Epilogue

[Toa Levacius Zehvor]

IC: Alexander Hawkins // Courtyard

 

While some of the students were either excited or angry about the headmaster's rather theatrical show, Alexander didn't really mind - he had been coming to the school enough years to have already gotten used to it. What annoyed him was having to file out along the others, as he had secluded himself up in the furthest seat in an upper corner.

 

While that was merely annoying, he found it to be actually rather upsetting that he needed to find someone else to partner up with. Which meant trying to find someone who could handle any of the grunt work when they got involved in something. Maybe a lycanthrope, or one of the bulkier Hunters... actually, scratch the former if at all possible. He didn't want to worry with fleas.

 

Heck, even some of the exorcists would be good. Better them than him trying to deal with removing a demon...

 

It didn't really matter too much. As long as he could just find somebody, he should be fine... should be.

 

-Toa Levacius Zehvor

[25K Now!]

IC: Septimus

 

~Can you partner with me instead of someone else?~

 

"No," replied Septimus, looking up at the students from his place near the teachers. "Doubt we will be able to."

[Constructelf]

IC Misayo, Vincent, and Agnes"Partners huh," all three of them thought as they exited the arena. "This will be tough. How are we supposed to select them?"Misayo was especially thinking about how to go about getting a partner in the first place. For one, most of the students were 80 years her junior-wait, was shereally a student? She had gotten the uniform and everything but still... never mind that. The real problem was being noticeable enough to actually be chosen. Misayo was good at remaining unnoticed; something that wouldn't help her here. Sneaking out of the building, she went into a dark corner and transformed before crawling back to her den. Her personality was still predominantly fox, so she had preferred the outdoors rather than a bed. Plus, this meant that she could patrol the grounds at night.Vincent was thinking about the personality of the partner he would receive. "If only I could get partnered with somebody responsible," he thought. "The last thing I need is another Agnes to babysit. Unfortunately, I'm not sure just who in this crowd possesses some degree of maturity... Well, who am I to judge?" Walking into the courtyard, he sat down and opened up the class list. "I'll most likely be taking all of the Exorcist courses," he thought. "And maybe some research ones too..."Agnes was thinking a bit more optimistic. "Maybe this whole partners thing will be the key to making some new friends here!" she thought excitedly. "I hope me and my partner get along. And maybe after the tournament is finished, we'll stay friends and make more new ones!" Walking into the courtyard, she thought about this whole tournament business, paying no mind to where she was walking.

[Silvan Haven]

Tim Harken

 

IC: Teams huh? The old man sure likes to shake up the status quo.

 

The seventeen year old Japanese-American rose from his seat about midway between the front and back of the Coliseum's seating area and gazed out over the crowd, weighing his options in his mind. On the one hand he could pick a person that he already knew complimented his own skills, somebody like Alistair for example. If he did that then there was a better chance for a solid team to win with.

 

On the other hand he could go help one of the new students. Many of them had already received training before they arrived so it wasn't like he would necessarily be going in with somebody completely new at all this. As a senior it was his duty to help out the newcomers.

 

Ah forget it. He thought, I'll just ask whoever I think will make a good partner.

 

While had been musing, Tim had made his way out into the courtyard and started walking through the buzzing crowds of people looking for a likely partner.

[25K Now!]

IC: Septimus

 

Tim would bump into a small, girly-looking figure seconds later.

 

"Oh, hi Tim," said Septimus, nodding to a former underclassman of his.

[Silvan Haven]

Tim Harken

 

IC: "Ah, hi there Septimus. I was in the middle of looking for a partner for the tournament."

 

He paused for a moment as an idea came to him.

 

"Say, is there anything in the rules saying that you can't join in? I noticed that the headmaster's comments on former students being able to join in as well. Would you being a assistant teacher interfere with that?

[25K Now!]

IC: Septimus

 

"Probably not."

[Havelock Vetinari]

IC (Katherine)

 

Katherine was not pleased. This was something of an understatement of course, in the same way calling a sword a knife was something of an understatement. None of it showed on her face however. "Alistair, if you can point out anyone who is...marginally sane, I would be most grateful. I don't want to end up with someone who, say, fell down a few rows of seats."

