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[color=lightgray][color=#dda0dd]Time:[/color] Morning
[color=#ff66cc]Location:[/color] Black Rose Mansion
[color=#4DD0E1]Mention:[/color] [@PapaOso] Cassius [@Samreaper] Kazumin [@JJ Doe] Fritz [@Helo] Leo
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Kira sat in a rocking chair, a loosely draped blanket around her shoulders. Damp curls framed her face softly, offering a delicate contrast to her dark attire—black pants and top—giving her a striking yet subdued presence. 
A book lay open in her hands, though her eyes weren't really following the words. Sometimes she wished she could disappear into the pages and bring her family with her, leaving everything behind.

Nearby, subtle noises filled the air, but Kira remained still, blending effortlessly into the background. Her fox, Liam, lay curled beside the chair, while Maggie, her raven, perched silently on her shoulder. Rue’s cat, Daisy, rested at her feet, purring softly as Kira absently stroked the fox and cat in turns.

The peaceful moment was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching, pulling Kira from her thoughts. She glanced up just as Felix and Yuka emerged from the mansion, the playful pair breaking the quiet. Felix wore his usual mischievous grin, while Yuka clung to his back in a piggy-back, her laughter muffled as she whispered something in his ear that only made his grin widen.

[color=#dda0dd]“Kira is studying for her test at school,”[/color] Felix teased in a hushed tone, glancing back at Yuka. [color=#dda0dd]“She’s aiming to get the highest grade so she can be crowned the queen of recess.”[/color]

[color=#ff66cc]“Oh, oh, don’t want to disturb the total nerd...”[/color] Yuka added with mock seriousness, her snicker betraying her playful intent. Sliding off Felix’s back with exaggerated stealth, she crept toward Kira as though their presence wasn’t already obvious. With sudden exuberance, Yuka snatched Kira’s book, flinging herself dramatically onto her lap, a wide grin plastered on her face. [color=#ff66cc]“[i]Kira!![/i] I want attention!”[/color] she whined playfully, her voice carrying a sing-song tone.

Kira tried to ignore them, despite being fully aware of their antics. She caught a glimpse of Yuka clinging to Felix, like a child being carried by their parents, and couldn’t suppress a quiet chuckle. Recess? The thought amused her—she hadn’t had time for something as trivial as recess in years. The “nerd” comment made her bite her tongue, pretending she hadn’t heard it.

Around her, the animals stirred. Liam, her fox, lifted his head, ears pricked with mild annoyance, while Maggie, indignant, flew off Kira’s shoulder with an irritated squawk, landing on a nearby shelf to glare at Yuka. Daisy darted beneath the chair, seeking refuge from the sudden chaos.

Despite the commotion, Kira shut her eyes briefly, stifling a laugh before opening them again. She smiled at Yuka, a mixture of amusement and patience. [color=#4DD0E1]“Why, my little black cat, of course, you deserve nothing less.”[/color] Kira purred to Yuka, her fingers threading through her hair. Liam, her fox, wagged his tail cautiously at Yuka, a mix of affection and wariness. 

[color=#4DD0E1]“Do you want the nerd’s attention, or can I go back to reigning over my nonexistent recess?”[/color] She shot Felix a teasing smirk, shaking her head in amused exasperation. [color=#4DD0E1]“What do I owe the pleasure, my Sword King?”[/color]

Yuka, still snuggled into Kira’s shoulder, whined dramatically. [color=#ff66cc]“I deserve all your attention right now! Annnddddd you need to tell me who this Cassius boy is!”[/color] She lifted her head, eyes gleaming with mock jealousy. [color=#ff66cc]“He’s not prettier than me, is he? Are you leaving me for him?”[/color]

Kira's laughter started but quickly died in her throat. The mention of Cassius made her skin prickle, her jaw clenching for just a moment. Still, she smiled down at Yuka, though a sharp glint of anger flashed briefly in her eyes. [color=#4DD0E1]“You have my undivided attention, kitty,”[/color] she reassured smoothly. 

[color=#4DD0E1]“I’d never leave you for anyone. Who else would I go hunting with?”[/color] Her fingers stroked Yuka's hair once again, though her gaze shifted toward Felix, her smile now tighter.

