[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/ze7epWJ.png[/img] [h1][color=slateblue]The Fox and the Hound[/color][/h1][/center] [hr] [hr] [center][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOz7FQsriyI[/youtube] [h3]Some Time Ago - Before Ransom Demand[/h3][/center] After the Trials that had turned friends to enemies, Xiuyang's dorm had been ransacked: furniture overturned, papers scattered, bedding shredded, art destroyed or stolen. It was fortunate that she'd had the foresight to start storing her valuables somewhere else after the incident with Juulet that had left a hole in the ceiling. After the siege of the Violet Enclave that sparked revolution behind the hallowed white walls of Ersand'Enise, the Zenos assured Xiuyang that such behavior would not be tolerated again. Perhaps the school truly was turning a new leaf, the staff endeavoring to show more care for the students—or maybe they only did it on her account because she showed so much promise as a Tan-Zeno candidate. Regardless of the reasoning, Xiuyang would return to life in the dorms, at least until she could complete some projects and reduce her ongoing responsibilities a bit. As much as she was grateful for the peaceful isolation and safety—and living close to Ciro—she had no time to properly enjoy it. Always, there was a new drain on her time; more was being dedicated to business, to training, to studying, to her commute—and of course, Ciro had his own business, much of it Xiuyang was privy to, but some of it that she could not be, and she accepted that. Still, she'd barely had a taste of what life with the man would be like. Finally, she returned to Ersand'Enise, not to her old dorm room but a new one. It was the early hours of Shune when she arrived, and at her front door was a large wicker basket. Inside was a warm looking blanket. A letter was placed on top of it and unfolding it revealed a simple letter from Guy. Confused, Xiuyang took a quick look around, but he was nowhere to be found. At the end of the hall, though, was a dog she was familiar with. Penelope the Puffhound was watching over the basket, waiting for Xiuyang to receive it. [color=slateblue][i]How did he know I was coming back?[/i][/color] she wondered, momentarily unsettled. She shook it off, though; this was Guy. He was indeed Perrench, and a bit nationalist, but he was also one of her closest friends in the school. [color=2E5894][i]I know that things have been difficult with all that has happened and although I believe we have made some peace of it, I still wanted to send you a gift. Not because I have too many, surely not. But truly, I believe they will be wonderful companions for you. The little one reminds me of you in some ways. The large one is a doting Dragonhound and he should serve you loyally and with training might be able to be a fierce protector to whatever the world may bring you. The little one is a Virrangish Pointer that has boundless energy at times and recesses to her shell. I'm sure she will keep you plenty entertained. If you wish to return them, can you really do that? Look at her face.[/i][/color] Unfurling the blanket revealed 2 puppies! The large one was already the size of a piglet and had long fur of mixed browns and whites. It didn't even notice Xiuyang for it was happily dreaming. But the other dog was smaller, hidden amongst the fur of the greater pup. She was white and blond and looked at Xiuyang anxiously. She had these beautiful violet eyes that just stared back at Xiuyang. Soon she began to complain about it being too cold, shaking and letting out little distressed yelps. Startled, Xiuyang gasped and put the blanket back over her. Next to her was some more paper that was again from Guy, though this time they were just instructions on how to care for the dogs along with some good books in the library to help with training. It was surprisingly thorough. With that, Penelope the puffhound headed off, and Xiuyang was left to gather her thoughts. Quickly, she unlocked the door to her dorm, snatched up the basket and headed inside. If the men Ciro hired to have her things moved hadn't been subtle enough to avoid Guy's notice, they had done a spectacular job arranging everything—[i]almost[/i] everything. There was one article that she would entrust to no one but herself, and that was the mirror of swift exchange, the artifact whose intended purpose was for switching places with a partner—and while that function would surely see some use someday, she mostly used it to talk to Ciro, anywhere. For now, she mounted it above the fireplace, placed the basket in front of it, and knelt down to get one started. [color=slateblue]"[i]Now[/i] it's a home,"[/color] she remarked fondly. Then, she turned her attention back to the puppies. Laying down on the tatami mat lazily, she slowly pulled apart the blankets with a finger. Again, the blonde craned her head to look at Xiuyang with an anxious side-eye. Xiuyang tilted her head back in reply. The girl stretched, yawning, then sniffed and licked Xiuyang's finger. It was at this moment that Xiuyang knew. She couldn't stop herself. She was about to do something she hadn't ever done in recent memory: she squealed. [color=slateblue]"You are so [i]cute![/i] Yesh you are,"[/color] she cooed, spoiling the precious baby with belly rubs and head pats. This got the attention of the other dog, who also started begging and whining for cuddles. Tails were wagging, Xiuyang's legs were swinging in the air, and the room was full of panting and giggles and playful smooching noises. Then, there was another noise, a voice. It was Ciro's, coming from the mirror. Xiuyang perked up upon hearing it, then she froze as she realized she'd been caught in the act. Quickly, she picked up the shy blonde puppy and rose to her feet. [color=slateblue]"Ciro! Look at this dog!"