Mana Academy (IC) (Open, Fantasy)

[Finsternia]

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor sighed as Shaun just doze off on one of the chairs. He pulled himself out of the water and his wet shoes and pants froze instantly before the ice flaked off in an instant. He picked up some of his clothes that he forgot, including Shaun's phone, and walked towards him. He can see his body shake every now and then due to the cold and he's still partially naked. He removed his jacket and draped it over Shaun's body before lifting him of the chair like how a husband would carry his wife off the ground during their wedding.

The cold of the autumn night never bothered Allistor. In fact, he loved it. He has no problem getting naked even in winter but other people are not like him. He concentrated at Shaun's body in his arms, trying to make the water on his skin and hair condense into a big ball of water to dry him up. It was kind of slow and utterly cold, the water turning to ice as they are being pulled together into a slushy ball. He threw it back into the pool, making a wet splash on the once calm waters.

He carried him back down inside the hotel and made his way towards his room. He slowly placed him on the soft bed and went to fix Shaun's clothes and things. Once done, he stretched his body, making joints pop and crack, and planted a kiss on the boy's forehead. "Now, sleep tight. You still have a tournament to attend to."

Shaun Calhoun

While in the peacefulness of his early stages of sleep, Shaun suddenly felt pressure on his body and soon feel the sensation of being picked up, causing him to quickly open his eyes and look around as to what was going on, Seeing that it was Allistor carrying him, he groaned in annoyance and dug his head into Allistor's chest in response of being abruptly woken up in a rather comfortable place, even if he was freezing cold and had the chance of developing a cold or pneumonia. "Why do you do this?" He quietly groaned to himself as he continued to be carried inside. Soon, the sudden feel of dryness in both his body and hair came as he felt the water on his body being absorbed by the taller teen and soon hearing a small splash afterwards. Ignoring it, he continued to internally groan and growl as he was rather irritated by the boy waking him up.

As they finally made it back to his room, Shaun felt his body being lowered and shot his head up at Allistor to give him a deadly, almost irritated glare. Only to loose the serious look and let out a small chuckle. Watching him fix his clothes and such, he furrowed his eyebrows in curiosity at the sound of the teen's joints cracking and shrugged it off. Seeing that he was done, he saw as he walked over towards him and planted a kiss on his forehead, causing him to blush and fold his arms, looking away with an annoyed, albeit cute expression on his face. "Yeah, yeah, I know." He said still looking away from Allistor. "Even though I don't want to, I guess that I have to go. Oh, yeah..." He said softly before turning towards Al and glaring at him with a hint of seriousness in his eyes. "And if you continue to watch over me while I sleep, I will make sure that this pretty face will be the last thing that you see, got it? Good. Now either stay here and do whatever besides what I said, or go and lay down as well. I don't know if you know, but you need your beauty rest as well; and judging by the looks of you now, you really need it." He said with an almost assertive tone before loosening up and giggling deeply. However, his toned then changed from a harsh, authoritative way to an almost, gentle, soft, and sensual one. "But thank you and goodnight." Shaun said smiling at him before getting more comfortable and sinking into his bed some more before placing his arms behind his head and finally closing his eyes and trying to get some rest.

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor smiled at him as he asked him to sleep. He stood straight and saluted to Shaun in a mocking manner. "Yes sir!" He laughed silently while watching Shaun close his eyes to try and sleep. He disentangled Glacia off his neck and placed her on Soleil's vacant bed where the serpent immediately coiled around herself and dug deeper into the fluffy warm sheets. Allistor kicked off his shoes and slowly took off his black shirt, leaving only his pants on. He then took his violin case and hanged it on the wall before locking the door and flicking the light switch off. He slowly found his way towards Shaun's bed where he carefully snuck in and hugged the other boy closer to his body. "Good night. And don't do anything that would result to us getting exhausted again." He said while smiling and digging his face into Shaun's soft white hair where he gave off a yawn before finally falling into sleep.

[Luminesa]

Ruta had known such suffering all his life-it seemed that from what Rabbit had seen, any time he had let his guard down he was afraid of being attacked, afraid of losing something precious to him because he reached out, afraid of death and what lay beyond it, for his sins. He could feel the pain that radiated not only from wounds Rabbit had yet to heal, but from his own memories begging to be remembered. "...Do know that I took no pleasure in what I did...I merely did those things because I was afraid, as you were when you first became a Jaegar. For quite some time I had no conscience...I merely did what I was asked because it guaranteed me a home, as awful as that sounds..."

He paused for a moment, as though he was looking himself over for any wounds, for some reason, or perhaps some stray ice on his kimono. Looking back up again, he continued softly, "But now I look back upon such things with the same emptiness and remorse with which you look upon the deaths you have wrought. I have looked back upon my sins, and I have sought repentance for them. Perhaps there is none for me...But that is the way I my life is...I am aware of what I am, and that my end may come swiftly at the hands of someone else, even someone I hold dear, no matter what I say..."

He now walked back toward Antonius again, this time placing both of his hands on his face, staring at him intently but showing no hostility. "I will not hold anything against you, Antonius, if you cut me down where I stand. I have caused you much suffering, you of all people who has suffered enough. But I must say this...You must survive, Antonius...creatures that you have not seen exist in the shadows...and they seek to destroy you and all of the students as well. I came to this school to protect you from these forces, as they have yet to reveal themselves...But you must do what you must," he warned him gently.

Antonius Ruta

For a moment, Ruta closed his eyes and listened to the Rabbit's words as his hand remained on the sword's hilt. The enigmatic teacher was still so kind, so gentle, even in the face of death from someone that he truly cared about. The harsh venom in his voice was all but faded, and had become so soft and somber within these few quiet moments, where that Sword of Damocles hung over his head. It no longer offered reprisal and indignation, but instead pleaded to the Jaegar...not to keep the Rabbit alive, but to warn of an impending threat, and for Ruta to survive in spite of it all...

And yet, the Rabbit's words meant nothing. He had openly declared himself as a killer, and even if he did not take joy in his good work, that did not garner any sympathy from the Hunter...No, nothing would at this point. According to this mas...no, this fiend...he had been watching Ruta since even before that hellish night that passed nearly a decade ago...If he was truly pure of heart, if he was at all the good Samaritan he projected himself to be, why did he stand by and let it happen? Had he simply been apathetic to her, the angel in devil's clothing? Or had he watched on with a cruel smile under his mask as she met her end, swallowed whole by the Abyss?

In either case, Ruta would not be as forgiving as she was. Not if it meant saving a person who would not have done the same for his lost love when they were perfectly capable of doing so.

'Auf diese Klinge trage ich meine Seele.'

With these words of oath, the cold around them intensified and became even more suffocating as it hung over them, like a leaden blanket of despair, hatred, grief, and every single negative emotion that welled within the Jaegar's consciousness. The weight of it all was crushing and all consuming, as if the cold nipped at the Rabbit's very soul and heart, and that of the Jaegars as well. Ruta's eyes went dark with rage as he gazed into wear the Rabbit's eyes should have been under the mask, and with brute force pushed him away onto the rubble, all the while bringing the sable sword from his back and stepping forward to the place where the Rabbit now lie, pointing the tip of the blade directly at the Rabbit's throat.

If you were watching me for so long, Rabbit...If you were there on that night...then you would have been able to save her when I could not..." Ruta chided, his voice brimming with an absolute, cold fury and his eyes locked upon the Rabbit as he held the blade to his neck."...So tell me...If you are such a protector of goodness...why did you not save her? You are so able, so motivated to protect me, and everyone else, but when you had your chance to save her, you never so much as showed yourself!"

"Give me the reason why...Or I swear to her and all the powers that be...I will end your life."

Rabbit showed no fear at having the sword at his theist, nor did he seem even intimidated by the death threat. He remained peaceful and steady, a constant in the raging storm. He merely continued to keep his eyes on Ruta's, as the Jaegar glared furiously into his eyes. "...I was indeed there...and I was indeed fighting to protect you...both of you. You see, Antonius, that night in which you were being hunted...Dark Mages had also come, not only for you but also for Yona. They wanted things with her...things which...I could not allow them to do to her, or for you to endure watching them do to her. In short, they were plotting to ambush you, and to take Yona away and make her a slave of sorts..." he began.

He then sighed as, looking down at the sword now. "...I went and fought them, while you and Yona faced the demon together. They had not only brought themselves, but some vampire servants of theirs...I fought and killed their pets, and then I went to kill the Mages themselves. I managed to kill almost all of them...except for one. He stole my mask while we were fighting, and I could not see, because without my mask, Antonius, my vision is as black as your blade. I sought after him, nevertheless, though the problem was that because I could not see, my search was rathered delayed. Nevertheless, I killed him, and got my mask back, but by the time I reached you two...Yona was already dead. I helped you from the shadows to kill the demon, but...after seeing I had come too late to save the two of you, I remained in the darkness. I could not bear to show my face to you when I had failed to protect you and your beloved..."

