[color=orange][center][h1] 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔊𝔲𝔫𝔟𝔬𝔞𝔱 𝔇𝔦𝔭𝔩𝔬𝔪𝔞𝔱𝔰 [/h1][/center][/color]
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Zeno Mozaru’s biros had more or less come together just when the first portals began to disburse their foreign passengers. However, while the five students could be counted on to arrive at the plaza on time, little else could be said regarding their merits as a team. There was an invisible tension hanging in the air around them as they silently stood, or sat, near the front of the massive crowd, observing the stage as the representatives of each school arrived. Of all the cohorts in the academy, theirs was likely the least unified of the bunch. Whether it was a lack of common history, personality clashes, or just distrust, Zander’s pupils were more comfortable ignoring each other than they were forcing a half-hearted conversation. Not even the optimistic Yalen could force people to be friends overnight. It seemed like only he and Jocasta got along. Unbeknownst to them however, the team’s lack of camaraderie would soon lead to serious complications…

Jocasta didn’t see a lick of it. Sitting amid a forest of giants, she listened to the various oohs and aahs and overheard the excited conversation. She could’ve risen from her wheeled-chair and hovered there, but it would not do to bring too much attention upon herself. [color=ffdead]“So…”[/color] she twisted and looked up at Yalen. [color=ffdead]“Wishing you could stand on your tippy-toes right now?”[/color] she teased.

[color=fd5e53]“I would make a witty reply, but I’d rather not stoop down to your level…”[/color] Yalen replied. The number of sassy women in his life was slowly turning him numb to japes regarding his insecurities. However, despite his growing bravado his face was still a bit red with embarrassment. [color=fd5e53]“Some of these people look so exotic. I’ve never stepped foot outside the Twin Continents you know.”[/color] 

[color=ffdead]“Yes, I’ve never stepped foot either,”[/color] Jocasta replied, deadpan. [color=ffdead]“Tell me, do the Eeaiko’s faces look all fishy? I’d look myself, but I’m playing little miss helpless here.”[/color]

It was at this point in the conversation that Carmillia decided to interject. Ever since they were introduced to each other, animosity between them had been brewing. Though it was unlike her to break her friendly and kind facade, the opportunity presented was far too tantalizing to forego. 

[color=ab0000]“Appearances indeed are deceiving, Jocasta. I wouldn’t have guessed you had a talent for stand-up comedy,”[/color] said Carmillia, with the most charming smile she could muster.

Jocasta smiled back with nearly equal charm. [color=ffdead]“Oh but of course, hun, there’s a [i]lot[/i] you don’t know about me.”[/color] She glanced Yalen’s way and visibly winked.

Being underestimated was normally considered a boon to Carmillia. It often created many gateways and paths but the idea that Jocasta deemed her insignificant felt intolerable. 

[color=ab0000]“I’d be inclined to agree with you but then it'd mean we'd both be wrong.”[/color]

[color=ffdead]“Pffft,”[/color] Jocasta replied after a moment, grinning. [color=ffdead]“You win. You’re smarter than me. Hee hee.”[/color] She rolled her eyes. [color=ffdead]“Anyways, have the two holy teams beat each other up yet?”[/color] she prodded. [color=ffdead]“And Yalen, why aren’t [i]you[/i] on one?”[/color]

[color=fd5e53]“Jocasta, I’m sure the Holy See would only want the cream of the crop to represent her interests. Even if I had the will, I am simply unworthy.”[/color] Yalen shrugged. 

She was all ready with some sort of witty riposte, but something about his reply struck Jocasta deep and true. She looked up at him and shook her head slightly. [color=ffdead]“You’re the worthiest person I know. Strength isn’t everything. Trust me.”[/color]

[color=fd5e53]“Oh. Thank you.”[/color] Yalen clammed up for a moment, as he was taken aback by the unexpected compliment. [color=fd5e53]“That… that means a lot to me.”[/color] He said with a growing smile. His focus on his tethered friend was too narrow for him to detect the animosity between the two girls. 

