "...Agh...if I had not gone to bed, I could have caught him before he ran out the hotel...Then none of this would have happened..." He himself was shocked that Soleil would do something so reckless, but he saw no bad intent in the boy. He was afraid and he was not thinking clearly, and he wanted to help someone he cared about.

"...Saturninus won't know a thing. I plan to inform the Committee to continue to keep him in his hotel room during matches. In the meantime, I'll work whatever magic I can to keep his vitals up, because right now he is genuinely sick. I don't even know if he'll be able to fight in the tournament in this way. Though not that that's something that needs to be worried about right now..." Turning to Henry, he added, "You go and do what you need to do. Make sure to take care of yourself, though. You've been overworking yourself as well, I can tell." He then turned toward Allistor and added, "Allistor, stay in the room with me. He needs to see a familiar face while I work, since I can't sit and speak to him while I perform the spells I need to perform to awaken him."

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor simply nodded and grabbed a nearby chair to sit on. "This is more severe than I first thought." Soleil's psych is quite fragile, he already knew that, but this is the first time that every fragile piece of Soleil's mirror was shattered to fine shards of glass. Whatever Ruta said to him, which Allistor didn't hear, it sure was devastating to reduce a ray of sunshine into a boy with a frothing mouth.

Allistor already removed his torn up blazer sometime when they were rushing back in the hotel, leaving only a white polo shirt stained with blood up to the elbows and a dishevelled necktie. He ran a hand through his hair, now stiff with the crusted blood on it. "How long will it take for him to recover sir?"

"...Ahhh...it depends. It might take days for him to fully recover, but whatever Ruta said to him has tore him up very badly. The psychological damage is done, and the scars will probably be there for a very long time," John answered, as he stood and walked behind Soleil. He then placed his hands on his shoulders, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. Slowly, healing magic flowed through his fingers, and as it flowed into Soleil and found his Mana points, he slowly lifted his hands, so streams of mana now flowed down into his body. "...The mana points in his shoulders and in his head are both damaged as well. What on earth?...No wonder he is in so much pain...They've been reduced to basically sickle-like cells...This may even take all night. I only hope I have the mana," he muttered. Looking over at Allistor's bloodied sleeves as he worked, he also asked, "What kind of fight was this? Was anyone else hurt?"

[Charlia]

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor simply nodded and grabbed a nearby chair to sit on. "This is more severe than I first thought." Soleil's psych is quite fragile, he already knew that, but this is the first time that every fragile piece of Soleil's mirror was shattered to fine shards of glass. Whatever Ruta said to him, which Allistor didn't hear, it sure was devastating to reduce a ray of sunshine into a boy with a frothing mouth.

Allistor already removed his torn up blazer sometime when they were rushing back in the hotel, leaving only a white polo shirt stained with blood up to the elbows and a dishevelled necktie. He ran a hand through his hair, now stiff with the crusted blood on it. "How long will it take for him to recover sir?"

"...Ahhh...it depends. It might take days for him to fully recover, but whatever Ruta said to him has tore him up very badly. The psychological damage is done, and the scars will probably be there for a very long time," John answered, as he stood and walked behind Soleil. He then placed his hands on his shoulders, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. Slowly, healing magic flowed through his fingers, and as it flowed into Soleil and found his Mana points, he slowly lifted his hands, so streams of mana now flowed down into his body. "...The mana points in his shoulders and in his head are both damaged as well. What on earth?...No wonder he is in so much pain...They've been reduced to basically sickle-like cells...This may even take all night. I only hope I have the mana," he muttered. Looking over at Allistor's bloodied sleeves as he worked, he also asked, "What kind of fight was this? Was anyone else hurt?"

That was about as far as he was allowed to get, because in the next moment a blue-haired girl glomped Soleil and refused to let go, crying her eyes out.

"Soleil-kun," she begged, "talk to me, please! Please say something! You're going to be okay, right? You'll be okay... You have to be okay... I love you... Please say something... Please, please, please..."

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

"Soleil sneaked out at night, searching for... A certain Professor. He ended in the middle of a bad crowd, me, Allistor and a few other Professors intervened, Rabbit included. He came out of it alive, but the reaction of the said Professor he was looking for... He is with John, the Academy's medic now, recovering from what happened.

