[center][h1][color=seagreen]Olivia[/color], [color=AFB3E0]Charlotte[/color] &  [color=limegreen]Kazumin[/color]
[color=#2E8B57]P[/color][color=#599884]a[/color][color=#84A5B2]r[/color][color=#AFB3DF]t[/color] [color=#6FC19A]1[/color][/h1][/center]
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[color=lightgray]A third voice reverberated through the stairwell into the basement, the sound of light footsteps against the wood echoing in the air. Finally, a figure appeared by the doorway, her dark hair cascading down from her head and a somber expression on her face. [color=afb3e0]"Hi..."[/color]  She greeted softly. [color=afb3e0]"If I am interrupting, I can go, but I come bearing cookies."[/color] 

Persephone listened to him speaking and bit her lip. How did she reply? This was a serious situation, and on top of that, she’d attacked Calbert’s home. The price for her head was likely to be more expensive than the Sorian castle. Before she could respond, Kazu began rambling quicker than she could react. Persephone’s jaw dropped and her eyes widened. Her mind scrambled to respond to him. Thankfully, a third voice joined, causing her to jump and turn around with fright. Then a grin split over her face when she saw Charlotte. She smiled when the scent of cookies wafted over and then her eyes sparkled with interest. 

[color=seagreen]”Charlotte! Hi!”[/color] She exclaimed joyfully. Thankful for the interruption, she stood up and gestured for her to join. [color=seagreen]”Please, join us! I’m so happy to see you.”[/color] Persephone then realized Charlotte hadn’t seen her new look, so she playfully flipped her hair and posed charmingly. [color=seagreen]”What do you think? Good coverup? I was thinking - my new name should be Olivia - for the eyes,”[/color] 

As expected, Kazu had a similar reaction, albeit more intense with his mind flushed with adrenaline and worry. Such that the blonde jumped in shock made worse by Percy’s own jumping prompting him to let loose a childish scream. [color=limegreen]”Gah! Charlotte? Wha-wh”-[/color] His confusion amplified all the more as he witnessed Percy, who looked unsettlingly like a noble lady now taking a flattering pose on top of it. His mind well past fried now from all the going on, surprises and memories from earlier along with tiny glimpses from last night pop up as brief flashes like a cut-up film being shoved in all jumbled up.

Pushed past his breaking point which led to Kazu just letting his body go limp in a defeated manner. [color=limegreen]”Wasn’t there a giant rooster too? … Actually never mind. Just.. just don’t mind me.”[/color] Staggering to where the plate of cookies were and plumped down to tiredly munch away.

Charlotte had set the plate down for them to enjoy. She stepped toward Persephone and paused.   [color=afb3e0]“I’m… perplexed.”[/color] She confessed. This was more than simply putting on a wig. Her face was not the same, though it still held some familiarity. 

[color=seagreen]”Magic.”[/color] Olivia answered and picked up a cookie. She quickly devoured it and was careful not to spread crumbs on the floor. [color=seagreen]”I didn’t want to be seen near a window and ruin my cover, nor your family’s.”[/color] She paused and considered her statements. It was bizarre but this was probably not the weirdest part of her day. [color=seagreen]”I’m sorry, I know this is a lot to process.”[/color] Her voice was softer and her expression melted like her cookie in milk. 

Waiting to gulp down the mouthful of cookies before chiming in. [color=limegreen]”It is definitely a lot, but it’s nothing new for me. Just give me a moment for my brain to cool down.”[/color] Finished with a tired goofy chuckle before grabbing another cookie to idly chew on.

Olivia glanced at him and bit her lip. She ignored him and turned back to Charlotte. 

Charlotte lapsed into silence. She seemed deep in thought for a full minute, her eyes scanning the room around them. Then, she met Olivia’s gaze. [color=afb3e0]“Can I see it…?[/color] With a hint of apprehension, she leaned in and elaborated in a hushed tone, as if she were uttering a forbidden word, [color=afb3e0]“The magic?”[/color] It had been mentioned enough to her today that at this point, she just honestly wanted to know for certain this concept was real. 

Her eyebrows rose inquisitively. She tilted her head to one side and eyed Charlotte. Teaching her magic was risky. For one, it could cause Charlotte to become addicted to the magic. Then secondly, the after effects were concerning; Olivia was aware of how bad her sleep would be over the next few days. The effects of the entire day hadn’t fully hit her yet, nor had she processed the emotions raging inside of her. However, a voice in her head, the one she battled, began to egg her on, and a grin split across her face. How nice would it be to have a magic sister, someone she could. The words left her mouth quicker than her brain could fully process them. 

