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Harold's Academy for the Magically Inclined

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Day 1 ◈ Time: night ◈ Weather: Light Rain ◈ Location: Main Ballroom ◈ Participants: Fasha Sumbul, Myrion Stevar @Teyao

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Fasha heard things about the other Illuminaire’s gift, although she never paid too much attention. It had always been a point of interest in her mind but there had always been bigger fish in the pond to pay attention to. Let’s see what that gift can do four-eyes. She thought to herself, waiting in anticipation.

A confused look appeared on her face for a split second as Myrion’s hand made contact with her shoulder. She flinched almost instantaneously after. A satisfied smirk appeared on her face. This is new… Was my gift always able to do that? Fasha raised her hands as if she were a conductor ready to start their masterpiece. She winked towards Mister Stevar. ”Ten minutes, I’ll have time in excess then.”

Her hands began to gracefully move as her gift began to spread across the room, traveling around. Soon enough the first person was hit by it. The once fearful student looked calm, serene even. Student after student became ensnared only to be guided her way by the pleasant smell. Laughter escaped the Illuminaire. ”Is this the apex of my gift? Can I push it even further?” She had never been so content with her own gift, who could stop her control now? Perhaps I could even manage to control one of the professors with this. Her symphony of enthrallment raced across the ballroom.

Fasha’s eyes darted towards Myrion once more. A look of pure excitement appeared on her face. ”Once this is over, we need to meet up again. I want to see the full extent of what you can do now.” With that he was put with the other people of interest in her mind.

The Hourglass Order

Childish Reflections

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Fiske’s feelings of guilt and anxiousness built up. Evander’s words were never nice but to see Marci in such a state made him mad, unreasonably so. He was never one to care for others, why is it different now? “With her, I won’t push,” he began implacably, “but from you, I need to know.” He clenched his fists, looked down and kept quiet. The desire to punch his noble face was almost near-impossible to resist. “What happened, boy?” he asked. “Where are Desmond and Tku, and just how much danger are we in?” It felt as if a rock was stuck in his throat.

His eyes avoided any that tried to make contact with them. How could he ever tell them the truth? If Benedetto was here he’d probably laugh at me… Call me a coward and if I told him the truth he probably wouldn't even believe me. He'd probably just go like. ”You don’t have the backbone for that. You’d just hide in the corner.” or something like that! Even thinking about that idiot hurts my head. Then his expression turned red from anger.. Something about Evander’s attitude pissed him off. It might just be in a Revidian's blood to be obnoxious. ”Why would I have to explain myself to someone who offers no value to anyone but themselves!” He stomped his feet out of frustration. ”You, You.. You damned noble simpleton! You dare to look at me as someone who’s ashamed of their actions yet what about you? All you’ve done is made things worse and gotten some nice puffs from the local herbs of this city!” He knew that it was unfair at this point to point the finger at him as he himself screwed up more than he’d like to admit. ”You disrespected the king because your damned, fragile noble heart couldn’t allow you to simply bow to someone who might be lower than yourself!” He hyperventilated, his ears ringing from his own voice echoing back.

His eyes turned watery as he began to calm himself. He looked at Jascuan and Cazelui, shaking his head. ”They’re gone.” He walked towards the room Marci yet before trying to enter he turned towards Jascuan once more with a pained expression.. ”Not dead, I think. Just… do not count on them being able to help you. Fiske sighed. ”I don’t know. We might be in big trouble or barely any. All I know is that I made sure I wasn’t followed.” His sight returned to the other room. Fiske stood there with a heavy heart. Would it really be okay for me to enter?

The Hourglass Order

A Revelation?

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Yvain did not care too much about this fight. His lust for battle has been quenched for a while and now with his magic back did not enjoy beating on the weak. He was hit by shrapnel yet he tried to not be too bothered by the pain. A woman among the Volti stood against him. Does she intend to kill me? I do not wish to kill a lady that much weaker than me. He began to search amongst his belongings whilst holding people back with his kinetic magic. This eye thing might be able to hold her off or at least knock her out, right? Let’s test it out. He grabbed the eye device and aimed it just like the vendor told him.

