Conquest Round Eight

[kingofpoisons]

The sunnier weather of Saturday had remained and as usual all the screens displayed the instruction to report to the lobby for assembly at 12 noon. Anyone brave enough to taste the food will be glad to know it is not poisoned anymore. Day was stood on the platform with Feferi and Suzaku, Santana joined them when she had finished bringing the stragglers into the hall.

Day doesn't look happy, which is about normal for her. "Sometimes, I think they hate us, giving us all the idiots." She said to Santana, loud enough to be heard through the hall.

When she figured she had their attention she glared at them. "Is it really that hard?" She asked, "To follow basic instructions?" All the Players of the previous round would feel a twinge of pain, a foreshadowing of what was to come.

"Once again you lost," Her voice was low, "Once again, instead of rewarding those who fought well against Fortitude I am forced to punish those who drag us down." Punish them to make them stronger, so they would be ready.

"Apparently you lost sight of what is important, choosing to fight each other instead of your joint rival. Battling each other is good practice but remember who you really have to fight and do not let it distract you from your goal." The Battle Records came up on the screen.

"Well done to America for winning against Suzaku Kururugi," As each defeated persons name was called they would be hit with a mid level penalty enough to make them stagger. "America for winning against Prussia, though Prussia than won against America soon afterwards. Golbez for beating America and Itsuki Koizumi for beating Golbez."

She moved on to the Interschool battles, "Against Fortitude you did abysmally, Congratulations to Prussia for beating Dirk. But," The next set of penalties were stronger than the ones for losing against fellow Conquest students.

"Kotaro lost to Anya Alstreim, Golbez also lost to Anya Alstreim, Suzaku Kururugi lost to Dave Strider, as did Kotaro Mochizuki. Kotaro Mochizuki lose to Dirk Strider, as did Suzaku Kururugi. None of you won the Round, you are all losers."

Another burst of pain for all the Players. "But," She continued, "Some good did come out of this round, you opened a tower. Well done," her tone turned sarcastic, "Took you bloody long enough." She smirked, though it wasn't as if her own session had been any quicker on the uptake. "Our mayor has a message for you."

The screen came to life once more to show Dunleavy stood in the manor garden. "Members of the Battle schools of Rakuen, congratulations the first tower is open. You have shown intelligence and bravery and it will stand you in good stead for the challenges to come." Despite the fact she sounded a little monotone and scripted she really was proud of them. public speaking is not her strong point; at least it is not bad Source poetry.

"Aye, you are well on the way to winning the game. I would like to congratulate Lelouch vi Britannia and Jade Harley of Fortitude, and Kevin Smith and Gino Weinberg of Conquest for their efforts and all of you for your heroic fight against the tower guardian. You have all received a voucher for Recette's shop, use it wisely." Her voice was wry, she really didn't like being blamed for things she had warned against.

"Another reward for you, another part of the legend," The parts that they had already heard on the train and the part she had told to Golbez came up first on the screen.

This is a very simple story that everyone knows. A legend of a Princess, the Demon Lord who kidnapped her, and the Knight who fought to save her. The Lord had kidnapped the Princess countless times, but every time the Knight bested his challenges and rescued the Princess. No matter what tricks and ploys the Demon Lord used, the Knight would always triumph in the end.

In a faraway land, a Knight sought to finally defeat the Demon Lord that terrorized the people. Again and again they clashed, but victory mattered not for the demon always returned, darker and more powerful than before. After countless battles, the despairing Knight sought the help of an ancient Sage.

"How can I defeat the Demon Lord completely, save my people and my Princess, and live happily ever after?"

The Sage told of the one sure way to truly defeat a demon: the source of the Demon Lord's power lay in six beautiful stars, protected by six devils. Defeat the devils to gain the stars, said the Sage. Only when the Knight held the six stars could the Demon Lord finally be slain.

Only when the Knight held the six stars could she return home.

This was followed by a third part, which Dunleavy read out loud.

In a faraway land, a Knight consulted a Sage and returned to the castle with new wisdom, but was too late to save the Princess. The land had been corrupted by the Demon King. As the land sickened, so to did the Princess. When the Knight arrived home, she was almost gone.

'I'll save your kingdom,' promised the Knight.

'I know,' said the Princess.

With those words, she used the last of her life to transform herself into the holy blade that had so often aided her Knight in the past. On the hilt was an etched bird, frozen in silver. Its eyes were stars. The Knight held the sword close, and wept bitterly.

"Keep up the good work, I will leave you to your assembly now." The screen went blank. Day turned back to the students. "So I guess you want to know which of you idiots are to be our hope for this Round." The names came up on the screen and Day read aloud.