And... I promised him to come here, explain to you what happened. So here I am."

There wasn't anymore words to describe it, and Henry's tiredness shortened the story to what it actually mattered. Staring at the Japanese girl, he awaited for her reaction, trying to be ready for whatever it was.

Kasumi's hands started shaking even more.

"...You... You idiots!" she shouted. "Why did any of you allow him to get hurt in the first place? Why didn't his roommate stop him from sneaking out? You complete and utter morons! Screw respect! If I find out which professor you're talking about..."

Her eyes narrowed.

"Well. I can't promise anything good," she growled, and shoved Henry out of the way of the door, opening it and slamming it behind her before running to find Soleil, curfew no longer high at all on the list of things she was concerned about.



Hikari just sighed. "Well, that went well," she muttered to Henry. "I'm sorry about that. She's... well, she's very devoted to Soleil. But then, I suppose you'd react the same way if something happened to Aria, wouldn't you? How has that been going, by the way? I know there's been some trouble, so... Is everything okay? Are you okay?"

Henry Von Kressel

"Kasumi, wait..."

Before he could even protest, she went off her room, running to find him. However, Hikari wanted to know more about what happened. His day seemed to never end at this point, and his energy was almost vanishing completely, despite his best efforts to keep active.

"I've been in this situation more than once, Hikari. I know how much it aches to see someone you care about in a hospital bed, and I've learned to be calm with it. But it's a trait I can't force everyone to have. I don't blame your sister. I knew she could react this way, hence why I came to deliver the news.

And if you must know, there's been some time since I last spoke with her. And yes, I'm fine as the situation is allowing me to be. I'm sorry for disturbing your sleep, Hikari. Send my regards to Natalie as well. I... Must go talk to your sister. I'm afraid I must avoid a catastrophe. Good night, and once more, sorry for the disturbance."

Slowly closing the door, he ran after Kasumi, desperately trying to avoid more damage to Soleil.

"Kasumi! Stop! I need to talk with you!"

[Luminesa]

"...Ahhh...it depends. It might take days for him to fully recover, but whatever Ruta said to him has tore him up very badly. The psychological damage is done, and the scars will probably be there for a very long time," John answered, as he stood and walked behind Soleil. He then placed his hands on his shoulders, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. Slowly, healing magic flowed through his fingers, and as it flowed into Soleil and found his Mana points, he slowly lifted his hands, so streams of mana now flowed down into his body. "...The mana points in his shoulders and in his head are both damaged as well. What on earth?...No wonder he is in so much pain...They've been reduced to basically sickle-like cells...This may even take all night. I only hope I have the mana," he muttered. Looking over at Allistor's bloodied sleeves as he worked, he also asked, "What kind of fight was this? Was anyone else hurt?"

That was about as far as he was allowed to get, because in the next moment a blue-haired girl glomped Soleil and refused to let go, crying her eyes out.

"Soleil-kun," she begged, "talk to me, please! Please say something! You're going to be okay, right? You'll be okay... You have to be okay... I love you... Please say something... Please, please, please..."

He did not even realize she was in the room. Now he was mumbling 'I'm sorry' voicelessly, as though his lungs had finally given out. He continued clutching the blanket, his knuckles white and stiff. His eyes were blank and much darker than usual, as though all of the light in them was gone. He had simply clicked-off, and nobody knew where the switch was.

"Kasumi, you're going to have to move just a little, please? He won't get better if I can't work. Just back away, take a few deep breaths, and sit down with him. Just please don't glomp him. He needs to breathe for this to work," John warned her, though he very obviously felt horrible for her. She felt powerless to help him, and was trying to say anything to awaken him. It was heartbreaking.

Antonius...I know you're not evil...you would never hurt the kid on purpose...but what on earth did you say to him?! he thought, exasperated and saddened by the current events.

[Charlia]

Kasumi's hands started shaking even more.

"...You... You idiots!" she shouted. "Why did any of you allow him to get hurt in the first place? Why didn't his roommate stop him from sneaking out? You complete and utter morons! Screw respect! If I find out which professor you're talking about..."