He now looked back up at Ruta. "You were indeed quite young then, weren't you?...Your eyes were not so dark, your face was not so rough, and there was still life in your voice...I still remember how happy you were with her, how complete she made you feel...and yet all in one night, it was all stolen from you, a mere child. Stolen because I had let my guard down for a mere moment. That is why I followed you to Mana, Antonius...I desired to do penance for my moment of weakness, the moment of weakness that resulted in your death...and hers...Do what you must, but I speak the truth and only the truth."

Noticeably, his voice became far weaker when he spoke of his failure to protect them, not out of fear of death, but out of genuine grief. He saw Ruta's coldness, to everyone and to Soleil, as his own fault. All because he was blind and he had his mask stolen for a couple of minutes. If he had not been blind, finding and killing the last Hunter would have been easy. Yet this was not the case, and now Rabbit closed his eyes and awaited death, the end to his existence.

[Luminesa]

Elizabeth Tsukuyomi


Liz turned away from the "Emperors", in truth she wasn't terribly interested in them, only in how they could interfere with Soli. For now, she had done what she needed to in his mind. Every second she maintained the bond she risked his heath, she could lose control of her mana and cause even more damage. It felt wrong to leave with out a goodbye though, especially with Soli's emotional state. So she sat next to him again, taking him in a brief embrace.

"I can't stay with you any longer, you should come to my room when you have the chance. I think we have much to talk about... And it would be nice to sit down with you. I'd come find you, but I would prefer to try to keep my condition private."

Soleil did not respond verbally to her parting words, but he certainly felt the warmth in them. And it would be nice to sit down with you. In his mind, he saw the illusion of her old house. The place where she had brought him to swear that she would become his mother, if he wanted her to be his mother. He had felt such peace there, merely sitting with his professor and with a cup of tea, softly explaining his life and letting her read his emotions, his thoughts, and receiving no judgment for doing so. Her soft voice as she comforted him and swore to protect him from harm. He continued to hold the bunny in his arms, so he could not hug her, but he did put his head on her shoulder to show her his affections toward her. Soleil wanted so badly now to call her 'mama', but his mouth still could not form the word...

[Rhomaia]

Rabbit showed no fear at having the sword at his theist, nor did he seem even intimidated by the death threat. He remained peaceful and steady, a constant in the raging storm. He merely continued to keep his eyes on Ruta's, as the Jaegar glared furiously into his eyes. "...I was indeed there...and I was indeed fighting to protect you...both of you. You see, Antonius, that night in which you were being hunted...Dark Mages had also come, not only for you but also for Yona. They wanted things with her...things which...I could not allow them to do to her, or for you to endure watching them do to her. In short, they were plotting to ambush you, and to take Yona away and make her a slave of sorts..." he began.

He then sighed as, looking down at the sword now. "...I went and fought them, while you and Yona faced the demon together. They had not only brought themselves, but some vampire servants of theirs...I fought and killed their pets, and then I went to kill the Mages themselves. I managed to kill almost all of them...except for one. He stole my mask while we were fighting, and I could not see, because without my mask, Antonius, my vision is as black as your blade. I sought after him, nevertheless, though the problem was that because I could not see, my search was rather delayed. Nevertheless, I killed him, and got my mask back, but by the time I reached you two...Yona was already dead. I helped you from the shadows to kill the demon, but...after seeing I had come too late to save the two of you, I remained in the darkness. I could not bear to show my face to you when I had failed to protect you and your beloved..."

Antonius Ruta

With the great swathe of darkness surrounding them, Ruta kept both his sword to the Rabbit's throat and his eyes on the Rabbit's face. In his gaze there was little else other than contempt and utter hatred, the azure, ocean blue of his irises swallowed by the abyssal black that he had spent so many nights warding off, giving in to the anger and rage for this single moment. The grand blade he held in his hand, darker than any of his creations up to this point, was all but ready to rend the Rabbit's form asunder, to quench blood in it's master's name and finally bring justice to it's evanescent companion in the night...

Yet still, the Jaegar hearkened to the Rabbit's words, yearning for clarity and truth behind the horrific events that had transpired on that night nine years ago. Enraged and loathing and as willing as he was to cut the Rabbit to pieces, he was still willing to listen to what he had to say. So long as he had a reason to show mercy, then he would not leave here with more blood on his hands than he needed to.

And thanks to that, the story surrounding the death of his lost love and the Rabbit's involvement became so much more than just an unwillingness to help on the latter's part. According to the Rabbit, it was not only an abomination of the Abyss that had sought to destroy him on that night, but a band of Dark Mages and vampires eager to subdue Yona for their own foul designs. Having done far more than simply watch on as the two Jaegars fought the demon alone, the Rabbit had taken it upon himself to kill the fiends and ensure that Ruta and Yona were not overwhelmed. Even still, the Rabbit had been incapacitated, and in making his way back to where the two hunters were, found only one of them still alive and breathing. Making sure that the foe was vanquished, the Rabbit had hid himself out of shame, not contempt for Ruta's companion, and even went so far as to follow him to Mana to atone for what he had done.

When all was said and the Rabbit ended his soliloquy, Ruta did not waver in the face of the revelation. He had wanted to believe that the masked professor was again lying to him, or again making him lower his guard to make another jab, but when the poisonous remark did not come and the Rabbit resigned himself to his fate, the Jaegar felt something entirely different brewing within him...

Closing his eyes and whispering a silent prayer, the Jaegar took the hilt of his sable sword in both hands and exhaled, his breath visibly white in the frigid air as he held the blade. Bringing it back and away from the Rabbit's neck in a pose befitting of an executioner, Ruta readied himself for the strike, all of the darkness surrounding him gathering in the edge of the blade and allowing the crisp moonlight to shine upon them both. With but a moment's hesitation, the Jaegar made his swing against the Rabbit, the sound of the sword's movement cutting through the air like it was paper, just as it would the masked figure that knelt before it...

But there was no further blood spilt on the scorched, ruined, corpse littered ground upon which the Jaegar stood.

The blade, so eager and willing to rip it's foe asunder, had stopped mere inches from the Rabbit's neck, by the Jaegar's own action. The hunter had again opened his eyes, their natural cold blue shining through the dark of the Parisian night. With that testimony, the hunter had decided to spare the Rabbit for what he had done, and though furious though he may have been, Ruta believed the Rabbit's words for what they were; the truth.

"...And so it is...A life, for a life...and my debt repaid." the Jaegar asserted, letting the great blade which would have been the bane of the Rabbit fade into Dark Mana, and averting his gaze from the mask which hid something more than he could comprehend in this fragile moment. With these leaden words, Ruta trudged away from the scene and towards the hotel, his cloak dripping blood behind him as he walked under the light of the dying stars.

"...All I ask now, is that you do not make me regret this decision."

[Luminesa]

Rabbit showed no fear at having the sword at his theist, nor did he seem even intimidated by the death threat. He remained peaceful and steady, a constant in the raging storm. He merely continued to keep his eyes on Ruta's, as the Jaegar glared furiously into his eyes. "...I was indeed there...and I was indeed fighting to protect you...both of you. You see, Antonius, that night in which you were being hunted...Dark Mages had also come, not only for you but also for Yona. They wanted things with her...things which...I could not allow them to do to her, or for you to endure watching them do to her. In short, they were plotting to ambush you, and to take Yona away and make her a slave of sorts..." he began.

He then sighed as, looking down at the sword now. "...I went and fought them, while you and Yona faced the demon together. They had not only brought themselves, but some vampire servants of theirs...I fought and killed their pets, and then I went to kill the Mages themselves. I managed to kill almost all of them...except for one. He stole my mask while we were fighting, and I could not see, because without my mask, Antonius, my vision is as black as your blade. I sought after him, nevertheless, though the problem was that because I could not see, my search was rather delayed. Nevertheless, I killed him, and got my mask back, but by the time I reached you two...Yona was already dead. I helped you from the shadows to kill the demon, but...after seeing I had come too late to save the two of you, I remained in the darkness. I could not bear to show my face to you when I had failed to protect you and your beloved..."

Antonius Ruta

With the great swathe of darkness surrounding them, Ruta kept both his sword to the Rabbit's throat and his eyes on the Rabbit's face. In his gaze there was little else other than contempt and utter hatred, the azure, ocean blue of his irises swallowed by the abyssal black that he had spent so many nights warding off, giving in to the anger and rage for this single moment. The grand blade he held in his hand, darker than any of his creations up to this point, was all but ready to rend the Rabbit's form asunder, to quench blood in it's master's name and finally bring justice to it's evanescent companion in the night...

Yet still, the Jaegar hearkened to the Rabbit's words, yearning for clarity and truth behind the horrific events that had transpired on that night nine years ago. Enraged and loathing and as willing as he was to cut the Rabbit to pieces, he was still willing to listen to what he had to say. So long as he had a reason to show mercy, then he would not leave here with more blood on his hands than he needed to.

