Mana Academy (IC) (Open, Fantasy)

[Charlia]

...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?"

While Henry was changing, Natalie turned to Hikari and asked, Can I, Mama? Can I can I can I pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaase?

Hikari laughed. "That's fine, Natalie, as long as you promise to be careful. I know you can't get bruises or anything like that, but you could still get torn, so just be careful, okay?"

I promise! Natalie cheered. I'll be super careful!

Soon enough, Henry returned, and Natalie happily announced, Mama said 'yes'! As long as I'm veeeeeeeeeery careful! 'Cause I don't wanna get ripped or anything nasty like that, ho no! But it's okay 'cause I can be reeeeeeeaaaaaaal careful if I need to!

[Kingdom of Irhk]

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?"

While Henry was changing, Natalie turned to Hikari and asked, Can I, Mama? Can I can I can I pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaase?

Hikari laughed. "That's fine, Natalie, as long as you promise to be careful. I know you can't get bruises or anything like that, but you could still get torn, so just be careful, okay?"

I promise! Natalie cheered. I'll be super careful!

Soon enough, Henry returned, and Natalie happily announced, Mama said 'yes'! As long as I'm veeeeeeeeeery careful! 'Cause I don't wanna get ripped or anything nasty like that, ho no! But it's okay 'cause I can be reeeeeeeaaaaaaal careful if I need to!

Henry Von Kressel

"Fine then. And remember: No cheese for Fawkes. Well, I'll be off now, check on Soleil. Do you want to come as well, Natalie? Hikari? It might be good for him."

He was truly worried. Not just the boy was something near to a younger brother for him, now Henry knew that Soleil needed support, so he could avoid further emotional breakdowns. Surely, Ruta's denial to Soleil's affection hit the boy hard, and the physical damage was also serious: After all, he met a "Jaeger-hunting" squad, a threat to be taken seriously.

[Luminesa]

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.

Rabbit looked at Shaun, and he chuckled slightly, as he saw how embarrassed he was as he wore almost nothing. "Oh, do not feel ashamed. I apologize for walking in on you like this. Would you prefer for me to give you some time to dress yourself before I speak to you? It is rather important, and I would rather you be more comfortable and relaxed when I speak to you. Speaking of relaxing, you do look rather tense. Did you sleep well?" Despite how emotionally exhausted he was, Rabbit continued to be kind and serene, for the students' sake. They did not need to know how tired he was, how Ruta had nearly killed him in a rage after discovering that he was not the light, airy creature he made himself to be. They did not need to know the dark secrets behind his mask, the murders he had committed and the lives he had ruined, anymore than they already did. "Are you stressed about anything? Did you have a nightmare?" he continued to inquire.

[Charlia]

While Henry was changing, Natalie turned to Hikari and asked, Can I, Mama? Can I can I can I pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaase?

Hikari laughed. "That's fine, Natalie, as long as you promise to be careful. I know you can't get bruises or anything like that, but you could still get torn, so just be careful, okay?"

I promise! Natalie cheered. I'll be super careful!

Soon enough, Henry returned, and Natalie happily announced, Mama said 'yes'! As long as I'm veeeeeeeeeery careful! 'Cause I don't wanna get ripped or anything nasty like that, ho no! But it's okay 'cause I can be reeeeeeeaaaaaaal careful if I need to!

Henry Von Kressel

"Fine then. And remember: No cheese for Fawkes. Well, I'll be off now, check on Soleil. Do you want to come as well, Natalie? Hikari? It might be good for him."

He was truly worried. Not just the boy was something near to a younger brother for him, now Henry knew that Soleil needed support, so he could avoid further emotional breakdowns. Surely, Ruta's denial to Soleil's affection hit the boy hard, and the physical damage was also serious: After all, he met a "Jaeger-hunting" squad, a threat to be taken seriously.

"Sure," Hikari said with a nod, standing up. "Natalie, why don't you and Henry go on ahead? I should get dressed first."

Okay! Natalie chirped. We go see Uncle Soleil! I will give him cheese and make him alllllll better.

Hikari chuckled. "You do that," she said, patting Natalie's soft head. "Make him feel much better with cheese."

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

"Fine then. And remember: No cheese for Fawkes. Well, I'll be off now, check on Soleil. Do you want to come as well, Natalie? Hikari? It might be good for him."

He was truly worried. Not just the boy was something near to a younger brother for him, now Henry knew that Soleil needed support, so he could avoid further emotional breakdowns. Surely, Ruta's denial to Soleil's affection hit the boy hard, and the physical damage was also serious: After all, he met a "Jaeger-hunting" squad, a threat to be taken seriously.

"Sure," Hikari said with a nod, standing up. "Natalie, why don't you and Henry go on ahead? I should get dressed first."

Okay! Natalie chirped. We go see Uncle Soleil! I will give him cheese and make him alllllll better.

Hikari chuckled. "You do that," she said, patting Natalie's soft head. "Make him feel much better with cheese."

Henry Von Kressel

Picking up Natalie, Henry left the room, walking through the corridors until he reached the room where Soleil was. He didn't know how he was, but it brought him a good feeling, to know that Soleil survived through the attack. Kasumi was at his side, with a justified expression of worry on her face.

"Excuse me. Good morning Kasumi. Came by to see how Soleil spent the night, and also to bring him a tiny visitor. Here you go, Natalie."

He placed the rag doll on his bed, so she could touch him, and maybe follow her usual protocol of feeding people cheese.

"So, how is he doing?"

[Saldinado]

Rabbit looked at Shaun, and he chuckled slightly, as he saw how embarrassed he was as he wore almost nothing. "Oh, do not feel ashamed. I apologize for walking in on you like this. Would you prefer for me to give you some time to dress yourself before I speak to you? It is rather important, and I would rather you be more comfortable and relaxed when I speak to you. Speaking of relaxing, you do look rather tense. Did you sleep well?" Despite how emotionally exhausted he was, Rabbit continued to be kind and serene, for the students' sake. They did not need to know how tired he was, how Ruta had nearly killed him in a rage after discovering that he was not the light, airy creature he made himself to be. They did not need to know the dark secrets behind his mask, the murders he had committed and the lives he had ruined, anymore than they already did. "Are you stressed about anything? Did you have a nightmare?" he continued to inquire.

Shaun Calhoun

"Oh, no we can talk now. I've been in more...Awkward situations before, so this doesn't matter." Shaun chuckled as he heard Rabbit apologize. However hearing him ask if he was alright, he thought about it for a few seconds before answering him. It seemed that he could see the tension and stress in his body. So much for trying to be subtle about it. But even so, was he really tensed? And what exactly for? There are so many things that can make the skittish and anxious teen become stressed in a heartbeat, so the causes of such a response were endless. "Um, I think that I'm alright for now..." He said slowly and carefully as if he himself were trying to figure that out. "And I'm always stressed, but that doesn't stop me from doing my job I believe; although I am a little sore from last night after working out...But even if that means that you get a little hurt in the process, you just keep going. Because in this world, nothing or nobody are going to care about whether or not you're stressed , tired, or sore. Or even your own well-being, as to them, all they care about are themselves and making money." He said with a tone that sounded a little more deeper, cynical even. But that soon changed into his normal polite, kind tone. "So yeah...I'm alright I guess. Care to discuss this important thing?" He said leaning on the arch of the door while looking up at his hair as it his locks were still in his face. Sighing playfully at them and shaking his head, he looked at Rabbit with a faint smile and idly played with his earring as he waited for him to speak.

[Charlia]

"Sure," Hikari said with a nod, standing up. "Natalie, why don't you and Henry go on ahead? I should get dressed first."

Okay! Natalie chirped. We go see Uncle Soleil! I will give him cheese and make him alllllll better.

Hikari chuckled. "You do that," she said, patting Natalie's soft head. "Make him feel much better with cheese."

Henry Von Kressel

Picking up Natalie, Henry left the room, walking through the corridors until he reached the room where Soleil was. He didn't know how he was, but it brought him a good feeling, to know that Soleil survived through the attack. Kasumi was at his side, with a justified expression of worry on her face.

"Excuse me. Good morning Kasumi. Came by to see how Soleil spent the night, and also to bring him a tiny visitor. Here you go, Natalie."

He placed the rag doll on his bed, so she could touch him, and maybe follow her usual protocol of feeding people cheese.

"So, how is he doing?"

"Oh! Good morning," Kasumi said with a small nod. "Soleil-kun seems to be doing better... just tired, is all. Oh, Natalie-chan, he's asleep, you shouldn't do that!"

Natalie had begun industriously trying to feed Soleil some cheese, despite the fact that the boy was sleeping.

But cheese will make him better, she said cheerfully, and continued busily stuffing cheese into Soleil's mouth. Cheese makes everyone better!

Kasumi just shook her head in despair.