[/color] she said urgently, her cheeks flushed with poorly hidden embarrassment. [color=slateblue]"[b][i]Look at her,[/i][/b]"[/color] she insisted, holding the puppy close to the mirror. Whether it was being lifted up suddenly, or Ciro's appearance in the unnatural mirror, the startled pup whined and piddled on the floor in response. Xiuyang's face froze in place. Slowly, she lifted the dog in front of it to hide her growing smile. [color=slateblue]"Sorry,"[/color] she snorted, trying not to laugh. She failed. [hr] [center][h3]Itching for Trouble[/h3][/center] For the first time in a long while that Xiuyang could remember, it was genuinely pleasant outside: partly cloudy with a strong breeze that kept the body cool. It was perhaps because of this that plenty of students were training at the Proving Grounds today. It was on days like this that Xiuyang would generally prefer to train alone somewhere else, but lately she found herself getting used to the stares, and the occasional interruption from experienced physical trainers like Mr. Secto were becoming more welcome, perhaps because she was starting to spend less time trapped inside her own head and more time focused on the task at hand. With a controlled descent, she lowered herself to one knee, with a large rock, more of a boulder really, on her back. [color=slateblue]"Eight..."[/color] she groaned as she stood back up, her muscles teeming with chemical and binding magics to support her. [color=slateblue]"Nine..."[/color] Other girls used to stare and judge. Girls that said things that reminded her of Raffaella, things like how her muscles were going to get big and big muscles aren't cute. [color=slateblue][i]Must be nice having a low enough RAS that you don't have to worry about the draft,[/i][/color] she used to think bitterly. Now, she was a familiar enough sight that the harpies kept to themselves. A few boys ogled, but Xiuyang ignored them. Unlike the girls, they never did stop, though. [color=slateblue]"...Ten!!"[/color] with a grunt, she hurled the rock onto the ground, and it crumbled into the dust from which it was formed. Only now was it apparent who had been hiding beneath the boulder. Xiuyang had grown her hair out and was keeping it in a ponytail during her training sessions. [color=slateblue]"Oh. I didn't see you,"[/color] she greeted Roslyn, out of breath. [color=slateblue]"...Why is it that whenever you find me, I'm always struggling to breathe?"[/color] she japed, pointing it out as she wiped the sweat from her forehead. Wiping with her thumb, Roslyn cleaned up the small trickle of blood that trailed from her busted lip. [color=#cbc66d]"I've noticed that too. I think the Gods have a very... weird sense of humor. Especially lately. Or I just have horrible timing."[/color] When Roslyn spotted the sweat, she grabbed her water skin from her hip and popped it open. Her nose crinkled at the strong, slightly sour scent filling the air. She offered it with an outstretched arm. [color=#cbc66d]"Here, drink this. Despite the smell, it is helpful to keep up your strength. It's adapted from the recipe I once got from Messer Secto."[/color] She added by detailing the ingredients, knowing the smell was off putting. [color=#cbc66d]"It's just beer vinegar, a few herbs I got from Esmii, and honey. The honey helps tame the sourness somewhat."[/color] As Xiuyang toweled off, she eyed the pungent waterskin with instinctive skepticism. But, who was she to question a formula used by her new mentor? Perhaps she'd convinced herself it would taste like beer. It did not. [color=slateblue]"Somewhat,"[/color] she allowed, hiding her face with part of her forearm. It didn't really work; they were still quite skinny. [color=slateblue]"I'm not sure the gods have a sense of humor, beyond just fucking with us."[/color] She glanced up at the sky. [color=slateblue]"How did that go, anyway?"[/color] she asked curiously, remembering how she caught a loon with Guy as part of her... initiation? Roslyn resisted chuckling at Xiuyang's reaction. She recalled having a similar one herself, but trusted in Secto's wisdom and downed it quickly. Her hand took back the water skin and tied it back to her waist belt. [color=#cbc66d]"Fair enough. I'm trying to think positivity about it."[/color] She settled down into a seat on a nearby rock as she continued. [color=#cbc66d]"I think it went well. Penny and I figured out a message made by butterfly wings. It would've been easier with quill and parchment, but we managed and followed the instructions. They departed, leaving us both glowing."[/color] Roslyn smirked at the memory. [color=#cbc66d]"What about you?"[/color] [color=slateblue]"Huh. ...Me and Guy chased a duck underwater. Or was it a goose..."[/color] she pondered, shaking her head vigorously as she remembered that [i]thing.[/i] [color=slateblue]"Caught it, too,"[/color] she added proudly. [color=slateblue]"...I should get back to training,"[/color] she sighed, standing up and stretching her arms above her head. Upon hearing Xiuyang's task, Roslyn looked taken aback. It seemed that Penny and her had the easier one compared to chasing a duck. [color=#cbc66d]"Now I know who to ask when I need to catch a bird."