And thanks to that, the story surrounding the death of his lost love and the Rabbit's involvement became so much more than just an unwillingness to help on the latter's part. According to the Rabbit, it was not only an abomination of the Abyss that had sought to destroy him on that night, but a band of Dark Mages and vampires eager to subdue Yona for their own foul designs. Having done far more than simply watch on as the two Jaegars fought the demon alone, the Rabbit had taken it upon himself to kill the fiends and ensure that Ruta and Yona were not overwhelmed. Even still, the Rabbit had been incapacitated, and in making his way back to where the two hunters were, found only one of them still alive and breathing. Making sure that the foe was vanquished, the Rabbit had hid himself out of shame, not contempt for Ruta's companion, and even went so far as to follow him to Mana to atone for what he had done.

When all was said and the Rabbit ended his soliloquy, Ruta did not waver in the face of the revelation. He had wanted to believe that the masked professor was again lying to him, or again making him lower his guard to make another jab, but when the poisonous remark did not come and the Rabbit resigned himself to his fate, the Jaegar felt something entirely different brewing within him...

Closing his eyes and whispering a silent prayer, the Jaegar took the hilt of his sable sword in both hands and exhaled, his breath visibly white in the frigid air as he held the blade. Bringing it back and away from the Rabbit's neck in a pose befitting of an executioner, Ruta readied himself for the strike, all of the darkness surrounding him gathering in the edge of the blade and allowing the crisp moonlight to shine upon them both. With but a moment's hesitation, the Jaegar made his swing against the Rabbit, the sound of the sword's movement cutting through the air like it was paper, just as it would the masked figure that knelt before it...

But there was no further blood spilt on the scorched, ruined, corpse littered ground upon which the Jaegar stood.

The blade, so eager and willing to rip it's foe asunder, had stopped mere inches from the Rabbit's neck, by the Jaegar's own action. The hunter had again opened his eyes, their natural cold blue shining through the dark of the Parisian night. With that testimony, the hunter had decided to spare the Rabbit for what he had done, and though furious though he may have been, Ruta believed the Rabbit's words for what they were; the truth.

"...And so it is...A life, for a life...and my debt repaid." the Jaegar asserted, letting the great blade which would have been the bane of the Rabbit fade into Dark Mana, and averting his gaze from the mask which hid something more than he could comprehend in this fragile moment. With these leaden words, Ruta trudged away from the scene and towards the hotel, his cloak dripping blood behind him as he walked under the light of the dying stars.

"...All I ask now, is that you do not make me regret this decision."

Rabbit stared up at the sword silently, as he saw Ruta about to swing it down on his neck. He then closed his eyes behind the mask, waiting for the inevitable end. This was it. He was going to die, and at Ruta'a hands. Finally. The cold black blade would meet his throat, and his own black blood would be painted into the blade as he died. He breathed slowly, deeply, keeping himself calm in order to make the process easier for Antonius...

And yet the blade never touched his neck.

He felt a slight breeze, and then he blinked. The blade had not only not touched him, but it had vanished. Ruta chose to spare him. He truly chose to spare him. He finally believed him, and he chose to show him mercy. Despite what his code told him, despite the fact that if anyone discovered his deed, that he had spared a Dark Mana Being, both of them would die. Slowly, he rose from the ground as Ruta turned his back to him and headed for the hotel, and he watched the man in quiet amazement and gratitude.

He knew he would not be spared the next time, however. The next time, after all, would be when Ruta finally discovered what Rabbit was. A weapon made by Dark Mages, created to kill and to store away Dark Mana. A Being whose entire physical form was a mask. For all of Rabbit's compassion and benevolence, he knew what he was, and he sighed as he knew Ruta would not be so merciful next time. "...O-Of course..." he simply whispered, as he followed Ruta back to the hotel. The words he spoke so frequently as he had served those he loved-the students and Headmaster of Mana-he now spoke once more, shakily and kindly. He walked behind him for much of the trip back, rather than walking with him or teleporting ahead. It was a sign of his loyalty to the man, the man who he was willing to give his life to and who would very much take it away one day...

When they arrived at the hotel, Rabbit walked in after Ruta. Putting a hand lightly on his shoulder, he smiled at him from behind and suggested, "You must see a doctor for your wounds. Perhaps John can assist you?" Once again, he did as he always did when he found Ruta in a blackened mood, sending light mana through him in order to soothe him. He spoke much quieter than usual, as though he was somewhere between tired and frightened himself. "Make sure that you get rest yourself, once he has healed your wounds. Please. You need it more than anyone."

[Rhomaia]

When they arrived at the hotel, Rabbit walked in after Ruta. Putting a hand lightly on his shoulder, he smiled at him from behind and suggested, "You must see a doctor for your wounds. Perhaps John can assist you?" Once again, he did as he always did when he found Ruta in a blackened mood, sending light mana through him in order to soothe him. He spoke much quieter than usual, as though he was somewhere between tired and frightened himself. "Make sure that you get your own rest once he has healed your wounds. You need it more than anyone."

Antonius Ruta

The journey back to the hotel was a quiet one, the silence broken ever so rarely by the occasional whistling of the winds and the quiet hum of traffic in the city. Since the moments of that fantastical display of magical power, and subsequent slaughter, the whole neighborhood had gone into shock. People locked their doors, closed their windows, and turned off their lights, leaving the streets dark and giving the impression that the entire area was a ghost town, ruined and damaged by an event that the Mundane citizens could barely comprehend.

The Light Mana coursing through Ruta's body along the way helped to calm his shot nerves and mollify his anger, but the expression on his face remained sullen and sobered still, and that cold air of death around him was ever present. He had nearly seen Soleil die on this night, and had almost put an end to the Rabbit's life in a fit of blind rage, numb to the bloodlust he so wished to curb. Had he let his instincts and oath as a Jaegar prevail over his humanity, the Rabbit would have been dead faster than he could have closed his eyes.

It had been Yona's memory, Yona's mercy that had saved the masked professor on this night, not Ruta. That in itself was an unnerving thought for the man who had come so close to resorting to murder to sate his desire for sanguine justice. Even so, he carried on with the Rabbit watching his back.

Trust after mercy...what a strange way this Jaegar lived...

"...You have done enough for me tonight, I am afraid...I will resume my patrols when I get back to the hotel...I do not need the rest..." the Jaegar said, keeping his eyes forward as the looming edifice of the opulent hotel came into view, still illuminated by it's own golden light and by that of the numerous streetlamps. His cloak, once dripping with blood, was all but devoid of the red liquid now, leaving any Mundanes who looked upon him blissfully ignorant as to the events which had transpired only minutes earlier, and his own students the same way. All that was left now was to take his post once more for the night, and begin his duties once again.

[Luminesa]

When they arrived at the hotel, Rabbit walked in after Ruta. Putting a hand lightly on his shoulder, he smiled at him from behind and suggested, "You must see a doctor for your wounds. Perhaps John can assist you?" Once again, he did as he always did when he found Ruta in a blackened mood, sending light mana through him in order to soothe him. He spoke much quieter than usual, as though he was somewhere between tired and frightened himself. "Make sure that you get your own rest once he has healed your wounds. You need it more than anyone."

Antonius Ruta

The journey back to the hotel was a quiet one, the silence broken ever so rarely by the occasional whistling of the winds and the quiet hum of traffic in the city. Since the moments of that fantastical display of magical power, and subsequent slaughter, the whole neighborhood had gone into shock. People locked their doors, closed their windows, and turned off their lights, leaving the streets dark and giving the impression that the entire area was a ghost town, ruined and damaged by an event that the Mundane citizens could barely comprehend.

The Light Mana coursing through Ruta's body along the way helped to calm his shot nerves and mollify his anger, but the expression on his face remained sullen and sobered still, and that cold air of death around him was ever present. He had nearly seen Soleil die on this night, and had almost put an end to the Rabbit's life in a fit of blind rage, numb to the bloodlust he so wished to curb. Had he let his instincts and oath as a Jaegar prevail over his humanity, the Rabbit would have been dead faster than he could have closed his eyes.

It had been Yona's memory, Yona's mercy that had saved the masked professor on this night, not Ruta. That in itself was an unnerving thought for the man who had come so close to resorting to murder to sate his desire for sanguine justice. Even so, he carried on with the Rabbit watching his back.

Trust after mercy...what a strange way this Jaegar lived...

"...You have done enough for me tonight, I am afraid...I will resume my patrols when I get back to the hotel...I do not need the rest..." the Jaegar said, keeping his eyes forward as the looming edifice of the opulent hotel came into view, still illuminated by it's own golden light and by that of the numerous streetlamps. His cloak, once dripping with blood, was all but devoid of the red liquid now, leaving any Mundanes who looked upon him blissfully ignorant as to the events which had transpired only minutes earlier, and his own students the same way. All that was left now was to take his post once more for the night, and begin his duties once again.