A few moments later, Hikari walked in, dressed not in anything fancy like other Mana students might have, but instead preferring a more casual look--faded orange, long-sleeved shirt, short dark red skirt with black leggings and black boots, and a black, three-quarter sleeved leather jacket. Combined with her short red hair and red eyes, it definitely gave her a bit of a rebellious, independent look--almost the opposite of last night's lonely girl, the one who had even been willing to pretend she was someone else in order to feel a little bit of affection. But then again, that was a vulnerable part of her. It wasn't one she wanted to display too openly.

"Good morning, Kasumi," she said with a small wave. "Have you been here all night?" Kasumi just nodded, and Hikari whistled. "Well, that's dedication, right there. Good for you, sis."

[Luminesa]

Rabbit looked at Shaun, and he chuckled slightly, as he saw how embarrassed he was as he wore almost nothing. "Oh, do not feel ashamed. I apologize for walking in on you like this. Would you prefer for me to give you some time to dress yourself before I speak to you? It is rather important, and I would rather you be more comfortable and relaxed when I speak to you. Speaking of relaxing, you do look rather tense. Did you sleep well?" Despite how emotionally exhausted he was, Rabbit continued to be kind and serene, for the students' sake. They did not need to know how tired he was, how Ruta had nearly killed him in a rage after discovering that he was not the light, airy creature he made himself to be. They did not need to know the dark secrets behind his mask, the murders he had committed and the lives he had ruined, anymore than they already did. "Are you stressed about anything? Did you have a nightmare?" he continued to inquire.

Shaun Calhoun

"Oh, no we can talk now. I've been in more...Awkward situations before, so this doesn't matter." Shaun chuckled as he heard Rabbit apologize. However hearing him ask if he was alright, he thought about it for a few seconds before answering him. It seemed that he could see the tension and stress in his body. So much for trying to be subtle about it. But even so, was he really tensed? And what exactly for? There are so many things that can make the skittish and anxious teen become stressed in a heartbeat, so the causes of such a response were endless. "Um, I think that I'm alright for now..." He said slowly and carefully as if he himself were trying to figure that out. "And I'm always stressed, but that doesn't stop me from doing my job I believe; although I am a little sore from last night after working out...But even if that means that you get a little hurt in the process, you just keep going. Because in this world, nothing or nobody are going to care about whether or not you're stressed , tired, or sore. Or even your own well-being, as to them, all they care about are themselves and making money." He said with a tone that sounded a little more deeper, cynical even. But that soon changed into his normal polite, kind tone. "So yeah...I'm alright I guess. Care to discuss this important thing?" He said leaning on the arch of the door while looking up at his hair as it his locks were still in his face. Sighing playfully at them and shaking his head, he looked at Rabbit with a faint smile and idly played with his earring as he waited for him to speak.

Shaun's cynical mini-rant surprised Rabbit a little. He was used to the boy keeping most of his feelings to himself, only for them to reveal themselves in small, awkward increments when they appeared. Yet now his thoughts, as depressing and confused as they were, poured out of him before he quickly reverted back to his sweet, nervous self. Rabbit cocked his head to the side slightly, a bit concerned for him. "...Shaun, dear...there are many people at this school who care about you and whether or not you are any of those things. I myself included. There's no reason to be worried about that. Anyway, if you are stressed so often, please tell me or someone...that is why we are here, to make sure you are not stressed, or tired, or sore all the time," he answered, concerned for him. He was now not certain about whether or not he was psychologically firm enough to participate in the tournament, and he wanted to examine him further before he told him of the role he would have to fill, that today he would have to fight in place of his fallen classmate.

[Saldinado]

Shaun's cynical mini-rant surprised Rabbit a little. He was used to the boy keeping most of his feelings to himself, only for them to reveal themselves in small, awkward increments when they appeared. Yet now his thoughts, as depressing and confused as they were, poured out of him before he quickly reverted back to his sweet, nervous self. Rabbit cocked his head to the side slightly, a bit concerned for him. "...Shaun, dear...there are many people at this school who care about you and whether or not you are any of those things. I myself included. There's no reason to be worried about that. Anyway, if you are stressed so often, please tell me or someone...that is why we are here, to make sure you are not stressed, or tired, or sore all the time," he answered, concerned for him. He was now not certain about whether or not he was psychologically firm enough to participate in the tournament, and he wanted to examine him further before he told him of the role he would have to fill, that today he would have to fight in place of his fallen classmate.

Shaun Calhoun

. . .

"Okay; if you say so." Shaun said hesitantly as he wasn't really sure whether or not what he said was true. For all he knew, he was just a teacher doing his job, and only told him everything that he wanted to hear as for Shaun, there was only a few handful of people that he can actually trust and call 'friends'. Everyone else were nothing but a bunch of pawns. Players that were only there and didn't want to have anything to do with him. Perhaps he was just paranoid and had trust issues. But after what happened a couple months ago, it was all about who to trust and who not to trust. Loyalty. And so far, there was rarely anyone worthy of being loyal to. But given the concern and worry in the professor's voice, perhaps maybe he was someone that he can trust. Hopefully that would be the case for him. Sighing softly and laughing, he looked up at Rabbit with a small smile on his face.

"I guess so...Although...Exactly who are the ones that will actually care about me? Us, if you will? And you say many? That sounds like an overstatement to me. So far, there are slim to none as the ones that say they do are probably actually doing it just because they don't want to look like an outsider and just join in on the sympathy and care just to get it over with. When in reality, they don't care. All they care about are themselves.

And God-forbids if you actually befriend them. All the time that you place your loyalty and friendship into, only to see it go away in a big ball of flames fueled by lies and betrayal for which even you don't know how to put out that fire." He said with a hint of passion and anger in his voice. He soon noticed this and softly sighed and shook his head. "Sorry if I sound so negative and cynical right now this early in the morning. Just that...I don't really know who to exactly go to; trust if you will. I mean, sure, I can be there for others, but will they really reciprocate the favor towards you if you need their help? That, I don't know. A part of me wants to say 'yes', but the other part is just telling me to just say 'it'll never happen' and just get over it. Perhaps I just need to see it to believe it, I dunno." The tired boy chuckled a little dejectedly as he combed his hair with his hand, purposely messing it up before looking back up at the teacher with a shy smile full of care for him.

[Luminesa]

Shaun's cynical mini-rant surprised Rabbit a little. He was used to the boy keeping most of his feelings to himself, only for them to reveal themselves in small, awkward increments when they appeared. Yet now his thoughts, as depressing and confused as they were, poured out of him before he quickly reverted back to his sweet, nervous self. Rabbit cocked his head to the side slightly, a bit concerned for him. "...Shaun, dear...there are many people at this school who care about you and whether or not you are any of those things. I myself included. There's no reason to be worried about that. Anyway, if you are stressed so often, please tell me or someone...that is why we are here, to make sure you are not stressed, or tired, or sore all the time," he answered, concerned for him. He was now not certain about whether or not he was psychologically firm enough to participate in the tournament, and he wanted to examine him further before he told him of the role he would have to fill, that today he would have to fight in place of his fallen classmate.

Shaun Calhoun

. . .

"Okay; if you say so." Shaun said hesitantly as he wasn't really sure whether or not what he said was true. For all he knew, he was just a teacher doing his job, and only told him everything that he wanted to hear as for Shaun, there was only a few handful of people that he can actually trust and call 'friends'. Everyone else were nothing but a bunch of pawns. Players that were only there and didn't want to have anything to do with him. Perhaps he was just paranoid and had trust issues. But after what happened a couple months ago, it was all about who to trust and who not to trust. Loyalty. And so far, there was rarely anyone worthy of being loyal to. But given the concern and worry in the professor's voice, perhaps maybe he was someone that he can trust. Hopefully that would be the case for him. Sighing softly and laughing, he looked up at Rabbit with a small smile on his face.

"I guess so...Although...Exactly who are the ones that will actually care about me? Us, if you will? And you say many? That sounds like an overstatement to me. So far, there are slim to none as the ones that say they do are probably actually doing it just because they don't want to look like an outsider and just join in on the sympathy and care just to get it over with. When in reality, they don't care. All they care about are themselves.

And God-forbids if you actually befriend them. All the time that you place your loyalty and friendship into, only to see it go away in a big ball of flames fueled by lies and betrayal for which even you don't know how to put out that fire." He said with a hint of passion and anger in his voice. He soon noticed this and softly sighed and shook his head. "Sorry if I sound so negative and cynical right now this early in the morning. Just that...I don't really know who to exactly go to; trust if you will. I mean, sure, I can be there for others, but will they really reciprocate the favor towards you if you need their help? That, I don't know. A part of me wants to say 'yes', but the other part is just telling me to just say 'it'll never happen' and just get over it. Perhaps I just need to see it to believe it, I dunno." The tired boy chuckled a little dejectedly as he combed his hair with his hand, purposely messing it up before looking back up at the teacher with a shy smile full of care for him.