Her eyes narrowed.

"Well. I can't promise anything good," she growled, and shoved Henry out of the way of the door, opening it and slamming it behind her before running to find Soleil, curfew no longer high at all on the list of things she was concerned about.



Hikari just sighed. "Well, that went well," she muttered to Henry. "I'm sorry about that. She's... well, she's very devoted to Soleil. But then, I suppose you'd react the same way if something happened to Aria, wouldn't you? How has that been going, by the way? I know there's been some trouble, so... Is everything okay? Are you okay?"

Henry Von Kressel

"Kasumi, wait..."

Before he could even protest, she went off her room, running to find him. However, Hikari wanted to know more about what happened. His day seemed to never end at this point, and his energy was almost vanishing completely, despite his best efforts to keep active.

"I've been in this situation more than once, Hikari. I know how much it aches to see someone you care about in a hospital bed, and I've learned to be calm with it. But it's a trait I can't force everyone to have. I don't blame your sister. I knew she could react this way, hence why I came to deliver the news.

And if you must know, there's been some time since I last spoke with her. And yes, I'm fine as the situation is allowing me to be. I'm sorry for disturbing your sleep, Hikari. Send my regards to Natalie as well. I... Must go talk to your sister. I'm afraid I must avoid a catastrophe. Good night, and once more, sorry for the disturbance."

Slowly closing the door, he ran after Kasumi, desperately trying to avoid more damage to Soleil.

"Kasumi! Stop! I need to talk with you!"

"...Yeah," Hikari mumbled. "...Good night."

She practically fell back onto the bed, cursing herself. What were you thinking? Of course it's the worst possible time for you to have one of your stupid ideas! You're useless and an idiot! You're dead weight and nobody wants you around! So stop bothering everyone else and just go die! Nobody loves you enough to miss you anyway.

There has to be someone...

Maybe if you start whoring yourself out again. At least then someone will hold you, right? You're pathetic. Get a grip. Just go back to sleep and stop being a burden on everyone else. If the world is lucky, you won't wake up.

...Maybe I won't... that might be nice.

She closed her eyes, wrapping her arms tightly around herself.

...Maybe I'll sleep so deeply that I never wake up... wouldn't that be great?

That was about as far as he was allowed to get, because in the next moment a blue-haired girl glomped Soleil and refused to let go, crying her eyes out.

"Soleil-kun," she begged, "talk to me, please! Please say something! You're going to be okay, right? You'll be okay... You have to be okay... I love you... Please say something... Please, please, please..."

He did not even realize she was in the room. Now he was mumbling 'I'm sorry' voicelessly, as though his lungs had finally given out. He continued clutching the blanket, his knuckles white and stiff. His eyes were blank and much darker than usual, as though all of the light in them was gone. He had simply clicked-off, and nobody knew where the switch was.

"Kasumi, you're going to have to move just a little, please? He won't get better if I can't work. Just back away, take a few deep breaths, and sit down with him. Just please don't glomp him. He needs to breathe for this to work," John warned her, though he very obviously felt horrible for her. She felt powerless to help him, and was trying to say anything to awaken him. It was heartbreaking.

Antonius...I know you're not evil...you would never hurt the kid on purpose...but what on earth did you say to him?! he thought, exasperated and saddened by the current events.

Kasumi pulled away, her eyes wide, tears starting to drip down her face.

"...S-Soleil-kun..." she mumbled, and abruptly sat down on the floor, staring at Soleil and not even blinking. "I... I don't understand... Who was it? Who did this? Please... please tell me..."

[Luminesa]

Henry Von Kressel

"Kasumi, wait..."

Before he could even protest, she went off her room, running to find him. However, Hikari wanted to know more about what happened. His day seemed to never end at this point, and his energy was almost vanishing completely, despite his best efforts to keep active.

"I've been in this situation more than once, Hikari. I know how much it aches to see someone you care about in a hospital bed, and I've learned to be calm with it. But it's a trait I can't force everyone to have. I don't blame your sister. I knew she could react this way, hence why I came to deliver the news.