It shot something so fast that it was as if he lit a small fire. It sliced the woman’s arm clean off. Huh, not what I was expecting… but interesting. When the Volti woman screamed, she did not scream in pain, hatred, or even terror, she cried out, "Do you really serve these bloodsuckers!?" she screams. "You fool! Where is your pride!? Where is your dignity!?"

His curiosity was piqued by the woman’s words. He raised his eyebrow out of confusion from what she just uttered. "Bloodsuckers? Why would I even serve anyone but my country's crown?"

She stumbled, clutching her side with her remaining arm, utterly horrified. "You don't even know!?" she coughed. "Who do you think runs this country?"

He swayed his hand. "From what I remember from reading a bit on it. They're people who left Eskand hundreds of years ago." He shrugged, gritting his teeth from the pain in his shoulder. A contorted smile formed from it. "Can't say I blame them from wanting to leave after losing a war that badly... but to call them bloodsuckers is a bit harsh, no?"

She regards him a bit dimly. "Sanguinaires, you noble twat. They're sanguinaires!" His expression was no longer the one of a smug know-it-all. "Sanguinaires.. You understand that word is not to be used lightly. Would these people really let themselves be ruled by those things?" Why was he not told this at the school? Did they know about this? Something this horrible should not be hidden from the wide world.

"Your time is coming to an end, princess. Monsters like you have no place in a civilized world." "Big talk for terrorist." she snarled back, holding a portion of her neck that still had shrapnel from Soldato's assault. "One man's terrorist is another's freedom fighter. I am satisfied with my choices," he replied. "Are you?"

Then, he had bigger problems to deal with, he saw in the corner of his eye Yvain had steadied the Burning eye and aimed...yet he halted. Something about the mention of sanguinaire did not sit right with him. His breath heavy from the shrapnel and bullet that hit him during the battle. Eyes opened wide. "This woman is a sanguinaire?"

The Volti operative smiled grimly and nodded. "Not only her."

The illusionist appeared beside Yvain, laying her hand on his shoulder. "We may not agree on much, but can't we agree on this?"

Yvain looked conflicted. Penny's friend was inhuman filth? A dirty bloodsucker? He nodded, his eyes shining with a determined glow. "We can agree on the horrid fact that their rule over man is something that is utterly unacceptable." His Burning Eye device turned towards their weakened comrade.

Then another inhuman thing appeared with what looked like to be Penny?... Her body limp, impaled. The body was dropped by the beast and Yvain’s eyes wished they did not witness said event. He ran as fast as he could towards the falling body, but he couldn't make it yet Oksana was closer and caught his cousin effortlessly. Helooked to Penny as she was being healed by Oksana. Tears began to flow down his face as he prayed to Oraphe-Sept. Penny pulled in a deep breath and then let out a cough.Penny rolled onto her side, sniffing.
She looked up to see Yvain and Oksana
"Oraphe soit loué," she whispered. "Tu as ma sincère gratitude." She reached up and kissed Oksana on the cheek in thanks. A warm smile covered his tears-covered face. ”Oraphe a écouté.”

But then they were not alone.
Coccinella landed.
The remaining Volti operatives regrouped.
Giallo and his squad of eight arrived.
Sixteen surrounded them.
Including one of the original wildbloods.
Coccinella spread her multitude of insectile arms.
"For too long, we have run and hid from these monsters!" the thresher-beast proclaimed. "For too long, they have stepped on the common people, fed upon them, and bled this land dry."

The new presence dropped the body, one of the main Volti. Floating in the air, he turned and tilted his head.He regarded Sorriso and Coccinella as he took a pair of knives from his pocket. His gaze was cold and unblinking It sent a shiver down Yvain’s spine. "You have five seconds to get out of my city." Whatever they missed earlier, the students, the Volti operatives, and all of those nearby see Soldato's body fell. He saw the power of Radomir. He heared his words. This person was something else. He was not a prodigy like him. He felt like something beyond even the greatness of himself. Who the hells is this? Perhaps the emperor…. Is King Rouis truly that weak compared to other rulers?

