Fortitude: Round 5 Start

[mamarosa]

Once again Dolorosa stands on the stage with her four Prefects, Nanami is finally out of her coma and the three other Prefects stand on either side of her. It should be a familiar scene by now, Dolorosa smiling out over her students, but maybe she looked a bit happier than last round. That can only mean one thing...

"Hello, my students, another round has come to an end and another is starting anew. We were the victors of round 4 and just as you have in past rounds, won or lost, everyone fought well," she takes a moment to applaud her school, "I am so very proud of all of you, each of you are coming more and more accustomed to the school and excelling, even if you believe it to be unfair. With this unity you will all do great things here. Don't let me down."

"I hope you're all enjoying the bonus of extra Raks for winning the round, I suggest you all go out and buy yourself a treat, I am particularly fond of the chocolate that Recette sells in her shop, but you're not here to hear me talk about sweets, let us get to the battle records." behind her, as per usual, the Battle Records show up on the screen.

"I believe we had more Fortitude battles this round than any round past, but let us congratulate Nanashi for defeating Jade, Spain for beating Nanashi, Inui for defeating Spain, Dave for defeating Gamzee, and Jade for defeating Marisa."

The interschool battle records appear on screen, "For Inter-school battles we should congratulate Jade for defeating Cirno, Spain for defeating Suzaku, Nanashi for defeating Golbez, Spain for defeating Golbez, Dave for defeating Suzaku, Jade for defeating Suzaku, and Marisa for defeating Cirno,"

"Lastly, we should congratulate Dave, Jade, and Spain for winning the round," Dolorosa begins to applaud for all the victors.

"And without further ado, the Players for round 5 are:
Dave,
Marisa,
Jade,
John,
Daenerys

Have a wonderful round!"

While the screen usually remains on the names those who are going to be Players for round time, it unexpectedly cuts over to the Conquest assembly. Dolorosa looks up at the screen and covers her mouth, she knows what's coming and knows that she doesn't want her students to witness it.

"Losing the round, as bad as it is. Is not what has made me angry today." Okay it was a big part of what had made her angry, but, "On Friday evening I was attacked, in my office. We have told you time and time again, it is not our fault you are here, taking your anger out on us is not necessary or smart." Her eyes glinted again, "I have my suspicions as to who my attacker is, and they will learn. That disobedience is met with punishment. That I cannot be threatened, and it is unwise to try." At that she turned to Flynn and he crumpled, her and Satana focused the warning penalty on him. The pain would be too much for him to stand or talk. It lasted for ten minutes,anyone who moved or talked was hit with a warning penalty strong enough to sink them to their knees. When it was over she stepped away from Flynn, who was curled up on the floor. It would be a few moments before he had the strength to stand. "Dismissed."

Throughout the broadcast Dolorosa tries to cut the stream but nothing works, Fortitude students won't be punished for moving or talking but it is still something she does no want them to witness.

"Please remain calm my students," she says in a shaky voice as the stream cuts out, "I'm sure everyone will be fine."
 

Comments

[mamarosa]

[Talk to Dolorosa]

[knightime]

Dave had shuffled to the back, away from everyone else. He woke up back in his bed, like nothing had happened. He almost wanted to disregard it as a dream, but his clothes were slightly damp, along with the sheets. He had just soundlessly changed into them and headed to the assembly. He didn't bother going by the cafeteria, and he'd probably avoid eating for the rest of the day, unsure whether he could even stomach anything today.

He had drowned. His hands strummed against his leg nervously, no PDA in his pockets to keep in busy. He had to go find that later, if he was feeling up to it. Dave kind of just wanted to go back to sleep. He didn't sleep well anyways. It was fitful and he felt drained. Just the memories of Saturday, still fresh in his mind. There was no way he'd let Nanami approach him again. He knew she just watched him die, and somewhere in his murky memory, someone else was involved. He can't remember who it was exactly though.

Watching the students from Conquest being so thoroughly punished just made him feel sicker.

Shit, he was just going to leave as soon as this assembly was done. This was going to be a bad round, he was sure.

[bloodandfire]

Daenerys approaches him tentatively, she had been there when he was drowning, even tried to save him but was a moment too late. He was dead before she got to him. But here he is, alive. She looks at him incredulously.

"Excuse me," she says finally to get his attention before lowering her voice, "Didn't you drown? How are you still here?"

[greenspaces]

"Dave?"

She hasn't seen him in at least a day, finding only his PDA beeping at the side of the lake. But now they're all players -- and she's got to do something, since they can talk to each other and at least hug this round. Jade places a hand on his shoulder.

"Are you okay?"

[bloodandfire]

Daenerys didn't understand how the people on the screen were 1. on the screen in the first place, and 2. being tortured without being touched. Technology was amazing, but she knew that she did not want to be attacked as well. Throughout the broadcast she didn't move a muscle in fear of retaliation. It's been so long since she was scared like this.

When it was over she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. She knew that if she didn't wnat to be punished she would have to get some Weapons. Unfortunately Jade was a Player as well this round or she would have asked her.

Time to go meet new people.

[traces]

Wh-what was that?! How can-- Is that how that other school is run?!

LOL WHAT IS TACT?!