Felix, hands stuffed in his pockets, leaned against the house, his posture casual but his eyes sharp as they met Kira’s. [color=#dda0dd]“I’d been hoping to catch you to talk about the meeting, Kiki. I actually have the same question as Yuka for once… It’s interesting that you were apparently friends with someone like the Scourge of Eisenholm.”[/color]

The old nickname “Kiki” softened her a bit, a flicker of amusement surfacing in her expression. She continued absentmindedly stroking Yuka’s hair, her attention fully on Felix now. [color=#4DD0E1]“Ask away, Sword King, and I’ll answer however I see fit.”[/color] A sigh escaped her lips as she realized there was no dodging this conversation.

[color=#4DD0E1]“Well, considering I was high up in the Iron Wolves, I knew almost everyone in that circle. I wasn’t exactly known for my mercy, either. Cas...well, we [i]were[/i] close friends.”[/color] Bitterness crept into her voice, her hand briefly stilling in Yuka’s hair as her fists clenched. 

[color=#4DD0E1]“The bastard thinks I’m dead, and we’re keeping it that way until Marek gives the all-clear. For now, he’s being watched from a distance. He’s gaining some infamy as the so-called ‘Damien’—bastard noble and all. I can’t just waltz up to him. Like father, like son, I guess.”[/color] Kira forced her fists to relax, resuming the comforting strokes through Yuka’s hair as if it would steady her own rising tension.

Yuka’s eyes glittered with twisted glee, soaking up Kira's attention. [color=#ff66cc]“Kiki, if this Cassius guy is a problem, I can help… rearrange his insides. We’ll start with his entrails—make him scream like old times.”[/color] Her voice purred, the promise of violence barely concealed beneath her playful tone.

Felix chuckled, moving to lean casually on the armrest of the rocking chair, his eyes alight with a different kind of mischief. [color=#dda0dd]“Entrails? Yuka, let’s start with his mind. Break him down first. Make him beg for it. No room in the world for someone stupid enough to cross our Kiki, and definitely no space for another Damien. Their egos alone take up too much.”[/color]

Yuka, the dramatist, grabbed her throat, making exaggerated choking sounds. [color=#ff66cc]“CAN’T. BREATHE... [i]THICK[/i]… Damien... [i]SMOG[/i].”[/color] She collapsed into giggles, her face lighting up with unrestrained delight. [color=#ff66cc]“Oh, wait, it sounds like Chairman Felix has a plan!”[/color] she added in a singsong voice after her laughter had subsided.

Felix’s smirk deepened. [color=#dda0dd]“Oh, I’ve got a plan, alright. Imagine this: Kira befriends him, makes him think everything’s forgiven. We let him believe he's safe, let him get comfortable, and figure out what matters to him most.”[/color] He paused, letting the suspense build, his voice dipping into a darker, more menacing tone. 

[color=#dda0dd]“Then, when he’s drowning in his own delusions, Kiki shows him just how little she cares. We tear him apart—slowly. Crush him from the inside out.”[/color]

Yuka’s laughter bubbled up, sultry and twisted, almost a purr. [color=#ff66cc]“You’re wicked, Felix.”[/color] Her eyes gleamed with a mix of admiration and excitement.

Felix shot Kira a wink, his grin widening. [color=#dda0dd]“But before we get to that, I’d like to test his physical mettle first. Let’s see what the so-called ‘Scourge of Asshole’ is really made of.”[/color]

Kira’s laughter rang out, harsh and full of dark humor. Maggie, her raven, echoed the sound with an indignant squawk, only causing her to laugh harder. 

Once she composed herself, she kissed Yuka’s head affectionately and looked up at Felix, her smirk returning. [color=#4DD0E1]“The man with the plan, and our Black Cat with her beauty and violence.”[/color] She reached out, placing her hand over Felix’s, her voice laced with amusement. [color=#4DD0E1]“I wonder if Cassius will discard his newfound nobility and show everyone the monster lurking underneath. Though, I suppose I’m no better.”[/color] Her smirk shifted, venom slipping into her words.

[color=#4DD0E1]“Apparently, there’s a newspaper spreading lies about these clueless citizens. I’ll use that. Drop hints—things only I’d know. Make him squirm a little, push him toward a late-night meeting where Daddy’s influence can’t save his bastard ass. You two will watch from the shadows, just in case our dear Bastard decides to act like the coward he is.”[/color] The words dripped with calculated malice, her eyes gleaming with the promise of revenge.