[Silvan Haven]

Tim Harken

 

IC: "Well then would you mind being my partner for the tournament? We should be able to work together well enough."

[25K Now!]

IC: Septimus

 

"Sure."

[Krayzikk]

IC:

"Remotely sane? Let's see...."

 

"Septimus is okay, but he has a habit of talking to disembodied goddesses. Additionally, knowing him, he'll have sought a partner out already." With every name listed, Alistair counted them on his fingers. "There are a handful of other seniors, but most of those ones are either too fixated on people to not have a partner already, hate Nobles, aren't fighters, or are too antisocial to effectively cooperate. There are a few underclassmen who are effective, but I think that they're not exactly.... Normal. Especially with what I've heard about possessions.""There's Tom, but I haven't seen him around. And then there's me. And that basically sums up the analysis of the people I know. Granted, I don't know any of the freshmen very well, and not that many of the sophomores."

[Havelock Vetinari]

IC (Katherine)

Katherine closed her eyes and collected herself. “And I’m guessing any nobles out there, as befits the name, have their heads stuck so far up a certain part of anatomy that they’re effectively useless. There a bar around here? I could use some liquid courage.” Katherine would make the best of this, but this was more than a little overwhelming….because it was so very underwhelming an odd situation to be certain. She'd have adjusted by tomorrow no doubt, but having someone competent to work with would make things much more bearable.

[Krayzikk]

IC:"If there's a bar around here, the teachers are very, very good at concealing it. My guess would be the staff room. But unfortunately, no one has access to it. Probably has to do with the average age of students around here. Basically, alcohol is limited to whatever people manage to get onto the island through legitimate or illegitimate means."The student grinned slightly, and rolled his eyes. "Rumor has it that one of my classmates runs a black market in school contraband, but no one has any proof. I take it you're not that fond of your choices for a partner?"

[Havelock Vetinari]

IC (Katherine)

“You probably already have a partner planned and as you mentioned the remaining sane students are likely already partnered up. So no, I’m not really overawed with my choices. I’ll go find some corner to lurk in and try to slip through the cracks. It works with most bureaucracies and so far, I’ve seen nothing to indicate it won’t work here.”

Edited July 26, 2013 by Basilisk

[25K Now!]

IC: Septimus

 

"So what do you do exactly?"

[Krayzikk]

IC:"First of all, good luck with hiding. Arnie has a way of knowing things, don't ask me how, but he does. Much like how he knew about my comment to the freshmen just minutes before the assembly." Alistair paused, slipping his book back into his bag."And no, I haven't planned a partner. I don't usually do partner activities, so I also haven't put all that much thought into who I'd select, either."

[Havelock Vetinari]

IC (Katherine)

“In my experience, mutual desperation is normally enough to win wars. We seem to be able to tolerate each other, I have not seen any signs of psychosis or insanely bad luck from you. You haven’t attempted to prank me…which seems to be a problem here…and on your side, I think I’ve proven my relative grounding in reality compared to….” She shot a rather nasty look at the group of chattering students. “…other parties. Partners?”

Edited July 26, 2013 by Basilisk

[Let's Henshin!]

IC: Ren (Leaving the Arena Complex)

 

Well that was certainly unexpected, the secluded Exorcist thought to himself. It had been easy enough for Ren to find a decent seat, it seemed quite a few Exorcists, particularly those who were Summoners, were put off by his very presence. The fact wasn't too surprising, he had been dealing with this sort of handicap since the day he was born.

 

I found it amusing to be honest. All the fun and theatrics, I should have taken notes.

 

Okay, so maybe he didn't entirely think that to himself, however for his part Ren just ignored Noon for the time being. He had large problems to deal with, like how to find a partner. Why do I even need one, I haven't worked with one since she died...

 

Technically you're working with me, shouldn't be too hard to find, or is poor little Ren scared? Stop being so hung up on the past, after all my glory didn't exist in as you know it now in the past, so what's there worth remembering anyway.

 

Just shut up okay, Ren sighed exasperatedly, talking to Noon always felt tiring, he was just relieved the Demon listened for once and went quiet. Ren doubted he would ever learn to understand the odd being. Always jabbering on about this and that. It was extremely distracting, and brought on far too many painful memories for Ren.