"...If you want to look at it in that light, I do owe you then, don't I? For all of the times you've supported me when I've run out of the strength to function properly...Carrying me to my room and such when I've been utterly exhausted, for example. In fact, if we're going based solely on that, I owe you three times as much for your charity," Rabbit answered, brightly. Becoming serious, he then added, "...But yes. You can always come to me, if you are afraid to trust anyone. So please do not hesitate to come speak to me if you have things on your mind. In fact...perhaps once you get dressed, you can tell me over breakfast what is wrong? You do seem to have quite a lot on your mind, and I would like to help you anyway I can." As he spoke this, however, he wondered: if Shaun was to find-out by accident what Rabbit was, somehow, how much would that hurt him? Rabbit did not want to scar the boy anymore than he already was scarred. The way he spoke, he had been through enough already in his short life.

[Saldinado]

"...If you want to look at it in that light, I do owe you then, don't I? For all of the times you've supported me when I've run out of the strength to function properly...Carrying me to my room and such when I've been utterly exhausted, for example. In fact, if we're going based solely on that, I owe you three times as much for your charity," Rabbit answered, brightly. Becoming serious, he then added, "...But yes. You can always come to me, if you are afraid to trust anyone. So please do not hesitate to come speak to me if you have things on your mind. In fact...perhaps once you get dressed, you can tell me over breakfast what is wrong? You do seem to have quite a lot on your mind, and I would like to help you anyway I can." As he spoke this, however, he wondered: if Shaun was to find-out by accident what Rabbit was, somehow, how much would that hurt him? Rabbit did not want to scar the boy anymore than he already was scarred. The way he spoke, he had been through enough already in his short life.

Shaun Calhoun

"You do?" Shaun said in surprise. And as he started hearing Rabbit list all the things that he own him, he was a little aghast by it; he actually remembered everything that he did for him. "Please, no. I mean, not only have you actually remembered what I've done for you, but you'd actually though about repaying it. Plus, you're doing this; I dunno what to say." He awkwardly chuckled. "T-Thank you I-I guess." The teen laughed softly as he listened to what he had to say next. Nodding slowly, he looked at the teacher with seriousness in his eyes. "I will do so. Hopefully I can make sure that I won't break your trust; and alright, I'll get dress soon. The smell of chlorine isn't really a pleasant one after all." He softly chuckled. "So give me about twenty minutes and I'll be downstairs to...Talk. Although I dunno what exactly to say or do. As you can already tell, I'm not the one that can just talk about what's wrong if you will." He sighed and smiled. "But I'll try to."

[Luminesa]

"...If you want to look at it in that light, I do owe you then, don't I? For all of the times you've supported me when I've run out of the strength to function properly...Carrying me to my room and such when I've been utterly exhausted, for example. In fact, if we're going based solely on that, I owe you three times as much for your charity," Rabbit answered, brightly. Becoming serious, he then added, "...But yes. You can always come to me, if you are afraid to trust anyone. So please do not hesitate to come speak to me if you have things on your mind. In fact...perhaps once you get dressed, you can tell me over breakfast what is wrong? You do seem to have quite a lot on your mind, and I would like to help you anyway I can." As he spoke this, however, he wondered: if Shaun was to find-out by accident what Rabbit was, somehow, how much would that hurt him? Rabbit did not want to scar the boy anymore than he already was scarred. The way he spoke, he had been through enough already in his short life.

Shaun Calhoun

"You do?" Shaun said in surprise. And as he started hearing Rabbit list all the things that he own him, he was a little aghast by it; he actually remembered everything that he did for him. "Please, no. I mean, not only have you actually remembered what I've done for you, but you'd actually though about repaying it. Plus, you're doing this; I dunno what to say." He awkwardly chuckled. "T-Thank you I-I guess." The teen laughed softly as he listened to what he had to say next. Nodding slowly, he looked at the teacher with seriousness in his eyes. "I will do so. Hopefully I can make sure that I won't break your trust; and alright, I'll get dress soon. The smell of chlorine isn't really a pleasant one after all." He softly chuckled. "So give me about twenty minutes and I'll be downstairs to...Talk. Although I dunno what exactly to say or do. As you can already tell, I'm not the one that can just talk about what's wrong if you will." He sighed and smiled. "But I'll try to."

Rabbit nodded. "That is fine. Please, take your time. We have a few hours before the tournament is to begin, anyway," he answered, standing outside of the room so Shaun could go get dressed. As he stood there, he wondered what exactly Shaun had on his mind. He had especially been stressed around Soleil, though he had not shown much of this stress in a while it seemed. Or perhaps he had missed some things. There were other things happening with him, though, things that seemed to seriously be breaking his back. The boy was far more vulnerable than he made himself out to be, and he wondered what sort of fears and anxieties he was hiding.

[Saldinado]

Shaun Calhoun

"...Alrighty then. Um, e-excuse me sir..." Shaun said now reverting back to his original awkward and shy ways as he tried to not seem rude in front of Rabbit by slowly closing his door to him. Certainly Shaun as well as Rabbit hopefully didn't want to be looking each other in the eyes when Shaun stripped down to basically nothing at all for when he both goes in and out of the bathroom. After he did so Shaun sighed and looked at Allistor who was still laying in his bed practically wearing nothing but his pants. "Well it's nice to see that you're up. Now if you excuse me, I've got some rather personal hygienic routines that I have to preform." He chuckled as he looked around the room for things needed for his shower. Finding them, the white-hair teen looked at Allistor and sighed playfully before saying something to him. "Now either you go and get prepared, stay here and rest, or do something else. And stay away from this door as well." He said chuckling before giving him a suggestive, albeit playful wink. Although as he was preparing himself, he began to think about what Rabbit wanted to talk about; what did he know that he didn't? And he that really was the case, how was he going to respond to it, something that he still doesn't know how to really do? Will he lie or tell the truth; will he have to talk about certain people or maybe even more; will it be about the tournament or about something entirely different? All those questions were running through his head as he sighed softly and did what he had to do.

After being in the bathroom for about less than ten minutes, Shaun came out smelling of the blueberries and oranges once again as he was drying his hair with his towel, completely oblivious to Allistor in the room with him or not. He didn't have time for such embarrassing things and needed to get dress. Once he dried himself off, he looked around his drawers for something to wear, and found a pair of rather bright purple and black leopard-print undergarments; as to why he had thoses, only he could answer that. And even so, he still has a hard time answering it. Putting them on, he sson found his outfit and put it on as well, making ure that everything was rather neat and clean. Doing his usual things in the mirror and taking other hygienic measures, Shaun softly sighed and opened to door to see that Rabbit was still there. "Alrighty Bun-Bun. I'm ready." The younger boy said smiling slightly at the teacher. "Hopefully I didn't take too long."

[Luminesa]

Shaun Calhoun

"...Alrighty then. Um, e-excuse me sir..." Shaun said now reverting back to his original awkward and shy ways as he tried to not seem rude in front of Rabbit by slowly closing his door to him. Certainly Shaun as well as Rabbit hopefully didn't want to be looking each other in the eyes when Shaun stripped down to basically nothing at all for when he both goes in and out of the bathroom. After he did so Shaun sighed and looked at Allistor who was still laying in his bed practically wearing nothing but his pants. "Well it's nice to see that you're up. Now if you excuse me, I've got some rather personal hygienic routines that I have to preform." He chuckled as he looked around the room for things needed for his shower. Finding them, the white-hair teen looked at Allistor and sighed playfully before saying something to him. "Now either you go and get prepared, stay here and rest, or do something else. And stay away from this door as well." He said chuckling before giving him a suggestive, albeit playful wink. Although as he was preparing himself, he began to think about what Rabbit wanted to talk about; what did he know that he didn't? And he that really was the case, how was he going to respond to it, something that he still doesn't know how to really do? Will he lie or tell the truth; will he have to talk about certain people or maybe even more; will it be about the tournament or about something entirely different? All those questions were running through his head as he sighed softly and did what he had to do.

After being in the bathroom for about less than ten minutes, Shaun came out smelling of the blueberries and oranges once again as he was drying his hair with his towel, completely oblivious to Allistor in the room with him or not. He didn't have time for such embarrassing things and needed to get dress. Once he dried himself off, he looked around his drawers for something to wear, and found a pair of rather bright purple and black leopard-print undergarments; as to why he had thoses, only he could answer that. And even so, he still has a hard time answering it. Putting them on, he sson found his outfit and put it on as well, making ure that everything was rather neat and clean. Doing his usual things in the mirror and taking other hygienic measures, Shaun softly sighed and opened to door to see that Rabbit was still there. "Alrighty Bun-Bun. I'm ready." The younger boy said smiling slightly at the teacher. "Hopefully I didn't take too long."

"Not at all. Come. Let's talk for a few minutes," he told him. He then walked with him down to the cafeteria, where he simply got a cup of coffee. He then waited for Shaun to get his food, and then walked to an empty table to speak to him. "...Now, Shaun...tell me everything that has been stressing you. Don't be afraid. I just want to know what has been bothering you. Soleil, perhaps? Allistor? I've seen you with both of them quite often these days. Perhaps something else? The tournament? Or have you been keeping some things to yourself?...Internalizing your pain is not always healthy, sweetheart, especially if it's old pain. Tell me. I will not think less of you no matter what you tell me," he explained to him, kindly. He hoped he was not scaring Shaun by asking this of him. He just wanted Shaun to trust him, to know that he was not as lonely as he thought he was.