[/color] [color=slateblue]"Yeah. Ask Guy. I made him do all the work,"[/color] Xiuyang snickered, only half-joking. She watched her friend rise to her feet. Pressing her lips, Roslyn finally forced out the question on her tongue. [color=#cbc66d]"Do you need a partner?"[/color] It sounded better in her head than out loud causing her to add. [color=#cbc66d]"I mean, only if you want to."[/color] She was already getting up, ready to spar or walk away depending on her friend's answer. At Roslyn's sudden question, she blinked, confused. [color=slateblue][i]Do I look like I'm hurting for options, here?[/i][/color] she thought, looking around at the other students sparring. Then, a glimmer of understanding appeared in her eyes. [color=slateblue][i]Oh, she's asking [b]me.[/b][/i] "Uh, sure. I'm up for it, but I'm not training for next year's Trials, you know? I'm training for real. I won't play around."[/color] Roslyn nodded.[color=#cbc66d]"To be honest, I don't think the Trials will be the same after the last one."[/color] She bit her lip, thinking of the reason she was here originally. [color=#cbc66d]"Anyways, with everything that's happened I am not either. I nearly died trying to get past the golem and mercenaries."[/color] She clenched her jaw at the memory. [color=#cbc66d]"And I doubt it will be the last."[/color] [color=slateblue]"I still think the mercenaries are in contention for the most fucked-up part of that whole thing, even though they were the easiest enemies. You don't hire people to fight kids, and if you do, you certainly don't hire people of their ilk."[/color] Xiuyang shook her head in disgust. [color=slateblue]"I spared as many of them as I could, but I've been wondering lately if that was a mistake."[/color] She finished her stretch, an annoyed look on her face, and while her memory of that night's events was certainly part of it, there was something else bothering her. [color=slateblue][i]Does she think we're on the same level?[/i][/color] She thought back to her performance during Mano e Mano, where she was always overshadowed by her partner in each round, if not eliminated instantly. She thought back to how Mathijs completely disrespected her, and how she admitted during the Tan-Zeno interview that she was behind on her studies. Most of all, she thought back to the time she had to be rescued from Yarsoc. [color=slateblue][i]Of course. Who wouldn't think you were worthless in a fight?[/i][/color] She tried to think back to a time that she'd made a decent showing, but until recently, she'd made it a point to never draw attention to her RAS. [color=#cbc66d]"I agree with you. But I blame the administration more than the mercenaries. They were only doing as they were told, even if it was heartless."[/color] Roslyn began as she noticed the change in Xiuyang's voice, but she said nothing. [color=#cbc66d]"I did my best to avoid killing anyone, but I failed. I caused some man's head to pop."[/color] [color=slateblue]"Some of the worst atrocities in history were 'just orders,' Rose. Take it from a Solari: if you're going to take up dirty work, you have to be prepared to die for it, without notice from the gods or a shot at redemption. Fair or not, those are the stakes you accept when you go against the current. They deserved less."[/color] She smiled as she brought her staff to her hand with a swish of kinetic magic. Forcing a bit of warmth in her tone, Roslyn added. [color=#cbc66d]"Sooo... you ready or do you need to warm up first?"[/color] [color=slateblue]"Nope!"[/color] She forced a smile as she turned to move into a more open space. [color=slateblue]"Grace round or something?"[/color] she asked, her voice full of unusual cheer. Moving to face her partner, she stretched a bit to keep her muscles loose before she answered. [color=#cbc66d]"Grace round, I'm going to need it to keep up."[/color] [color=slateblue]"Soo, how much 'stuff' you wanna use? Bring anything?"[/color] She twirled the staff a bit. Drinking in the question, Roslyn's fingers rotated the tarnished ring on her hand before dropping her arm to her side. [color=#cbc66d]"Give me a moment to get my cannon."[/color] She turned about and strolled back to her bag hidden near a crumbling wall. Crouching down, she flipped open the top and reached in to retrieve the smoking bandit and a skin glue tub. Roslyn bit down to pull out the cork before pouring it in. Upon return, she spoke. [color=#cbc66d]"I have only the smoking bandit with two shots and the ring. So how about two items each?"[/color] [color=slateblue][i]"Two?"[/i][/color] she replied, somewhat incredulously. She stood, with no less than five on her person, for an amount of time that bordered on awkward. It was impossible not to feel just a little shame as she removed her boots, her guns, and... [color=slateblue][i]Fuck this,[/i][/color] she decided, tossing the Second Chancers to Roslyn. [color=slateblue]"Borrow these. You were part of the magusjaeger's thing, right? Show me what you can do."[/color] Roslyn hid her embarrassment at Xiuyang's response. Her collection of magic items, defensive and not, was small compared to others. Especially given the fact she lacked the funds to increase it. Her fingers curled a rogue strand of hair about her ear and shrugged, trying to fill in the awkward silence. [color=#cbc66d]"Well, four in total. Compass isn't useful in battle and I forgot the club. I'm not even sure how it really works."