"Feferi
Cirno
America
Lemina
Samuel Henderson"

Comments

[bloodbrother]

Sam remained rigid as the penalties were assessed. He heard Kotaro's name over and over and saw him get hit with pain over and over. As soon as everything was over, he moved over to him quickly. "Kotaro, are you alright?" This was why he didn't like him battling against such strong people all the time. Not until he got better at fighting.

[babysage]

Kotaro had stood as still as he could through the assembly, the pain had been bad but nothing he couldn't handle. He was sad though, because he had tried really hard but he had lost and now the headmistress was mad at him. When Sam got to him he wrapped his arms around him. "I'm okay! I just got to practice more, then she wont be mad!"

[bloodbrother]

He held onto Kotaro for a little while, as long as Kotaro needed to get over the pain. "Pick your battles better, please. Don't take on the strongest people. Challenge people that are more at your level so you can have a challenge without being overwhelmed. Please? Can you do that so I don't have to worry about you so much?" He laced his fingers into Kotaro's hair. "I know you want to get stronger, but you have to do it right, okay?"

[babysage]

Kotaro hugged Sam but his face dropped as he spoke. He hadn't meant to make Sam worry! He had just been trying to help, they had to fight to get raks and to learn how to get home. He bit his lip, "I'm sorry Sam... You don't have to worry about me, I'm okay and it didn't really hurt promise." More than it would have before, being here made things hurt more.

[bloodbrother]

He sighed, and offered the kid a smile. "Hey. I'm not mad at you. Listen, since I'm a player this round, I'll protect you this time. So you can take a break from fighting and maybe try to learn some things in class, okay?"

[babysage]

Kotaro's face lit up with relief when Sam told him he wasn't mad at him. At the offer he nodded, "I will be a good Weapon! And I will try really really hard in class I promise!" Even if classes were a little boring. He watched the sword appear on his hand and waved it in front of Sam.

[bloodbrother]

He was kind of glad the symbol was there. He'd have to do his best to protect Kotaro. Was he trying to model himself after Jared? Probably a little. It was the best example he had, anyway. He had to keep Kotaro safe until the kid's older brother arrived or, preferably, they got to go home. "Good. Now what do you say I get you some ice cream or something since it's warming up now."

[babysage]

Kotaro's eyes lit up, "Ice cream really! Ice cream is so yummy! Can I have chocolate ice cream?" He took hold of Sam's hand bouncing in excitement.

[bloodbrother]

"You can have any kind you want." Petty bribery, this was. But he wanted Kotaro to forget about the pain he'd just had inflicted on him. "You like sprinkles?"

[babysage]

It was working, not that Kotaro wouldn't have forgot about the pain soon anyways, such things never stopped him for long. But ice cream definitely helped. "I love sprinkles! Do you like ice cream too?" Any kind of ice cream he wanted? This was amazing!

[bloodbrother]

"I did, yes. It doesn't taste the same now though," he replied.

[babysage]

Kotaro frowned, "It's really mean that things taste not as nice to you now." Things still tasted yummy to him, but he had always been a vampire and so he didn't really have anything to compare it to.

[bloodbrother]

"Yeah, it is," he replied. He led him away from the assembly and toward town. "I think this round is going to be fun." He smiled.

[babysage]

"I bet it will be!" Kotaro skipped beside Sam. "I bet you will do really well, because you're really strong and will be able to win!"

[bloodbrother]

"I don't know about that, there's a lot of people that are stronger than I am. I don't have a lot of fighting experience," he smiled. "But Golbez just offered me sword lessons, so maybe I'll pick some things up quickly."

[babysage]

"I bet he's a really good teacher, we can practice together because Sis teaches me swords too and I'm getting better at it!"

[stoppedhiding]

Golbez accepted his headaches without complaint. He was used to them by now. This was precisely why he held back when he fought other Conquest residents.

Another part of the story? Now that they knew what the stars were, it only stood to reason. He took it in wordlessly, and once the Players for the round were announced, he approached Sam.

[bloodbrother]

Sam glanced over when he saw Golbez. "Oh, hi," he really looked annoyed, but it was clear it wasn't at Golbez. Sam didn't really have any thoughts on the poem. He'd been far too distracted with Kotaro's well-being.

[stoppedhiding]

"This is your first time as a Player, is it not?" He couldn't remember Sam's name having been called before. "If you would like the use of my sword, it is yours."