Harold's Academy for the Magically Inclined

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Day 1 ◈ Time: night ◈ Weather: Moderate Rain ◈ Location: Main Ballroom ◈ Participants: Fasha Sumbul, Myrion Stevar @Teyao ◈ Mentioned: Anastasia Arslan @Ti, Leah Eusebia Clearwater @vietmyke

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As the Melody progressed it hit her ears as a raging Fortissimo, A haunting song of instinctual fear.

The voices of all too familiar figures of the past began to swirl in her mind.

"It was for the good of the family."

"Why did you leave us?"

"Why would you forsake us, we needed you."

"Our dearest daughter."

The normally composed Illuminaire shivered, tears began to well up. "Please leave me alone..." She would do anything to never return to that place again. An anguished look covered her face. "I do not need you anymore.." Her mind ran with imaginary laughter. "Of course you don't need us... We, however.. need you.. All you had to do is return home after your childish outburst. You are the reason for our suffering!" Fasha crouched down, held her head and mumbled words begging for forgiveness.

"Listen up, everyone!" Her words cut through the turmoil like a clarion call. "Our priority is the safety of every individual here. First years and civilians, make your way to the shelters. Combat-trained individuals, form defensive groups around them. Auxiliary roles, establish checkpoints for Reconnaissance, Restoration, and Retreat. We leave no one behind."

Anastasia's voice rang true, as if a knight from a fairy tale saved the princess. The mental aberrations faded. I'm a damned Illuminaire now, no time for the past! A quick wiping away her tears and before long she stood up. She was quite proud of her combative prowess, yet... I doubt a couple punches and kicks will do much. She could probably support Leah, however she had to make sure every student was safe before thinking of such a thing.

She began to use her gift to calm the fearing students down yet she quickly took notice her reach only went so far. She could close in on everyone to escort them but that would take too long. If only she could reach further with her gift.

Fasha then overheard another voice. "Those with reconnaissance and Rescue abilities with me! We are going to make a sweep of the school for those who couldn't assist the ball!" She was not that interested in Myrion as a person of interest, yet he might be able to help them both gain a good reputation for being instrumental. She, along side some of the students who she managed to herd made their way over to the other Illuminaire who already gathered some students around him. "Hey, four-eyes." She called out smugly, bowing politely. "Need a herder?... Perhaps I could be of service."

She smirked. His gift could be fun to experience.

The Hourglass Order

兎t

H A G A K A Z U K I ❖ 芳賀 香月

L A D Y H I Y O ❖ 妃夜

”At the end of the day, even the Daimyo are but pawns for the bigger players”

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36 | H A S E G A W A | S O K U S H I T S U | 28
R O S E B U D | █████████

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A P P E A R A N C E ___ __ __ _ _ 外観

Long, straight, well-kept black hair. White-grayish eyes that almost look luminescent in the eyes of the beholder and a small mole next to her lip. Kazuki stands at 5’1” / 155cm, giving her an overall non-threatening frame. Her apparel and accessories give off a sophisticated aura, never seen without her smoking pipe on her. The flower only added to her already soft appearance. Strong chemical mages might notice that the attraction towards her was not only due to her looks alone.

B A C K G R O U N D ___ __ __ _ _ 履歴

Being born in a minor clan originating from what are today the Nakamura lands, the Haga clan never peered its head out too much. The clan dates back relatively far, their founder dating back to almost eight hundred years ago. They consisted mostly of merchants before becoming truly landed. They were usually left alone as their collective RAS never truly stood out to the Daimyo.

As the tensions between clans began to rise the Hagas thought of ways to protect their interests. Said answer came in the form of a girl named Kazuki. Born between Haga Kyosuke and Shimizu Emi, a woman known for her outstanding beauty. Their daughter was blessed with both their gifts. Making her an attractive asset for anyone that knew to look beyond her measly capacity.

Kazuki was treated as both a golden child and a bargaining chip by the clan heads. After seeing the sides that began to form it became obvious who to offer the girl to. There was no clearer option than the Daimyo of the nearby Hasegawa clan, revered as one of the great clans. Being in a position that makes her both powerful and powerless in many regards. Kazuki, now going by the moniker Lady Hiyo is seen with a lot of influential people amongst the Hasegawa clan, especially the Daimyo whenever she has the chance.