[Luminesa]

Henry Von Kressel

Picking up Natalie, Henry left the room, walking through the corridors until he reached the room where Soleil was. He didn't know how he was, but it brought him a good feeling, to know that Soleil survived through the attack. Kasumi was at his side, with a justified expression of worry on her face.

"Excuse me. Good morning Kasumi. Came by to see how Soleil spent the night, and also to bring him a tiny visitor. Here you go, Natalie."

He placed the rag doll on his bed, so she could touch him, and maybe follow her usual protocol of feeding people cheese.

"So, how is he doing?"

"Oh! Good morning," Kasumi said with a small nod. "Soleil-kun seems to be doing better... just tired, is all. Oh, Natalie-chan, he's asleep, you shouldn't do that!"

Natalie had begun industriously trying to feed Soleil some cheese, despite the fact that the boy was sleeping.

But cheese will make him better, she said cheerfully, and continued busily stuffing cheese into Soleil's mouth. Cheese makes everyone better!

Kasumi just shook her head in despair.

A few moments later, Hikari walked in, dressed not in anything fancy like other Mana students might have, but instead preferring a more casual look--faded orange, long-sleeved shirt, short dark red skirt with black leggings and black boots, and a black, three-quarter sleeved leather jacket. Combined with her short red hair and red eyes, it definitely gave her a bit of a rebellious, independent look--almost the opposite of last night's lonely girl, the one who had even been willing to pretend she was someone else in order to feel a little bit of affection. But then again, that was a vulnerable part of her. It wasn't one she wanted to display too openly.

"Good morning, Kasumi," she said with a small wave. "Have you been here all night?" Kasumi just nodded, and Hikari whistled. "Well, that's dedication, right there. Good for you, sis."

Soleil's eyes fluttered open just slightly, as he heard the talking around him. He then felt something in his mouth, something being shoved down his throat. His eyes shot open, and he bolted up in bed, as he felt he was going to choke. "Umh! Umh! Ummmmmmnh!" he groaned, as he struggled to swallow all of the cheese. When he did, he breathed deeply once, and he looked around as he continued to hold the mana-rabbit. Blinking, he looked down at Natalie, and then at Kasumi and Hikari. "...H-Hi..." he whispered, both surprised and a little shaken, as he had almost choked in his sleep, "...g-good morning...Wh-What's happening?"

[Charlia]

"Oh! Good morning," Kasumi said with a small nod. "Soleil-kun seems to be doing better... just tired, is all. Oh, Natalie-chan, he's asleep, you shouldn't do that!"

Natalie had begun industriously trying to feed Soleil some cheese, despite the fact that the boy was sleeping.

But cheese will make him better, she said cheerfully, and continued busily stuffing cheese into Soleil's mouth. Cheese makes everyone better!

Kasumi just shook her head in despair.

A few moments later, Hikari walked in, dressed not in anything fancy like other Mana students might have, but instead preferring a more casual look--faded orange, long-sleeved shirt, short dark red skirt with black leggings and black boots, and a black, three-quarter sleeved leather jacket. Combined with her short red hair and red eyes, it definitely gave her a bit of a rebellious, independent look--almost the opposite of last night's lonely girl, the one who had even been willing to pretend she was someone else in order to feel a little bit of affection. But then again, that was a vulnerable part of her. It wasn't one she wanted to display too openly.

"Good morning, Kasumi," she said with a small wave. "Have you been here all night?" Kasumi just nodded, and Hikari whistled. "Well, that's dedication, right there. Good for you, sis."

Soleil's eyes fluttered open just slightly, as he heard the talking around him. He then felt something in his mouth, something being shoved down his throat. His eyes shot open, and he bolted up in bed, as he felt he was going to choke. "Umh! Umh! Ummmmmmnh!" he groaned, as he struggled to swallow all of the cheese. When he did, he breathed deeply once, and he looked around as he continued to hold the mana-rabbit. Blinking, he looked down at Natalie, and then at Kasumi and Hikari. "...H-Hi..." he whispered, both surprised and a little shaken, as he had almost choked in his sleep, "...g-good morning...Wh-What's happening?"

Natalie's face lit up. It worked! she cheered happily. Cheese made you all better!

Kasumi and Hikari both shook their heads despairingly.

"Natalie-chan, I told you not to do that," Kasumi muttered. Her tone brightened a little bit, and she continued with "Sorry, Soleil-kun. Natalie-chan still holds the firm belief that cheese makes everything better... She was trying to feed you cheese. I don't think she fully understands the concept of 'choking'..."

But it worked! Natalie insisted. See? He's up! Hi, Uncle Soleil! How are you doing? She looked up with wide eyes, grinning happily.

[Luminesa]

Soleil's eyes fluttered open just slightly, as he heard the talking around him. He then felt something in his mouth, something being shoved down his throat. His eyes shot open, and he bolted up in bed, as he felt he was going to choke. "Umh! Umh! Ummmmmmnh!" he groaned, as he struggled to swallow all of the cheese. When he did, he breathed deeply once, and he looked around as he continued to hold the mana-rabbit. Blinking, he looked down at Natalie, and then at Kasumi and Hikari. "...H-Hi..." he whispered, both surprised and a little shaken, as he had almost choked in his sleep, "...g-good morning...Wh-What's happening?"

Natalie's face lit up. It worked! she cheered happily. Cheese made you all better!

Kasumi and Hikari both shook their heads despairingly.

"Natalie-chan, I told you not to do that," Kasumi muttered. Her tone brightened a little bit, and she continued with "Sorry, Soleil-kun. Natalie-chan still holds the firm belief that cheese makes everything better... She was trying to feed you cheese. I don't think she fully understands the concept of 'choking'..."

But it worked! Natalie insisted. See? He's up! Hi, Uncle Soleil! How are you doing? She looked up with wide eyes, grinning happily.

Confused, he looked down at Natalie, and he blinked. "...I-I think I'm okay...um...I-I got sleep...b-but...ah!" He panicked, and he began to try and get out of the bed. "Th-The tournament! I'm late! I-I'm going to be late and get us a penalty! A-Ah! I-I need to get-OW!!!" He fell out of the bed, and he knelt by the side of the bed, clutching his ribs. "...A-Ah...everything hurts...Why?...I-I can't...I-I have to go..."

"Soleil!" John immediately rushed into the room and helped him up carefully. He then sat him on the bed. "...Soleil...you can't get out of bed. Not right now," he told him calmly, holding back the urge to yell at him.

"B-But-"

"You're in no condition to go fight. Three of your mana points were severely damaged, and you can't use magic for at least the next few days. You also hurt your back badly, and you need to stay in bed for just as long," John told him calmly. Putting his hands on his shoulders, he stared him in the eyes. "...I'm sorry. You need your rest. Someone is going to fight in your place, okay?" he told him quietly.

The boy's devastation could be seen in his eyes, which stared almost blankly at the doctor. "...B-But...Professor...Professor Ruta...I-I want him to see me...I-I can't go without using magic! I-It's all I have! Professor, please!" he protested, as he gathered Shaun's bunny in his arms again and held it shakily. "...I-I want to...m-make him proud...I-I...If I can't...I-I'll..."

John looked kindly at him, and he smiled sadly. "I know it hurts. But you got beat really bad last night, and we want you to get better. So you gotta stay in bed, okay? We'll get you whatever you want, whoever you want," he explained.

Soleil's eyes continued to show his shock, which then settled into depression. He got back under the covers, and he snuggled with the bunny. "...Yessir...I-I'm sorry...I-I'm so sorry for everything..." he cried softly.

"You don't need to apologize for anything. You're an amazing Mage. Ruta knows you are, I know you are, we all know you are. We've seen you. You did amazing in the last two rounds. Just get your rest, okay?" John reassured him. He then put a hand on his shoulder and began to heal the wounds he had just made sore again.

Meanwhile, Soleil stared down at the bunny in his arms, his hands still shaking as he held it. "...I-I let everyone down..." He then ducked his face into the bunny's fur.

[Saldinado]

"Not at all. Come. Let's talk for a few minutes," he told him. He then walked with him down to the cafeteria, where he simply got a cup of coffee. He then waited for Shaun to get his food, and then walked to an empty table to speak to him. "...Now, Shaun...tell me everything that has been stressing you. Don't be afraid. I just want to know what has been bothering you. Soleil, perhaps? Allistor? I've seen you with both of them quite often these days. Perhaps something else? The tournament? Or have you been keeping some things to yourself?...Internalizing your pain is not always healthy, sweetheart, especially if it's old pain. Tell me. I will not think less of you no matter what you tell me," he explained to him, kindly. He hoped he was not scaring Shaun by asking this of him. He just wanted Shaun to trust him, to know that he was not as lonely as he thought he was.