And if you must know, there's been some time since I last spoke with her. And yes, I'm fine as the situation is allowing me to be. I'm sorry for disturbing your sleep, Hikari. Send my regards to Natalie as well. I... Must go talk to your sister. I'm afraid I must avoid a catastrophe. Good night, and once more, sorry for the disturbance."

Slowly closing the door, he ran after Kasumi, desperately trying to avoid more damage to Soleil.

"Kasumi! Stop! I need to talk with you!"

"...Yeah," Hikari mumbled. "...Good night."

She practically fell back onto the bed, cursing herself. What were you thinking? Of course it's the worst possible time for you to have one of your stupid ideas! You're useless and an idiot! You're dead weight and nobody wants you around! So stop bothering everyone else and just go die! Nobody loves you enough to miss you anyway.

There has to be someone...

Maybe if you start whoring yourself out again. At least then someone will hold you, right? You're pathetic. Get a grip. Just go back to sleep and stop being a burden on everyone else. If the world is lucky, you won't wake up.

...Maybe I won't... that might be nice.

She closed her eyes, wrapping her arms tightly around herself.

...Maybe I'll sleep so deeply that I never wake up... wouldn't that be great?

He did not even realize she was in the room. Now he was mumbling 'I'm sorry' voicelessly, as though his lungs had finally given out. He continued clutching the blanket, his knuckles white and stiff. His eyes were blank and much darker than usual, as though all of the light in them was gone. He had simply clicked-off, and nobody knew where the switch was.

"Kasumi, you're going to have to move just a little, please? He won't get better if I can't work. Just back away, take a few deep breaths, and sit down with him. Just please don't glomp him. He needs to breathe for this to work," John warned her, though he very obviously felt horrible for her. She felt powerless to help him, and was trying to say anything to awaken him. It was heartbreaking.

Antonius...I know you're not evil...you would never hurt the kid on purpose...but what on earth did you say to him?! he thought, exasperated and saddened by the current events.

Kasumi pulled away, her eyes wide, tears starting to drip down her face.

"...S-Soleil-kun..." she mumbled, and abruptly sat down on the floor, staring at Soleil and not even blinking. "I... I don't understand... Who was it? Who did this? Please... please tell me..."

"Kasumi...ahh...is there another chair in here..." John looked around, and then answered Kasumi. "He got in an argument with one of the professors...He had gone looking for one of them and apparently he got told-off for it. I don't know what he said...but it ultimately broke him. It might take all night for me to get him back to a normal state," John answered. He did not want to tell her it was Professor Ruta, as he was sure the man had enough to deal with already. Kasumi screaming at him for causing Soleil pain would not help him at all. Despite all of the anger he sensed would be directed at the Headmaster for his role in the action, he knew deep down that Ruta was probably angrier with himself than anyone, and that he did not need anyone to tell him what he did wrong. Looking into his eyes, one could see he carried his sorrow around everyday. Yet at the same time, the one person who seemed to want to help him Ruta had turned his back on. The doctor was not sure what to think, as he continued working.

[Charlia]

"...Yeah," Hikari mumbled. "...Good night."

She practically fell back onto the bed, cursing herself. What were you thinking? Of course it's the worst possible time for you to have one of your stupid ideas! You're useless and an idiot! You're dead weight and nobody wants you around! So stop bothering everyone else and just go die! Nobody loves you enough to miss you anyway.

There has to be someone...

Maybe if you start whoring yourself out again. At least then someone will hold you, right? You're pathetic. Get a grip. Just go back to sleep and stop being a burden on everyone else. If the world is lucky, you won't wake up.

...Maybe I won't... that might be nice.

She closed her eyes, wrapping her arms tightly around herself.

...Maybe I'll sleep so deeply that I never wake up... wouldn't that be great?Kasumi pulled away, her eyes wide, tears starting to drip down her face.

"...S-Soleil-kun..." she mumbled, and abruptly sat down on the floor, staring at Soleil and not even blinking. "I... I don't understand... Who was it? Who did this? Please... please tell me..."