With that, Ruta walked away and continued his patrols as though nothing had happened. He was consistently working himself almost to death, and now he refused to give himself any rest at the point when he needed it the most. Rabbit was going to protest, but he preferred to preserve the fragile peace that had now replaced itself between them. There is no reason to disturb such a peace now, he thought to himself, patrolling is what brings him peace, thus I will allow him to continue. He breathed deeply, glad himself to be back at the hotel, and as Ruta walked away, he let out a shudder. 1,853 had become 1,854 tonight, with the man he had killed at the door of the bar. He shook his head and covered his masked face with his hand, wondering how he was still even here, after all he had done. "...I should have died. I should have died long ago...How...how have I survived for so long...Why have I survived for so long...What force in this universe has desired for my life to continue, after all I have done?..." As he thought about this, he decided to go visit Soleil, whom he had not seen since he had broken down in front of him half-an-hour ago.

When he arrived in the room, John was just rushing out, as he had seen Ruta and wanted to speak to him. "Ruta! Ruta!" the doctor called after him, wanting urgently to greet him and speak to him about Soleil and the tournament. Thus, when Rabbit walked in, Soleil was mostly alone. He was sleeping in his bed, cuddling a little mana-rabbit that someone had made him. Based on the ethereal lavender color of the mana, Rabbit guessed it was Shaun's. Allistor had left his phone in the room, and it was playing soothing music. Then there was Kasumi, who was sitting in a chair next to Soleil's bed fast asleep. The scene of the two children-both of whom had suffered through so much and who genuinely loved each other-sleeping close to each other was a heartwarming scene for Rabbit, and his ambient mood immediately lightened as he watched them. Silently, he walked over to the bed and he looked over Soleil. "...You are loved...far more than you possibly could realize...Never forget that these people here would give so much of themselves for you...I myself included," he whispered affectionately, watching him as he finally was at peace, as his panicked thoughts had finally settled and he did not mumble to himself 'I'm sorry'. The only thing that needed to happen now was for Ruta to visit him, and to speak to him.

John was already out of the room, and he had gone to chase Ruta down. Catching him down the hall, he panted heavily as he stopped. "...Professor...ah...Good grief, you were out for forever! What happened?" he inquired. Realizing this was not his main concern, however, he decided he would ignore this question for now. "Ah, never mind, that's not important. You're here and that's what matters, though you honestly look horrible. I'm looking at those wounds once we're finished talking. Anyway, I need to speak to you regarding Soleil and the tournament. Do you mind? I know you must be exhausted, but you need to know what's happening more than anyone," he explained, as he stood straight and waited for Ruta to answer him.

[Rhomaia]

John was already out of the room, and he had gone to chase Ruta down. Catching him down the hall, he panted heavily as he stopped. "...Professor...ah...Good grief, you were out for forever! What happened?" he inquired. Realizing this was not his main concern, however, he decided he would ignore this question for now. "Ah, never mind, that's not important. You're here and that's what matters, though you honestly look horrible. I'm looking at those wounds once we're finished talking. Anyway, I need to speak to you regarding Soleil and the tournament. Do you mind? I know you must be exhausted, but you need to know what's happening more than anyone," he explained, as he stood straight and waited for Ruta to answer him.

Antonius Ruta

"...Of course...I have all night, after all." Ruta responded softly, his words almost automatic in their delivery as he trudged forward in the direction of the white haired doctor. He was deathly quiet in contrast to the doctor, who was as usual speaking in his usual rapid fire fire manner while trying to address all the issues that currently lay in front of him, barely speaking a word more than needed to be said. The Jaegar's expression was still as that of a statue, though in his cold blue eyes traces of fatigue and exhaustion could indeed be seen, and the rather large amount of bags under his eyes only served to make him look even more sleep deprived than he already was. Despite this, he stayed standing, as if every moment in his waking world was important.

"...Now...what would seem to be the trouble, Professor Randzgriz?" he asked slowly, carefully articulating his words so that his speech would not be made so slurred and unclear by the side effects of sleep deprivation. Tired as he was, and as terribly wounded as he was, Ruta still had his job as guardsman and Headmaster of the Academy to attend to. If binding himself once more to his duties would clear his mind and allow him to think without being constantly interrupted by thoughts of...her...than he would gladly listen to whatever problems the Doctor had for him to address.

[Luminesa]

John was already out of the room, and he had gone to chase Ruta down. Catching him down the hall, he panted heavily as he stopped. "...Professor...ah...Good grief, you were out for forever! What happened?" he inquired. Realizing this was not his main concern, however, he decided he would ignore this question for now. "Ah, never mind, that's not important. You're here and that's what matters, though you honestly look horrible. I'm looking at those wounds once we're finished talking. Anyway, I need to speak to you regarding Soleil and the tournament. Do you mind? I know you must be exhausted, but you need to know what's happening more than anyone," he explained, as he stood straight and waited for Ruta to answer him.

Antonius Ruta

"...Of course...I have all night, after all." Ruta responded softly, his words almost automatic in their delivery as he trudged forward in the direction of the white haired doctor. He was deathly quiet in contrast to the doctor, who was as usual speaking in his usual rapid fire fire manner while trying to address all the issues that currently lay in front of him, barely speaking a word more than needed to be said. The Jaegar's expression was still as that of a statue, though in his cold blue eyes traces of fatigue and exhaustion could indeed be seen, and the rather large amount of bags under his eyes only served to make him look even more sleep deprived than he already was. Despite this, he stayed standing, as if every moment in his waking world was important.

"...Now...what would seem to be the trouble, Professor Randzgriz?" he asked slowly, carefully articulating his words so that his speech would not be made so slurred and unclear by the side effects of sleep deprivation. Tired as he was, and as terribly wounded as he was, Ruta still had his job as guardsman and Headmaster of the Academy to attend to. If binding himself once more to his duties would clear his mind and allow him to think without being constantly interrupted by thoughts of...her...than he would gladly listen to whatever problems the Doctor had for him to address.

Ruta's tone caught John off-guard. He was usually rather rough, with a hint of annoyance, but now his voice was calm and smooth. Too calm. Something was wrong, something was broken. How and why was he so calm about one of his students potentially being crippled? Ruta...what on earth happened to you out there? he thought. He had apparently been the one to shout at Soleil and to cause him his breakdown. He did not expect him to be so level-headed about the matter. Nevertheless, he continued, "...I examined Soleil's wounds, and...at the very least, he won't be able to participate in Round 3. He's...calmed down since he got back to the hotel, and he's asleep now, but his physical wounds are egregious."

He paused for a moment, before he gave the details. "Three of his mana points-both his shoulder-points and his forehead-point-were nearly destroyed in the fight. They were bad enough when I examined them that I had to use my own mana to force them back open. Furthermore, his manastream suffered an abrasion that caused some of his mana to flow into his bloodstream. I've fixed that, but I do need to warn you, he needs to not use magic for at least the next three days, and he needs complete bed-rest for just as much time. I have a feeling some of these wounds are old wounds that have festered and have finally erupted, and it's going to take me several more hours to work on his manastream in order to completely repair it...Though I think it would help if you came to see him," he suggested, as he walked back to the room and watched to see if Ruta would follow him.

He wasn't sure why he mentioned the last part. He was not used to being sentimental himself, and considering Ruta had been the one to hurt the boy, had he been anyone else John would have told him to stay away. Yet he sensed that this was not all there was to the fight. Ruta would not hurt his own student out of pure malice, would he? He wanted to see what was truly happening between them, though if he could get nothing from Ruta, he would simply go and continue his work in the silence.

When he got back to the room, he was surprised-but glad-to see Rabbit standing next to the bed, also seemingly examining Soleil's wounds. He had been aware far before he had been of Soleil's injuries, and as he held a hand over the side of the boy's head and sent Light Mana into it, he sighed his relief. "Thank goodness you're here," he breathed, seeing more help had arrived. He then stood next to Rabbit and continued his work.

Rabbit laughed slightly, as he saw how tired and stressed John was. "You have been busy, haven't you? I apologize for being gone for such a long time," he whispered, keeping quiet so Soleil could sleep.

John shrugged. "It's my job, and it was bound to happen to someone else...after all, we had a kid nearly die on the first day of the tournament, I had a feeling something bad was going to happen to us...though not like this, I will admit. I'm just happy he's finally asleep," he answered. He turned his eyes to the door as he spoke, as though he was waiting for Ruta to walk through and to come to see his wounded student.

[Rhomaia]

Nevertheless, he continued, "...I examined Soleil's wounds, and...at the very least, he won't be able to participate in Round 3. He's...calmed down since he got back to the hotel, and he's asleep now, but his physical wounds are egregious."

He paused for a moment, before he gave the details. "Three of his mana points-both his shoulder-points and his forehead-point-were nearly destroyed in the fight. They were bad enough when I examined them that I had to use my own mana to force them back open. Furthermore, his manastream suffered an abrasion that caused some of his mana to flow into his bloodstream. I've fixed that, but I do need to warn you, he needs to not use magic for at least the next three days, and he needs complete bed-rest for just as much time. I have a feeling some of these wounds are old wounds that have festered and have finally erupted, and it's going to take me several more hours to work on his manastream in order to completely repair it...Though I think it would help if you came to see him," he suggested, as he walked back to the room and watched to see if Ruta would follow him.