P E R S O N A L I T Y ___ __ __ _ _ 人格

❖ Calm
❖ Beguiling
❖ Cunning
❖ Philosophical
❖ Observant

Kazuki loves to talk, always seeming to smile brightly whenever she has an intriguing dialogue with someone. Always presenting herself as a dignified woman. Everyone seems to know about her but can’t seem to feel a slight distance being kept at all times. She has shown a disdain for combat of any kind that does not require only the mind. Commonly inviting philosophers into the castle and learning from their wisdoms.

M O T I V A T I O N ___ __ __ _ _ 動機

What gets your character up every morning and, more particularly, why is she involved in this conflict? What does she hope to gain (or fear to lose) and what does she want out of life in general? What matters to her, and why?

T H A U M A T U R G Y ___ __ __ _ _ 魔法

Kazuki’s magic is very much disregarded by most people around her though it does not mean that she is completely incapable. She has shown great prowess with chemical magic, rumors have been spread that she uses it to keep her appearance youthful-looking. Arcane magic is not one of her strong suits yet her Luminescence and Illusory magics are rather praiseworthy. She has a little knowledge of kinetic magic, using it mostly for her own convenience rather than for combat and lightning magic that she only likes to use when it is really needed.

S T R E N G T H S & S K I L L S ___ __ __ _ _ 技量

❖ Etiquette
❖ Negotiation
❖ Advantageous position
❖ Calculating
❖ Networking

A prime sokushitsu Kazuki shows a willingness to help the daimyo out in political affairs yet not go beyond her boundaries as a mere sokushitsu. Kazuki does not look like a very powerful person at a quick glance, but her network of contacts across the island. It caused her to become an unofficial spymaster of the Hasegawa.

W E A K N E S S E S & F L A W S ___ __ __ _ _ 弱点

❖ Ambitious
❖ Low magic capacity
❖ Controlling
❖ Prying
❖ Non-combatant

Her ambition sometimes has made her overstep her boundaries among the Hasegawa clan and it became necessary to work hard for a similar chance once more. Her manas are looked down upon as it makes her quite a liability in a fight. If she could control her netwerk perfectly by herself she would’ve yet Nikan is bigger than her personal strings can go.

I N V E N T O R Y ___ __ __ _ _ 所有物

Past her smoking pipe and her accessories Kazuki is a woman of little necessities, never having too much on her person except one pistol given to her for when her small amount of magic fails her during an emergency.

M I S C E L L A N E O U S ___ __ __ _ _ その他

❖ Colour Code: #F6F1D5

The Hourglass Order

Bringer of bad news

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Dory's eyes peered out from Taleja's frame to look at the Conde. One eyebrow slightly raised out of confusion. Why's that thing giving me the thumbs up for? The uncomfortable feeling of being so close to a venomhand was overshadowed by the sheer amount of comfort she sought from her one remaining friend at this gods-forsaken place. The Kressian's touch calmed her mind, her voice however was still rather strained to give Ashon his answer. Luckily enough Taleja could translate her barely comprehensible speech.

Her eyes met Taleja's. Her voice coming back to her as her calm returned at least somewhat. "What happened here?... Did you get hurt?" Her expression turned to one of fear. "Did they appear here as well?" She shook from terror against Taleja before letting out a heavy release of air. "I'm sorry... I'm just glad you are okay.."

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The Hourglass Order

Lament

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♫

After a fierce moment and having experienced death it was quiet, not eerily so with the commotion at the town itself still reverberating where she was but there was a sense of loneliness plaguing her mind. Said lonely feeling caused the built up emotions to release What did I do to deserve all of this? Tears fell down the girl’s cheek as she trailed the river, causing her vision to blur slightly. All I’ve been doing is good, being good..

As she made her way up the hill Dory decided to bruise herself further with the use of her kinetic magic, her nails scratched onto her skin like branches would. She looked over the castle and it seemed as though something had in fact gone down. After spotting the area on the top of the hill she found the students with two figures that were not familiar to her. Seems like everyone’s more or less okay…. A bitter part of her heart was dissatisfied by seeing them all alive.

