[hr][center]The room you awaken in is draped in a swathe of deep blue. It appears to be a luxurious train cart, a variety of cushioned seats on either side. You swear you can hear what sounds like [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk6nb6st99g]music[/url] coming from all around you, though there are no speakers that you can see. The train feels like it is moving, though several curtains block the outside view. Any attempt at removing them is blocked, and a single wooden door decorated in an odd insignia appearing to be a mask. For some reason, it looks familiar, but you vaguely remember that it wasn't nearly as blue as it was now. Without realizing it, however, your hand is reaching out towards the handle. As your hand is just about to touch the doorknob, a voice calls out to you. [color=steelblue]"Welcome to the Velvet Room."[/color] The voice is decidedly male and coming from behind you; standing next to a small, wooden desk with a quill and paper on it is a young man dressed entirely in rich, blue clothes and platinum blonde hair with golden eyes gives you a warm smile, a large book residing in one hand with his other hand raised to his chest as he bows to you. You vaguely remember his name: William. As he straightens, his smile is much warmer than before. [color=steelblue]"I have some wonderful news. The previous denizen of the stage has made it to your world,"[/color] He informs you politely with a subtle relief in his eyes. [color=steelblue]"While the details remain unclear, it is certain now that hope is not yet lost. As I was bound to serve them as well, it is comforting to see them persevere. But that is not why you have come, is it?"[/color] William taps the paper on the desk. [color=steelblue]"The corruption of that world has started to seep into your own. You are duty-bound to stop it but worry not. Multiple people have signed contracts much like yourself, and thus fate will work to bring you together,"[/color] He assures you. [color=steelblue]"Tomorrow, you will find one another and be led to the Reflected World. But fear not, for you have the power to purify the corrupted land. While Lilith ever lurks and plants her seeds of destruction, you have the flames of rebirth on your side. The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed."[/color] He bows his head once more. [color=steelblue]"We will meet again, I am sure. Until then, take care of yourself."[/color][/center][hr][right]Hinotori High School Kyoto Prefecture [sub]APRIL 10TH, 2018 CLOUDY DAY[/sub][/right][hr][indent] "Ugh, this is why I don't trust the weatherman! He said it would be sunny all week!" "It looks like it's gonna pour any second. I totally forgot my umbrella, too..." The general grumbling escalated as the school day came to an end. Despite the soul-sucking drain of school, no one was quite eager to leave just yet. Thick, gray clouds covered the entire sky, a stark contrast from the previously sunny morning. Thunder rolled off in the distance, signaling a storm. Some students debated whether to leave now or wait it out, unsure of just how much it would rain. Some club leaders had decided to make things easier by canceling sessions, though others insisted the storm would pass by the time they finished. Regardless, it was universally agreed that the sudden weather change was downright [i]weird[/i]. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't the only thing that was weird. The gym had been closed off without explanation, with a myriad of rumors circling around as to why. Some say a random cat had trapped itself in there, others claim there had been faulty wiring that had caused a panic in the staff, but the truth was much less exciting. A few students had poked their heads in and had seen one of the floor-length mirrors on the wall had fallen and shattered, and so it was left until some professionals would come to dispose of and replace the broken mirror. Still, the truth did little to deter the rumors. Meanwhile, a majority of the faculty had gathered to meet. While they would be otherwise indisposed, Sakuya was all too pleased to get to kendo practice. There would be a council meeting today, but she wouldn't be surprised if no one ended up showing up--the weather was looking pretty bad and she wouldn't blame anyone for deciding to go home. Personally, she was hoping to catch a certain someone before they left the building, but she wasn't sure if she'd catch the girl. It wasn't a total loss, as she had happened to catch Sanada-san and had gotten herself a shinai to take home. While taking out equipment from the gym normally wasn't allowed, apparently, they had planned to get rid of it, and she was all too happy to take it off their hands. With bag and shinai in hand, Sakuya left the council room and ascended the stairs. Day two was going much better than day one, and she was actually happy--no, not happy per se, but being genuinely untroubled was a relief. Ueno-san's determination to save all the clubs and get through the financial crisis was a massive relief. While everyone would be stretched thin, it was better than the alternative. She was glad her council was serious, with Kinoshita already working to find a good day to collect all the club leaders for a