When he got back to the room, he was surprised-but glad-to see Rabbit standing next to the bed, also seemingly examining Soleil's wounds. He had been aware far before he had been of Soleil's injuries, and as he held a hand over the side of the boy's head and sent Light Mana into it, he sighed his relief. "Thank goodness you're here," he breathed, seeing more help had arrived. He then stood next to Rabbit and continued his work.

Rabbit laughed slightly, as he saw how tired and stressed John was. "You have been busy, haven't you? I apologize for being gone for such a long time," he whispered, keeping quiet so Soleil could sleep.

John shrugged. "It's my job, and it was bound to happen to someone else...after all, we had a kid nearly die on the first day of the tournament, I had a feeling something bad was going to happen to us...though not like this, I will admit. I'm just happy he's finally asleep," he answered. He turned his eyes to the door as he spoke, as though he was waiting for Ruta to walk through and to come to see his wounded student.

Antonius Ruta

Ruta nodded quietly to the doctor as the situation was more fully explained to him, his eyes vaguely following John's movements in the semi-darkness of the hotel's corridors as the words met his ears one by one. As luck would have it for him, Soleil had not come out of the skirmish unscathed, having been beaten so far as to have not one but three of his mana points nearly destroyed in the battle with Sable and confined to bedrest for three solid days, during the latter half of the tournament no less.

Even still, from John's diagnosis, and a glimpse of the boy as he lay in slumber on one of the plush hotel beds, Soleil was remarkably serene after all had been said and done. He could hardly believe this was the same boy who had slaughtered a man with one of his own animal constructs, and stood up to a band of Jaegar hunters in the same way one of his own Brothers would have in the same scenario.

Ruta felt a strange sense of pride, knowing that the boy was capable of defending himself, but that uplifting sentiment barely lasted for more than a few seconds when the guilt and remorse of his own actions set in. The only reason Soleil had needed to defend himself in the first place was because he had been the one to run away from the tournament, and the Venta, being the kind child that he was, had sought the hunter out within the outskirts of the City of Lights, where no mage was safe...

The Jaegar, through his own inaction and negligence, had brought this all upon the boy, and what had he done after? Scolded the boy for his kindness, reprimanding him for trying to do the right thing for the first time in his life. He knew it had been harsh, and perhaps even unnecessarily so, but he did have his reasons for doing so, as he so often did...

It wasn't hard for him to remember Soleil strolling up to him those few nights ago in the ballroom, when the boy had made his dreadful proclamation, that he wanted to become a Jaegar just like the Professor was. He had seen all of the hope, the admiration, the childlike innocence in the young Venta's eyes, that soulful kindness that was seldom seen in this dark cruel world, and Ruta could not bear the thought of seeing them revert to the same dark, tired, world weary eyes that he saw everyday in the mirror, those same eyes that had seen the mouth of Hell itself.

If Ruta could do anything to alter the boy's path, to set his mind straight and to steer him away from the bloodied footsteps of the Jaegars, then he would again gladly walk through Tartarus and be subject to all of it's horrors and abominations if it meant preserving that one last shard of innocence he would ever see...

"...Soleil has been through enough tonight, Professor Randzgriz...Let him rest." the old hunter ordered, looking upon the sleeping face of Soleil with relief before turning away and resuming his nightly patrols, as he had always done during the days of the Academy.

For Ruta, and the rest of Mana Academy, the night was finally over...

[Rhomaia]

And so the cold, bloody, tumultuous Parisian night ended on a tranquil but nonetheless somber note, with the students of the Mana Academy safe in their rooms, sheltered from the grisly events which had taken place so far from their little sanctuary within the increasingly dark City of Lights and Love. The Jaegars prowled, the Noblebloods delighted in their evening pleasures, and the next day was eagerly anticipated.

So far, the Second Round of the International Student Mage Tournament had been completed, it's spectacular marvels of magic and stagecraft brilliant in scope and ambition, rivaled only by the breadth of Bourbon's fury and embarrassment after the ensuing drama and humiliation. Although she may now be absent from the competition thanks to her brash exit, the Judges have arranged to take her place as the provisional hosts for the Tournament.

As few will fail to recount, this day was a bright one, with all of it's beautiful displays and exhibitions from the talented minds of the new generation and the ousting of the biased, autocratic matriarch running the show. But, as even more will attest to, the night was just as dark. Seeking a missing professor, the young Rise had brought upon the first Battle of La Coupe de Bronze after discovering Jaegar hunters in the establishment, led by the two mysterious figures Sable and Cendre. The carnage that followed was unprecedented for the boy, but even so he remained one of the few people still standing when the dust had settled, unlike the tavern which had been destroyed in the fight, though with a shattered spirit to end it all off. Though injured and fatigued, the Mana crew prevailed in the end. One could only hope that fortune would continue to favor them as it always did.

The pale crescent moon rose above the landscape like a dove slowly making it's ascent into the sky, and the starless night was finally calmed, with the pleasant hum of small town traffic serving well to lull the tired denizens of the olden town to a long and restful sleep after all had become quiet in the streets. In time, it too would fall from it's place in the heavens, dethroned by the eternal sun...

And so with the march of time, another page was turned in our Book of Life, this precious little story of ours which we have become so attached to...

---

At it's routine time, the sun rose on Paris, banishing the shadows which had but hours ago ruled the night and allowing the city to once again awake to it's shining magnificence. On this day, the Third Round of the Tournament would be commencing, and with it would come new challenges to face and new obstacles to overcome, for Mana and competitors alike. Whatever fate the day held in store, grand or horrible, would soon be known.

[Finsternia]

Allistor Abendroth

Faces. Voices. He can see them watch him from the depths of the sea and whisper through the bubbles rising up into the surface. They were many, uncountable, and unknown to him. Yet there are some of the faces that he can identify, faces that stayed in his memory in a short time. They were the faces of the Jaegar hunters that he mercilessly shred to pieces. They were crying for help, for air, for warmth. They whisper through the dark depths the word 'cold' over and over again yet Allistor continued to float on the still sea. Hands finally broke out of the murky waters and dragged him with them under the sea, like how his dreams always ends, with the sun overhead darkening into an eclipse.

---

Allistor gasped as he was flung back to the grim reality. The slightly open blinds let the first rays of the sun stream in, the golden threads of sunlight greeting his still tired face. Dark eye bags still clung below his eyes, like some light charcoal smeared for cosmetic purposes. He was wet with cold sweat and he was still trying to process his surroundings. He was perplexed that Henry wasn't on the other bed and just felt the arms that were wrapped around his waist. It was Shaun. His thoughts suddenly were clouded, trying to remember what happened last night.

'W-why is he here? Where is Henry? Am I even in my room? A-and...' He looked at Shaun who was practically just wearing his underwear and noticed that he is shirtless. 'D-did something happened to us again?!' He grasped his head a little, his memories of the night before swimming back at him. The fight. The blood. Soleil laying down on a bed with John treating him. Shaun having a breakdown. The glistening pool. 'Oh... I forgot...' He sighed and looked back at Shaun, his right hand reaching for his soft white hair. He slightly combed and messed with it then kissed his forehead. "Hey, wake up cutiepie. It's mornin'."

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

It was a peaceful, yet dreamless sleep. Even with the risk of accidentally reliving the Rabbit's memories, Henry mot even moved through the night, his arm around Hikari through the whole night, somewhat indicating that she might have helped him, but not in the way she expected.

Henry slowly woke up, looking around his room. Allistor wasn't there, and the first rays of sunlight invaded the room, lighting it up partially. It was still early, and Henry was still tired: The Battle of La Coup de Bronze had taken its toll upon Henry's stamina, which was already affected by Anatoly's attacks. Mentally, he was exhausted. Knowing that his uncle was now dead led Henry to think about many possible implications, and how his family would react to it. In addition to it, the mystery of Ambrosia's disappearance was still unsolved, and Bourbon had disappeared, certainly angered and furious.

Taking a deep breath, he decided that Hikari needed the rest, while he remained laid down on the bed, giving himself a few more minutes of rest before he walked out of his room again.

[Luminesa]

Soleil did not awaken the next morning, but this was perhaps for the better. The boy remained asleep, his wounds thankfully mostly healed now. John had gone to get Quartz, in the middle of the night, refusing to let Rabbit exhaust himself any further. The old runesmith had begrudgingly agreed to come help the boy, and so his healing had taken much less time than it would have with John's powers. Now all he needed was rest, and plenty of it. In the early morning, he remained mostly snuggled under the covers, the mana-rabbit still in his arms. For the first time in a few days, he actually looked peaceful.

Meanwhile, Rabbit had been relieved of his duty of having to care for the boy, but he had not gone to bed. For all of his emotional and physical exhaustion, he could not sleep. His thoughts had continued to keep him awake through the night, and as he had lay awake in his bed, he had continued to wonder how on earth he could possibly still be alive. He had gotten-up far earlier than he usually did, somewhere around four in the morning, and he had gone to wander the halls.

