Fantasy Howl's Flying Castle (Finished! ---Whoo! (*＾▽＾)／)

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- Calcifer -[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 14px]" Flying Castle "[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 18px]A[/SIZE] small puff of fire poked its head out from underneath the logs of the smoldering fireplace. " Hey, Olza, Cal, you're back!" said Calcifer the fire demon. "You got a lot of catchin' up to do."


A door creaked open from the second floor and two pairs of hurried footsteps rushed towards the stairs. Hair tousled with bed-hair and still in their pajamas, the twins Sen and Seth came hurtling down to the first floor. "CALOZA!" they yelled together and skidded across the breakfast table knocking aside bacon, eggs, chicken, rice soup, mugs, and all, and finally bowling over the two knight brothers, tackling them to the floor if they succeeded.


"Did you get us any presents?!" asked Seth. It was hard to believe sometimes that these two were sixteen years old.



"I experimented on Puff, but it's alright, he didn't mind." said Sen grinning at Cal's helmet.


@Yonsisac

View attachment 211860​

[SIZE= 18px]- Johnny Caprice -[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 14px]" Front yard, House 44, Kingsbury "[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 18px]J[/SIZE]ohnny froze, dropping the half-eaten bacon and egg sandwich he had made earlier. Before him was an armed woman and with a serious face at that. He went red, "Erm . . . [SIZE= 12px]t-the twins [/SIZE]. . . [SIZE= 10px]they're i-inside[/SIZE]." he said without looking at Minnie. "[SIZE= 9px]Seth[/SIZE]! [SIZE= 8px]Sen[/SIZE]!" he tried to yell at the windows of the house, but it came out as a croaky whisper.


There was no way this guy will succeed in calling Minnie's guild master. Suddenly, from within the castle, Sen and Seth's voices yelled, "CALOZA!" and then there was a crash and the sound of breaking plates and glass as though someone had decided to upturn a table laden with food.


@Katsuya

OOC || Characters || Interest Check
​

 

[Katsuya]

-Minnie Von Ironheart-
​

Minnie watched the sheep guy whispering to a window, raising an eyebrow. Is that his attempt of yelling? Must be a quiet guy...


She pitied him if he lives with the twins.


The fifteen years old teen waited for a couple of more minutes, watching the quiet sheep guy try again and again on calling her guild master. Then she frowned when she heard crashes from the inside. 'Huh...I thought they only do that at the guild. Guess not...' Being the guild's secretary means being around the twins...a lot. So she's accustomed to them crashing, breaking, destroying, etc.


".....it's okay. Let me try...." She quietly mumbled to a flustered Johnny.


Minnie came in the front yard and walked up to the door to knock...


Hard and loud with her tiny fist, having no mercy on the poor door.


"Sen! Seth! I know you're in here. Come out now!! Guild duties are calling!!!" Minnie shouted, though her voice still is emotionless.


@Zer0  @Yonsisac

 

[Yonsisac]

Cal and Olza, The two ghostly knights of hide and seek!
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​

 
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Cal rested upon the chair as he waited and Olza was busy with the helm, he removed his golden helm and replace it with the silver one and it was a perfect fit: Not loose,not heavy,not bulky, its perfect. "Hey what you think of this look?" asked Olza as he would stand up and look at his brother, Cal would look and give a long "Hmmm" as he would raise both his hands up high as he could and give the best double thumbs up! "Yep! I love the chrome and gold look! would be even cool if we had like different style like the gauntlets and such!" said cal in a happy tone and olza was actually think....maybe he could change his style, he has been "wearing" the same armor for most of his life...maybe he could give it a unique twist. But there thoughts where cut short as they heard Calcifer right at the same fire place he always is "Glad to be back here! I miss this place!"


"Yea we read the news paper, that is why we came so early, we have A LOT to catch up. I just hope we can do something about it"


But once again...seems this time was much more rushed, the brothers dint have time to react only to hear the two little champions of the house Sen and Seth come at full speed like a stampede of zebras! Mugs flung high, eggs splatter on the ground, rice and chicken gave the table a new look. Cal dint see Sen coming so fast only to be tackled down on the ground as he dint have his "legs" on as they where besides the chair but he hugged the sixteen year old and laughed, Clearly seems they missed them..., Olza on the other hand, turn as fast as he could as he saw Seth leap from the table at him but he catch him in mid air and chuckled towards him with a gentle hug.


"Oh really now? What did you do to puff?" Said Cal as he would place Sen down but seems like dint want to let go...but he had to


"Got you this time!" Olza's voiced echoed through the dining room


"Oh and....No we dint bring any presents....sorry you two....BUT! what about if we make it up for you two one of theas days! maybe we could go horse riding! or or we can-"


Before Cal could continue with his exited fun adventures they could do with Sen and Seth both without a world look towards the door as the loud banging and the voice of-...Oh dear she docent seem happy one bit. "Oh no....its Minnie...Wait are you two-" cal soon realizes Sen and Seth where NOT meant to be here! if he had a face he would look confused of what was going on! but in the middle of the panic if he had one he would smile for hours. 


"WAIT! Psst ok! Sen, Seth! lets play hide and seek with Minnie!"


"Hold on a moment! We open the door and let Minni-"


"You owe me one after i polished your armor!"