Dory increased her heart rate and breathing as she stumbled towards the group. Her target, Taleja, was in discussion with the Yasoi male. Her sight was placed on her goal, all she had to do was play. ”Taleja, Taleja!... Her voice sounded strained. Venomhand or not she did not care and hugged her Kressian friend ”I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry…” Her face contorted into ugly sorrow. ”Ismette… Ma-...” Dory had a rather difficult time getting the words out. ”Manny… It happened so fast… A loud cry escaped the Feskan’s mouth as tears made their way onto Taleja’s clothing.

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The Hourglass Order

Holy Hospitality Hostility

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“Unofficially, I was hoping you’d make a mistake like that. Say your prayers, children.” A final line from the Abbot as other holy men arrive to join in the scuffle. A smirk appeared on Yvain’s face, putting on the mask that finished his attire. He began to draw, awaiting for any of the monks to attack him… yet he would be met with disappointment. It seemed as though nobody dared to lay a finger on him. Annoyed by said revelation he sought out a challenge so he could enjoy himself.

He drew his sword as he looked around for his potential target, not caring about the simple fights that happened around him. Then, his dream opponent was in his sight. A monk that did not share a cap similar to the others, he must be special.. He must be strong. Then melancholy hit upon the realization that they were in fact already fighting against Yuliya. "You would pray? YOU?? Die." He saw her launching a fully empowered fist directly at the black cap’s head. Yvain saw it, an opening. He rushed towards the two, blade gripped tightly. Then one with a blue cap tried to stand in his way of glory only to be swung away with a shoulder charge from the brutish noble. ”Out of the way, peasant!” He laughed, kinetically charging forward.

Then as Yuliya hit him with a kinetically empowered punch, Yvain at the black cap’s back pointed his sword and skewered the man upon it. A satisfied smile was hidden behind his mask as he heard the monk’s dying gasp. His sight turned towards Yuliya ”Looked like you needed a hand, apologies for stealing your prey.

As soon as they finished off the black cap a nuclear explosion was about to hit them he felt his magic disappear for a split moment, causing the abbot to lose control of the massive reaction he prepared. Then, as if they were blessed by the Pentad personally, magic returned to them. Yvain, perfect as he was, easily defended himself against the explosion. Looking around to check if Penny or Yuliya were hurt by the explosion, relieved that there was no harm to them ”Mais tout est bien qui finit bien.” Yvain let out a sigh and sheathed his blade.

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Harold's Academy for the Magically Inclined

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Day 1 ◈ Time: night ◈ Weather: Moderate Rain ◈ Location: Main Ballroom ◈ Participants: Fasha Sumbul, Anastasia Arslan @Ti , Kaspaan Mustaven @Deja

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Seeing Anastasia try so hard for everything to be perfect all by herself was amusing to watch. Always wanting to do it all by yourself, there are three more Illuminaire, you know? All you have to do is ask. A satisfied smile covered her face, making it seem as though she felt satisfaction for how they prepared the ball together.

As the ball progressed smoothly, Fasha mingled with other students. Most of them deriving from wealth or from her own house, cementing her name as Illuminaire further amongst her own house. Leaving her presence wherever she went.

Her gaze was set over the dancing floor. A genuine smile covering her face and thinking back on the yesteryears. Remembering the night where she danced and made her face known to others, to the night where a certain someone’s fiery dance style was quite the challenge to be partnered against. Like trying to lead a wild animal. She couldn’t help but chuckle from the memory.

Seeing the ever so busy Illuminaire for a dance caused the girl to sigh. Oh dear, it seems like I may have to take over responsibilities if she’s going to take a break. She clicked her tongue whilst trying to spot the other two. I do not trust them with making sure everything goes smoothly. And with that she began.

Making sure everything stays perfect. Why would I even do her a favor like this? . . . It has to be a favor in return! Yes, that must be it. After her routine was finished she looked back on the dance floor once more. Oh, how she wished to be there and enjoy the night. Dancing, laughing and having a great time.

Grabbing a nice, refreshing drink. Fasha sighed. Maybe one nice dance wouldn’t hurt. Approaching Anastasia, her eyes stabbing into the red haired woman, nodding towards her underclassman after noticing him. ”Hello, Ana, Kaspaan. I hope your night is rather enjoyable.” Bowing gracefully whilst grabbing the other woman’s hand. ”Would you like to have a dance with me, for old times sake?” Everyone else was blurred, she had one goal as of now.