[knightime]

She couldn't see the dirty look he gave her. Wow, he knew people were tactless. How about I stab you and then hand you a piece of gum and ask how the weather is while I'm at it? Fuck you.

He just shrugs though, no longer able to converse with people. He needed to get his PDA back, but he didn't even want to deal with people now.

[knightime]

He literally flinched, turning sharply to see who grabbed his shoulder. He immediately relaxed once he recognized Jade's voice and appearance.

He nodded though. It was such a stupid lie. It was so obvious he wasn't okay. And he wouldn't know how to explain losing his PDA either. That thing was basically an extra hand for him.

[knightime]

[Dave was trying to abscond as quickly as possible. Of course, this meant that he wasn't paying too much attention to where he was going. It only made sense he might have ran into Dolorosa.

He bowed quickly in apology, but it seemed like he was trying to rush out as soon as possible.]

[veepofchess]

[To say he was angry was putting it mildly. Nunnally had only recently come out of her coma, and now her headmistress was putting on a show of power. Flynn and Yuri had pulled each others' stars, but it was clear they were close friends anyway.

It was clear that Flynn hadn't been able to do anything wrong, he'd spent the entire previous round in a coma. So it must have been Yuri. He had not been acting entirely like himself on the platform, either.

If that was the punishment for a Prefect attacking a headmistress, then he wondered if that was something Suzaku would accept. But there was still Nunnally...

He cut off his rage and transferred it to alarm when he turned to Dolorosa.]

Headmistress, is there anything you can do to get my sister away from that woman? She's in a wheelchair, and she's very fragile. I'll even take her place, if I have to. [Have a slightly cracking voice to add emphasis.]

[lovesignmasterspark]

A Player again. Marisa couldn't contain her excitement this time. This meant she could get more Weapons than she did last round. She wouldn't lose to anyone this time. Nope. As far as she's concerned--

And then she saw the Conquest announcement bit, and her expression turned to literal shock. What kind of power did these people have?! That wasn't fair at all, to punish everyone for what one person did. And someone she knew was over there, too!

She knew who she'd have to seek out this week. But for now, she had to hurry and find some Weapons to vow.

[traces]

As the announcement from Conquest played, Dahlia conjured up some crocodile tears, fake-crying into her hands. Well... it wasn't completely fake. Between dying on Friday night, somehow coming back to life, and now seeing this... That could have been her if she'd been unlucky enough to be sorted into that other school.

She looked up, catching the eye of the person standing nearest her -- Marisa, as it turned out. "It's horrible..."

[lovesignmasterspark]

"If she thinks that's gonna stop people, they got another thing comin'... it's gonna make more people mad." Marisa tipped her hat down a bit to cover her narrowed eyes as she kept staring at the screen. "It's not gonna stop here, ze."

[traces]

"It won't...? I know I wouldn't keep resisting after something like that." She wiped her eyes with her wrist and looked down at the floor.

[mamarosa]

That was Day and Santana punishing a student for attacking staff. Sadly it is procedure. When my tower was attacked, if I knew the assailant, I could have issued similar punishment.

[mamarosa]

[she can sense that he wants to get out of there as quick as possible but she puts a hand on his shoulder to stop him]

Are you alright, Dave? [she heard what happened, of course] You were chosen as Player again as well.

[traces]

Procedure... [ She wavers, gripping her shirt fabric over her chest. How terrifying! ] But-- she said she had her suspicions, not that she knew for sure.

[mamarosa]

[she shakes her head sadly] Unfortunately school placements are final and I cannot change that. I can talk to Day and ask her to be lenient on your sister but I'm afraid to say that may cause more harm than good. But I can see what I can do.

[knightime]

[He kind of gave her a curt nod, mostly because he had no idea how to actually reply to her properly. He had gotten so used to having a texting device on him, that he was now stuck without no means of replying other then gestures.

He waved his hand dismissively, mostly since he didn't mind being a Player again. He'd be more surprised if he wasn't a Player nowadays.]

SORRY, DON'T KNOW THE MEANING OF THE WORD

[bloodandfire]

She may not be able to see the look, but she can tell by his body language that he wasn't happy with the question, "Forgive me, my question was rude. I am more worried about your health. Are you doing okay?" Daenerys doesn't know that he can't speak, even if she spoke with John before. But then again maybe it's best that she doesn't know, she may as why he bothers to keep his tongue.

TACT IS FOR SQUARES

[knightime]

Oh my god, everyone is asking him this. Why. Does everyone know he died? No, that's just paranoia. But this at least answered the question about that someone else he couldn't make out.

He nods at her. He can only just keep pretending he's okay. He doesn't want her to worry. He could take care of himself...hopefully.

[veepofchess]

[Can you see that disappointment come across his face? He sighs.] No, you're right. Calling attention to her would only make things worse. I just panicked. I'm sorry.

[mamarosa]

I am not as rash as Day is, but Day's suspicions are often correct. While I do not condone her actions, but she did what she deemed necessary.

[mamarosa]

[But of course she notices that his PDA is missing]

Where has your PDA gotten to?

[mamarosa]

You had every right to panic, I do not blame you for wanting to protect your family. It is a commendable trait. What Day did was horrible, but she deemed it necessary.