"........This is YOUR fault! I am juts joining"


Cal would give a soft silent laugh as he would put his "Legs" back and would stand up quickly rushing towards the stairs as he would signal the two siblings to follow but Olza would look confused of what he would do and he was answered! Cal would stop and run to his brother and impact the palm of his hand against his helm! launching it against the wall as it made loud clang sound like the machinery of the house. Before Olza could ask Cal would say "Distract them! You lost your head! you cant see!-" Only once he ended the sentence would yank Olza's gauntlet and throw it inside the nearest of the two iron stoves "-And lost your arm!" he said only to go rushing up the stairs signaling the brothers to follow! But before he left he looked at the fire place and placed one finger on where his mouth would be and "shhh"....Calcifer better not say anything...


Cal would be on the third floor where there room was and as he open the door it was rather odd: No beds where in it but two comfy chairs, a bookshelf full of...um...you know book, a rack to place there weaponry and two helmet stand where they could place there helms before they could rest and not lose them. As he left the door open for the brothers to follow and enter he would open a trunk right beside the chairs that said "Polish" but was empty after they left. It was rather large as it once stored multiple containers of armor polish,whetstones and such to keep any metal object they had in a shiny look. Then he rushed towards the closet where it was...empty again...they dint have any clothe or any new "sets" of armor....for now


"Ok you one of you can hide in the trunk! or both can hide in the closet! hide and close it if you decide to split up or stay with each other! if anything happens or just feels to cramp just slowly open it...if you can escape our room and Make sure She dose not see you go for it! I have a plan for distraction!" Cal said as he would tilt the chair over and lay it on it side as if some one fell off it or some one...Trip against it. Soon Cal would lay on the ground,Pop his head off and put it beside hos body. He began to remove his armor one by one till the only thing left was the chest plate or his "Chest" and one arm attach to it, the one he used to remove all his parts. With a thumbs up he waited....when he hears Olza asking for help to Minnie he would begin to as well ask for help! making sure she was busy! to be fair....this was a weird game of hide and seek but the brothers made sure to keep her distracted so the kids have a chance to sneak away to a different room! or even better...make her forget!


(Hope this is ok! ADVENTURE!  If my long post are a bother to read then dont worry i can short them up :3)


@Katsuya  @Zer0

 

[Katsuya]

-Minnie Von Ironheart-
​

"Hello...I'm looking fo-"


Minnie wasn't expecting a suit of armor to answer the door nor was she expecting to help him. 'How interesting...' She thought as she walked in the door without closing from behind. The blue haired teen looked at the golden armor with a blank stare and nodded.


"-for my guild master and his brother...Sen and Seth needs to help with the stand today...since it's tournament day number one..." Minnie calmly explained as if she didn't paused awkwardly, walking to the middle of the room. Then the blue haired teen stared at Calcifer for a bit, muttering '...What a pretty fire...' before turning back to Olza.


She enjoyed staring at the fires back in her Uncle's armory, where he creates the best weapons ever (In her mind.)


"But...okay, I'll help you find your helmet and...arm..." She gathered her thoughts as she took out a small piece of chalk from her pocket, remembering the only spell her uncle taught her. While drawing the spell circle on the floor, Minnie quietly muttered her spell in an unknown language and then tossed her chalk to clap on it. Upon impact, the chalk turned into dust and the circle glowed brightly.


"...Polaris..."


With that quiet word, any metallic item in the rooms started rattling before flying over to the glowing circle, slowly growing a pile of utensils, plates, cups, kettle, pots, pans, swords, jewelry, etc. Including Renee and James' 'lost' items from the years of the twins using them. All of the items gathered up like a wall in a circle shape, surrounding the caster. After a few more seconds, Olza's missing armor pieces appeared, along with Cal's missing body. The blue haired teen lets go of her breathe after finding all of the armored pieces and looked at the pair of armored...ghost?


"...Is this satisfactory? If it is, I must look for my guild master and his brother..." Minnie deadpanned to the armored pair, climbing over the pile and started to search for the twins by going up the stairs...


In the meanwhile, Renee was running back home from the blacksmith's armory. On her back is a very strange bow and a matching quiver filled with normal arrows tied around her waist. She's grinning like a loon in her excitement....and a bit of fear of using them.


@Zer0 @Yonsisac

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- Sen & Seth Pendragon -[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 14px]" Howl's Flying Castle "[/SIZE]
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"[SIZE= 18px]S[/SIZE]o, what excuse should we give Minnie this time?" whispered Seth inside the dark, cramped closet.


"Nothing. We're her employer, we're always in the right." said Sen quietly.


"Right pain in the buttocks she'd think."


"Ah, but that's our most charming feature." There was silence for a while as they carefully adjusted positions waiting to be found. "You wanna' make a bet?" whispered Sen after a while. "Whoever can make Minnie laugh or smile the biggest gets to choose the guild's next investment."


"Eh, but I thought we were going to buy a zeppelin once we sell all our stocks of ale."


"No, you acted independently and removed my salami project budget out of our account, so I get to decide what we do this time."


"But the zeppelin is a good move."



"We can't be too sure, the state of the war with the dragon is going down for our side. It's likely that the market price will increase after two months and those goblins would rather sell their zeppelin to the army who can give them a better price. I say we stock up on medicine now while it's still cheap." This conversation continued on and on until the twins were no longer whispering and had gotten into a debate about fluctuating market prices in the gnome industry and the effects the dragon's army will have on the International Merchant Guild's Stock Exchange.