John, in the meantime, had gone to speak to Ms. Holstein-Schleswig about last night's events, as she had discovered what had happened due to the commotion of all of the students walking in and out of his room to see Soleil. As he spoke to Soleil and explained his inability to fight, and their options for other participants, he stood with baggy eyes and a tired frown. He himself had not slept in about twelve hours.

"And you are aware that because he was out so late that you will receive a penalty?" she inquired, sternly.

John nodded and muttered, "Yes m'am." He was so tired he could hardly formulate words.

"Very well. Fortunately, if you have reserves, you can use them to avoid a loss-penalty, meaning you only lose part of a point. If you have any reserves-which I believe you do-come back to me at exactly seven with their name recorded on your tournament participant sheet, and we'll make it official," she answered, frowning slightly. While her face looked hard and annoyed, one found that her eyes showed just the slightest sympathetic spark.

"Yes m'am. Will be sure to do that," he answered. He then turned quickly and walked out of the room to go find Ruta, whom he would discuss his options with. As he did so, he ran right into Rabbit. "Gah!...I-I'm so sorry...Ugh..." he groaned, running his hands through his hair as he realized how tired he was.

Rabbit merely laughed, and he looked at John for a moment. "...You're tired, aren't you?" he inquired softly.

"...Tired might be an understatement...I am so sorry..." he mumbled.

Seeing his friend needed rest, he put a hand on his shoulder and smiled at the doctor. "Then you must rest, before the tournament begins. I will handle whatever needs to be done from here," he whispered.

John stared at Rabbit's hand for a moment, noticing that he himself was also a little shaky. Whatever had happened last night had exhausted the masked Professor as well, it seemed, and he had not been too keen on talking about it, whatever it was. "...Alright. Thank you, Rabbit. Make sure to go find the reserves and talk to them for me," he mumbled, before he walked past him to go to his room.

"You're welcome," Rabbit answered, as John disappeared down the hallway. Understanding John's request somewhat, he headed for Shaun's room first. When he got there, he knocked on the door softly, not wanting to disturb the sleepy silence around him. "...Shaun?...This is Professor Rabbit. May I speak to you?" he called quietly.

[Charlia]

Kasumi's eyes opened slowly, and she rubbed the sleep out of them, yawning quietly. Soleil was still asleep, she noticed with a smile. He was really quite cute, curled up and hugging a tiny mana bunny. Looking at him like this reminded her that she was still angry at Ruta for putting her sweet, gentle Soleil into a state like he had, but at the same time, it made her want to hug the boy and never, ever let go. He was a very huggable person.

...I hope he's all right, she thought sadly. A part of her selfishly added And maybe this will make him reconsider becoming a Jaegar.

She wanted to silence the thought, but... she found herself agreeing.

---

Aether's sleep had been restless again. Dreams of an enormous shadow and a coldly elegant woman in a wine-red dress had plagued her, nightmares flitting through her mind and taking root in her subconscious. Through it all, she couldn't stop thinking about the two students who seemed to be in deep trouble--Soleil and Katelyn. One of them seemed to be on the road to recovery, but the other...

Maybe it was time to tell Professor Ruta that something was wrong with the redhead. She felt a heavy sense of apprehension this morning, a dread that she couldn't ignore. If she didn't tell him now, it might be too late.

But it could be a very bad idea...

I'll consult Tsukuyomi first, she decided, and went to find the other teacher.

---

Hikari's dreams were much calmer that night, happier. There was the occasional spot of fear or pain, but it vanished quickly, replaced by thoughts of her sister, and Natalie--

Natalie! Hikari thought, starting awake. Oh, no! I forgot about her! Is she okay? Is she scared? Is she lonely? I forgot all about her! I'm such an idiot! I'm a terrible mama! No, no, don't start that. But Natalie--

Henry was still hugging her.

As much as she appreciated the gesture, it did make it a bit hard to check on the ragdoll.

---

Natalie was currently huddled in bed, staring at the door. Mama had left in the middle of the night, and she hadn't come back. Where was she? Was she okay? Aunt Kasumi hadn't come back either, but she thought she heard that something was wrong with Uncle Soleil--What if he dies? He can't die! He makes the bestest of all grilled cheese sandwiches! THAT IS A SKILL WORTHY OF IMMORTALITY!--so it made more sense, but where was Mama? Was she hurt? Was she dead? No no no no no no no nonononononono Mama can't be dead Mama wouldn't leave me she promised she promised she promised but Mama left and she's not back and where is she?!

---

Katelyn woke up slowly, and immediately realized she was in Hailey's bed.

Her face turned as red as the apples she loved, and she stifled that squeak that always seemed to come out of her mouth whenever she was embarrassed. I hope she doesn't mind... I just wanted to hug her for a bit...

Nah, Hailey wouldn't mind! Hailey's awesome! I have the best girlfriend in the whole world! I can always trust Hailey.

Her mind flashed back to the slitted eyes of the judge and the weird silver-haired girl.

She's not like them.

I can always trust her.

---

The awkwardness in the Japanese team's room was palpable. Sadako and Himiko had woken up at the same time, facing towards each other.

They had been staring each other down for the past five minutes, neither one saying a word.

I have to apologize for how I treated her, Sadako thought. Easier thought than done, though. She was still a prideful person, and she didn't want to apologize.



If I look away, she'll take it as a sign of weakness, Himiko mused. So I have to keep looking at her until she looks away. Otherwise she'll just start belittling me again.


So the two of them continued to watch each other, neither one willing to back down.

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Hikari's dreams were much calmer that night, happier. There was the occasional spot of fear or pain, but it vanished quickly, replaced by thoughts of her sister, and Natalie--

Natalie! Hikari thought, starting awake. Oh, no! I forgot about her! Is she okay? Is she scared? Is she lonely? I forgot all about her! I'm such an idiot! I'm a terrible mama! No, no, don't start that. But Natalie--

Henry was still hugging her.

As much as she appreciated the gesture, it did make it a bit hard to check on the ragdoll.

Henry Von Kressel

Noticing that Hikari woke up, Henry let his arm go of her, while trying to wake himself up completely. The girl seemed worried about something, but he couldn't tell what it was. Maybe it was the risk of being seen again, or maybe it was something she dreamt of. Either way, Henry decided to ask.

"Morning, Hikari. Is everything alright?"

[Charlia]

Hikari's dreams were much calmer that night, happier. There was the occasional spot of fear or pain, but it vanished quickly, replaced by thoughts of her sister, and Natalie--

Natalie! Hikari thought, starting awake. Oh, no! I forgot about her! Is she okay? Is she scared? Is she lonely? I forgot all about her! I'm such an idiot! I'm a terrible mama! No, no, don't start that. But Natalie--

Henry was still hugging her.

As much as she appreciated the gesture, it did make it a bit hard to check on the ragdoll.

Henry Von Kressel

Noticing that Hikari woke up, Henry let his arm go of her, while trying to wake himself up completely. The girl seemed worried about something, but he couldn't tell what it was. Maybe it was the risk of being seen again, or maybe it was something she dreamt of. Either way, Henry decided to ask.

"Morning, Hikari. Is everything alright?"

"Natalie!" Hikari cried. "With everything that happened last night, I forgot about Natalie! She's probably so scared! I--I have to see if she's all right. I hate to rush out so fast, but she's probably lonely and scared and... I don't want her to be scared."

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

Noticing that Hikari woke up, Henry let his arm go of her, while trying to wake himself up completely. The girl seemed worried about something, but he couldn't tell what it was. Maybe it was the risk of being seen again, or maybe it was something she dreamt of. Either way, Henry decided to ask.

"Morning, Hikari. Is everything alright?"

"Natalie!" Hikari cried. "With everything that happened last night, I forgot about Natalie! She's probably so scared! I--I have to see if she's all right. I hate to rush out so fast, but she's probably lonely and scared and... I don't want her to be scared."

Henry Von Kressel

Natalie.

The small, cute ragdoll with cheese fueled sympathy was probably alone. Indeed, she was always near her "mama", as she affectively called Hikari. He looked around, until an idea struck his mind...

"No need to rush there, Hikari. I believe I might know something that can lift her spirits and bring her back to you quicker than most things. Give me a minute."

Henry jumped out of bed, quickly grabbing a scrap of paper, writing a small message on it. It simply said "Mount Up! Off to find your mama!" With it. Placing it in Fawkes' beak, he let out a shy smile due to the craziness of his idea. Opening the door, he commanded his faithful pet.

"Fawkes, off to Hikari's room. Find Natalie, deliver it for her. And fly slower when you come back. Off you go! Hikari, don't worry. Natalie'll be here in a few minutes."

Flying through the corridors with incredible dexterity and speed, the phoenix reached Hikari's room, using the slightly opened door to enter the room. It slowly descended on the bed, stopping near the ragdoll and placing the note near her, while awaiting for her reaction.

[Charlia]

"Natalie!" Hikari cried. "With everything that happened last night, I forgot about Natalie! She's probably so scared! I--I have to see if she's all right. I hate to rush out so fast, but she's probably lonely and scared and... I don't want her to be scared."

Henry Von Kressel

Natalie.