With the conversation taking an awkward turn, Carmillia refrained from any additional towards Jocasta. [color=ab0000][i]That might have been unbecoming of me[/i][/color], she thought. [color=ab0000][i]Fortunately, this confirms my suspicionsl.[/i][/color] Yalen was most definitely the key to Jocasta.

The silence droned on for several moments before Carmillia ended it with a polite cough. [color=ab0000]“On to the matter at hand, this year’s lineup for the Trials look formidable.”[/color] She motioned toward the representative of Vystha’s Favoured. [color=ab0000]“Tyrel’yrash’dichora,”[/color] she said, enunciating the Yasoi name with no issues. [color=ab0000]“A mage capable of both the temporal and dark schools of magic. Conveniently blessed with one of the highest RAS scores in gifted history.”[/color]	

[color=d4af37]“Dichora…”[/color] murmured Evander pensively. [color=d4af37]“Is that not the name of another student at this school?”[/color]

[color=ffdead]“Doesn’t matter,”[/color] Jocasta waved a hand dismissively. [color=ffdead]“I can deal with her easily enough. Besides, this town isn’t big enough for more cripples.”[/color] She paused. [color=ffdead]“We should be more worried about the Hegelans. I’ve heard they have ways of increasing one’s mana capacity and I would love to know how and by how much.”[/color] 

Evander reacted to Jocasta’s dismissiveness with his face contorting into a pinched expression. He was annoyed. She casted away his question without any consideration. [color=d4af37][i]Noted[/i][/color]. He would forgive her, but he would not forget. After all, they were a team…for now…so he chose to act like it. 

Trypano had been silently standing by for the while. Small talk was not something she indulged in. With fingers steepled she listened on to the mild chitter chatter and talk. It didn’t really add up to much. 

What she may have found interesting however, was the creeping chill that suddenly swept through the plaza. Carmillia and Yalen, healthy as could be mere moments ago, now looked strangely ill. Something or someone was exerting an invisible pressure that soon brought everyone with a modest RAS to their knees, and even the stronger participants were visibly uncomfortable. As this anomalous event transpired, it seemed like even their breath was beginning to crystallize as it left their lips. 

To some extent, Yalen recognized the source of their discomfort. Jocasta created the same effect any time she cast at her full power. There was someone in this plaza who was even stronger than her. Stronger than Hugo. He wanted to say as much, but it was taking all his strength just to stay awake.

Jocasta furrowed her brow. [color=ffdead]“Someone’s really letting us know they’re here,”[/color] she grumbled, unmoving but casting about with her energy sense. She wasn’t going to give them the satisfaction of her attention. [color=ffdead]“Here and really strong.”[/color] [color=ffdead][i]Stronger than [b]me[/b],[/i] she thought with some alarm, [i]stronger than the [b]Paradigm[/b].[/i][/color] And they wanted people to know it. Aside from sunblessed, she could think of no others who would carry that much energy constantly around with them but for intimidation purposes. It would get exhausting before long. 

Evander’s cheeks began to rise in color from white to red as his warm blood gathered to the surface to combat the layer of chill entering the room. He crossed his arms as his body became more rigid. The weight of a power tugged at him as he anchored his body in frustration to the discomforting pull, [color=d4af37]“How dramatic…”[/color] Evander stated. Anyone who felt compelled to demonstrate this amount of force on their environment while surrounded by kids was not impressing him, [color=d4af37]“...how unnecessary,”[/color] he rolled his eyes as if this display of power was beneath him.

Trypano herself took her left hand and brought her index and middle finger up to the side of her neck, checking her pulse.

[color=crimson]“Heart rhythm regular, blood alkaline levels stable at seven point forty four, adrenal glands output at standard rate. Nerve activations operating as expected.”[/color] She muttered under her breath, evaluating her condition using her magical arts in tandem to measure out her state in a calculated manner. It seemed the pathology of this condition was originating from an outside exertion of magical force, likely quite powerful given its radius. For the time being however she did not weigh in on the comments regarding it.