[/color] Xiuyang's reaction made her painfully aware how small her collection was compared to others. She didn't have the funds to expand it since most of it went to her family. Distracted by her thoughts, Roslyn nearly missed catching the Second Chancers. She looked over the pretty pair of pistols before nodding. [color=#cbc66d]"Yeah, my Zeno's teaching assistant runs the club. I'll make sure to clean them after we're done."[/color] She immediately drew in the sunlight and casted a buff to speed herself up. A simple kinetic spell to enhance her speed. [color=slateblue]"You had to know this was coming,"[/color] Xiuyang said as she split off into four separate Xiuyangs. [center][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vqkiurPauc[/youtube][/center] Roslyn inhaled as she eyed up each doppleganger quickly. [color=#cbc66d]"Well, you did warn me you weren't holding back."[/color] She raised her hand cannon and took a shot at who she thought was the real Xiuyang. An overly ambitious attempt to neutralize the glue with binding and chemical ended with one false Xiuyang revealed and the true Xiuyang soaked in a small amount of glue, most of it being deflected by an impromptu spin attack with her staff. [color=slateblue]"Hah! Good, good! I hate it when I have to wait for the final round for things to get interesting!"[/color] [color=#cbc66d]"I can be full of surprises when motivated. Besides, why choose one, when I can hit you all?"[/color] Roslyn smirked then jumped back, narrowly avoid being clipped by the staff's edge. It was then she noticed it. One of the Xiuyang were covered in glue.[color=#cbc66d][i]There you are.[/i][/color] Drawing in energy, she cast Light of Ahn-Shune. A sudden burst of light erupted in front of the target then she took a shot from one of the second chancers. The gunshot was a distraction, swiftly followed by an attempted gaze of sloth. Xiuyang quickly made to resist with chemical and binding. Roslyn's heart stopped a bit when her spell hit her target. She didn't expect it to work. A small breath exhaled when Xiuyang managed to block it. By now, the other doppelganger had gotten free and rushed in to join the others. She aimed at the nearest one with the gun—and with that, the last false Xiuyang was revealed, leaving the real one to retaliate with a physical attack using her gourd, of all things. Xiuyang, confident in her approach, was rebuffed with Arcane fire, with more force than she expected. Alarmingly, her beanie was also showing her not one, but [i]two[/i] Roslyns. [color=slateblue]"W-What?! How did you do that?!"[/color] she demanded. All the while, the luminescent ring of their arena was shrinking in size. [color=#cbc66d]"If you win, I'll tell you."[/color] Roslyn said, a little surprised herself. It shouldn't have worked. She had only been practicing temporal a few days, but it felt familiar. Like she had done it before... She pushed away the thoughts and drew one of the guns. Her eyes lined Xiuyang up and pulled the trigger, aiming for the body. Xiuyang foresaw the failure of her Arcane and Kinetic attack, ending with her flung from the arena completely. In response, she changed tactics to her own Arcane and Temporal. Now, she saw multiple of herself attacking Roslyn through the beanie, and moved to secure her best outcome. Then, suddenly, something strange happened. A butterfly passed by Xiuyang's view, and suddenly, she was back where she was a moment ago. [color=slateblue][i]Impossible! She can do that too?![/i][/color] Xiuyang was becoming disoriented with everything going on, between the beanie, the Temporal magic used by them both, and now butterflies that could rewind time. Xiuyang repeated her action, this time with even more resolve, and managed not to stumble. With Roslyn's Temporal attack deflected with one of her own, Xiuyang took the opportunity to strengthen her muscles with Binding. [color=slateblue]"Seems we're both hiding some new tricks,"[/color] she remarked. Xiuyang leapt at Roslyn, aiming to attack with her gourd once again. It was an odd choice, when her staff had far more range. It might have seemed to Roslyn like Xiuyang was messing around, but then it hit her—despite the kinetic rock shield—and Roslyn could feel her manas drop as the gourd softly glowed red, even as the circle was still closing in on the two of them. There was hardly anywhere to run now. However, as Roslyn just managed to avoid being knocked out of the ring, the Second Chancers were also starting to glow a bright blue. Wiping the trickle of red from her lip, Roslyn inhaled. Her eyes glanced back. The circle drew nearer as she gritted her teeth. Doubt, sensing blood and weakness, began to crawl over her confidence. She couldn't waste time healing now as she used her chemical magic to attack. A valiant effort from a weakened Roslyn was countered by a simple Arcane blast from Xiuyang. [color=slateblue]"Come on..."[/color] she panted. [color=slateblue]"You can't get gassed out in the first match."[/color] She took a chug from her gourd, as the ring kept closing in. Roslyn frowned as her spell was easily pushed away. She felt her ring's warmth on her finger, its magic not enough. Her friend's words felt like a taunt and a spark of anger snaked its way into her chest. [color=#cbc66d]"It's not over until its over. You might be in better shape... but you're not untouched either."