meeting. One less thing to worry about, she supposed. As she climbed, she spotted a pair of students a little too close to one another. She really wished she had a hose or something to spray them, but she figured telling them to knock it off would at least get them to relocate somewhere she wouldn't have to see them. Once she got closer, however, she noticed it was less of a makeout session than she had initially assumed. "I said, let go!" The girl made an attempt to pull back her arm, wincing as the boy's grip tightened. To Sakuya's shock, Yamamoto was the one keeping her there, a look of anger on his face. [color=gold]"I'm not finished talking to you yet,"[/color] He insisted. Their conversation yesterday immediately came to mind, and without hesitation, Sakuya approached the pair, clearing her throat loudly. The two froze, with Yamamoto loosening his grip. The girl slipped out and away, stumbling as she held the rail. "I--I have to go," She muttered, hastily taking her leave without another word. Yamamoto looked ready to chase her down until Sakuya stepped into his line of sight. She was surprised to see the complete look of fury etched on his face, his eyes outright glaring daggers at her. It was a little unsettling if she was being honest, but his actions were inexcusable regardless of what happened. With that in mind, she regained her footing. [color=salmon]"Harassment is inexcusable,"[/color] She reprimanded him. [color=salmon]"Whatever happened, you shouldn't--"[/color] [color=gold]"What, is it suddenly a crime to talk to someone?"[/color] He snapped, cutting her off. [color=salmon]"Conversations happen with words, not by grabbing someone's arm,"[/color] She replied cooly. [color=salmon]"Whatever the case may be, it would've reflected poorly on you had a teacher seen."[/color] Scoffing, Yamamoto raised a hand to his head. [color=gold]"You're overreacting and sticking your nose where it doesn't belong,"[/color] He grumbled. After taking in a deep breath, he seemed to have calmed himself down somewhat, leveling a look at the girl. [color=gold]"You said you didn't have time yesterday, but can I assume you have time today to talk?"[/color] She would rather stick pencils in her ears, but that is indeed what she stated yesterday. Despite clearly knowing that there would be nothing positive about this conversation, Sakuya ended up nodding. [color=salmon]"What is it that you wanted to talk about?"[/color] [color=gold]"I'm a little concerned with how you're going to be handling your position going forward."[/color] For the love of all that is holy, why? No, she had no one to blame but herself for this. [color=salmon]"That concern seems to be misplaced considering I hadn't had the chance to actually do anything yet,"[/color] She couldn't help her dry response. [color=gold]"True. But I was speaking of your father,"[/color] Yamamoto said. [color=gold]"I don't believe there are many who would know about it, but I believe his trial is coming up. How would it reflect upon the school if people were aware a criminal's daughter was Student Council President without earning the position?"[/color] This was the absolute last thing she wanted to talk to [i]anyone[/i] about, let alone this pompous idiot. Still, it was bound to come out sooner than later, so maybe dealing with it once and for all would settle the matter. A naive thought, for sure, but it was worth an effort. [color=salmon]"Get to the point. Are you asking for my resignation?"[/color] She outright asked. Fortunately, for whatever reason, Yamamoto was completely calm now. [color=gold]"No, no...the school has suffered enough change. But I would like to make an offer."[/color] [color=salmon]"An offer,"[/color] She repeated in disbelief. [color=gold]"Don't act so high and mighty, your reputation is already in shambles,"[/color] He cut her off again, raising his voice as he took a step closer. [color=gold]"The truth of the matter is you're no better than--no, you're the absolute bottom of the barrel. Someone like you doesn't deserve to be here, you're nothing but a stain on the otherwise perfect reputation Hinotori has!"[/color] To his credit, Sakuya was completely speechless. Had he lost his marbles? She would've laughed if it wasn't for the terrifying look of anger on his face. Unfortunately for him, he wasn't the only one angry. Snapping her mouth shut, she leveled her own glare at him. [color=salmon]"What are you, stupid? Don't waste my time with such nonsense,"[/color] She had enough of the conversation, turning around and descending the steps. No way was she sticking around--he looked about ready to do something reckless.[/indent][hr][indent] Stretching out its limbs, the cat let out a soft mewl of happiness. Sitting on the shoe lockers, it stared down at the many students. Most students ignored it, though the few that approached it were widely unsuccessful at getting it down. Its mismatched eyes and blonde coat indicated that it wasn't a stray, or at least it was a little smarter than most. The way it kept searching people's faces made it seem like it was looking for someone, though it lacked any collar to indicate who it belonged to. Occasionally, it would look up and stare at the ceiling, but otherwise stayed put. [/indent][hr]