@Katsuya, @Yonsisac

[SIZE= 18px]- James Pendragon -[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 14px]" Royale Coliseum "[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 18px]A[/SIZE]t seven in the morning, James had already finished registering for the Novice division in the Warlock Tournament and was in the Fighter's Hall waiting for his first fight at ten in the morning. He had not seen Renee's name in the roster and was wondering if the girl knew that sign ups were about to close.


He was nervously leaning against the wall absentmindedly petting Frey who wore leather armor. James too wore enchanted robes that increased his defense against magic.


All around him lumbered the summons of professionals and master warlocks. They were on a whole different level from his. There were battle boar shamans that could cast fire spells, giants carrying trees for clubs, and even ghostly banshees floating around with gaunt greenish faces. It was nice to just watch. James was going to train to reach this level one day and then join the Wizengamot.


Speaking of which, he looked out the window to the crowd assembled at the stands and flicked his wand. "Choutte Venire." Sasha the ghostly owl came out of a puff of smoke and bristled her feathers importantly waiting for Jame's command. "Sasha, find members of the Wizengamot, they wear blue robes with the insignia of the Ouroboros.


The owl nodded and flew off. Then in the corner of his eye, James spotted that archer Seifer who had been giving his sister and Johnny a hard time. He had heard that he was supposed to apologize to him, but so far had not done it, neither to Echo, nor Johnny either. It had something to do with Renee not telling him when to apologize so he hasn't done it.


The man looked tired, probably because of the twins who were delighted to have a new slave. They worked him to the bone on guild duties after class, but after learning that the bullying on Renee, Echo and Johnny were getting worse as a sort of retaliation from Seifer's friends, the twins decided to compromise. They wouldn't mess with him too much if his friends didn't mess with their sister and his friends too much. Seifer just agreed, but the twins knew it was their same kind of agree where you don't really mean what you say.


Seifer spotted James and suddenly smirked. He mouthed knowingly, 'I saw what you did.'


James tensed, but then remained calm. No, he couldn't have seen him in the slums. James was in disguise. He cocked an eyebrow at the archer who just remained smirking, then turned to resume talking with his friends.

​

@Katsuya
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[Katsuya]

-Renee at the Fighter's Hallway-
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Renee panted, grinning a bit as she leaned on the table where fighters sign up. She had just made it in time as they were about to close and signed up in the intermediate section. The winged teen felt like she got lucky that she spotted the clock on her way home or else, she wouldn't have made it in time.


Originally, she was gonna sign in the novice category, but after hearing James' opinion, she signed up in intermediate instead. It's better this way too, she thought, because then she can prove that she can fight enemies who were stronger or more experienced...


And it'll prove to James that she can handle herself when she puts her mind into it.


After catching her breathe, the winged teen followed one of the table workers to the fighter's hall and thanked them quickly before looking for her brother. There were so many different fighters here, some more scary looking than others who looked a bit more interesting. After staring a bit with awe in her bright eyes, Renee found her brother near a window with Frey in leather armor.


She walked up to the summoner-and-summoned pair, petting and nuzzling Frey's leather covered shoulder as if she was saying 'Good luck' to the buck while smiling warily to James. They're fighters now, in this hallway, so she knows it's not the time to nuzzle Frey like she usual would, but still...she's not going to change because of the very harsh atmosphere caused by the other fighters.


"Hey, James..." Renee's wings trembled minutely as she continued to observe the room. Her anxiety spiked up again, but she's trying to put a lid on it. She didn't want to offend anybody nor did she want to seem weak to these guys. 'We're all fighting for one reason or another...and that's fine.' She nuzzled into Frey again, trying to calm down and frowned. They were fighting, yet here she is, still leaning on James for comfort...


She can't do that anymore...Not when she wants to prove him wrong.


Renee leaned away from the ethereal buck, letting her hand fall on her side as she looked up at James. Then she grinned at him as if she was trying to tell him 'Everything will be fine' . Her wings even stopped trembling...


"So...did you manage to eat something for breakfast today?" Renee asked, still worried about his cold. If anyone looked closely, they would notice about the gems that she usually have on her hands and forehead are gone.


@Zer0

 

[Yonsisac]

Cal was a mess on the ground as he lay there in spread chunks of armor but soon...he began to float and every part of him began to follow his head as he gasped loudly and began to say in a exited tone "I AM FLYING! WHAT IS GOING ON?! I AM A BIRD! WEEEEEEE!" He cheered as soon the ride ended as he drop on the ground on a circle on top of a pile of mug's plates and such. He, as a pile of armor, soon heard the woman- wait....oh no! this was a mess! this was not part of the plan she would find them! "Uh y-yea it did help thanks! b-but wait! don't go up stairs! there is um...a-a A AGGRESSIVE DOG! Yea! it was my dog! he is VERY aggressive so don't go upstairs!" He warn as his brother began to put him back in one self and once he was a full suit of armor and his brother places his head and arm back Cal quickly followed Min as he tried to stop her "Let me at least go up stairs and tie him up!" He side as he tried to pass her but he stop as he saw a cute little Grey puppy bark his way down the stairs towards him...he was a fluff ball and blue eyed and one cute little thing that would scare anybody!