As Kira spoke, Yuka sat up to kiss both her cheeks with exaggerated affection. [color=#ff66cc]“Mwah. Mwah. So badass and smart, Kiki.”[/color] Her giggles followed, chaotic and unstable. Then, with wide, eager eyes, she leaned back dramatically over Kira’s lap. [color=#ff66cc]“Fefe! What about the other people in the book? Let’s look at them!”[/color]

Kira’s laughter softened as she returned the cheek kisses, Yuka’s unstable giggles now familiar, almost comforting. She glanced at Felix expectantly, waiting for his response.

[color=#dda0dd]“Mmmm... I suppose I can show you now,”[/color] Felix mused, his grin still firmly in place. He then moved to the door, his voice raising as he called back into the house. [color=#ff66cc]“Zane! Get outside... and bring the others!”[/color]

Kira folded her hands neatly, a smirk tugging at her lips. To her, these targets—these [i]things[/i]—were nothing but toys, and she was eager to dismantle each and every one of them.

Rue entered as silently as ever, her stealth rivaling Yuka’s. Her soft blonde hair was pulled back into a strict bun, framing her delicate face. Her cool blue gaze flickered over the group before she glanced over her shoulder, waiting for Zane. Taking a seat beside Kira, her cat quickly jumped into her lap, settling comfortably as if it belonged there.

The sound of loud, maniacal laughter filled the air as Torie, the group's torturer's and newest member, danced her way in. Dressed in a skin-tight uniform, her blonde ponytail bounced with every movement, her blue eyes gleaming with excitement—and madness. [color=palevioletred]“Pain! I want to inflict pain!”[/color] she sang, her voice filled with glee.

[i][color=#ff66cc]“Yes, Torie! Pain!!”[/color][/i] Yuka's voice rang out with gleeful enthusiasm.

Xavier entered next, his usual disheveled black hair falling into his cold, gray eyes. He was another of the group's torturer's. His dark uniform matched his mood, a perfect reflection of his perpetual indifference. [color=lightsteelblue]“God, you’re loud,”[/color] he mumbled as he leaned against the wall, arms crossed. Torie stuck her tongue out at him in response, unbothered by his grumbling.

Rue, ever quiet, patted the spot beside her for Zane, as if it were second nature. Kira rarely saw them apart. For someone so soft-spoken and sweet, Rue's place among them was still a mystery, though Kira had long learned the answer was in her uncanny agility and ruthless efficiency when it came to combat.

Zane entered with his usual quiet grace, his intense yet calm aura enveloping the vicinity. His white, messy hair stood in stark contrast to his dark attire, his pale eyes scanning the group with quiet observation. His nearly translucent eyelashes gave him an ethereal, almost haunting appearance, as though the magic that had drained the color from his features still lingered in his presence. Without a word, Zane sat beside Rue, offering her a gentle smile that she returned without hesitation.

Felix, watching as the group settled in, clasped his hands together and exhaled heavily, a wicked smile playing on his lips. [color=#dda0dd]“You’re all still fucking crazy... Excellent!”[/color]

Kira couldn’t contain herself and snorted into her hands, biting her cheeks to stifle her laughter. Torie cackled wildly in response, while Xavier chuckled under his breath. Rue glanced at Zane, her expression as if to say [i]why are we here again?[/i] for what must have been the hundredth time.

[color=lightsteelblue]“Except for the ghosts,”[/color] Xavier muttered dryly toward Torie, and the two of them broke down into quiet laughter, the joke shared between them.

Felix rolled his eyes, waving his book like a teacher trying to restore order in a classroom. 
[color=#dda0dd]“Right. Okay. Shut up, you nutcases. Daddy’s talking.”[/color] He stepped up onto a chair to stand above the group, grinning down at them as he waved the book again for emphasis. Torie bit her lip to suppress another giggle. [color=#dda0dd] “In here, I have some targets and some information about them. I am going to read out loud what we know about each. Our goal is to frighten and torment them-”[/color] 

Before he could continue, Yuka's hand shot into the air, waving wildly. Kira stifled her laughter into her hands but gave up moments later, snickering as she already anticipated Yuka’s interruption. [color=#ff66cc]“Can we kill them? Pleeease?!”[/color] Yuka’s exaggerated whining carried through the air.

