[center][u][h3]Echo Marine, Tawne Adagio[/h3][/u] 
[@crimmy][@krayzikk][/center]

The under-her-breath murmur of the purple-haired girl did not, no doubt to her chagrin, penetrate the steady hum of the festival-going crowd to reach Echo’s ears.  Fully prepared to lean over and request, with as much non-irate courtesy as she could muster, the response again, Echo paused and changed focus when Umeko replied instead.  The headband-clad girl’s infectious smile prompted one from Echo, who reciprocated her silent appraisal.  Umeko clearly held a knowledgeable affinity for fashion, combining stylishness and functionality with an affable manner that totally contrasted her dull-eyed companion as far as Echo could tell.  An affirmative nod confirmed Umeko’s guess, sending her sensational bun bouncing to boot.  [color=0070FF]”Mhm!  Strongest chick around, most like.”[/color]  She glanced at the quiet one, wondering why one might be recalcitrant having inserted herself into the middle of a fairground.

Her attention soon returned to Umeko, and in short order she could color herself impressed by her new acquaintance’s powers of observation.  Again she nodded, still contaminated by Umeko’ amicable grin.  [color=0070FF]”Yep!  Atlas born an’ raised.”[/color]  The other girl’s comment on Tearlag’s nature clarified Echo’s pondering somewhat.  [color=0070FF]”Oh.  No worries.  There’s a sayin’ I heard: those who speak don’t know, and those who know don’t speak.  In other words: fear the quiet ones.  I’m sure y’all are gonna make a big splash in the tournament.”[/color]  Her focus wavered a touch while Umeko delivered her next remark, but Echo thought she got the essence of it.  [color=0070FF]”You do kinda look like the modelin’ type.  Guess if ya wanna start up some merch, you’re gonna have to win big at the fights.  Hey, maybe I’ll get an action figure or somethin’.  Wonder who’ll get somethin’ first: you or me?  Hm.”[/color]

At that moment, the metal shack burst open.  Out of it stalked Tawne, his glasses in his hands and a mightily pissed look on his face.  Multicolored powders blanketed him head to toe, giving him the impression of an abstract art piece.  Mr. Phlox, who’d been standing by the door with an almost eager demeanor, furrowed his eyebrows in what might have been mock confusion when Tawne threw him a sourly indignant look.  [color=CD5700]”You little bastard.  Forget ‘challenge chamber’!  That was some sort of twisted humiliation box.  If I had been wearing my good clothes, I’d-a slugged you right now.”[/color]  Looking closely, however, a skilled observer might detect traces of concealed mirth in his eyes.  After a moment, Tawne snorted.  [color=CD5700]”You better trick lots more people, and a lot worse than you tricked me.  What’s your deal, even?  You hate hunters or something?”[/color]  Phlox clasped his hands together and inhaled, but Tawne cut in again before he could speak.  [color=CD5700]”Wait, no, sorry.  Couldn’t give a crap about your backstory.  Carry on…prick.”[/color]  Grumbling, the living rainbow looked around, and upon spotting Echo he made his way over.

[color=CD5700]”I wish I thought of something like that.  Most academy hunters are so full of themselves, they could use being knocked down a peg by some goof like him.”[/color]  He put his glasses back on, and through the powdery coating examined Umeko and Tearlag thoroughly.  An incredulous look sailed Echo’s way.  [color=CD5700]”Making friends?  Echo, how could you?  You broke your eighteen-year-streak.  ‘Scuse me, ladies.”[/color]  With no further warning, Tawne whipped around.  Like a top he span rapidly in place, and the powder carpeting him showered off onto the ground and, if they did not move, the girls.  Echo, at least, managed to step away far enough so that only a shoe changed color.  Even after, however, his hair was a ridiculous blend of blue, green, yellow, and orange—not that he could tell.  [color=CD5700]”Ah!  I feel almost…normal.  Anyhoo, who’s youse?”[/color]