[/color] [color=slateblue]"A lot of effort for a little scratch,"[/color] she parried, coming in again, this time harder with a kinetically-charged gourd attack. Roslyn didn't expect Xiuyang's retort. As the woman charged in, her gourd spinning, the Hendlish girl jerked out her smoking bandit. She pulled the trigger causing the adhesive to spew out. It caught the scarred girl, but not before the gourd slammed into the underside of Roslyn's jaw. The pain erupted in her head, the impact sending her backwards. It flung her out of the ring as she came to skidding to a stop onto her side. Ultimately, the match ended with Roslyn stuck to the floor, flung far outside the ever-shrinking ring. [color=slateblue]"First one goes to me,"[/color] Xiuyang declared, healing herself and Roslyn and freeing the latter from the glue. [color=slateblue]"It's best of Five where I come from, if you want to keep going."[/color] [color=#cbc66d]"Yeah, but give me a moment. I need to see if I have ammo for the smoking bandit."[/color] Roslyn said as she pushed herself onto her feet. As she rummaged through it, she placed a small clay jar to the side and continued. Slowly, she realized there wasn't any skin glue. [color=#cbc66d]"Uhh, where is it? I thought Niallus gave me another."[/color] She groaned. Dropping her bag, she turned to her friend. [color=#cbc66d]"You wouldn't have any skinglue on you, would you? I think I used the last of mine today."[/color] Just then a younger student jogged into the Proving Grounds with a small wooden box and approached Roslyn. "A... guy... paid me 10 Magus to hand this to you. I don't know what's inside." Then before she could give much of a response, he had made his exit leaving her with the box. Opening the box, a letter sat on top: [color=78d15a][i]'Listen, Roslyn. I got a lot of money riding on you winning this thing. You better not be running outta items just yet. Inside this box you'll find enough skinglue to last you the fight and all the ammo you'll need. Just hidden beneath all that, you'll find a strong paralytic poison as well. Just in case you were inclined to mix it in the other girl's drink. You know, to improve your odds. I could be inclined to share 10% of my winnings.'[/i][/color] Roslyn blinked and stared. [color=#cbc66d][i]Who would bet on ME of all people?[/i][/color], she turned to the boy who started to trot away. Her arm jerked out to stop him, but he slipped past and disappeared around a pillar. With a heavy sigh, she pulled the box closer and lifted the lid. She flipped open the letter to read it. Her eyes shifted from the words to the contents, noting the blackened glass vial. Paralytic poison. Xiuyang's words repeated in her head. [color=#cbc66d][i]Would it make it easier?[/i][/color] Realizing what she was considering, Roslyn pushed the thought away. She shoved the vial underneath the letter and took out the skinglue. She drew in energy and snapped the handcannon and pistols to her hands. While reloading both, she forced a smile and looked at her friend. [color=#cbc66d]"Welp, looks like someone's being generous. Not sure who, but it would be a shame to disappoint them."[/color] She pulled onto her feet and stretched again. Her joints gave a soft, subtle pop. [color=slateblue]"Another secret admirer?"[/color] Xiuyang teased as she twirled her staff impatiently, like one might spin a pen. Roslyn shrugged, [color=#cbc66d]"Maybe, not sure really. It feels a bit weird to me. Of course, if you're not okay with me having more ammo... I can either go without the weapon or we can drop down to two items each to keep it even. It's your choice."[/color] Xiuyang pursed her lips. [color=slateblue][i]Isn't this outside interference? Well, I'll look lame if I complain about it, so.[/i][/color] she shrugged. [color=#cbc66d]"So do we get a grace period for this round too?"[/color] [color=slateblue]"Sure? Go for it. Don't save your best material for the last round. Your enemies sure won't."[/color] She stood ready to take advantage of the grace period. This time, though, the arena was shrinking down from its starting size while they prepared. Roslyn inhaled and focused inwardly. The familiar tingle of her binding rushed down her skin and sank into her bones, gradually it faded. Her body felt reimbursed with energy as she drew out her hand cannon. She knew she needed to get more serious this time or there was no way she was winning this. [color=#cbc66d]"Ready, it is your turn."[/color] [color=slateblue]"Turn..."[/color] Xiuyang muttered under her breath. She had already begun to conjure illusions, but as Roslyn spoke, Xiuyang foresaw her spell failing. She tried again, this time invoking Temporal. All around her, Xiuyang could see no less than three different Xiuyangs trying to conjure six more illusory Xiuyangs. Xiuyang was seeing more of herself than she ever wanted to. However, no matter how many timelines she used the beanie to search, all of her attempts failed. [color=slateblue][i]F-Fuck.[/i][/color] The three copies she had actually managed to partially manifest dissolved in front of Roslyn's eyes, leaving only the original standing there, covering her mouth, appearing sick. Roslyn tried to track the real Xiuyang when the itching started. Uttering a curse, her hand rolled up her left sleeve then she scratched at the nook of her elbow. [color=#cbc66d][i]Why now?[/i][/color] Her eyes looked up to see a very green looking Xiuyang standing there. [color=#cbc66d]"Hey, uh... are you okay? You don't look so good."[/color] She stepped closer. [color=slateblue]"I'm... fine!"