Shaun Calhoun

As he walked with Rabbit down to the cafe, his heart began to slightly race in nervousness and worry. There wasn't anything for him to hide, but after hearing the words 'Let's talk', he instinctively grew worry of them. From having those words countless of times by his father when he was younger, his mind automatically felt as though this talk wasn't going to be as good as he thought. When they made it to the cafe he watched as Rabbit grabbed a cup of coffee and sit down, causing him raised an eyebrow a the sight. Grabbing his own plate of food, which given him was nothing short of impressive as it was completely filled with crepes, bacon, omelettes, and a variety of fruits along with a glass of juice. Sitting down across from the teacher, Shaun looked at him as he began to ask what was his cause of stress. And as he began listing off the reasons for his stress, it was as if a switch went off inside of him, as his heart began to race even faster, his leg bobbing vigorously, and his body can be seen trembling slightly. Taking a moment to collect himself and clear the ever-present lump in his throat, Shaun softly sighed and took a drink from his glass before putting it back down and sighing once more.

"Well, um..." Shaun softly said as he began explaining it to Rabbit; his awkwardness being prominent in his voice. "If you must know, it's been everything that you've listed off. The two boys, the tournament, and even the things that I've kept to myself. But let's see where exactly we should start....First, let's start with Soleil. Ever since I've been getting close to him, it seems that we only grow apart from each other. Every time I try and help him out, I only seem to make everything worst than what it already seems. And when that does happen, he seems to get rather...Anxious and dejected every time, even to where he completely shuts down. And then, there's me; I have no clue as to how to keep a person calm. And given my lack of patience and tolerance for such emotional things, I fear as though I may do something that may make him loose faint in me completely. I mean, I know that I myself am not the one to talk since I too have my moments, but even so, I've learned to keep those bottled up because you never know what might happen. Keep a stoic face. As for him? Well I fear that one day someone might take advantage of his anxieties, emotions, and insecurities and do more harm than good to him. So in all honesty, I guess that I'm just scared for him. Protect him even. From someone using him and taking advantage of his emotions like others have used me." He said softly and looking down at his food dejectedly before taking another swig of his juice before continuing.

"And then there's Allistor." He chuckled. "I don't know how I'm going to do this without making sound so weird or something, but I'll try. You see, Al is someone that I can confine in. Someone that allows me to be myself and just relax in the way that I know and love. Sol does that as well, don't get me wrong, but him? He and I have rather similar personalities I guess so it doesn't feel as awkward." He softly laughed. "However, after some time with him, I'd began to notice something. There's just something about him that makes me want to get to know him better. I dunno what it is, but I really like him, ya know?" He said chuckling awkwardly and rubbing the back of his head while blushing fiercely. "But there are a few things that prevent such things. Rather...Personal things and feelings that I don't really know how to disclose to anyone yet; even you. I do hope you understand, but I guess that I need to talk to him about it in order to get the gist of things.

Now moving on, let's go to another person, named Dominique. You see, we had a rather...Strange time together last night and in all honesty, I don't know what to make of it. But he was at least worried about me while we were doing it, so it at least it shows me that he cared. However when we were eating at a restaurant, we started to exchange a few passive-aggressive words before completely having a verbal brawl which was resolved by me leaving him alone. At night. And afterwards, I still feel bad and nervous as to whether or not he both A, made it back safely, and B, can forgive me for what happened. And hopefully he feels that same way as well.

And lastly, we have the tournament. Ever since we got here, there was rarely anything good about this whole thing. All we keep doing is getting into fights with these disgusting Europeans, causing some of us to get harmed in the process. And I dunno if it's just me or not, but it appears that ever since we got into this city, people are starting to change; this place was suppose to be a place of love, lights, all that good stuff. But to us, it's just created a bunch of despair, darkness and bitter hatred from everyone. And seeing this, I feel as though there's just nothing that I can do to help everyone. And if I do, I only seem to make things worst. So what I guess that I'm trying to say is that the reason that I'm stressed is that everything that I do, I make worst. Regardless of what I do, there's still the sense of not knowing whether or not somebody will regret either you being there to cause pain, or you not being there and cause pain. I feel like maybe...Just maybe, that none of these problems, none of this mess that everyone else and I was in, would be better if I wasn't just here at all...That I'm the cause of all these problems and in order for everyone to achieve their hope and get better or be their normal selves, then I shouldn't be here at all." Shaun finished off trying to once again not show his emotion and fears into his voice and face. However that was proving to be challenging for him at the moment.

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Natalie's face lit up. It worked! she cheered happily. Cheese made you all better!

Kasumi and Hikari both shook their heads despairingly.

"Natalie-chan, I told you not to do that," Kasumi muttered. Her tone brightened a little bit, and she continued with "Sorry, Soleil-kun. Natalie-chan still holds the firm belief that cheese makes everything better... She was trying to feed you cheese. I don't think she fully understands the concept of 'choking'..."

But it worked! Natalie insisted. See? He's up! Hi, Uncle Soleil! How are you doing? She looked up with wide eyes, grinning happily.

Confused, he looked down at Natalie, and he blinked. "...I-I think I'm okay...um...I-I got sleep...b-but...ah!" He panicked, and he began to try and get out of the bed. "Th-The tournament! I'm late! I-I'm going to be late and get us a penalty! A-Ah! I-I need to get-OW!!!" He fell out of the bed, and he knelt by the side of the bed, clutching his ribs. "...A-Ah...everything hurts...Why?...I-I can't...I-I have to go..."

"Soleil!" John immediately rushed into the room and helped him up carefully. He then sat him on the bed. "...Soleil...you can't get out of bed. Not right now," he told him calmly, holding back the urge to yell at him.

"B-But-"

"You're in no condition to go fight. Three of your mana points were severely damaged, and you can't use magic for at least the next few days. You also hurt your back badly, and you need to stay in bed for just as long," John told him calmly. Putting his hands on his shoulders, he stared him in the eyes. "...I'm sorry. You need your rest. Someone is going to fight in your place, okay?" he told him quietly.

The boy's devastation could be seen in his eyes, which stared almost blankly at the doctor. "...B-But...Professor...Professor Ruta...I-I want him to see me...I-I can't go without using magic! I-It's all I have! Professor, please!" he protested, as he gathered Shaun's bunny in his arms again and held it shakily. "...I-I want to...m-make him proud...I-I...If I can't...I-I'll..."

John looked kindly at him, and he smiled sadly. "I know it hurts. But you got beat really bad last night, and we want you to get better. So you gotta stay in bed, okay? We'll get you whatever you want, whoever you want," he explained.

Soleil's eyes continued to show his shock, which then settled into depression. He got back under the covers, and he snuggled with the bunny. "...Yessir...I-I'm sorry...I-I'm so sorry for everything..." he cried softly.

"You don't need to apologize for anything. You're an amazing Mage. Ruta knows you are, I know you are, we all know you are. We've seen you. You did amazing in the last two rounds. Just get your rest, okay?" John reassured him. He then put a hand on his shoulder and began to heal the wounds he had just made sore again.

Meanwhile, Soleil stared down at the bunny in his arms, his hands still shaking as he held it. "...I-I let everyone down..." He then ducked his face into the bunny's fur.

Henry Von Kressel

It was saddening. Soleil was eager to prove himself to Ruta, even after such brutal attack and rude answer from the professor he so eagerly idolized. A deep breath preceded the next words, which came into a calm tone, like Henry had the privilege of all the time in the word at his disposition. Yet, one would notice a certain hint of determination, firmness in his voice, just like someone who wanted.to send a strong yet positive message.

"Don't say that, Soleil. Every time you say it, you are being unfair to your abilities and achievements. You survived an attack from a group of people who are trained to kill Jaegers. Not to mention the fact that you successfully tracked down Ruta's location. Not bad, I must say.

But I also must say that... Maybe you have the impression that the only way to prove yourself is through battles, or feats of strength. This isn't the only way, Soleil. You've proven to be better than your antagonists in many different areas. See how many people came to visit you? You've proven yourself to be a better person and friend than they are. Our worry towards you proves it, there's no possible contestation to this fact. You advanced two rounds, with incredible skill and talent, both in fighting and in constructs. Once more, you've proven yourself to think outside the box of the same antagonists.

Now, you've given your talent to the Tournament. Everyone saw it. Everyone testified it, and there's no way of making this statement false. I know it's hard to rest, as we always seem to be after something. I didn't learn it properly yet, but I try. But this is what you need to do now, Soleil. Rest."

[Luminesa]

"Not at all. Come. Let's talk for a few minutes," he told him. He then walked with him down to the cafeteria, where he simply got a cup of coffee. He then waited for Shaun to get his food, and then walked to an empty table to speak to him. "...Now, Shaun...tell me everything that has been stressing you. Don't be afraid. I just want to know what has been bothering you. Soleil, perhaps? Allistor? I've seen you with both of them quite often these days. Perhaps something else? The tournament? Or have you been keeping some things to yourself?...Internalizing your pain is not always healthy, sweetheart, especially if it's old pain. Tell me. I will not think less of you no matter what you tell me," he explained to him, kindly. He hoped he was not scaring Shaun by asking this of him. He just wanted Shaun to trust him, to know that he was not as lonely as he thought he was.