"Oh boy...that is is SOOO scary HoOoOOoooo!" Olza laughed as Cal picked up the puppy and dint have any idea what to do! He sigh and would say towards the lady "Follow me, they are in this room" He said as he would walk pass her holding the puppy as he would lead her up to the third floor and would count the doors only to end up on what see his room,he sounded rather down...as if he has fail to do something "They are in here" he said as he open the door and said "They are hiding" Cal finished as....this was not HIS room...it was the sixteen year old TWINS room....and the twins where hiding in his room NOT here...but it would surely at least make her enter.


if she entered he would seem to wait outside the room...but as he heard Sen and Seth speaking he grew alarmed... if she did enter...he would immediately close the door behind her! and say "BRO HOLD THE DOOR!" he yelled as his brother would look confused but would grab the door knob and pull so if she tried to open the door it would be kinda hard.... Cal would run towards HIS room and slam the door open and say "Evacuate!! thy shall hold our ground young ones! Escape thus as swiftly as possible! Hide once again in the home of the maze!" he said in a weird "Royal Knight" tone


@Katsuya  @Zer0

 

[Katsuya]

-Minnie Von Ironheart-
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Minnie stared blankly at the cute little puppy that ran down the stairs before looking at it's owner who picked it up. 'These ghosts...are very silly...like the twins...', she muses, walking up the stairs as she followed the grey knight.


When he took her to a very messing room, filled with clutter and had double of certain items, she concluded that this room is the twins'. Why would lead her here and claim that it's his? He's a knight, right? A ghostly one at that. Why would knights need a skateboard with basketballs and have items a teen boy would have? Unless these knights died at a very young age, this room is not his or the golden knight's.


Then she heard very familiar voices coming from further down the hall...'They must be there...but he looked so determined to make me go in the room...' Minnie decided to just play with their little game and walked in the room. That's when she heard the door close behind her, the grey knight shouting in old English speak.


"I see...So we're playing hide and seek..." Minnie mumbled before backing up a bit. She did a sport runner's position and ran straight to the door, jumping at the last second to deliver a harsh kick. Her uncle always did tell her to use force when need be and she needed to use as much force as she could with this. Unfortunately for the twins' door, the hinges broke the moment Minnie made contact, the door landing across the hallway and flattening the golden knight with the wall.


The blue haired teen landed on her feet and looked over at the grey knight. The dark hallway emphasized on the creepy atmosphere and the little teen girl grinned, looking very sinister. Her head leaned a bit to the side as her eyes were shadowed from her fringes.  Each step was slow and calculated as she, for the first time she met the knights and the twins, sounded amused.


"Ohh~ Sen....Ohh~ Seth...come out. Come out, wherever you are~ I need you~..."


They want to play games...Fine, she'll play with them...until there's no more to play....


@Zer0 @Yonsisac  

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- Sen & Seth Pendragon -[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 14px]" Howl's Flying Castle "[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 18px]T[/SIZE]he twins saluted at Cal. "Thank you very much, sir!" they whispered.


The twins clambered down the window and down the side of the flying castle, snickering. They circled around, quietly opened the front door and went back out again exiting not on the grassy hill where the castle sat in the state of Verona, but in out in the front yard of House 44 in the royal city of Kingsbury.


Johnny had just come out of his tent looking neater than usual and carrying a bouquet of yellow roses. His eyes met the twins who looked like they were putting two and two together, then his face went red.


"You're going on a date?!" blurted Sen and Seth together, shocked.


"Yes." said Johnny smiling meekly.


"But you're afraid of girls!"


"Yes, but not this one, except when she's angry. Well, I'm off! See you later Sen, Seth." Johnny summoned his giant ram, Butters and mounted the guardian spirit. They galloped off, Johnny looking happy and excited.



"Well who'd have thunk?" said Sen, scratching his head.


@Katsuya, @Yonsisac

[SIZE= 18px]- James Pendragon -[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 14px]" Royale Coliseum "[/SIZE]
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"[SIZE= 18px]H[/SIZE]ey, Renee, yeah I ate in a café. What time's your first match?" said James, distractedly glancing at Seifer who was looking at the two with a sinister look as if he was thinking of coming over to them to start some trouble. He then noticed her missing jewels. "What happened to your gems?" added James, concerned.


Frey nuzzled Renee affectionately, sniffing her new bow.


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

​

-Echo is on a date~-
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Echo waited for Johnny by the park where they hold musical entertainment, fidgeting with the white little flowers that cascaded down from her antlers to her cheeks. Some were shorter or longer than the others. Her Aunt Melody scared the bleeding heart out of her chest this morning when she decided to crash in her room, exclaiming 'I'm doing your make-over!'. The red head was enjoying her nice dream of skipping in the meadows with Johnny and her aunt just popped that dream away-! Aughhh!!


The fawn could only sigh while thinking of this morning, feeling very naked without her pots. It's weird to have vines and flowers decorate her antlers instead and then...there's the clothes her aunt made her wear, designed by one of the older cousins. Echo looked down at her dark emerald green dress that has an open slit on her right hip, cloud white layers of folded frills peeked through. The red head knew if she spun around, the skirt part would easily fluff up, which is why her aunt picked this dress. It was flow-y.


Oh! She can see Johnny riding on Butters and started blushing. 'He looks so nice...' Echo thought, her silly smile grew, her heart skipped a beat. Johnny looked like prince on his trusty stead, strutting confidently in the streets. The music behind her played a light but sweet song, making his entrance a bit more romantic in her eyes.


