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[b][u]Aliquam: Academy of the Arts – SW Section[/b][/u]

So the Masked Phantom wanted them to release his companions and then leave the premises? And then he was going to steal the Academy? What….? Lute frowned as he recalled the contents of the transmission. He left the communicator with Rose since she was in the middle of where he and Trixie were, and it would be easier for them to hear updates.

“It sounds like things aren’t going too well with the others,” The virtuoso finally said with a scowl as he eyed their captive. Of course, he was talking about the group where Tobias, from the sound of it, was planning on hurting the thief. All for his damn pride. These aristocrats think they’re so freaking important.

“Kid, zip it,” He glared at Fabian who actually had the nerve to call him stinky. Whose fault was that, you annoying brat? 

[i]‘What the fuck!?’[/i]

“Huh?” Lute had zero time to react because just as he spun to face the opposite direction a crippling force fell down on his neck. Everything briefly turned black. He limply dropped to his knees, a burning pain searing up from a point on his neck, and he covered the area with his hand as if that could numb the sensations. It didn't. The virtuoso glanced up only to see his assailant had gone, but with that strong a blow to the collar Lute knew he would have difficulty blocking a strong attack. Useless. 

"Trixie, watch out! We've got company!" Lute staggered to his feet and switched his sword arm to the left. He blinked, fighting off the shadows approaching at the corners of his eyes. His neck hurt like crazy and falling unconscious was a tempting offer. Wait, what was he talking about!? 

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[b][u]Aliquam: Academy of the Arts – N Section, Performance Hall[/b][/u]

Francesca heard everything, and she was far more concerned with the nobleman rather than anything else. He was a loose cannon, an unpredictable element in an equation. It would have been dangerous if he had the barest modicum of skill, but the state of his rapier told enough of his capabilities. She had inspected it earlier and came to the conclusion that this must be its first real use asides from hanging around as décor or, perhaps, being used for halfhearted training sessions. 

“What a waste,” She murmured to herself as she twirled the rapier around and then caught it by the handle. She stood up from her seat and stared down at the group of people around the cage, focusing on their different outfits to keep her mind off the suspense. One lady had a scarf made of feathers. Hmm.

Jay seemed to be trying to deal with the Guilders… but would that work? While it had always been a part of Francesca’s attitude to doubt, she sincerely hoped that they would just follow what the Phantom said to save all of them the trouble of fighting with one another. The thief approached the railing to get a better look at what was happening, half-expecting the Phantom himself to burst in through the doors in a wonderful and grand entrance.