[/color] she replied angrily, staggering. [color=slateblue]"I'm just..! I'll just..."[/color] And then, she collapsed. [color=#cbc66d]"Xiuyang... No!"[/color] Roslyn's eyes widened. Everything happened in a blur. Adrenaline raced in her veins and settled in her head. She rushed forward. Her right arm snapped out and her bag thumped into her hand. Knees hit the ground and skidded. Xiuyang's form fell into her lap, spared from hitting the ground. She dug into her bag for anything. WHERE WAS IT!?!? Her brain screamed at not having found the snow pepper powder. Roslyn changed tactics. Her fingers checked for a pulse. A frantic, rapid one. Focus... focus, she forced herself to take a breath. Eyes snapped onto the beanie. She ripped it off and tossed it away. What was going on? [color=#cbc66d]"Xiuyang, please. No... fuck, what's wrong? Come on. This isn't funny, please just wake up. Please!"[/color] Her voice cracked against her will. She started to shake and a blurriness settled in her vision. A hand was placed on her friend's chest and she tried to sense the issues with binding. Nothing. [hr] [center][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDDNrw_uxfM[/youtube][/center] Xiuyang walked solemnly down the opulent white halls, accompanied by a familiar maid. Though she could feel the warmth of the Torragon sun on her face through the windows, her blood ran cold as a memory she couldn't quite place played out in her mind. There, beyond that old redwood door, in that bed waiting for her, was Ciro. There he was, deathly ill of some horrible malady that no binder could name—but it was not supposed to be Ciro in that bed. Xiuyang remembered this scene. She used to know this person. What was their name? What did they look like? Now, she couldn't remember. She reached out to him, intertwining her fingers with his. His hand was cold; he was already dead. She reminded herself that this wasn't real—no, it [i]was[/i] real, but it was not Ciro in that bed. That was impossible. This [i]scene[/i] was familiar, but this was not a real event. This was not happening to [i]Ciro.[/i] [color=dimgray][i]This is a hospital bed,[/i][/color] she recalled. [color=black][i]This can happen to anyone,[/i][/color] she remembered. This [i]was[/i] a dream. It had to be. Yet, the tears fell down her face. Who was this person? She loved this person. [i]Why couldn't she remember?[/i] Again, she ran out of the room, into the restroom to cry. Another familiar scene—but the face that met her in the mirror was not hers, but her father's. She'd poured so much into the family business—how could he betray her, toy with her like this?! Her emotions threatened to boil over. They made her feel sick—but she forced herself to keep them down. Yet, she couldn't do nothing. She had to get back at him, somehow—but he was too powerful. Just like every other notable mage she knew, infuriatingly out of her league. Just as she was fighting the urge to throw a punch at the mirror, the image of her father reached through it and grabbed her by the neck. Now, she was in another familiar scene: the streets of Mudville, on the night she'd had her drinks with Hill's Pond. The night she was "kidnapped" by... there she was, standing just over there. [i]Juulet.[/i] She stalked forward, her eyes wide in that filthy, [i]aberrative[/i] way. Xiuyang struggled, unable to break free of her father's grip. As she met Juulet's eyes, accepting her fate, she realized something: Juulet wasn't looking at her. She was looking at [i]him.[/i] [color=slateblue][i]Dad, let go of me![/i][/color] She struggled to break free, but couldn't. Juulet hopped closer, in that ridiculous yet terrifying way. [color=slateblue][i]Dad, I'm begging you... please turn around![/i][/color] She tried to speak, but no sound escaped her mouth. She was less than an arm's length away now. No! This wasn't happening. This couldn't be allowed to happen! Despite everything..! [color=slateblue][i]Dad, I love you..![/i][/color] [hr] Xiuyang jerked awake, covering her mouth as she again fought the urge to vomit. Her head was pounding horribly, and her sweat felt absolutely frigid. It was then that she finally remembered: she'd never lost someone she loved to illness before—but she'd seen others suffer through that very scene so many times, the fear always lurked in the back of her mind that someday, it would be her. Slowly, the intense pain faded, and she realized that her beanie had been removed. Either Roslyn had realized what was happening and removed it, or it had come off when she fell. [color=slateblue]"Mnn... Round two is [i]so[/i] not happening..."[/color] she sighed, laying an arm across her forehead. [color=slateblue]"I, am never, doing that again. [i]Holy fuck,[/i] that sucked."[/color] The moment Xiuyang moved, Roslyn pulled back her hand. Relief washed over the brunette's face causing her to exhale. Thank Eshiran, she was okay. [color=#cbc66d]"I agree, and what happened? You cast some weird magic and collapsed."[/color] Roslyn made her voice steady, but the panic refused to be suppressed. She didn't realize she had a small trickle of tears running down her cheeks. Xiuyang reached around blindly until she found her missing beanie, but she didn't put it back on just yet. [color=slateblue]"I can see into the future. Just about ten seconds' worth..."[/color] she explained while she caught her breath. [color=slateblue]"That was hard to get used to at first, but I got the hang of it, so I tried to see multiple different futures. Pushed it too far."