Quickly shaking her thoughts away, blushing bright red, Echo waved at Johnny shyly. "H-hi Johnny. Hello Butters..."

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-Renee at the Fighter's Hall-
​

"I think I'm one of the last matches for today, since I just signed in...James, did you drink something warm? Because a cold isn't good to have..."Renee searched in her pouch if there were any cold medicine she could give to James, only to frown in worry when she found none. "When we get back home, I'll make medicine for you."


 'He ate a cafe? I guess he left before I made breakfast...All that hard work for nothing.' She mentally sighed, her wings wilted a bit. Oh well...she just hopes the twins would at least put it away and not waste the food. The winged teen perked up when James asked about her gems.


"My gems are in my bow, see?" The younger Pendragon reached over her shoulder to grab her bow and she showed it to James. The bow itself looked like roots and branches of a tree intertwine with each other, a single little leaf hanging outwards, and all in a dark cherry wood color; which was strange since it's just darkened metal. Where Renee would grab the bow and knock arrows is a round disk that also had roots and branches wrapped around it with a very familiar point. It was the purple gem that Renee usually have on her forehead, now wrapped with tree roots and branches too. Surrounded by the weaving root-like design are two very familiar pink gems, one on each end of the handle.


Renee then took out one of the gems and put it back in, grinning at her brother. "I had to request the smithy to make sure I can detach my gems." She explained, nuzzling Frey back as her wings fluttered happily. The blacksmith gave her a hefty price and the winged teen didn't have the money for it. So she offered a trade instead: A few months worth of back pain medicine for her custom bow and quiver, which the smithy gladly agreed.


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Johnny Caprice -
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[SIZE= 14px]" South Park, Kingsbury "[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 18px]J[/SIZE]ohnny's eyes were drawn to the slit the moment he saw Echo in the distance and his jaw dropped. At first he didn't understand why she was dressed like that, being used to her modest clothing and her pots which he missed --- and not knowing how dates went in general except for the flowers and romanticism --- but when he saw that she was nervous he realized that she probably wanted to look pretty for him, and when she smiled he saw that it was still the same Echo inside and sighed in relief.


"Baa!" cried Butters happily and came bounding at her, heavy hooves romping the grass as he charged.


"Butters! Butters, slow down!" cried Johnny, holding on to the reigns, but the ram just skidded to a twirling drift across the grass until he came to a stop in front of Echo and then head butted her lightly and playfully on the noggin.


"Baa." bleated the ram affectionately and began sniffing the new flowery vines on her head, then her dress enthusiastically. Johnny dismounted quickly then pushed Butter's cheek away to his bleating protests.


"Are you okay?" he asked worriedly, checking Echo's forehead and totally forgetting that he had a bouquet of yellow roses in one hand.





@Katsuya

- James Pendragon -
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[SIZE= 14px]" Royale Coliseum "[/SIZE]
​

"[SIZE= 18px]N[/SIZE]o, it's alright, I can make medicine for myself." said James, and touched the bow she presented to him. "This is some weapon . . . " he muttered, feeling the magic of the enchantments that allowed it to use the gems.


As they talked, something like a chill raised the hairs on the back of James neck even though there was no wind inside the fighter's hall. Immediately he looked to the left and there sitting in some shadowy corner was a dark knight with a warped helm shaped like the skull of some unknown beast. The man was just staring at Renee and him, though James wasn't sure as some enchantment shrouded the inside of his helm in darkness.


He . . . had an unnerving and ominous air about him, as if he was no stranger to creating death and suffering. The other warriors in the hall seemed to avoid him too, and even the mounts and summons didn't hold his gaze for very long.


The dark creature that lived off James' fear stirred and grew, until James instinctively looked away though he didn't understand what he was feeling and just attributed it to nerves. He had never seen a murderer with his own eyes before after all and his protective instincts kicked in.


"Renee, at least tell me who your first opponent is." said James urgently. "The tournament organizers should have at least told you that."


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-Echo Muses-
​

Echo watched, a bit worried from Butters skidding like that, but with the way he butted her head, she thought that they might be okay. She giggled quietly and greeted Butters back by petting his horn. Then she smiled at Johnny's worried face, a red mark appearing on her forehead.


"I'm ok-kay, Johnny. I'm pretty strong and Butters did it lightly. So I-I'm okay."


Echo replied, stuttering a bit when he got close to her face while checking on her forehead. Her cheeks turning redder than her hair. Then she saw the bouquet and her smile grew. "A-ar-are those yellow roses?"


Her eyes glittered in joy when she realized that it is a bouquet of yellow roses, her heart skipping a beat.

-Renee Pendragon-
​

Renee was about to respond back when she felt the air change, feeling a strange chill down her spine. The winged-teen looked to her right and froze when she saw the dark knight.


'Oh bloody trolls he's looking at James and me...' she thought in a panic, her wings folded tightly and trembling from the ominous air that surrounds him. She couldn't look away like her brother can, already fearing that if she looked away, the dark knight might attack or something worse. Renee might not be magically incline like her brother, but even she can feel that there's something really wrong with this strange dark knight...and it freaks her out.