[bloodbrother]

"Sure, thank you," he nodded hurriedly. "I guess I get that display to look forward to this time next week." He pointed with his thumb at the stage with a sigh.

[stoppedhiding]

The sword symbol appeared on the back of Golbez's hand as Sam spoke. "Perhaps. But only if you are not victorious," he pointed out. "Technically, you need only battle once to avoid being penalized. If you win that battle, there is nothing to worry about."

[bloodbrother]

"The needing to win part is enough worry, trust me," he sighed. "My brother was above and beyond a better fighter than I have ever been. I don't think I stand much of a chance." He scratched at the back of his neck, under his ponytail.

[stoppedhiding]

"Would you like some training? I've regained the memory of how to wield a sword." Sam was one of his few friends here; he didn't want to see him suffer.

[bloodbrother]

"I think I might take you up on that. Just as long as you don't take my head off with those lamb shanks you call arms." It was a lame joke, and he was clearly trying to cut the tension.

[stoppedhiding]

Golbez frowns, but doesn't comment. "Very well. Let's begin this afternoon. We should both have some free time then."

[bloodbrother]

Oops that was a bad comment to make. He chewed his lip. "Can we make it a bit later than that? More toward evening? I get overheated." It sounded like such an excuse. But it was true. "Or we could take it inside somewhere."

[stoppedhiding]

"Ah, that's right." Vampire. "If you'd prefer this evening, then how about we meet in the courtyard around eight?"

[bloodbrother]

He nodded. "That's good. I'll see you then. I apologize in advance if I'm totally useless..." he smiled nervously and fidgeted with his hair tie, as he often did when nervous.

[stoppedhiding]

"I am sure you will perform adequately. We all must begin somewhere."

And he turned to go. "I'll see you later. You would do well to collect some other weapons, in case it turns out your skill lies elsewhere than swordfighting."

[bloodbrother]

He nodded. "I've used guns before, but usually shotguns or rifles. Pretty idiot proof stuff. This will be new for me." He started to look a bit less nervous. "Thank you. I should head on, though." He turned to continue toward Kotaro.

[frozenmemories]

Cirno's face had turned into a stony mask of anger when they were called idiots. She stood straight and as tall as she could, waiting for dismissal, not wanting to incur a penalty for speaking out of turn. Once the names were called out, Surprise broke through her expression but it soon was back to where it was before. She flew up high enough so she could be seen and started to yell, 'We are not idiots! We will win and go home! Fight for those who are gone and win for the chance to see them again!"

She threw her fist into the air after her little speech for a moment and then crossed her arms, "I'm ready to win for them...Who's with me?"

[pennypincher]

Lemina hadn't been planning on saying anything, but when Cirno made that little inspirational speech, something stirred within her.

"Same here!" she called out. "Let's kick some Fortitude butt, you guys!"

[frozenmemories]

Cirno smiled at Lemina, happy that her little speech was doing something other then being ignored.

"Yeah! See? All we gotta do is win! And we won't win if we don't believe in it!"

[swordofzero]

Suzaku took the punishment impasivly as usual, he was wearing a beret, a symbol of his new status as prefect and he had just left the stage when he heard the small girl's speech. His eyes flickered at her, she seemed so young, she reminded him of himself, himself a long time ago.

"Are you a Player then?"

[frozenmemories]

Cirno looked over to him and floated down, closer to the ground. She nodded a bit, "Yeah, I am...It's my second time and I plan on winning this time!" She knew how bad that sounded but she was telling the truth and saw no reason to worry about the past round. This was her round and she could feel it.

[swordofzero]

Suzaku nodded, admiring her drive. Winning the round was difficult, unless you could vow with six Weapons from the beginning, but he admired her courage to try. After all doing well in this 'game' was the only way to leave this place it seemed.

"I am linked," He gestured at the necklace he wore, "I have no mark so that means Lelouch is not a Player, we can join you if you wish, so you will have two Weapons to start with."

He wasn't sure how he would explain this to Lelouch, Cirno wasn't the usual type of person they tried to ally with but Suzaku wanted to help her.

[frozenmemories]

Cirno paused for a moment, thinking on this, "Are ya sure he won't mind? I mean, I'm glad to have ya both." She knew she wasn't the best person to be vowed with and wanted to make sure that this was alright first.

[swordofzero]

Suzaku checked his PDA, "He usually messages me if he has someone specific in mind, I am sure he wont mind."

[heroiccia]

Again? He was a player again? In truth this was all getting rather dull for the young nation. Maybe he should try to do something even more awesome this round? Like, maybe actually attempt to win the round? That would be pretty freaking cool, right?