[/color] Her vision was starting to return to her, and she caught Roslyn crying. She had tears too—perhaps from the pain, perhaps from the dream—though, she had wiped them away. [color=slateblue]"Stop that,"[/color] she scolded, grinning as she reached up and wiped them away with her crumpled-up beanie. [color=#cbc66d]"I-I can't. You scared me. I thought you were sick and..."[/color] Roslyn swallowed. She fought to slow her heart, ignoring the strain of it. A weak, forceful laugh escaped her lips. [color=#cbc66d]"I'm glad you're okay."[/color] Xiuyang slumped back down to the floor, contemplating. She'd told the High Zeno of her ambitions, but did anyone else really know? Aside from Ashon... probably not. It served as yet another reminder of how she had kept her fellow students at arms' length—and now, war was closing in, and it might be too late for proper friendships. For once, the thought made her a bit sad. [color=slateblue]"I've watched people die of diseases with no cure. It's what motivated me to pick the binding school, really. Well, that, and not wanting to go to school at first, but that's a secret."[/color] She smiled. [color=slateblue]"Sorry for getting carried away. If I'm going to pass the Tan-Zeno Exam, I need to push myself, and learn to push others. I was... putting on airs a bit, there. ...We can call this one a draw."[/color] She averted her eyes. Roslyn. resisted the urge to hug her friend. It would only embarrass her and she didn't want that. [color=#cbc66d]"I say we call it a day here, and just rest. Are you sure nothing else feels off?"[/color] [color=slateblue]"My hips feel a bit light,"[/color] she japed. [color=slateblue]"I've been carrying those guns everywhere ever since... you know."[/color] Roslyn listened and wondered how much she should say. Deep down she knew after the symptoms started, her time here would be over and everyone would forget her. Any type of impressions didn't matter in the end. She was nothing, but a low born baroness from an unimportant nation. The idea, scary as it was, felt unavoidable. She leaned against a chunk of pillar and twisted her ring on her finger. It surprisingly calmed her whenever she was upset. [color=#cbc66d]"I know the feeling of dread and waiting on something to repeat, but never had that feeling of relief. I just try to ignore it. Eventually, I won't be able to."[/color] After spending a few minutes on the floor, Xiuyang did a kip-up, landing on her feet to definitively show that she was okay. Then, she walked over to where Roslyn was resting. [color=slateblue]"What's that about?"[/color] she asked, out of habit. For a moment, she pondered if she was being too nosy, and if she should give Roslyn an out to not talk about it. [color=slateblue]"And when did you get engaged?"[/color] she added, teasingly reaching for Roslyn's ring. [color=#cbc66d]"It's not an engagement ring. I got it from the trials, alongside that compass, and it has been pretty handy. It seems to steal luck from my opponent, then transfer it to me. Been saving my ass a few times during the attacks. "[/color] Roslyn pulled off her ring and offered it to Xiuyang to study. [color=slateblue]"So that's why I felt off my game today,"[/color] she replied as she inspected the ring. She even put it on and tried using it, directing it at other students who were training. [color=slateblue]"Doesn't seem to work for me. Maybe it's just your lucky ring. Like my 'lucky' guns."[/color] She smiled playfully as she returned the ring to Roslyn, and the guns to herself. [color=#cbc66d]"Only works when my opponent does something. It's only one of two new tricks I have."[/color] Roslyn commented, smiling at the mention of luck. It felt like something she lacked. [color=slateblue]"Definitely lucky then,"[/color] Xiuyang decided, grinning. It was hard to know for sure how her friend might take what she was about to say. Anyone in their village that knew about the curse kept her at an arm's length. Roslyn didn't blame them for it. It was painful to become attached to someone who might die prematurely. [color=#cbc66d]"A family curse."[/color] Xiuyang scratched her chin. [color=slateblue]"So, it's passed down?"[/color] She looked Roslyn up and down, noting that she looked healthy. [color=slateblue]"Me and Trypano both have theories about that sort of thing. I don't like the idea that the gods just punish people for being born and nothing can be done. There must be a mechanism of cure, but the execution is out of our reach... for now,"[/color] she allowed. [color=slateblue]"That's why I need to become a Zeno. I'm sure the information I need is somewhere only they can get to it."[/color] She didn't ask about the mechanism of the curse. It was Roslyn's right to not speak of it, if she wanted to. Her dignity was worth more than Xiuyang's curiosity. Her eyes shifted back to Xiuyang. [color=#cbc66d]"Trypano... I remember her. She offered to help me with funds for the ship, materials, and my brother. However, I am not sure I trust her now. She gave me an item that could've gotten me into a lot of trouble if the wrong people discovered it."[/color] Xiuyang could only offer a shrug at Trypano's behavior. [color=slateblue]"That's just how she is. It's like... if she doesn't think she [i]should[/i] get in trouble for something, it's not her problem. As long as she accomplishes her goal in the end, the opinions of others don't matter. She holds herself as the ultimate ethical authority. It's a very black-and-white way of thinking. ...It is going to land her in hot water someday,"[/color] she admitted. [color=slateblue]"I don't really think she's trying to 'use you' while disregarding your safety. She's a go-getter, and I think the very concept of anyone else thinking differently is genuinely weird to her."