Shaun Calhoun

As he walked with Rabbit down to the cafe, his heart began to slightly race in nervousness and worry. There wasn't anything for him to hide, but after hearing the words 'Let's talk', he instinctively grew worry of them. From having those words countless of times by his father when he was younger, his mind automatically felt as though this talk wasn't going to be as good as he thought. When they made it to the cafe he watched as Rabbit grabbed a cup of coffee and sit down, causing him raised an eyebrow a the sight. Grabbing his own plate of food, which given him was nothing short of impressive as it was completely filled with crepes, bacon, omelettes, and a variety of fruits along with a glass of juice. Sitting down across from the teacher, Shaun looked at him as he began to ask what was his cause of stress. And as he began listing off the reasons for his stress, it was as if a switch went off inside of him, as his heart began to race even faster, his leg bobbing vigorously, and his body can be seen trembling slightly. Taking a moment to collect himself and clear the ever-present lump in his throat, Shaun softly sighed and took a drink from his glass before putting it back down and sighing once more.

"Well, um..." Shaun softly said as he began explaining it to Rabbit; his awkwardness being prominent in his voice. "If you must know, it's been everything that you've listed off. The two boys, the tournament, and even the things that I've kept to myself. But let's see where exactly we should start....First, let's start with Soleil. Ever since I've been getting close to him, it seems that we only grow apart from each other. Every time I try and help him out, I only seem to make everything worst than what it already seems. And when that does happen, he seems to get rather...Anxious and dejected every time, even to where he completely shuts down. And then, there's me; I have no clue as to how to keep a person calm. And given my lack of patience and tolerance for such emotional things, I fear as though I may do something that may make him loose faint in me completely. I mean, I know that I myself am not the one to talk since I too have my moments, but even so, I've learned to keep those bottled up because you never know what might happen. Keep a stoic face. As for him? Well I fear that one day someone might take advantage of his anxieties, emotions, and insecurities and do more harm than good to him. So in all honesty, I guess that I'm just scared for him. Protect him even. From someone using him and taking advantage of his emotions like others have used me." He said softly and looking down at his food dejectedly before taking another swig of his juice before continuing.

"And then there's Allistor." He chuckled. "I don't know how I'm going to do this without making sound so weird or something, but I'll try. You see, Al is someone that I can confine in. Someone that allows me to be myself and just relax in the way that I know and love. Sol does that as well, don't get me wrong, but him? He and I have rather similar personalities I guess so it doesn't feel as awkward." He softly laughed. "However, after some time with him, I'd began to notice something. There's just something about him that makes me want to get to know him better. I dunno what it is, but I really like him, ya know?" He said chuckling awkwardly and rubbing the back of his head while blushing fiercely. "But there are a few things that prevent such things. Rather...Personal things and feelings that I don't really know how to disclose to anyone yet; even you. I do hope you understand, but I guess that I need to talk to him about it in order to get the gist of things.

Now moving on, let's go to another person, named Dominique. You see, we had a rather...Strange time together last night and in all honesty, I don't know what to make of it. But he was at least worried about me while we were doing it, so it at least it shows me that he cared. However when we were eating at a restaurant, we started to exchange a few passive-aggressive words before completely having a verbal brawl which was resolved by me leaving him alone. At night. And afterwards, I still feel bad and nervous as to whether or not he both A, made it back safely, and B, can forgive me for what happened. And hopefully he feels that same way as well.

And lastly, we have the tournament. Ever since we got here, there was rarely anything good about this whole thing. All we keep doing is getting into fights with these disgusting Europeans, causing some of us to get harmed in the process. And I dunno if it's just me or not, but it appears that ever since we got into this city, people are starting to change; this place was suppose to be a place of love, lights, all that good stuff. But to us, it's just created a bunch of despair, darkness and bitter hatred from everyone. And seeing this, I feel as though there's just nothing that I can do to help everyone. And if I do, I only seem to make things worst. So what I guess that I'm trying to say is that the reason that I'm stressed is that everything that I do, I make worst. Regardless of what I do, there's still the sense of not knowing whether or not somebody will regret either you being there to cause pain, or you not being there and cause pain. I feel like maybe...Just maybe, that none of these problems, none of this mess that everyone else and I was in, would be better if I wasn't just here at all...That I'm the cause of all these problems and in order for everyone to achieve their hope and get better or be their normal selves, then I shouldn't be here at all." Shaun finished off trying to once again not show his emotion and fears into his voice and face. However that was proving to be challenging for him at the moment.

So Shaun had essentially put the entire tournament, and all of its discomforts, on his own back. He felt that everything about the tournament was his fault, and that it would be better if he was not around. It seems...he was indeed beaten-down long before he got here...as was Soleil...as were many of the students here...It is strange, how so many families of Mages treat their children as servants who owe them, rather than as flesh and blood that is meant to be loved... he thought bitterly. Almost all of their stories shared that one similarity, and Rabbit could tell right away that he had carried this pain with him for quite a long time, the idea that everything was his fault and that he should just disappear. It was the reason why he was always so eager to stay away from others, even back at the Academy, and the reason that he suddenly felt so jittery and scared even engaging in casual conversation with others. And here he is, only sixteen years old, and he thinks the only thing he is capable of doing is hurting others, when he's one of the most gentle students here...I cannot let this continue...

"...Let us clear one thing. Nothing in this tournament is your fault. Nor is any of the other students' pain your fault," he began. Lifting his mask slightly-not enough so that Shaun could see anything-he took a sip of his coffee, and then he continued. "Soleil has been in pain for a very long time. In fact, he is in the same boat as you. He had never had any sort of positive experience in interacting with others, before he came to this school. In fact, he has been taken advantage of many times, probably, even before he came here and found all of you. Thus, making friends has been hard for him, since he has always been afraid of hurting others, of being a burden to others, or of being hurt by others. But he loves you quite a lot, from what I have seen, and he trusts you dearly. He blames himself for the things that happen around him just as much as you do...Now, Allistor..." He looked away for a moment, as though he was thinking. "...It is good to have someone in whom you can confide your feelings and worries...I understand that I may not be the best confidante myself, and it is good that you are trying to reach-out to your other classmates. That is why they are here..."

Looking back to him once again, he finished, "And I understand your pain about the tournament. Obviously many people have been trying to make your lives miserable. However, that is not because of anything you or anyone has done. Some people are merely wicked and vengeful by nature. They are not happy unless other people are miserable as they are, in their existence. I have met many of those in my life. Without their anger and their self-imposed chains of hatred, they are nothing more than slaves to their whims. All of you here are far stronger than such people. You and all of the students, you have shown heroic steadfastness, in the face of such trials, even in spite of your own pains. And I am proud of you for it. Do not worry as to how this tournament may end, or what the implications of such an ending may mean. All of that is for a later time. As for you...you are a kind, caring, and...vibrant individual. Your mana is unique. Your skills are incredible, especially for someone of your young age. And none of these people can take those things away from you unless you let them. So do not fear. Continue to hold those you love close to you, and open your heart to them. Continue to care for and to love others. And do not try to carry the world all by yourself. Please. That is why we are here with you."

[Luminesa]

Confused, he looked down at Natalie, and he blinked. "...I-I think I'm okay...um...I-I got sleep...b-but...ah!" He panicked, and he began to try and get out of the bed. "Th-The tournament! I'm late! I-I'm going to be late and get us a penalty! A-Ah! I-I need to get-OW!!!" He fell out of the bed, and he knelt by the side of the bed, clutching his ribs. "...A-Ah...everything hurts...Why?...I-I can't...I-I have to go..."

"Soleil!" John immediately rushed into the room and helped him up carefully. He then sat him on the bed. "...Soleil...you can't get out of bed. Not right now," he told him calmly, holding back the urge to yell at him.

"B-But-"

"You're in no condition to go fight. Three of your mana points were severely damaged, and you can't use magic for at least the next few days. You also hurt your back badly, and you need to stay in bed for just as long," John told him calmly. Putting his hands on his shoulders, he stared him in the eyes. "...I'm sorry. You need your rest. Someone is going to fight in your place, okay?" he told him quietly.

The boy's devastation could be seen in his eyes, which stared almost blankly at the doctor. "...B-But...Professor...Professor Ruta...I-I want him to see me...I-I can't go without using magic! I-It's all I have! Professor, please!" he protested, as he gathered Shaun's bunny in his arms again and held it shakily. "...I-I want to...m-make him proud...I-I...If I can't...I-I'll..."

John looked kindly at him, and he smiled sadly. "I know it hurts. But you got beat really bad last night, and we want you to get better. So you gotta stay in bed, okay? We'll get you whatever you want, whoever you want," he explained.