Yalen eventually recovered from his fainting episode and put a hand on Jocasta’s roller to steady himself. Luckily he didn’t black out this time, having been strengthened considerably by his experiences in Torragon. [color=fd5e53]“For a second there I thought I was going to lose my breakfast. How could someone that powerful go unannounced by the proctors?”[/color] He sent a mental probe out into the crowd to see if he could find the culprit, but whoever they were they had cut the flow of power. However, there was a considerable amount of movement in the crowd a few dozen feet away. The person responsible was likely to be found there. 

That strange occurrence temporarily took the wind out of the team’s sails, and they remained silent for a time as the school’s guests continued to trickle in one portal after another. When the processions were finally over Zenith Upta took over the stage and began announcing the order of this year’s events. The Melon Derby was an unmovable staple and came as no surprise. The Dragon was the second event to be announced, and Jocasta’s eyes may have lit up a bit when Roses & Neskals was announced as the third. [color=ffdead]“We’ve got a good shot in that one, I think,”[/color] she remarked. Thin Air and Tug of Peace rounded things off to a nice and orderly five. People began speculating and pre-planning their strategies immediately, causing the plaza to fill with chatter that nearly drowned out the rest of the Zenith’s speech. This caused her to amplify her voice even louder, and what she revealed next was unprecedented. 

[color=a187be][b]“The moment that I ring this,”[/b][/color] she declared, picking the bell up, [color=a187be][b]“your team will have three minutes to find a second team - not from your school - to pair with. So long as you are in physical contact with them at the exact moment that your three minutes is up, you will be allied to them for the first event. Your points will be their points and vice versa. However, those teams who are unable to find partners will participate on their own, at a severe disadvantage.”[/b][/color] The chatter in the crowd turned into a loud panic, as nobody had anticipated this development. Zander Mozaru’s cohort was no exception, and they began to bicker right away as soon as the bell rang. 

The news of picking a team to pair with was surprising and exciting. More people, meant more opportunities to score. Evander looked at his team and immediately strove for interest toward the team he identified strong Revidians in, [color=d4af37]“I say we pair up with the Angels of Pentad, what say everyone else?”[/color]

[color=ffdead]“And find ourselves targets for the Varennes team?”[/color] Jocasta replied. She shook her head. [color=ffdead]“No thank you. The two Optimal teams always go after each other. I’d rather not have to obliterate any monks.”[/color] She glanced Yalen’s way and smiled puckishly. [color=ffdead]“No offense, [i]brother[/i] Yalen.”[/color]

[color=d4af37][i]Was Jocasta scared? Why did she care if they were targeted, after all, she could obliterate them…her words.[/i][/color] Evander sensed there was more hesitation than confidence in Jocasta’s comment, [color=d4af37][i]Did she talk big because she felt small?[/i][/color] Evander then followed the line of conversing to Yalen who spoke next.

[color=fd5e53]“None taken. And, while I agree with Evander’s choice, Jocasta has a point. If either of the Holy Sees make a target out of us we will face serious setbacks. They will possess magics that wouldn’t normally be trusted to the common wizardry. Does anyone else have a suggestion?”[/color] Yalen questioned.

[color=d4af37][i]Was Yalen not confident? Did he not believe in our team to deal with the Varennes, especially with the Angels of Pentad on our side?[/i][/color] Evander continued to listen to Yalen ask for suggestions without offering any of his own, [color=d4af37][i]What indecisiveness…[/i][/color] Evander’s patience began to wear thin.

[color=crimson]“Hmm.”[/color] Trypano considered Yalen’s open inquiry. [color=crimson]“I can agree that simply opting for a team simply off of their strength opens us to risk of being targeted by other teams. Given how our team is fairly competent already I would recommend a team that demonstrates cohesiveness both internally and externally.”[/color] She pursed her lips, deep in consideration.