"I-It...It..." Oh goodness, she needs to say it! Renee could tell that her brother is very worried with his tone of voice and she needs to say it! "I-it's someone n-n-named Ja-Ja-Jack n' Jil-jill." The name is way too silly for it to be that knight. No way this knight had a sane sense of humor nor would it (it because she doesn't know if it had a gender!) be called that...


She hoped!


"J-James...who's y-you-your first o-opponent?" She asked, still not taking her eyes off of the dark knight. Renee might not have noticed, but she's gripping hard on her bow and on Frey's armor, squeezing them tight.


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

​

- James Pendragon -
​

[SIZE= 14px]" Royale Coliseum "[/SIZE]
​

"[SIZE= 18px]N[/SIZE]ancy Caroline, a druid from our school." said James. "Hang on, I saw Jack n' Jill under the intermediate category --- you joined the intermediate category?" he asked, surprised. How were they to compete if they were in different categories?


Outside, it seemed that the tournament has finally begun. The announcer's booming voice echoed in the coliseum and some warriors walked out to the windows to watch. The tournament began with the hailing of the King, and his daughter, Princess Mia, stood up and gave a speech of welcome to all the warriors and wished them all the blessings of the gods, the glory of battle, and sweet victory. The crowd cheered and the warriors hollered. Princess Mia, a lovely lady eighteen years of age was beloved by all and was the next to rule the throne. She was well known for her love of children and had recently been part of a controversy among the nobles when she set someone else's slave free.


Then came a dance from performers who hailed from a far off land. They beat their drums and swayed to the fire, ice and lightning of their summoned creatures and capped it off with a grand display of fireworks.



@Katsuya

 
​

- Johnny Caprice -
​

[SIZE= 14px]" South Park, Kingsbury "[/SIZE]
​

"[SIZE= 18px]Y[/SIZE]es, they are." said Johnny turning red and nervously, but happily presented the bouquet to Echo. Despite their closeness, he didn't back away this time and there was warmth in his eyes.


In courtship, the yellow rose represented friendship and joy. To those who were familiar with the tradition, the yellow rose was the first rose to give to someone you liked, next was the pink ones, then the red, then finally the white rose. He looked like he was thinking of what to say as if he thought his first words weren't enough, and ended up just adding, "Good morning."


Somewhere in a nearby bush, Seth silently smacked his own forehead, sniggering quietly. 'Good morning?' he thought, humored as he watched the pair from his hiding spot. The twins had been caught by Minnie, but since it was Sen who was the guild master and not Seth, he was free to follow Johnny since he just couldn't let something this entertaining just slip away. He was wearing a bird-watcher disguise complete with binoculars, a fake nose made of wax and carried himself differently from the way he usually moved and walked.


To his surprise, he noticed that there was another group hiding in some bush watching the two lovey-dovey couple, but they had sinister sneers. "Aren't those that git Seifer's friends?" he whispered to himself.



@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-Renee Pendragon-
​

Renee looked away when she heard the fireworks and stood up straight. "Yep! I joined in intermediate." Her wings fluttered excitedly, trying to shake of her anxiety from the dark knight. She leaned towards him as she smiled mischievously, similar to the twins' grins of misfortune.


"We're still battling, dear James, but we'll do it at the end of the tournament. When we both win our categories and declare our last battle with each other." The winged teen quietly declared, her orange eyes burning with determination for the both of them.


"You never said that we had to stay in the same category. You only mentioned that we had to stay in the tournament and survive until we fight each other..." Renee found a loophole that can actually propel her further, if she played her cards right. By fighting in the intermediate, she can get better experiences in battles and show James that she can take care of herself. That she's not going to disappear that easily.


"Besides...I want see how you're going to keep me safe if I stayed here..." Renee isn't stupid. She knows that she just pressed James' determination button by saying that. If he really wants her to stay here, safe and sound, then he has to prove to her that he can protect them if something horrible happens. Calm her anxieties of him not disappearing too...like their parents...

-Echo Muses-
​

Echo gently grabbed the bouquet, lightly touching his hands as she took the flowers and sniffed the soft floral scent. Then she looked up at him, her cheeks dusted in pink, and smiled.


"Good morning Johnny...these flowers are beautiful. Thank you so much...." Echo can hear the band in the park changed their song, now a bit more cheery and soft. Ironically enough, it reflected on how she felt: Happy, shy, excited, nervous...Might as well add some birds chirping in the background too, while they're at it.


"So...where are we going fir-"


"COME ONE AND ALL! FOR THIS IS A CHANCE TO SHOW OFF YOUR VOICES!" Echo jumped a bit from the announcer's booming voice, not expecting it in the morning. Looking over her shoulder, the red head watched a crowd starting to form around a wooden platform that has a banner. Written on the light pink banner are the words 'Singing competition'.


The announcer proudly stood there with his wand on his neck, amplifying his voice, and gathering a crowd. "COME NOW! SIGN UP AND CHOOSE A SONG TO SING! IT COULD BE ROCK TO COUNTRY! SING TO YOUR HEART'S CONTENT! THE WINNER WILL GET TWO VIP TICKETS TO GO ON THE RIDES FOR FREE!" Echo blinked, not expecting the competition...


@Zer0 

 

[Zer0]

- James Pendragon -
​

[SIZE= 14px]" Royale Coliseum "[/SIZE]
​

" [SIZE= 18px]S[/SIZE]o be it." said James, looking determined. "You will be staying here, Renee. Count on it."