Rue sighed quietly, while Torie clapped her hands in delight, responding with gleeful enthusiasm. [color=palevioletred]“Death! Violence! Gore! Entrails and guts everywhere!!”[/color] she cheered, bouncing in place as if it were a festival chant. Kira's fox, and Rue's cat, both dispersed from the chaos with alarm and annoyance. 

Xavier shook his head with a smirk, snorting with laughter at Torie’s unhinged excitement.

Felix shot Yuka and Torie a bemused look, then pointed a finger at Torie as though reprimanding a child. [color=#dda0dd]“Yeah, no. We can’t kill them.”[/color] He quickly turned his head toward Torie, narrowing his eyes. [color=#dda0dd]“Torie, love, shut it, will you? Dial it back a notch.”[/color]

Torie stuck her tongue out at Felix in defiance, but ultimately flopped down onto Kira’s lap, resting her head on Yuka’s legs as well. Yuka began absentmindedly tangling her fingers into Torie’s hair, her reasoning beyond anyone’s comprehension. Kira gazed down at the pair with a mix of amusement and affection, idly petting both their heads as if she were indulging her favorite pets.

The crowd exploded in protests and groans of disappointment at the no-kill rule. Rue glanced at Felix, her eyes pleading silently for an early dismissal. Kira, meanwhile, buried her head in her Kira buried her head in her hands, exasperated, horrified, and amused all at once by the sheer madness surrounding her.

[color=#dda0dd]“Bloodthirsty demons, the lot of you,”[/color] Felix commented with a bemused look, smirking as he flipped open the book. [color=#dda0dd]“First guy is…”[/color] He squinted, holding the book at arm's length, as if the absurdity of what he was about to say needed distance. [color=#dda0dd]“Kazumin Nagasa. He’s 6’2”, a psychotic who apparently laughs in the face of guns. A real farm boy turned Baron Asteroth Hugonin’s ward. He—”[/color]

Before he could finish, they all exploded in laughter, Yuka’s mocking voice ringing out loudest of all.

[color=#ff66cc]“Gotta stop the [i]FARM BOYS[/i] before we’re drowning in corn!”[/color] Yuka howled, nearly doubling over with laughter. The absurdity of the description seemed to hit everyone at once. Even Kira, though remaining composed, couldn't help but watch the chaos with quiet amusement. Torie, on the other hand, laughed so hard she slipped off their laps and hit the floor, still cackling. Xavier, normally more reserved, chuckled under his breath, struggling to maintain his usual stoicism. Even Rue, always the quiet observer, pulled her knees to her chest and glanced outside, clearly contemplating her escape from this madness.

In one swift motion, Felix slammed the book shut with a force that echoed, silencing everyone. His playful mischief was replaced by a chilling, cold fury as his eyes swept over the group. The weight of his glare was oppressive, pinning each of them into silence. Yuka’s laughter cut off mid-chuckle, her grin faltering, while Xavier straightened, quickly composing himself. Torie, still giggling, was quickly kicked in the leg by Kira, who helped her snap back to attention.

[color=#dda0dd]“It doesn’t matter who he is or what he’s done,”[/color] Felix growled, his voice icy. [color=#dda0dd]“We have orders. You have orders.”[/color] A twisted smirk slowly returned to his face, but this time it carried a dark edge. [color=#dda0dd]“Don’t make me remind you what happens when I am not obeyed... Next person to laugh spends the night with Lady Valeria.”[/color]

Rue visibly shuddered, burying her head into her lap. Zane, seated beside her, gently stroked her hair in a comforting gesture, whispering softly, [color=#E6D8F3]“It’ll be okay, Rue. Just stay quiet.”[/color] She nodded, clutching his hand tightly, drawing reassurance from his calm presence.

Kira, her usual composed self, straightened and gave Felix a salute, her eyes locking with his in a silent agreement. [color=#4DD0E1]“Aye. Consider it done. Who’s next?”[/color] Her tone carried a quiet intensity, showing Felix she was back on track, ready to execute whatever was asked of her.

Felix, satisfied with the shift in mood, flicked the book open again, his eyes sharp as a blade. [color=#dda0dd]“Now, let’s get serious. We’ve uncovered a few things about Kazumin that are... peculiar. And don’t even think about laughing.”[/color] His warning hung in the air, dark and heavy. [color=#dda0dd]“Pudding. He frequents Penelope’s Pudding Palace almost daily. Seems harmless, but who knows what the fool is hiding there.”[/color] His gaze swept over everyone again, daring anyone to chuckle.