[color=crimson]“While I’m not specifically a specialist on Eeiako culture I am aware of what little is known regarding them, including their inherent ability to cast in union. It would be interesting to see how that could be incorporated into our existing skill-set.”[/color]

[color=d4af37][i]Was Trypano confused? To state that choosing a team solely on its strength opened them up to risks of being targeted by other teams, while offering a team suggestion based on their strength to cast in unity, and recommending a team she admittedly knew little about except for her own interest about the Eeaiko did not make for a reasonable suggestion.[/i] [/color]Evander was puzzled, [color=d4af37][i]How did I end up on a team that feared to be seen, indecisive, and confused?[/i][/color] 

[color=ffdead]“It’s a risky play if they can’t,”[/color] Jocasta responded, [color=ffdead]“but could pay off if we can make it work. If not, I’ll flex these RAS muscles of mine.”[/color] She giggled a bit and blushed. 

Evander laughed and tagged off Jocasta, [color=d4af37]“It isn’t risky, it’s nonsense. You do not choose a team you know little about. The Angels of the Pentad and our team in this Trial together would be targeted, sure.”[/color] He paused to acknowledge Jocasta’s input, [color=d4af37]“But, are we afraid of being targeted? I mean if you do not believe in our ability to contend with the best, then why even contend at all?”[/color] Evander did not care if the Varennes targeted them, hell, he did not care if several teams targeted them, it was about challenging their abilities together, not evading the competition to ‘steal’ a win. He continued, [color=d4af37]“Let’s act as if there is a fire behind us and stop wailing on specifics, hell, I’d even take the passionate light-hearted Weggos at this point if it meant we made every other teams experience difficulty when they crossed us.”[/color] Evander looked to Yalen, [color=d4af37]“We have five trials, not one, and whether we win or lose this one, if we punch hard, we can leave every other team hesitating against us in the other rounds, even you Yalen, an average RAS monk might put the fear of Pentad in them before even running into you.”[/color] Evander’s passion for competition was not to win the battle, but the war, and the war was five trials, if they could get into the head of their opponents on trial one, then there would be more opportunities in later rounds.

Deep down Evander knew they had to make a decision, it did not matter who they got, as long as everyone felt that their team was going to win The Trials regardless of their pair, [color=d4af37]“We need to decide now!”[/color]

[color=ab0000][i]We’re going to get nowhere at this rate[/i][/color], thought Carmillia. A minute had already passed and she was not fond [i]at all[/i] of any of their choices. The chilling pressure from earlier was enough of an indication that this year’s Trials was full of monsters that were on par or exceeded Jocasta.

Pairing up with a random run of the mill team was pointless but simultaneously working with a powerhouse and dealing with multiple Jocasta-level egos would likely be detrimental to their success.

No, Carmillia already had an ideal team in mind. One that was capable and cunning, one she could envision endless possibilities when working with.

She needed to get through Yalen. Jocasta would be more open to the suggestion if the decision was made through him. Trypano would agree if she did and Carmillia wagered she could handle Evander.

Another 30 seconds passed and at this point Evander was deep into a discussion with Jocasta and Trypano. It was at this point she made her move.

[color=ab0000]“Yalen, what do you think of Blaze of Glory?”[/color] she asked.

He raised an eyebrow. [color=fd5e53]“Blaze of Glory? Er, I’m not sure what to say about them. I know very little about Weggos, and the rosters for the teams were very brief. I guess I’m not particularly interested?”[/color]

She could work with this. Carmillia sent tendrils of chemical energy into Yalen’s brain, making his already amicable personality more so. 

[color=ab0000]“Likewise, they didn't catch my attention at first glance. But that was before I caught wind of the rumors,”[/color] she responded.

Yalen's interest was piqued at this point. He had turned his whole body towards her to focus fully on the conversation.

[color=ab0000]“Their RAS scores aren’t by any means huge. But their members all possess unique skill sets and personalities that I believe would work well in the Trials.”[/color]

She continued with a more detailed breakdown over each member. Jemar with his boundless energy. Moriah being the calm intellect. Brandi who somehow always gets the job done. Dante the mad genius and Jodi, the sneaky tethered. 

