The Way Back

Razz: <No.>

Kelphy: <T-Thank you.>

*Kelphy nods and takes the necklace, putting it on.*

Allina: <Thanks for not having them get arrested.>

Kelphy: <They seem to be sorry... And you said he's your brother?>

Allina: <Yes. Razz. I actually wanted to ask you if they could come to your ball. They want to help us fight Origin.>

Fat Bandit: <That's right!>

Blonde Thiefess: <Yeah!>

Allina: <So, are we going dress shopping?! Kari, Kelphy, ...you!>

*She points at the blonde thiefess.*

Blonde Thiefess: <Dress...shopping?>

Kelphy: <But I already have my-->

Allina: <QUIET. DRESS SHOPPING, DAMMIT.>

Crowley: <Well.... fine.>

*Kari blinks a few times, looking a tad bit on the scared side.*

"What?"

"Hey hurry back though Allina... I can't guarantee how much I'll be able to hold back once I start fighting. I might hurt someone pretty badly~" it was hard to tell if he was being serious or not.

Derek: <So... do the guys want to join me for some of the finest steak that a Sephiran chef can offer?>

*He's trying to get bro time, if it's not obvious.*

Allina: <Show off. That's what men do.>

Blonde Thiefess: <Among other things. I think I'll join in the spar.>

Razz: <Steak.>

Allina: <One of you take Kenta and the bunny, 'cause I'm sure as hell taking Kari.>

Kelphy: <I think I might just-->

Allina: <Come with us?>

Kelphy: <All right.>

Fat Bandit: <SOMEONE SAY STEAK?!>

Alto looks at the thiefess, "You look very strong, and fast. I'd be happy to include you in the spar" Alto smiles.

"Is he sparkling?" Lucien asks.

"That's just how Alto is. Even if most of his rough, brutish personality was an act he can't help but get excited about fighting" Creed smiles happily.

*Kari looks at Kentaro like she's pleading for help. All he can do is shrug.*

Kentaro:<I think we're outnumbered.>

*Crowley just sighs.*

Crowley: [I'm beginning to wonder if this is really such a good idea...]

Derek: <Yes, steak. Who all wants to come?>

Razz: <Me.>

Fat Bandit: <MEEEEE!!>

Allina: <Come along, come along! I know just the right place!>

*Allina walks off, Kelphy looking at Kari and smiling awkwardly before following.*

Jade Rabbit: <Now what? We can get steak, fight those dummies, or ... well, go find something else to do.>

Blonde Thiefess: <Where are we fighting and who's fighting with me besides Crow?>

"We'll fight in the training arena for the the knights. Its big and spacious" Alto says.

"I'm fighting" Creed says.

"Me too" Lucien adds.

*Kari hesitates for a moment before following.*

Kentaro:<Steak sounds nice. I guess.>

Crowley: <Well, I'll be going with you guys to this fight, then.>

Derek: <Alright, let's go the dining room in the palace. I'll have my chef prepare our meal.>

*He heads off.*

~Derek & Kentaro~

*Derek, Kentaro, Razz and the fat bandit arrive at the aerodrome and near Derek's personal airship.*

=====
~Alto, Lucien, Creed & Crowley~

*Alto, Lucien, Creed, Crowley and the blonde thiefess arrive at the large underground arena in the palace's military wing where knights train.*

Blonde Thiefess: <Fancy stuff.>

=====
~Kari, Allina & Kelphy~

*Kelphy ends up offering to take them to her usual store, and Allina makes sure to take every dress into the fitting room section. It's a luxurious circular room decorated in golden and yellow, with a circular sofa at its center and several typical store fitting rooms all around across the wall. Kelphy sits down, looks at the giant pile of dresses, and chuckles nervously.*

Allina: <Let's get this party started!>

"I was actually hoping Derek would spar too. I wanted to test the merit of the man Lucien conceded his love of Kelphy too but..." he paused and walked away from the group.

"...being able to test out the strength of the pact between Maxwell's and Shadow's pact holders is good enough I suppose" he loosened up a bit.

Sorry that I'm going to have to be a bit rough on them Luna. If they're going to stand a chance against Origin I'll have to make them go all out against me. If they die please heal them.

Alto took a deep breath and released the full brunt of his mana outward. The whole area exploded in light and the walls and ground cracked under the sheer oppressive command that Alto exerted almost as easily as breathing.

Lucien felt his body explode and screamed as though a thousands swords were tearing him a part. He grabbed at his body and felt that the pain he felt was due to the sheer weight of Alto's presence.

Creed likewise felt the same thing, the oppressive weight of Alto's presence, and fell to his knees.

So too would the others.

"If you can't stand against this you'll die against Origin. I lied when I said this would be a sparring match. I fully intend all of you to come at him with the intent to take my life. If you don't I'll kill you without hesitation!"

*Crowley felt the pain of whatever just happened and dropped to one knee. However, upon hearing that this was a fight for his life rather than just a normal spar, he quickly shrugged the pain off and got to his feet.*

Crowley: [How the hell do I get this ring to work...?]

Derek: <Alright, I'll make the arrangements.>

*He goes to talk to the chef, motioning for the others to follow him.*

*Kentaro follows.*

=====================================================

*Kari sits on the edge of the seat and looks around the store.*

~Derek & Kentaro~

*This is up to Derek, really. I assume the chef would be in the airship's kitchen. Razz and the fatty follow.*

=====
~Alto, Lucien, Creed & Crowley~

*The thiefess continues to just stand there looking at Alto, not reacting to his mana. Crowley feels Maxwell's magic through his body as suddendly feels as though he's been casting the spells he saw Maxwell cast his whole life, like they come to him naturally.*

=====
~Kari, Allina & Kelphy~

*Allina grabs a bright green dress with a shitton of large bows all around and holds it out to them.*

Allina: <Whaddya think? For Kari.>

Kelphy: <It's...hum...>

Allina: <Horrible?>

*Kari bites her lip as she tries to think of what to say.*

"It's... Not really my color?"

"Weak. But almost getting there" Alto doesn't even move.

Creed gets up slowly but Lucien looks like he's about to throw up.

Chef: <Ah, Monsieur Derek! What would you like for lunch? Ze same as always?>

Derek: <Yes, Chef, the finest steak you can prepare.>

Chef: <But ave course!>

*The chef gets to cooking.*

*Crowley feels a sudden surge of power and stands up completely.*

Crowley: [What is this, all of a sudden...]

*Crowley pulls out 3 knives and throws them at Alto. However, they're soon enveloped in purple energy and pick up in speed, now heading at Alto faster than bullets.*