"Kasumi...ahh...is there another chair in here..." John looked around, and then answered Kasumi. "He got in an argument with one of the professors...He had gone looking for one of them and apparently he got told-off for it. I don't know what he said...but it ultimately broke him. It might take all night for me to get him back to a normal state," John answered. He did not want to tell her it was Professor Ruta, as he was sure the man had enough to deal with already. Kasumi screaming at him for causing Soleil pain would not help him at all. Despite all of the anger he sensed would be directed at the Headmaster for his role in the action, he knew deep down that Ruta was probably angrier with himself than anyone, and that he did not need anyone to tell him what he did wrong. Looking into his eyes, one could see he carried his sorrow around everyday. Yet at the same time, the one person who seemed to want to help him Ruta had turned his back on. The doctor was not sure what to think, as he continued working.

Kasumi brushed the tears from her eyes and lifted her head, staring at the doctor with cold black eyes.

"That's not what I asked you," she replied in an even tone. "Please answer my question. Now."

[Luminesa]

"Kasumi...ahh...is there another chair in here..." John looked around, and then answered Kasumi. "He got in an argument with one of the professors...He had gone looking for one of them and apparently he got told-off for it. I don't know what he said...but it ultimately broke him. It might take all night for me to get him back to a normal state," John answered. He did not want to tell her it was Professor Ruta, as he was sure the man had enough to deal with already. Kasumi screaming at him for causing Soleil pain would not help him at all. Despite all of the anger he sensed would be directed at the Headmaster for his role in the action, he knew deep down that Ruta was probably angrier with himself than anyone, and that he did not need anyone to tell him what he did wrong. Looking into his eyes, one could see he carried his sorrow around everyday. Yet at the same time, the one person who seemed to want to help him Ruta had turned his back on. The doctor was not sure what to think, as he continued working.

Kasumi brushed the tears from her eyes and lifted her head, staring at the doctor with cold black eyes.

"That's not what I asked you," she replied in an even tone. "Please answer my question. Now."

As the blue mana flowed from John's hands, he sighed once again, his face already looking worn in the darkness of the room. "...Professor Ruta," he answered softly, surrendering to her. He knew that there was no way to hide it from her. She would not let him work otherwise. "But please, Kasumi, I'm sure it's not what you think...Stay here and stay next to Soleil. Your presence might calm him. Don't go after the Headmaster, he has enough on his plate already," he implored her. He knew she would probably not listen, but it was worth a shot. Poor Ruta was going to be in for an earful when he got back to the hotel.

[Charlia]

Kasumi brushed the tears from her eyes and lifted her head, staring at the doctor with cold black eyes.

"That's not what I asked you," she replied in an even tone. "Please answer my question. Now."

As the blue mana flowed from John's hands, he sighed once again, his face already looking worn in the darkness of the room. "...Professor Ruta," he answered softly, surrendering to her. He knew that there was no way to hide it from her. She would not let him work otherwise. "But please, Kasumi, I'm sure it's not what you think...Stay here and stay next to Soleil. Your presence might calm him. Don't go after the Headmaster, he has enough on his plate already," he implored her. He knew she would probably not listen, but it was worth a shot. Poor Ruta was going to be in for an earful when he got back to the hotel.

She tilted her head, a tiny smile on her face. "I'm not going to go after him," she said quietly. "I'm going to wait here with Soleil-kun. And when Ruta-sensei returns, I'm going to talk to him. Until then, I will simply wait... I can be very patient when I need to be."

[Luminesa]

As the blue mana flowed from John's hands, he sighed once again, his face already looking worn in the darkness of the room. "...Professor Ruta," he answered softly, surrendering to her. He knew that there was no way to hide it from her. She would not let him work otherwise. "But please, Kasumi, I'm sure it's not what you think...Stay here and stay next to Soleil. Your presence might calm him. Don't go after the Headmaster, he has enough on his plate already," he implored her. He knew she would probably not listen, but it was worth a shot. Poor Ruta was going to be in for an earful when he got back to the hotel.

She tilted her head, a tiny smile on her face. "I'm not going to go after him," she said quietly. "I'm going to wait here with Soleil-kun. And when Ruta-sensei returns, I'm going to talk to him. Until then, I will simply wait... I can be very patient when I need to be."