Soleil's eyes continued to show his shock, which then settled into depression. He got back under the covers, and he snuggled with the bunny. "...Yessir...I-I'm sorry...I-I'm so sorry for everything..." he cried softly.

"You don't need to apologize for anything. You're an amazing Mage. Ruta knows you are, I know you are, we all know you are. We've seen you. You did amazing in the last two rounds. Just get your rest, okay?" John reassured him. He then put a hand on his shoulder and began to heal the wounds he had just made sore again.

Meanwhile, Soleil stared down at the bunny in his arms, his hands still shaking as he held it. "...I-I let everyone down..." He then ducked his face into the bunny's fur.

Henry Von Kressel

It was saddening. Soleil was eager to prove himself to Ruta, even after such brutal attack and rude answer from the professor he so eagerly idolized. A deep breath preceded the next words, which came into a calm tone, like Henry had the privilege of all the time in the word at his disposition. Yet, one would notice a certain hint of determination, firmness in his voice, just like someone who wanted.to send a strong yet positive message.

"Don't say that, Soleil. Every time you say it, you are being unfair to your abilities and achievements. You survived an attack from a group of people who are trained to kill Jaegers. Not to mention the fact that you successfully tracked down Ruta's location. Not bad, I must say.

But I also must say that... Maybe you have the impression that the only way to prove yourself is through battles, or feats of strength. This isn't the only way, Soleil. You've proven to be better than your antagonists in many different areas. See how many people came to visit you? You've proven yourself to be a better person and friend than they are. Our worry towards you proves it, there's no possible contestation to this fact. You advanced two rounds, with incredible skill and talent, both in fighting and in constructs. Once more, you've proven yourself to think outside the box of the same antagonists.

Now, you've given your talent to the Tournament. Everyone saw it. Everyone testified it, and there's no way of making this statement false. I know it's hard to rest, as we always seem to be after something. I didn't learn it properly yet, but I try. But this is what you need to do now, Soleil. Rest."

Soleil stared up at him, listening to Henry as he spoke with the power that normally came with being a Nobleblood. Yet his message was ultimately a kind one, a positive one. He reminded Soleil of his determination, of his compassionate heart, of the number of people who all held him dear, because of his goodness and innocence. He did not realize all of his friends held such things in high regard, and at a tournament like this. He had felt so weak around all of his classmates, because of his own anxiety, that he had forgotten how much they truly did hold him in high regard. The bunny Shaun gave him, the people at his bedside, even Natalie shoving cheese down his throat, all of it showed him how much they all cared for him. Even last night, he saw it. Allistor and Henry's fierceness as they had defended their fallen comrade, Allistor bloodily taking down thugs while proclaiming that nobody hurt Soleil around him. Rabbit holding him in his arms as he healed him.

Ruta slashing down his opponents, despite his own exhaustion, in order to protect his student.

Holding back his tears, this time Soleil tried to be strong. He had never felt so loved in his life. He had never felt so much like he belonged, like the people around him cared for him and wanted him to be happy and healthy. His eyes widened as he stared up at Henry, and he slowly nodded. Without another word, he slipped under the covers, and he placed them over his head, trying to rest. "...Thank you...thank you...all of you...I-I...I-I love all of you so much..." he whispered weakly.

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

It was saddening. Soleil was eager to prove himself to Ruta, even after such brutal attack and rude answer from the professor he so eagerly idolized. A deep breath preceded the next words, which came into a calm tone, like Henry had the privilege of all the time in the word at his disposition. Yet, one would notice a certain hint of determination, firmness in his voice, just like someone who wanted.to send a strong yet positive message.

"Don't say that, Soleil. Every time you say it, you are being unfair to your abilities and achievements. You survived an attack from a group of people who are trained to kill Jaegers. Not to mention the fact that you successfully tracked down Ruta's location. Not bad, I must say.

But I also must say that... Maybe you have the impression that the only way to prove yourself is through battles, or feats of strength. This isn't the only way, Soleil. You've proven to be better than your antagonists in many different areas. See how many people came to visit you? You've proven yourself to be a better person and friend than they are. Our worry towards you proves it, there's no possible contestation to this fact. You advanced two rounds, with incredible skill and talent, both in fighting and in constructs. Once more, you've proven yourself to think outside the box of the same antagonists.

Now, you've given your talent to the Tournament. Everyone saw it. Everyone testified it, and there's no way of making this statement false. I know it's hard to rest, as we always seem to be after something. I didn't learn it properly yet, but I try. But this is what you need to do now, Soleil. Rest."

Soleil stared up at him, listening to Henry as he spoke with the power that normally came with being a Nobleblood. Yet his message was ultimately a kind one, a positive one. He reminded Soleil of his determination, of his compassionate heart, of the number of people who all held him dear, because of his goodness and innocence. He did not realize all of his friends held such things in high regard, and at a tournament like this. He had felt so weak around all of his classmates, because of his own anxiety, that he had forgotten how much they truly did hold him in high regard. The bunny Shaun gave him, the people at his bedside, even Natalie shoving cheese down his throat, all of it showed him how much they all cared for him. Even last night, he saw it. Allistor and Henry's fierceness as they had defended their fallen comrade, Allistor bloodily taking down thugs while proclaiming that nobody hurt Soleil around him. Rabbit holding him in his arms as he healed him.

Ruta slashing down his opponents, despite his own exhaustion, in order to protect his student.

Holding back his tears, this time Soleil tried to be strong. He had never felt so loved in his life. He had never felt so much like he belonged, like the people around him cared for him and wanted him to be happy and healthy. His eyes widened as he stared up at Henry, and he slowly nodded. Without another word, he slipped under the covers, and he placed them over his head, trying to rest. "...Thank you...thank you...all of you...I-I...I-I love all of you so much..." he whispered weakly.

Henry Von Kressel

Slowly, Henry walked up to the bedside, crouching as he stared at Soleil's eyes. The boy never knew kindness or anything near that. Henry saw it, in small quantities while he lived with his uncle, but it seemed that Soleil never met it until he reached Mana. It was something that touched Henry in a unique way, to see the boy completely blind to his own strength, and how it served him so far.

"Hey, before you rest... Know that it doesn't matter to us if they say you are a bad Rise. You're a good friend, and an excellent person, and we'll stood up for you if it's needed. I dare to say that you're like... A younger brother to me. Yes, exactly that. So rest, Soleil. Otherwise I'll have to fill the role of older, extremely boring brother that orders you to do things, right?"

[Luminesa]

Soleil stared up at him, listening to Henry as he spoke with the power that normally came with being a Nobleblood. Yet his message was ultimately a kind one, a positive one. He reminded Soleil of his determination, of his compassionate heart, of the number of people who all held him dear, because of his goodness and innocence. He did not realize all of his friends held such things in high regard, and at a tournament like this. He had felt so weak around all of his classmates, because of his own anxiety, that he had forgotten how much they truly did hold him in high regard. The bunny Shaun gave him, the people at his bedside, even Natalie shoving cheese down his throat, all of it showed him how much they all cared for him. Even last night, he saw it. Allistor and Henry's fierceness as they had defended their fallen comrade, Allistor bloodily taking down thugs while proclaiming that nobody hurt Soleil around him. Rabbit holding him in his arms as he healed him.

Ruta slashing down his opponents, despite his own exhaustion, in order to protect his student.

Holding back his tears, this time Soleil tried to be strong. He had never felt so loved in his life. He had never felt so much like he belonged, like the people around him cared for him and wanted him to be happy and healthy. His eyes widened as he stared up at Henry, and he slowly nodded. Without another word, he slipped under the covers, and he placed them over his head, trying to rest. "...Thank you...thank you...all of you...I-I...I-I love all of you so much..." he whispered weakly.

Henry Von Kressel

Slowly, Henry walked up to the bedside, crouching as he stared at Soleil's eyes. The boy never knew kindness or anything near that. Henry saw it, in small quantities while he lived with his uncle, but it seemed that Soleil never met it until he reached Mana. It was something that touched Henry in a unique way, to see the boy completely blind to his own strength, and how it served him so far.

"Hey, before you rest... Know that it doesn't matter to us if they say you are a bad Rise. You're a good friend, and an excellent person, and we'll stood up for you if it's needed. I dare to say that you're like... A younger brother to me. Yes, exactly that. So rest, Soleil. Otherwise I'll have to fill the role of older, extremely boring brother that orders you to do things, right?"

There was also this. Henry, Shaun, and Allistor had all declared themselves to be older brothers to Soleil. They promised they would protect him, and were even willing to be boring brothers who ordered him to do things. To Henry, that might have seemed annoying, but to Soleil, it meant the world. Having brothers who specifically treated him like a little brother, like someone worth protecting. His eyes sparkled with love as he looked at Henry, and he smiled warmly to him and nodded. "...O-Okay...brother...Thank you..." he whispered. With that, he snuggled once again with the bunny and tried to sleep. He wanted to rest, if only because his teammates-his family-loved him so much and wanted him to get better soon. They love me. They really, really love me. People actually love me. I'm wanted. I belong. I...I am happy. I am...finally happy...