[color=ab0000]“With three tethered, we'd possess a powerful advantage during the Melon Derby. Are you in?”[/color]

[color=fd5e53]“I guess so.”[/color] Yalen answered without really wondering why. [color=fd5e53]“We’re running out of time though. Where do you suppose they are?”[/color]

[color=ab0000]“South west of the Plaza, next to the Sawandi Biros. There's no guarantee that they're still there but my gut tells me they're still within the vicinity. Go, I'll keep the rest of them busy.”[/color]

In any event, Jocasta didn’t really need to be ‘kept busy.’ She had mostly checked out of a conversation that fast looked to be going nowhere. She was surrounded by idiots and egos: people used to thinking that they were the smartest in the room, regardless of whether they were or not. She reached under her seat cushion, where she often stored things, took out a roll of chicle, and popped some into her mouth. The tethered crossed her arms and let her eyes wander. It didn’t really matter who they allied with, truth be told. She would do as she needed to. They would succeed or fail based upon that.


Everyone’s apathy would work to Carmillia’s advantage, for Yalen found Blaze of Glory exactly where she said they would be. Yet, there seemed to be an issue regarding the Weggosi team. 

[color=FFA500]“We need [i]strength![/i]”[/color] one was insisting. [color=FFA500]“The other stuff’s aight, but we’ve gotta be able to beat these teams man for man!”[/color]

[color=FF1493]“And woman for woman,”[/color] added a petite girl with hot pink afro–puffs. 

[color=00FF00]“Jemar, I love you, man, but we’ve gotta find the [i]smart[/i] people: the ones who know this place and have a plan.”[/color]

[color=BC8F8F]“Uh, guyyyz, isn’t like… the timer gonna end soon? Or something?”[/color] A tall, pretty girl with bleached blonde dreadlocks looked up from examining her nails. 

The fifth member of the team, however, was headed straight for Yalen, and their eyes met. [color=C71585]“I’m Moriah,”[/color] she said simply, holding her hand out. [color=C71585]“We got thirty seconds left. We should ally or we’re both in deep shit.”[/color]

[color=fd5e53]“I’m guessing you’re having trouble reaching a consensus?”[/color] Yalen asked the girl while shaking her hand. [color=fd5e53]“The same goes for my team unfortunately. We’re standing over there.”[/color] He pointed to his four team mates, who were still in the middle of bickering. Carmillia caught his gaze and sent an innocent smile their way. 

[color=C71585]“Jus a word, fools,”[/color] Moriah shouted, [color=C71585]“We got twenny seconds left. It’s this team or nobody.”[/color]

[color=BC8F8F]“Twenty!?”[/color]

[color=FFA500]“Bumba!”[/color]

[color=00FF00]“Ipte’s tits!”[/color]

Yalen cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted to Carm. [color=fd5e53]“Get everybody over here, and hurry! We’re out of time!”[/color] Whether by choice or via Carmillia’s manipulation, Mozaru’s cohort sprinted over to the Blaze of Glory team and began haphazardly grabbing whatever parts their hands could reach. The same could be said of their newfound allies. The pink-haired girl, tethered and unable to run as quickly as the others, was prey for Jocasta, who teleported over and laid a hand on her just as the bells began to ring. After a moment, Yalen looked about, only to notice a slight shift in the position of the other two tethered. [color=ffdead]“Yes, they froze it,”[/color] Jocasta confirmed. 

[color=FFA500]“But we good, right?”[/color] asked one of the Weggosi. They didn’t even know each other’s names yet. Jocasta nodded. [color=ffdead]“We are, whatever that means.”[/color]

[color=FF1493]“Iiiiirie,”[/color] breathed another of their new allies.

[color=00FF00]“Blouse an’ skirt, that was a close one,”[/color] announced a third. [color=00FF00]“Les’ hope we married good, huh?”[/color]