The small, cute ragdoll with cheese fueled sympathy was probably alone. Indeed, she was always near her "mama", as she affectively called Hikari. He looked around, until an idea struck his mind...

"No need to rush there, Hikari. I believe I might know something that can lift her spirits and bring her back to you quicker than most things. Give me a minute."

Henry jumped out of bed, quickly grabbing a scrap of paper, writing a small message on it. It simply said "Mount Up! Off to find your mama!" With it. Placing it in Fawkes' beak, he let out a shy smile due to the craziness of his idea. Opening the door, he commanded his faithful pet.

"Fawkes, off to Hikari's room. Find Natalie, deliver it for her. And fly slower when you come back. Off you go! Hikari, don't worry. Natalie'll be here in a few minutes."

Flying through the corridors with incredible dexterity and speed, the phoenix reached Hikari's room, using the slightly opened door to enter the room. It slowly descended on the bed, stopping near the ragdoll and placing the note near her, while awaiting for her reaction.

"Oh!" Hikari said in surprise. "Um, thank you!"

Wait. Was he doing what she thought he was... oh dear.

"Just a warning, Henry... You might want to brace yourself."

---

Bird.

There was a bird.

The bird had a note.

Notebird.

Natalie looked at the note, scrutinizing it carefully, and then remembered one very important fact.

She couldn't read.

Well. She couldn't read anything other than the names of cheese, at least. Other than that, words were meaningless. But she did know letters... from cheese names... That first word looked like the beginning of 'monterey jack'... but not quite. She figured it sounded like 'mont'. The next word was harder. She knew how the word ended, because she knew how 'p' sounded because of pepper jack cheese, but not how it started. She decided to call that word 'ep'.

'Mont ep.'

That didn't make much sense. Maybe the last word was 'op'? 'Mont op'? No. No that wasn't right. Maybe it was 'ap'... no that didn't make sense... 'up'! Up was a word! 'Mont up'!

...Wait, that didn't make much sense either. But the letter at the beginning of 'up' was in the middle of 'mont'... so that meant that 'mont' was actually... 'mount'!

'Mount up'!

She was going to ride the notebird?

But first she had to figure out what the rest of the note said. The first word was hard, but it didn't take too long for trial-and-error to tell her that it was 'off'. 'To' was pretty easy. 'Find'... well, she couldn't quite figure that one out. 'Your' was equally difficult. But the last one... She knew 'm' and 'a' well enough to figure out that it meant 'Mama'!

Mount up, she read carefully, off to something something Mama!

That was good! She was going to ride the notebird and she was going to... something something Mama!

That was awesome!

She climbed onto the notebird very very carefully, hugging it from behind so she didn't fall off.

Go, notebird! she chirped happily. Go to Mama!

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

Natalie.

The small, cute ragdoll with cheese fueled sympathy was probably alone. Indeed, she was always near her "mama", as she affectively called Hikari. He looked around, until an idea struck his mind...

"No need to rush there, Hikari. I believe I might know something that can lift her spirits and bring her back to you quicker than most things. Give me a minute."

Henry jumped out of bed, quickly grabbing a scrap of paper, writing a small message on it. It simply said "Mount Up! Off to find your mama!" With it. Placing it in Fawkes' beak, he let out a shy smile due to the craziness of his idea. Opening the door, he commanded his faithful pet.

"Fawkes, off to Hikari's room. Find Natalie, deliver it for her. And fly slower when you come back. Off you go! Hikari, don't worry. Natalie'll be here in a few minutes."

Flying through the corridors with incredible dexterity and speed, the phoenix reached Hikari's room, using the slightly opened door to enter the room. It slowly descended on the bed, stopping near the ragdoll and placing the note near her, while awaiting for her reaction.

"Oh!" Hikari said in surprise. "Um, thank you!"

Wait. Was he doing what she thought he was... oh dear.

"Just a warning, Henry... You might want to brace yourself."

---

Bird.

There was a bird.

The bird had a note.

Notebird.

Natalie looked at the note, scrutinizing it carefully, and then remembered one very important fact.

She couldn't read.

Well. She couldn't read anything other than the names of cheese, at least. Other than that, words were meaningless. But she did know letters... from cheese names... That first word looked like the beginning of 'monterey jack'... but not quite. She figured it sounded like 'mont'. The next word was harder. She knew how the word ended, because she knew how 'p' sounded because of pepper jack cheese, but not how it started. She decided to call that word 'ep'.

'Mont ep.'

That didn't make much sense. Maybe the last word was 'op'? 'Mont op'? No. No that wasn't right. Maybe it was 'ap'... no that didn't make sense... 'up'! Up was a word! 'Mont up'!

...Wait, that didn't make much sense either. But the letter at the beginning of 'up' was in the middle of 'mont'... so that meant that 'mont' was actually... 'mount'!

'Mount up'!

She was going to ride the notebird?

But first she had to figure out what the rest of the note said. The first word was hard, but it didn't take too long for trial-and-error to tell her that it was 'off'. 'To' was pretty easy. 'Find'... well, she couldn't quite figure that one out. 'Your' was equally difficult. But the last one... She knew 'm' and 'a' well enough to figure out that it meant 'Mama'!

Mount up, she read carefully, off to something something Mama!

That was good! She was going to ride the notebird and she was going to... something something Mama!

That was awesome!

She climbed onto the notebird very very carefully, hugging it from behind so she didn't fall off.

Go, notebird! she chirped happily. Go to Mama!

Henry Von Kressel

"I remember her screaming once... Let's wait then."

Meanwhile, Fawkes slowly walked on the bed, before jumping away from it, and opening its wings, starting its flight back to Henry's room. Progressively, she heightened the speed, allowing Natalie to adjust her tiny body to the way the bird flew.

Finally, they reached the corridor where Henry's room was, with the phoenix flying at an impressive speed, before slowing down to maneuver as she entered the room. Once more, it descended on the bed, stopping at Hikari's side, showing to her the tiny doll on her back.

"Good morning, Natalie. I just hope that Fawkes controlled her speed with you back there. I... Imagined that you was missing your Mama, so I sent Fawkes to pick you up. I must advise you though: Don't give her cheese, it often doesn't work that well."

[Charlia]

"Oh!" Hikari said in surprise. "Um, thank you!"

Wait. Was he doing what she thought he was... oh dear.

"Just a warning, Henry... You might want to brace yourself."

---

Bird.

There was a bird.

The bird had a note.

Notebird.

Natalie looked at the note, scrutinizing it carefully, and then remembered one very important fact.

She couldn't read.

Well. She couldn't read anything other than the names of cheese, at least. Other than that, words were meaningless. But she did know letters... from cheese names... That first word looked like the beginning of 'monterey jack'... but not quite. She figured it sounded like 'mont'. The next word was harder. She knew how the word ended, because she knew how 'p' sounded because of pepper jack cheese, but not how it started. She decided to call that word 'ep'.

'Mont ep.'

That didn't make much sense. Maybe the last word was 'op'? 'Mont op'? No. No that wasn't right. Maybe it was 'ap'... no that didn't make sense... 'up'! Up was a word! 'Mont up'!

...Wait, that didn't make much sense either. But the letter at the beginning of 'up' was in the middle of 'mont'... so that meant that 'mont' was actually... 'mount'!

'Mount up'!

She was going to ride the notebird?

But first she had to figure out what the rest of the note said. The first word was hard, but it didn't take too long for trial-and-error to tell her that it was 'off'. 'To' was pretty easy. 'Find'... well, she couldn't quite figure that one out. 'Your' was equally difficult. But the last one... She knew 'm' and 'a' well enough to figure out that it meant 'Mama'!

Mount up, she read carefully, off to something something Mama!

That was good! She was going to ride the notebird and she was going to... something something Mama!

That was awesome!

She climbed onto the notebird very very carefully, hugging it from behind so she didn't fall off.

Go, notebird! she chirped happily. Go to Mama!

Henry Von Kressel

"I remember her screaming once... Let's wait then."

Meanwhile, Fawkes slowly walked on the bed, before jumping away from it, and opening its wings, starting its flight back to Henry's room. Progressively, she heightened the speed, allowing Natalie to adjust her tiny body to the way the bird flew.

Finally, they reached the corridor where Henry's room was, with the phoenix flying at an impressive speed, before slowing down to maneuver as she entered the room. Once more, it descended on the bed, stopping at Hikari's side, showing to her the tiny doll on her back.

"Good morning, Natalie. I just hope that Fawkes controlled her speed with you back there. I... Imagined that you was missing your Mama, so I sent Fawkes to pick you up. I must advise you though: Don't give her cheese, it often doesn't work that well."

In awe, Natalie did indeed squeal with delight the entire way back.

(Hikari despaired for her hearing.)

Once they were in Henry's room, though, Natalie eagerly jumped off Fawkes and hugged Hikari tightly!

Mama! she burbled. I was worried about you! But notebird came along and brought me so now I know you're okay! Don't scare me like that, Mama, it's not nice!

Hikari giggled. "Sorry, Natalie," she whispered, patting the tiny doll on the head. She then turned to Henry and said, "Thank you for bringing her to me."