That smile was not a happy smile. He could almost smell the poison darts waiting behind that sweet little smile. John shook his head. "Kasumi, if Professor Ruta comes to see Soleil, I'll have to ask you to please step out of the room. When he gets here I need to speak to him. I am the doctor, I am the one who is trying to make sure that Soleil gets better. If you mouth him off, you'll only make it harder for me to do my job, and you'll make it harder for him to recover. So please, I beg you. You can chew him out in the morning if you want, even, but please...tonight, when he gets here, I need to speak to him. Please do not make this harder for me than it already is," he persisted.

[Charlia]

She tilted her head, a tiny smile on her face. "I'm not going to go after him," she said quietly. "I'm going to wait here with Soleil-kun. And when Ruta-sensei returns, I'm going to talk to him. Until then, I will simply wait... I can be very patient when I need to be."

That smile was not a happy smile. He could almost smell the poison darts waiting behind that sweet little smile. John shook his head. "Kasumi, if Professor Ruta comes to see Soleil, I'll have to ask you to please step out of the room. When he gets here I need to speak to him. I am the doctor, I am the one who is trying to make sure that Soleil gets better. If you mouth him off, you'll only make it harder for me to do my job, and you'll make it harder for him to recover. So please, I beg you. You can chew him out in the morning if you want, even, but please...tonight, when he gets here, I need to speak to him. Please do not make this harder for me than it already is," he persisted.

Kasumi blinked twice, and then said, "Ruta-sensei does not need to recover. Don't worry. I won't speak to him in front of Soleil-kun. You will be free to continue your work in peace. You may even speak to him first, but then he and I will have words as well. I'm afraid you won't be able to convince me as easily as you seem to think. After all, Ruta-sensei put Soleil-kun into this condition. For that, I cannot forgive him."

[Kingdom of Irhk]

She tilted her head, a tiny smile on her face. "I'm not going to go after him," she said quietly. "I'm going to wait here with Soleil-kun. And when Ruta-sensei returns, I'm going to talk to him. Until then, I will simply wait... I can be very patient when I need to be."

That smile was not a happy smile. He could almost smell the poison darts waiting behind that sweet little smile. John shook his head. "Kasumi, if Professor Ruta comes to see Soleil, I'll have to ask you to please step out of the room. When he gets here I need to speak to him. I am the doctor, I am the one who is trying to make sure that Soleil gets better. If you mouth him off, you'll only make it harder for me to do my job, and you'll make it harder for him to recover. So please, I beg you. You can chew him out in the morning if you want, even, but please...tonight, when he gets here, I need to speak to him. Please do not make this harder for me than it already is," he persisted.

Henry Von Kressel

"I agree."

Near the door, the young nobleblood stood looking at the Japanese girl and the doctor, while looking at Soleil. It was a hard task, after all. Henry calmed himself down before proceeding, knowing that the situation was a delicate one after all.

"Kasumi, do it for Soleil. I need to discuss something about him with you."

[Charlia]

That smile was not a happy smile. He could almost smell the poison darts waiting behind that sweet little smile. John shook his head. "Kasumi, if Professor Ruta comes to see Soleil, I'll have to ask you to please step out of the room. When he gets here I need to speak to him. I am the doctor, I am the one who is trying to make sure that Soleil gets better. If you mouth him off, you'll only make it harder for me to do my job, and you'll make it harder for him to recover. So please, I beg you. You can chew him out in the morning if you want, even, but please...tonight, when he gets here, I need to speak to him. Please do not make this harder for me than it already is," he persisted.

Henry Von Kressel

"I agree."

Near the door, the young nobleblood stood looking at the Japanese girl and the doctor, while looking at Soleil. It was a hard task, after all. Henry calmed himself down before proceeding, knowing that the situation was a delicate one after all.

"Kasumi, do it for Soleil. I need to discuss something about him with you."

"...Fine. I'm listening," Kasumi said coldly, her hands clenching into fists. "So talk. What do you need to say?"

And why should I listen to anything you say? WHY?! After you let Soleil-kun get hurt like this?!