Torie remained silent as the grave by staring at the floor intently, as if admiring the new shine. Xavier focused his gaze elsewhere, and Kira petted Yuka’s hair to quell her insanity. 

[color=#dda0dd]“When it comes to people, there are two names of interest. Olivia, our next target—he values her a lot, seemingly. Then there’s Ruby, the girl with mismatched eyes who works at the Tough Tavern. Keep your eyes on her. But most importantly...”[/color] Felix paused, letting the tension linger. His next words dripped with malice. [color=#dda0dd]“He cares for his younger siblings as well. That’s where we’ll hit him hardest.”[/color] His tone darkened, the weight of his words settling over the group like a heavy cloud.

[i][color=#dda0dd]“...Zane.”[/color][/i]

Zane's pale gaze shifted, focusing on a spot near Felix. The air seemed to ripple as a strange energy gathered around the area, thickening until it coalesced into a ghostly figure. Tall, with blonde hair, freckles, and tan skin, the figure took the form of Kazumin, grinning as if he were standing there in the flesh. His smile was unsettling, too alive for a mere projection.

Rue squeezed Zane’s hand, her eyes never leaving the illusion, her unease evident.

[color=#dda0dd]“Next is Olivia. We don’t know much about her, but she’s attractive—auburn hair that’s nearly red. She’s taken residence in the Vikena household. What we do know is she’s skilled in magic and isn’t afraid to use it, so we’ll need to approach her with caution. She also knows her way around a bow and hand-to-hand combat. She seems to care for Kazumin and Charlotte Vikena most. I’ve heard she and Lady Charlotte spent some quality time with Lady Zarai Lesdesman last night.”[/color]

Felix snapped his fingers, and Zane conjured another apparition, this time of Olivia in a flowing green dress. Her image flickered for a moment before stabilizing, looking eerily lifelike.

[color=#ff66cc]“What a hottie,”[/color] Yuka commented, glancing up at Kira with a grin. Kira raised an amused eyebrow at Yuka, stifling her laughter.

Kira nodded, focusing on the apparitions with interest. Torie, now seated with her back pressed against Yuka and Kira’s legs, stared at the projections, completely absorbed, as though they held the secrets of the universe. Rue glanced over briefly but soon looked away, her gaze drifting back toward the window, while Xavier rolled his eyes at the scene unfolding before him.

Felix snapped his fingers again, and this time two new figures appeared—Count Fritz Hendrix and Lord Leo Smithwood. Felix gestured first to the man with dark hair. [color=#dda0dd]“These two gentlemen hail from the Varian Kingdom. Count Fritz Hendrix,”[/color] he gestured toward the red-haired figure next, [color=#dda0dd]“and Lord Leo Smithwood.”[/color]

[color=#4DD0E1]“Ah, yes,”[/color] Kira muttered under her breath, her gaze fixated on the new projections.

[color=#dda0dd]“We’re keeping a close watch on Hendrix. He’s rising fast, even within the Varian Kingdom, though we don’t know much about his connections yet. He’s been spotted with Lady Vikena and some of the others listed here, but it’s unclear how deeply tied he is to them.”[/color]

Felix’s expression darkened as he continued. [color=#dda0dd]“As for Lord Leo Smithwood, he’s still dealing with the loss of his father last year. There are whispers—rumors—that his mother might’ve had a hand in it, all to be with her new girlfriend. Then there’s his mentally unstable sister, Thea. She’s the one he holds dearest.”[/color] He paused, letting the implications of his words hang in the air like a dagger. [color=#dda0dd]“That could prove to be our leverage.”[/color]

[color=palevioletred]“Ooooh, I love dramatic backstories! The redheads are mine! Mine! Mine!”[/color] Torie cackled, smacking the floor in a fit of excitement. Xavier, shaking his head, chuckled at her outburst.

[color=#ff66cc]“Soooo... what are we supposed to do with these people?”[/color] Yuka asked, her voice lilting in a singsong manner, as though the answer were already obvious.

[i][color=#dda0dd]“We’re going to scare the shit out of them.”[/color][/i] [/color]