The announcer had just called in the first fight and the dark knight rose when the name, "Belial" was called. He prowled towards the great doors dragging with him a worn looking sword and shield that looked like they desperately needed repairs. His opponent, a regal looking paladin raised an eyebrow at his gear and scoffed.


"You must be joking . . ." muttered the paladin. "Just so you know, I won't be holding back my blows, old man." he said airily, putting on his chain mail gloves and patting a large hammer at his belt. The paladin had a shield across his back and was fully armored in enchanted steel; the dark knight said nothing and just continued staring ahead.


The gates opened, and the two contestants entered the arena to the applause of the crowd.


@Katsuya

- Johnny Caprice -
​

[SIZE= 14px]" South Park, Kingsbury "[/SIZE]
​

"[SIZE= 18px]Y[/SIZE]ou're welcome, Echo." said Johnny happily. A wind fluttered her dress a little and his eyes were drawn to the slit again, but he immediately looked away. He didn't want Echo to think he was a pervert and make her feel scared around him or not trust him. But there was just something . . . what's the word . . . nice? . . . alluring? . . . about her wearing a dress like this.


"Would you like to join that?" asked Johnny brightly, following her gaze. He remembered her story about why she only sang to her plants now and wondered if she still wanted to sing to people. He personally also looked like he wanted to hear her sing. "Butters and I can provide the drums." he added hopefully.


"Baa." Butters rolled over to the side and Johnny clapped the ram's belly which produced a deep watery burble.


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-Renee Pendragon-
​

Renee stared at her brother, an eyebrow raised at his words. "Uh-huh. Sure James. Only except I'm going to be winning this bet." She bantered lightly, giggling quietly. Her words are teasing as if she's encouraging him to do his best at proving her wrong. It's good to see her older brother this lively, even if it is about a fight.


When the pair of warriors for the first battle are called up, Renee looked out of the window to see their fight. Her wings fluttering in her excitement and...worries.

-Echo Muses-
​

Echo gulped, conflicted if she should enter or not. The red-head does want to sing in front of people again, but she's afraid that she wouldn't be able to see the field of pumpkins again. It's been awhile since she last saw them and knowing there's people watching her sing...it's terrifying.


She shouldn't...


Looking back, she was going to say 'no' until Johnny offered to provide the drums with Butters' tummy, making a deep sound. Echo's ears perked up at the sound and twitched a bit. Maybe it'll be different if Johnny's there with her? Before she didn't have anybody supporting her like the singer. So...maybe...?


Taking a deep breathe and letting it go, Echo nodded. "Okay...Yes...I want to join." Her green eyes stared at the stage, now determined to sing in front of others again.


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Johnny Caprice -
​

[SIZE= 14px]" South Park, Kingsbury "[/SIZE]
​

"[SIZE= 18px]B[/SIZE]rilliant!" said Johnny eagerly; "Baa." bleated Butters, snorting excitedly. Johnny summoned Meatballs the boarhound then the two rolled Butters over near the stage. "I'm all ears, what's our plan partners?" he asked in a cowboy accent looking between Echo, the absentmindedly slobbering Meatballs, and his giant ram who was currently upside down.


He listened to the song Echo suggested and quickly practiced quietly to memorize the beat. He liked it and enthusiastically went over the tricks he already taught Meatballs, absentminded though the huge hound may be, to do in tune with the song if Echo allowed it. "If there's one thing I learned from theaters, it's that lights and effects go a long way to dazzling or conveying your message to the crowd."


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-Echo is going to sing!-
​

Echo smiled in humor as she watched Johnny and Meatballs push Butters near the stage, following them from behind. Giggling from him using a cowboy accent, Echo told him which song she wanted to sing and felt her heart skip a beat when he quickly practice. Then she listened to his suggestions, using Meatballs' tricks. She nodded, her ears twitched happily.


"Okay! Let me sign us in..." Echo almost skipped her way to the sign-up post, feeling really excited. As she told the announcer the song she wanted to sing, he nodded and let one of the violinists to help. A nice blond lady with a flow-y white-blue dress. The red-head nodded as a greeting and the woman smiled back, now practicing the song. Curious, she peeked to the side of the stage and the now gathering crowd, feeling a bit nervous. 'I...hope I can sing this time...' She thought, now looking back at her date and his creature friends. She didn't want to let them down...


"The announcer will call on us when Mindy finishes her song." Echo mentioned to Johnny when she returned, rubbing on her arm nervously. Her heart's beating really fast...


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Johnny Caprice -
​

[SIZE= 14px]" South Park, Kingsbury "[/SIZE]
​

"[SIZE= 18px]A[/SIZE]lright, Echo." said Johnny, still nodding and drumming his fingers to the beat in his head. He was sitting on the grass rhythmically repeating, "Ignis" and Meatballs would breath a plume of fire at the sky. When he saw Echo rub her shoulders he offered his robe to her.


"Cold?" he asked, though the day was warm. "Or perhaps something is making you nervous?" the answer was obvious, but Johnny's meaningful look suggested that he was asking for a deeper cause other than having to sing in front of people. Was it fear of failure, fear because you weren't ready, or fear that couldn't be explained since you knew you can sing, but you just feel nervous anyway.