Yeah! Natalie chirped. Thanks for the notebird ride! It was fun. If I can't give notebird cheese I will give you cheese. Here. Have cheese.

She gave him cheese. (No one saw that coming.)

Soooooooooooo, Mama, Natalie then said, why'd you leave?

"It's a long story, Natalie," Hikari said in an attempt to forestall any awkward explanations.

Oh. Okay. Long stories make me sleepy, Natalie mumbled. No long stories for me.

[Saldinado]

Shauh Calhoun

The quietness. The peace. The absolute feeling of not having to worry about nobody or nothing. That was all that Shaun was experiencing last night. After taking a long needed rest, his mind and body returned to it's original state of well-being. Well, close as he was going to get to it. His body was still suffering from using not only a source of mana even though he wasn't suppose to, as well as using his physical energy excessively, even though once again, he was told not to. However, although it was exhausted, his mental fitness was well enough for him to tell right from wrong, and what's friction from reality. However there was a feeling. Something that he could not comprehend. As if his source of breathing was cut off all of a sudden, leaving him to fend for himself. And as if he was trying to escape from it, Shaun shot his head up and gasped softly, looking round in a panicky, nervous, and stressed state as before. His chest caving in and expanding rapidly as he saw that there was a blurry figure in his bed next to him; he squinted his eyes at the person to see that it was apparently Allistor sitting next to him. And as for why he was in his bed, was something that he could not comprehend. Even at this hour. But seeing that he was there, he calmed down slightly and deeply sighed. "...Um...Hello?" He said in awkward curiosity as he didn't really know how to respond to him. He didn't even know why he was in his bed in the first place.

But his training of blurry thoughts were completely placed on something else at that moment. Hearing the soft knocks on the door and his name being called, he wondered who could be here. Groaning silently from everything around him, Shaun reluctantly got up from his warm and cozy spot and walked towards the door where the sound was being emitted; as he walked, he winced from the soreness of almost his entire body from the intense physical excretion that he put on his body last night and tried to shake it off. Once he got there, he unlocked the door and opened it, revealing himself to the person that was standing there. Seeing nothing but a blur once again, he softly sighed. "Now who are you..." He quietly said to himself before squinting his eyes once more before seeing a familiar figure standing there. It was Rabbit professor. Calming down some, he softly sighed once again as he combed his hair and shyly smiled at them. "Ah, it's you Bun-Bun. Yes, how can I help you?" He said politely and softly as he waited for a response. And while doing so, he realized something: He wasn't wearing anything besides his shorts, and those were a little too short as well; soon the feeling of being exposed and embarrassed came up to him as his face lit up brightly in embarrassment as he awkwardly chuckled to him. "I'm sorry for looking like this." He grinned while closing his eyes and rubbing the back of his head in abashment.

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

"I remember her screaming once... Let's wait then."

Meanwhile, Fawkes slowly walked on the bed, before jumping away from it, and opening its wings, starting its flight back to Henry's room. Progressively, she heightened the speed, allowing Natalie to adjust her tiny body to the way the bird flew.

Finally, they reached the corridor where Henry's room was, with the phoenix flying at an impressive speed, before slowing down to maneuver as she entered the room. Once more, it descended on the bed, stopping at Hikari's side, showing to her the tiny doll on her back.

"Good morning, Natalie. I just hope that Fawkes controlled her speed with you back there. I... Imagined that you was missing your Mama, so I sent Fawkes to pick you up. I must advise you though: Don't give her cheese, it often doesn't work that well."

In awe, Natalie did indeed squeal with delight the entire way back.

(Hikari despaired for her hearing.)

Once they were in Henry's room, though, Natalie eagerly jumped off Fawkes and hugged Hikari tightly!

Mama! she burbled. I was worried about you! But notebird came along and brought me so now I know you're okay! Don't scare me like that, Mama, it's not nice!

Hikari giggled. "Sorry, Natalie," she whispered, patting the tiny doll on the head. She then turned to Henry and said, "Thank you for bringing her to me."

Yeah! Natalie chirped. Thanks for the notebird ride! It was fun. If I can't give notebird cheese I will give you cheese. Here. Have cheese.

She gave him cheese. (No one saw that coming.)

Soooooooooooo, Mama, Natalie then said, why'd you leave?

"It's a long story, Natalie," Hikari said in an attempt to forestall any awkward explanations.

Oh. Okay. Long stories make me sleepy, Natalie mumbled. No long stories for me.

Henry Von Kressel

Upon the mention of the word "notebird", Fawkes produced a rather... Strange noise, like it was bothered. As Henry started to eat the cheese, he proceeded to explain to Natalie what he had in mind.

"There's no need for thanks, Hikari. Fawkes needed to stretch her wings a little bit since she came to Paris. Natalie, this is Fawkes. You might've seen her back at Mana. She's my pet phoenix, but you can call her by Fawkes. It's quite the proud phoenix, I must say, but it is useful as well. And immortal too.

I'm sure she will be happy to fly you around the hotel, but try to avoid the term 'notebird'. She gets offended easily I guess. Other than that, also avoid to fly on her when we are fighting someone, due to the fact that she ignites herself, and we don't want you to get burned, right?"

[Charlia]

In awe, Natalie did indeed squeal with delight the entire way back.

(Hikari despaired for her hearing.)

Once they were in Henry's room, though, Natalie eagerly jumped off Fawkes and hugged Hikari tightly!

Mama! she burbled. I was worried about you! But notebird came along and brought me so now I know you're okay! Don't scare me like that, Mama, it's not nice!

Hikari giggled. "Sorry, Natalie," she whispered, patting the tiny doll on the head. She then turned to Henry and said, "Thank you for bringing her to me."

Yeah! Natalie chirped. Thanks for the notebird ride! It was fun. If I can't give notebird cheese I will give you cheese. Here. Have cheese.

She gave him cheese. (No one saw that coming.)

Soooooooooooo, Mama, Natalie then said, why'd you leave?

"It's a long story, Natalie," Hikari said in an attempt to forestall any awkward explanations.

Oh. Okay. Long stories make me sleepy, Natalie mumbled. No long stories for me.

Henry Von Kressel

Upon the mention of the word "notebird", Fawkes produced a rather... Strange noise, like it was bothered. As Henry started to eat the cheese, he proceeded to explain to Natalie what he had in mind.

"There's no need for thanks, Hikari. Fawkes needed to stretch her wings a little bit since she came to Paris. Natalie, this is Fawkes. You might've seen her back at Mana. She's my pet phoenix, but you can call her by Fawkes. It's quite the proud phoenix, I must say, but it is useful as well. And immortal too.

I'm sure she will be happy to fly you around the hotel, but try to avoid the term 'notebird'. She gets offended easily I guess. Other than that, also avoid to fly on her when we are fighting someone, due to the fact that she ignites herself, and we don't want you to get burned, right?"

...Fawkes? Natalie tilted her head. Okay. Hi, Fawkes! I'd give you cheese but Henry said cheese isn't good for you! She patted the bird on the head. And no flying during battle, I don't wanna burn up nope nope nope. She nodded sagely. Or at least she would have, if she hadn't been too tiny and adorable to ever pull off 'sagely'.

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

Upon the mention of the word "notebird", Fawkes produced a rather... Strange noise, like it was bothered. As Henry started to eat the cheese, he proceeded to explain to Natalie what he had in mind.

"There's no need for thanks, Hikari. Fawkes needed to stretch her wings a little bit since she came to Paris. Natalie, this is Fawkes. You might've seen her back at Mana. She's my pet phoenix, but you can call her by Fawkes. It's quite the proud phoenix, I must say, but it is useful as well. And immortal too.

I'm sure she will be happy to fly you around the hotel, but try to avoid the term 'notebird'. She gets offended easily I guess. Other than that, also avoid to fly on her when we are fighting someone, due to the fact that she ignites herself, and we don't want you to get burned, right?"

...Fawkes? Natalie tilted her head. Okay. Hi, Fawkes! I'd give you cheese but Henry said cheese isn't good for you! She patted the bird on the head. And no flying during battle, I don't wanna burn up nope nope nope. She nodded sagely. Or at least she would have, if she hadn't been too tiny and adorable to ever pull off 'sagely'.

Henry Von Kressel

"Fine then. Unless your Mama objects, you're free to ride Fawkes when she's not needed. I suggest you ask for her permission: After all, she's your Mama, right? I'll be back in a minute, little cheese eater."

With that, Henry went into the bathroom, with a set of clothes with him. After a few minutes, he came back, but with a different robe than the one he often used. It was no longer red, instead being replaced by black, with the white dragons of his uncle at the bottom, outlined by a thin golden line, just like the sleeves and the bottom of the robe were, along with a slim black belt that Henry was using to avoid it from floating around, given the lightness of the fabric.

The set of clothes behind it fitted Henry equally properly, with a full black attire and boots as well. Once more, Henry was ready for the tournament.

"Well, it took me more than a minute. Thanks for the cheese Natalie, it was quite good actually. So, what did your Mama say?"