 

Sighing once more the young Exorcist got up and made his way out of the Complex, This is going to be a pain.

 

IC: Dante (Arena Complex, Noticing Alistair)

 

Well bother, what am I going to do now, this school filled with so many ridiculous people. How the heck am I going to find a decent partner. The Italian was currently still sitting in the Arena Complex, he was in far too much pain to be bothered to get up and leave yet. That turned out to work in his favor though, when he noticed Alistair sitting and speaking with another woman. The brit did say he was willing to help with anything.

 

Making his way down, much less chaotically this time, Dante walked until he was standing beside Alistair. "Hey uh," Dante began, rubbing the back of his head in that constant tick of his, "Mr. Martin or whatever, you said that I should ask you for help regardless of the reason for something like that. Well I need help, who'd make a good partner?"

Edited July 26, 2013 by Toa Onarax

[Silvan Haven]

Tim Harken

 

IC: "I'm a combat specialist, give just about any kind of weapon and I can show you at least half a dozen tricks with it. When I'm not blasting things or cutting them to ribbons that is. I specialize in cutting weapons and handguns."

 

The last comment was accompanied by gestures to his sword and shoulder holster.

 

"So I hear you have a protective deity?"

[Krayzikk]

IC:Alistair opened his mouth to reply to Katherine, when Dante appeared from his left. He paused, shifting slightly in his seat to better see both parties, before smiling apologetically at Dante.

 

"I'm terribly sorry, but I'm afraid she," He gestured to Katherine. "Beat you to the punch. I'd be willing to help point you in the right direction, but unfortunately, I'm already partnered."

[25K Now!]

IC: Septimus

 

"Yeah," replied Septimus. "Cloacina, meet Tim."

 

~HI!!!~

[Let's Henshin!]

IC: Dante (Arena Complex having Terrible Luck.)

 

"Well I guess I really do have terrible luck," Dante chuckled, and there goes my last hope for a sane partner. God I could really use a nap at a time like this. "So that right direction then?" Dante asked, resigning himself to a fate he wasn't too pleased with.

 

Seriously did I annoy some Deity or something. Hey yo Zodiacs, other people were talking to their Contractees, did I do something like that. Ah who am I kidding, you guys never talk, just take.

Edited July 26, 2013 by Toa Onarax

[Silvan Haven]

Tim Harken

 

IC: "Hey there Cloacina. That name sound Latin, were you a Roman deity at first?"

[25K Now!]

IC: Septimus

 

~I'm Etruscan!~

[Krayzikk]

IC:"Well, there's the senior with the sword that was talking to you earlier. I'm blanking on her name, but she's competent. And somewhat sane. There's the troublemaker from last year, named started with a "V", still can't remember it...""I'd recommend talking to the freshmen. Most of them lack partners, and for all I know, there's a weapons genius among them."

[Silvan Haven]

Tim Harken

 

IC: "Forgive me, my knowledge on all the ancient names from that region is a bit foggy. Was that the civilization that was there before Rome?"

[Havelock Vetinari]

IC (Katherine)

 

"Weight off my shoulders at least. Many thanks Alistair." Things were looking up already, she'd managed to snag one of the only well-balanced and somewhat serious students in the school as a partner. Not bad. Good in fact, very good. This could only benefit her mission. Already a small part of her annoyance was fading away, she was starting to adjust to her circumstances. "She seems alright." Katherine gestured at hunter who'd sat near the pair. "Seems to be in the same boat as me really. We were expecting....well, West Point. Not a repeat of High School."

[25K Now!]

IC: Septimus

 

~I just randomly decided -

 

"Anyway," interrupted Septimus. "What classes did you pick this year? I might be able to tell you which ones are useful or not."

[Krayzikk]

IC:"You're welcome, miss, but really, I should be thanking you. Because otherwise, I'd probably be scouring the school for someone who didn't already have a partner." Alistair commented to Katherine, during the lull in conversation with Dante."And I'd second her suggestion. The aforementioned student has, at the very least, a solid grasp of history."

[Silvan Haven]

Tim Harken

 

IC: "Arming and Armoring, Advanced weaponry: Holy bullets and hand grenades, Voodoo: A practical grounding and Field Combat: Exorcist."