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-Echo Muses-
​

"Thank you...I'm not cold, but..." Echo timidly accepted his robe, putting it on despite the day being warm. Her ears folded back when Johnny asked, fidgeting a bit. "Um..." She gulped. "I don't want to let you or Butters or Meatballs down if I can't sing..." She admitted, sitting right next to him to watch. She didn't want to fall short, with all their efforts and going along with the competition. All of that...for nothing...because her not being able to sing...


"I'm scared of singing in front of others and terrified that I'm failing your expectations..." She fiddled with one of the corners of Johnny's robe, biting her lip at the thought of it.


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Johnny Caprice -
​

[SIZE= 14px]" South Park, Kingsbury "[/SIZE]
​

"[SIZE= 18px]I[/SIZE] don't mind if you let me down. It's not like it is going to change the way I look at you." said Johnny, shrugging. He seemed to have a very flippant view on failure and didn't take it seriously, as if it was something normal that didn't bother his peace of mind. Butters secretly nudged Johnny hard on the back and gave him a 'say-something-else' look.


"Er, what I mean by that is, I'm not one of those who stand in the distance putting a burden of expectation on your shoulders, we're doing this together, and winner or not we will face the crowd, and whatever happens you can come to me the way I came to you when I was terrified of girls, and it's safe because I won't think less of you --- not that I'm saying you won't win." he added hastily, realizing that his jumbled words may be failing in comforting Echo.


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-Echo Muses-
​

Echo flinched at his first words, now looking at the crowd nervously. It doesn't affect him as much...So she didn't see Butters nudging Johnny to try again. Then she smiled a bit when she heard the rest of his comforting speech. "...Thank you, Johnny..." The red head leaned her head on his shoulder, her cheeks turning pink as she nuzzled him. "I...I really needed to hear that..." The flowers on her antlers made a small curtain of sorts when she nuzzled his shoulder, creating an intimate space for the two.


"I'm glad that you're here with me..." She thought out loud, her face turning red as wine. The crowd behind them cheered as the competition started with the first singer who was singing decently. 


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Johnny Caprice -


" South Park, Kingsbury "


'That comforted her?' thought Johnny, bemused as Echo leaned on him. "Oh, I have an idea!" he said distractedly and suddenly pushed her gently away as he stood up. "I'll be right back before your turn, Echo! Butters, let's go. Meatballs --- stay."


Woof


And he was off before he could be stopped. Meatballs gazed absentmindedly at Echo, wagging his tail.


But he was late when he came back riding Butters. Protected in his arms was a wooden tray of what seemed to be a couple of Echo's most common potted plants from the greenhouse at school that could just be taken out without anything bad happening to them.


Johnny was carrying them carefully as though they were made of glass and dismounted in front of Echo.


"To help with the butterflies in your stomach." he said and hastily set them safely up above the crowd's faces so that Echo would have something familliar that reacted positively to her voice to look at before she was ready to look at the crowd itself.


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-Echo Muses-
​

Echo nodded, blinking as she watched him go. What is he up to? When Johnny returned with potted plants, Echo was still sitting, but with Meatballs getting a good rubbing behind his ears. She was giggling at the fact his leg was thumping the ground, enjoying the rub.


"Oh!...Johnny, that's really sweet of you..." Her voice took a tone of appreciation when she watched him set the plants on the stage, smiling gratefully. She was up next since Mindy is half way finished with her song. The violinist, ready to play her part of the song, was checking on the strings so they don't break during their performance. Once Mindy finished her song, the crowd halfheartedly clapped, not wanting to offend the brave girl for singing. Then the announcer called them up.


"That's very good! Now, our next performance-! Please come up on stage!" The crowd clapped and Echo could already feel her legs shaking from her nerves. "Rea-ready, Johnny? Butters? Meatballs?" She asked as she walked into the stage with the violinist.


They were staring. Oh my goodness, they were staring-! Echo took a deep breathe and looked at the potted plants, smiling a bit. It's really nice of Johnny to place them here for her...Taking a moment for Johnny to set up, the red head cleared her throat so it wouldn't come out strangely and looked back at the summoner, wondering if he was ready...


When he gave her a 'go', Echo looked at the crowd, and noticed the bits of the pumpkins peeking out of the trees' trunks and smiled. Maybe she can sing this time...She opened her mouth and she sang with Celtic sounding words...at first, quietly. Then ...she sang louder, watching the potted plant grow with flowers blooming on some and others had their leaves flowing out on stage...


Now she's comfortable, dancing a bit to beat Johnny is playing with the violinist.


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Johnny Caprice -
​

[SIZE= 14px]" South Park, Kingsbury "[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 18px]J[/SIZE]ohnny summoned small clouds of will-o-wisps at the side of the stage that bloomed serenely with the slow start of the song, then they hopped rhythmically trailing fire as he beat drummed on Butters antlers lightly. The little fire elementals spiraled around the stage spitting out bright sputters of flame looking like floating ember flower buds.


The song became faster, and the wisps glow became brighter and brighter until the first pause was capped off by a big boom from beating Butter's belly. The crowd cheered.


And then the song began anew, the wisps twirled trailing complex fire spirals in the air, guided by Johnny who was using his wand like a maestro. From his brisk movement, steady gaze, and the way he was mouthing something in another language to his wisps who were all looking at him, it seemed that the little fire elementals were used to being used in this way.


He grinned at Echo enjoying the beat and Butters seemed to enjoy it too. The giant ram was bobbing its head with the song.


@Katsuya