[Saldinado]

"...Let us clear one thing. Nothing in this tournament is your fault. Nor is any of the other students' pain your fault," he began. Lifting his mask slightly-not enough so that Shaun could see anything-he took a sip of his coffee, and then he continued. "Soleil has been in pain for a very long time. In fact, he is in the same boat as you. He had never had any sort of positive experience in interacting with others, before he came to this school. In fact, he has been taken advantage of many times, probably, even before he came here and found all of you. Thus, making friends has been hard for him, since he has always been afraid of hurting others, of being a burden to others, or of being hurt by others. But he loves you quite a lot, from what I have seen, and he trusts you dearly. He blames himself for the things that happen around him just as much as you do...Now, Allistor..." He looked away for a moment, as though he was thinking. "...It is good to have someone in whom you can confide your feelings and worries...I understand that I may not be the best confidante myself, and it is good that you are trying to reach-out to your other classmates. That is why they are here..."

Looking back to him once again, he finished, "And I understand your pain about the tournament. Obviously many people have been trying to make your lives miserable. However, that is not because of anything you or anyone has done. Some people are merely wicked and vengeful by nature. They are not happy unless other people are miserable as they are, in their existence. I have met many of those in my life. Without their anger and their self-imposed chains of hatred, they are nothing more than slaves to their whims. All of you here are far stronger than such people. You and all of the students, you have shown heroic steadfastness, in the face of such trials, even in spite of your own pains. And I am proud of you for it. Do not worry as to how this tournament may end, or what the implications of such an ending may mean. All of that is for a later time. As for you...you are a kind, caring, and...vibrant individual. Your mana is unique. Your skills are incredible, especially for someone of your young age. And none of these people can take those things away from you unless you let them. So do not fear. Continue to hold those you love close to you, and open your heart to them. Continue to care for and to love others. And do not try to carry the world all by yourself. Please. That is why we are here with you."

Shaun Calhoun

As he continued to look down at the table, now abashed from feeling and acting like this, Shaun heard Rabbit speak to him, for which he slowly looked up at them with his eyes full of regret and worry. As he listened to him talk, he began to think about it. Was all of this really his fault? To him, it was, but to everyone else it wasn't. It was like 1 vs. 100 in this case, with the 1 so far taking the lead. Although from what he heard from everyone, the numerous of other people would say otherwise. Although there was a part of him that still believed that some of these problems were caused by him. Whether or not this is true was up for debate, but as for now, he was just as moved by what he was told now. Although what Rabbit said about Soleil made him think. Their problems were sort of similar to each other. Hearing about it made him think about what he'd been through. And just thinking about it made him deeply sigh and look rather irritated and hurt. If he was to experience everything that he did, God knows how he will be now. That is, if he would be here. His leg once again bobbing in irritation and worry as he wiped his eyes as they were beginning to collect tears in them. Knowing this, he tired to stop himself from getting emotional in front of everyone and especially Rabbit. However that changed when he heard Allistor's name. Hearing how he was able to do such things with, he nodded slowly and weakly smiled.

Although what really made him feel even more special was what he said afterwards. He was proud of him. Someone was actually proud of him. And even so, everything that was said afterwards made him feel a sense of greatness; accomplishment even. All he wanted was to hear that from someone; to the point where even a stranger saying that can make him feel this way. Even before as he looked for that feeling of love and wanted in so many people, only for them to use him as their own stress relievers and enjoyment, leaving him to once again fill in that void in not only his heart, but mind and body. As he continued to listen to him, there was a sudden feeling inside of him. What it was, he didn't know, but the side effects of the feeling made him feel something stream down his cheeks. Looking down at the table, he noticed that there were a few drops that splashed and hit it. Curious as to find out what it was, he touch his face and felt the wetness of his cheeks. Oh god, no...Am I...Am I crying? Quickly wiping his face with his arms, he tried to laugh in order to keep from crying even to where his face was getting redder from the embarrassment. "Oh, stop it Bun-Bun." He chuckled as he softly sniffled. "You're just saying all that stuff to make me all emotional, aren't you?" He chuckled even more as more tears continued to stream down his face. "But thank you." Shaun softly said with such sincerity and sweetness that even he wasn't aware of having such things.

[Luminesa]

"...Let us clear one thing. Nothing in this tournament is your fault. Nor is any of the other students' pain your fault," he began. Lifting his mask slightly-not enough so that Shaun could see anything-he took a sip of his coffee, and then he continued. "Soleil has been in pain for a very long time. In fact, he is in the same boat as you. He had never had any sort of positive experience in interacting with others, before he came to this school. In fact, he has been taken advantage of many times, probably, even before he came here and found all of you. Thus, making friends has been hard for him, since he has always been afraid of hurting others, of being a burden to others, or of being hurt by others. But he loves you quite a lot, from what I have seen, and he trusts you dearly. He blames himself for the things that happen around him just as much as you do...Now, Allistor..." He looked away for a moment, as though he was thinking. "...It is good to have someone in whom you can confide your feelings and worries...I understand that I may not be the best confidante myself, and it is good that you are trying to reach-out to your other classmates. That is why they are here..."

Looking back to him once again, he finished, "And I understand your pain about the tournament. Obviously many people have been trying to make your lives miserable. However, that is not because of anything you or anyone has done. Some people are merely wicked and vengeful by nature. They are not happy unless other people are miserable as they are, in their existence. I have met many of those in my life. Without their anger and their self-imposed chains of hatred, they are nothing more than slaves to their whims. All of you here are far stronger than such people. You and all of the students, you have shown heroic steadfastness, in the face of such trials, even in spite of your own pains. And I am proud of you for it. Do not worry as to how this tournament may end, or what the implications of such an ending may mean. All of that is for a later time. As for you...you are a kind, caring, and...vibrant individual. Your mana is unique. Your skills are incredible, especially for someone of your young age. And none of these people can take those things away from you unless you let them. So do not fear. Continue to hold those you love close to you, and open your heart to them. Continue to care for and to love others. And do not try to carry the world all by yourself. Please. That is why we are here with you."

Shaun Calhoun

As he continued to look down at the table, now abashed from feeling and acting like this, Shaun heard Rabbit speak to him, for which he slowly looked up at them with his eyes full of regret and worry. As he listened to him talk, he began to think about it. Was all of this really his fault? To him, it was, but to everyone else it wasn't. It was like 1 vs. 100 in this case, with the 1 so far taking the lead. Although from what he heard from everyone, the numerous of other people would say otherwise. Although there was a part of him that still believed that some of these problems were caused by him. Whether or not this is true was up for debate, but as for now, he was just as moved by what he was told now. Although what Rabbit said about Soleil made him think. Their problems were sort of similar to each other. Hearing about it made him think about what he'd been through. And just thinking about it made him deeply sigh and look rather irritated and hurt. If he was to experience everything that he did, God knows how he will be now. That is, if he would be here. His leg once again bobbing in irritation and worry as he wiped his eyes as they were beginning to collect tears in them. Knowing this, he tired to stop himself from getting emotional in front of everyone and especially Rabbit. However that changed when he heard Allistor's name. Hearing how he was able to do such things with, he nodded slowly and weakly smiled.

Although what really made him feel even more special was what he said afterwards. He was proud of him. Someone was actually proud of him. And even so, everything that was said afterwards made him feel a sense of greatness; accomplishment even. All he wanted was to hear that from someone; to the point where even a stranger saying that can make him feel this way. As he continued to listen to him, there was a sudden feeling inside of him. What it was, he didn't know, but the side effects of the feeling made him feel something stream down his cheeks. Looking down at the table, he noticed that there were a few drops that splashed and hit it. Curious as to find out what it was, he touch his face and felt the wetness of his cheeks. Oh god, no...Am I...Am I crying? Quickly wiping his face with his arms, he tried to laugh in order to keep from crying even to where his face was getting redder from the embarrassment. "Oh, stop it Bun-Bun." He chuckled as he softly sniffled. "You're just saying all that stuff to make me all emotional, aren't you?" He chuckled even more as more tears continued to stream down his face. "But thank you." Shaun softly said with such sincerity and sweetness that even he wasn't aware of having such things.

Rabbit watched Shaun as his eyes widened and he began to cry. He then smiled, seeing Shaun show his vulnerability, his soft heart, through his voice. For all he had been through, the boy still had a pure heart, though one that was buried underneath layers and layers of pain, fear, and uncertainty. "...You have not heard that from anyone in quite some time, have you?" he whispered, understanding the tenderness of the moment. Shaun did not have any self-esteem before now, and he continued to blush as Rabbit spoke to him, disbelieving his teacher's words. "...I do not expect for you to believe it all at the moment. You have been hurting for a long time. It may take some time for you to see it, and that is okay. Such pain does not go away with merely a few words. But you should know that you are a far better person than you give yourself credit for, and you still have much room for growth. Do not give up on yourself. Your life has just begun."