 

He paused to readjust a strap on his shoulder holster before continuing.

 

"I'm mostly just taking the voodoo class so I can learn how to banish undead since I'm probably going to be facing those at some point. The rest of them fit into my career training plan much better."

[25K Now!]

IC: Septimus

 

"Learning how to shoot a gun is useful, but that has barely any applications in real life. Nobody can acquire a gun legally outside of the United States very easily."

[Let's Henshin!]

IC: Dante (Arena Complex, Debating his options)

 

So military nut or just plain nuts. Don't I get any more options? Ah well, doesn't look like I have much of choice. "Thanks for the suggestions," Dante nodded to both Alistair and his partner. I really need to be faster. Dante realized as he walked the few steps over to the woman he had been referred to. "So um hey," Dante started, holding out a hand to the woman covered in burns, "Name's Dante, want to be partners?"

 

Well, that was far from tactful, but what sort of small talk was I supposed to make. I really hate this Headmaster. Couldn't he at least given us enough time to meet others before starting the tournament. What's the point of this ridiculously early Tournament anyway, we haven't even learned anything yet.

 

OOC: That'd be you Humva.

Edited July 26, 2013 by Toa Onarax

[Advent Child]

IC: Adrian sighed as he leaned back in his seat. 'Certainly wasn't expecting this...'

 

Fingers drummed somewhat agitatedly at the armrest of the chair as the suddenly grand issue of partnership loomed it's ugly head. 'Day one, and I'm already in a situation where I have to partner up. Wonderful timing... Wonderful...'

 

Icy blue eyes scanned the dispersing crowd, hoping a random sweep would provide him with some sort of answer, but no, that would simply be too easy. Brushing a lock of hair behind one ear, Adrian sighed a sigh filled with disinterest, and flowed to his feet. At the very least, there were two days to make a selection. Maybe things would simply work out.

[Silvan Haven]

Tim Harken

 

IC: "I suppose it helps that I live in the United States then. Besides, we need to hide our weapons half the time anyway so it's nothing new."

 

He bumped the sword at his side.

 

"My family had to jump through a fair amount of loopholes and hoops to get this thing to be legal in Japan. Which is something of a necessity since we do a lot of work there."

[25K Now!]

IC: Septimus"Holy hand grenades are a bit lacking in usage as well. Antioch Industries doesn't have much of a consumer base anymore, with the recent price increase. Shame though, they were useful against low level demons."

[Silvan Haven]

Tim Harken

 

IC: "I hear that some PMC that recently got involved in the supernatural decided to stock up on a bunch of the things just in case. I hope they don't go out of business, we don't have enough industrial level groups solely devoted to making the tools of our trade."

[25K Now!]

IC: Septimus "True. Although I heard Google is attempting something on the magic side. They're skillled demon contractors."

[Silvan Haven]

Tim Harken

 

IC: "Honestly I'm not sure about that validity of those rumors. I feel like there would be a bigger impact if something as big a Google got involved in this side of the Shroud then a bump in business and a general hating by the populace."

[Vengent Spectre]

IC: Kyle

 

Kol stood near the seats closest to the entrance, thinking over what the headmaster had said, or at least what he'd heard. He casually rubbed a hand through his hair. His eyes glanced over all the seats in front of him before he started to walk through the crowd. He moved through the crowd slowly, a hand in his jacket pocket. He sighed as he thought to himself. This task, he thought, wouldn't trouble him much, he had a partner. He'd just have to find her. "But what if you don't find her her?"

 

"Or what if she doesn't want to?"

 

"What then?" Kol thought to himself, with a sudden shift. "Why wait?" He sighed as he walked toward the exit. He didn't want to think about it. He stopped as his foot crossed the threshold of of the exit sign and turned. He didn't want to wait or to be abandoned. He wanted a partner. He let out another sigh and leaned against the wall. He wanted a partner and would ask, just not now. He breathed in and closed his eyes. He'd wait.

[25K Now!]

IC: Septimus"You never know. Gogle has its hands in so many pies. It's inevitable that they'll cross to this side. I should confirm the rumours with my contacts first."He paused for a moment."The thong about exorcism is that you need to develop a network of contacts. It's necessary."