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The Hourglass Order

The aftermath

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Context from the post

Dorothea Hohnstein von Albesatz-Danzau was alone in the middle of the forest with the only nearby shelter recently brought to nothing by the recent battle. There laid the corpse of Qasem Laghmanin, her would-be killer had it not been for Manfred, her lover who had abandoned this world. And finally, there was a singular, red feather set conveniently before Dory’s footwear, the last trace of Leluun in this world. It was dark and quiet, no wildblood was nearby and the only lightsource was the Feskan’s own creation.

But after a half-minute, a once concealed presence made itself visible, standing over the corpse of the once-ally. It was Viktor, and Laura followed soon after. “I see you did not need any help with this or that witch.” he remarked, posture straightened and muscular arms crossed. “And you’ve accepted your destiny.” a conspicuous glance was shot at the crown. “A relief!” he merrily clapped his hands, smiling bright at the newly made avatar.

He kneeled once more and searched the pouches that remained tied to Qasem’s belt. Due to the morphology of the lycanthrope, legwear had a tendency to survive the transformations. Out came the metallic vial that looked identical to what Kaspar had found before, and was one of three in the container from the boat. “Stolen goods recovered.” he said, which prompted a nod from Laura. “You will need to explain this to your friends. It is a bit strange that a single wolf took down two of you, don’t you think?” he looked to Dory as he pocketed the peculiar object and then approached her.

“Keep it simple. The more you try to detail, the more it will sound like you’re trying to convince. Only guilty people do that.” he was a few feet away from her now, hands on his sides. “Repeat after me. Manfred was grievously wounded putting down Qasem. Your friend Ismette argued to spare your friend, and it spiralled into an argument, where she got stabbed by Manfred by accident.” as he spoke, Laura seemed to be prepare Qasem’s large body for something as she stretched the legs and arms to have the whole thing on display. “Manfred, as he was about to die, finished off Qasem and succumbed to his wounds. All to protect you. Understood?” he raised a brow as he made deep eye-contact with Dory.

"A relief?... What do you mean by that?" Dory looked the man that had helped them in the town."The bodies are no longer here, how would I explain that when they try and search for them?" She began to think on any more holes in the plan. "And what of myself?" putting emphasis to her rather unharmed form. "Would they really believe it when I'm barely harmed whilst the others are nowhere to be found?"

“I was afraid the worst was going to happen.” Viktor answered in Kerreman with a smile pushing on the corners of his lips. He looked around the wreckage, and indeed the bodies were absent. “Simple, the bodies were eaten by the wolves. Or something like that.” he shrugged whilst pocketing the metal vial he had recovered into his vest. “But that is only a concern if they survive.” Viktor turned to look over at another direction, one a bit more East from the town. There was a fire and a lot of smoke that stood out in the dark of night. “The Priest has either finished the job, or they've prevailed. What do you think?”

"Father Dubosque? He didn't seem all that threatening... Did he also turn into one of those.. beasts?" Dory looked at the fire before once more looking over at Viktor. "You know a lot more about what has happened here, don't you? The vial. What is in it?"

“Something that belongs to dangerous and unpleasant people.” he answered the last questioned, let the very first hang and reluctantly addressed the second afterward. “As for what happened here, I know an outbreak happened. And I know one of them can seamlessly lead the flock with near-perfect control.” he began to pace until he was out of the debris zone. He kept his eyes on the remote fire.

“If you want a proper cover up ...” he had his back turned to Dory, hiding his smirk. “You can always say the Mad Avatar claimed them all, and you just barely escaped.”

"Dangerous and unpleasant people?... Do I know of them?" She looked rather confused by it all. “Then if they take out the one in control every single one of those things will start to frenzy?" Her face looked rather unamused. “Mad Avatar?"

“Aren't they already?” he rhetorically asked, leaving it at that. “Yes, the Mad Avatar. Your Tethered friend had a close encounter with her, I do remember. I'm sure she'll back you up, knowing what she knows.”

"I guess you have a point there..." Dory raised her eyebrow at the mention of a tethered friend. "Jocasta? She had a close encounter? I guess it would make sense we'd be wiped out if she couldn't manage against it."