[/color] [color=#cbc66d]"Yeah, just glad that Tku discovered the issue rather than someone else. I have enough to deal with and I don't need more trouble."[/color] Roslyn's hand began to rub her arm, recalling the blood Trypano took. She knew it was stupid, but she took a risk. She hoped nothing would come from it. Roslyn took a breath as she continued. [color=#cbc66d]"Yes, it's passed down. Would sharing what I know, help in your research?"[/color] [color=slateblue]"...Maybe. The best thing would be to meet a family member who's presenting symptoms. I don't have to worry about catching anything,"[/color] she said confidently, though she wouldn't explain why. Roslyn looked hard at Xiuyang then stuck out her tongue. [color=#cbc66d]"Well, as far as I know it's not contagious. And, I am planning on going home some time this month. The trip's been delayed long enough because of everything that's happened. You could tag along? Garith, my brother, has symptoms. I might need the help to convince him to be looked at again."[/color] Xiuyang gave Roslyn an odd look, amused. [color=slateblue]"I didn't say [i]you[/i] were contagious. Unless, there are symptoms you want to talk about? Heart palpitations, sweaty palms, itchy ankles..."[/color] she teased. [color=slateblue]"I've got multiple projects going on this month, but I'll try to make time for it."[/color] She paused. It sounded more uncaring than it did in her head. [color=slateblue]"I just take my promises seriously, that's all. I'll let you know when I've worked something out." [/color] [color=#cbc66d]"I mean the mark I have does itch occasionally. Other than that, nothing like my brother's. Mano e Mano was a pain. It took a lot of will power and chemical not to peel off my skin."[/color] Roslyn frowned a bit, considering something. [color=#cbc66d]"It also itched earlier when you used your beanie and then collapsed."[/color] [center][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfYblltzFII[/youtube][/center] [color=slateblue]"Mark?"[/color] Xiuyang replied curiously. Her confidence seemed to wane somewhat. [color=slateblue]"...Would you show it to me? Uh, not here, obviously."[/color] [color=#cbc66d]"Yeah, all my family on my mother's side has it. As far as I know, they are all... gone save for my brother and me."[/color] Roslyn struggled a bit to get the words out. She had been about to roll up her sleeve, when Xiuyang's words stopped her. [color=#cbc66d]"It's on the elbow, if you're worried about modesty. It's been on display at least once or twice when someone tried to scorch my clothes."[/color] Xiuyang frowned. This was quickly becoming a more serious affair than she'd expected. [color=slateblue]"I'm... so sorry. I can't imagine..."[/color] The truth, however, was that she could, and often did, imagine Juulet coming for her family. [color=slateblue]"N-No, please cover it. Sorry. It's just... the Perrench have accused me of being a blood mage. I'm sure you can imagine how it might look. We just fought and all."[/color] She averted her gaze. Roslyn wasn't sure what to say at the moment. She bit her lip and then leaned into Xiuyang slowly. Once she was sure the woman wasn't going to flinch, she gave her a genuine hug. [color=#cbc66d]"Don't be. You didn't do anything wrong. Even if you were accused, I can prove otherwise."[/color] She took a breath to brace herself, adding a hint of mirth to her tone. [color=#cbc66d]"I have had this since birth. Besides, only the Great Hugo was rumored to be able to cast magic before he could speak. At least according to the stories of him."[/color] Xiuyang returned the gesture, putting her arms around Roslyn. [color=slateblue]"Thanks... but the truth doesn't matter to those people. Convenient rumors and half-truths always suited them better."[/color] Catching the eyes of some such students, Xiuyang just smirked at them. It felt good to be able to walk freely around campus again, but it felt even better to be just a little smug about it. [color=slateblue]"Come on, we're hogging the arena. Let's go get drinks. My treat."[/color] [color=#cbc66d]"You're right. However, I count this as a win. I don't think I'll get one officially otherwise. You're hard to beat."[/color] Roslyn's grin widened. She pulled back and followed Xiuyang onto her feet, grabbing her bag from beside her. Thoughtfully, she added. [color=#cbc66d]"But seriously, Xiuyang. If you can't come with me, don't worry about it. You're one of my closest friends and I'm grateful for that."[/color] She waited for her friend to lead the way. [color=slateblue]"What?! Are you kidding?"[/color] she replied incredulously. [color=slateblue]"You want a [i]real[/i] win, come back tomorrow! I'll train with you anytime."[/color] She slung her bag over her shoulder. [color=slateblue]"By the way... last one there buys drinks next time!"[/color] she blurted out, laughing as she took off running. She didn't comment again on her brother for the time being. More than anything, she wanted the both of them to escape this melancholic mood. [color=slateblue][i]Thanks, Roslyn,[/i][/color] she thought, but didn't say. She hoped it would still be true next year.