[color=seagreen]”Sure, but later. Nothing crazy, and not around him.”[/color] Olivia replied softly, so Kazumin could not hear her. [color=seagreen][i]Why did I say that![/i][/color]

[color=afb3e0]“Okay… How about something small? Does it hurt you to use it?”[/color]

[color=seagreen]”That would be wise to start small. Yes, it can hurt you, and cause long term irreversible damage.”[/color] Oliva answered Charlotte honestly while she considered the prospects. [color=seagreen]”You must be aware that all magic comes with a price. For example, my nosebleed is a result of using it.”[/color] Her voice and body language was calm and serious, unlike her goofy cowl-lick companion. 

Olivia took a cookie then nibbled on it. [color=seagreen]”The more magic you use, the more negative effects it has on you. It isn’t easy, for instance,”[/color] she gestured to her face, [color=seagreen]”this spell was painful and would only be achieved by someone with… intermediate skill.”[/color] 

Charlotte took a step forward and began to move her head purposely, tilting and swiveling as she examined Olivia’s face from different angles. She paused and met her eyes. [color=afb3e0]“I can recognize parts of your old face when I look for them, but you certainly look like a different person. You look… rather beautiful actually… Not that you didn’t before.“[/color] She thoughtfully tapped her chin.  [color=afb3e0]“Is it permanent?”[/color]

Olivia watched Charlotte’s movements like a hawk. Though she trusted and enjoyed her presence, she was on edge. Partially from the day, and also from the effects of the magic. The whispering in the background was hushed, but the moment Charlotte approached her, they grew louder; demanding attention, demanding the girl stay away, but Olivia ignored them. She didn’t have any reason to distrust her. It was becoming apparent, albeit slowly, that she had misjudged this noblewoman. Her words drew a sly smile from Olivia’s face. She flipped her hair behind her and struck a haughty pose to mimic the oldest Alidasht princess from the ball. 

[color=seagreen]”Well duh,”[/color] she teased, [color=seagreen]”Of course I’m beautiful,”[/color] A giggle escaped her. She then nodded in response to her question. [color=seagreen]“Permanent and quite painful, and not something I wish to do a second time.”[/color]

A sudden scoff rang out into the room and it sounded suspiciously annoyed only to be immediately followed by a heavy chomp into a cookie. [color=limegreen]”Tch…Percy was already beautiful.”[/color] He scowled with a dismissive wave of his free left hand aimed at no one in particular. ”I don’t know anything about this magic nonsense, but it feels like it's going to make y’all dependent on it. If you ask me, I’d say to chuck that book in a fire and be done with it.” Pointing at both of them in turn with both his pointer finger and a half-eaten cookie that he then took another big chunk out of.

Her gaze moved to Kazumin. She grinned and ruffled his hair in appreciation of his compliment and ignored his warning. [i]Little late for that one, dear Kazu, but not that you would know.[/i] Instead she turned away so he wouldn’t see the guilt in her eyes. 

[color=afb3e0]“My cousin agreed to tell anyone who asks that Percy is a family friend who was sent here with him.”[/color] Charlotte turned to Kazumin as she informed him.  [color=afb3e0]“So if she looks different now, she can simply start a new life without worry. From what I understand, she’s had a rough ordeal, so maybe I can help her here a bit and of course you too, Kazumin. Anything I can do, I am here to help.”[/color]

Olivia stared at Charlotte. A warmth spread through her, as if she were sitting in front of a fire at home after a long day of farmer’s work. She stared at Charlotte as if she were looking at her with new glasses and dissecting her appearance. Olivia wanted to speak, but the words fell short in her mouth. The length they were going to protect her was more than she could’ve ever wished. She would have never asked them for this, and she realized in that moment, that this would become a friendship she’d cherish. Her vision blurred and she realized there were tears forming in her eyes. Before she could respond, Kazumin interrupted rather… dramatically. 

[color=limegreen]”Start a new... Wait….”[/color] Charlotte's words filled his mind still buzzing broken and fragmented thoughts and memories trying to piece itself together. Her words unintentionally triggered the on-growing panic that had been festering just beneath the surface. His new friend seemed to still be speaking, but whatever she was saying fell on deaf ears (no pun intended) for the words start a new life had drowned out everything and from it a horrifying misunderstood reality. Next thing anyone knew, Kazumin had jumped to his feet, nearly stumbling forward in his haste.

His sudden movements caused her to flinch and tense up. Whether it was the magic or the day, it was unknown. Either way, she looked ready to flee at the next provocation. Instead of action, he instead began to misunderstand the situation. [color=seagreen]”Kazu-”[/color] 

The cowlicked blonde took tentative steps forward with tears welling up anew on his panic stricken face. [color=limegreen]”No one told me about her new life! You…you’re gonna live some...some new life with this.. This cousin of Char?!”[/color] His breathing grew haggard and worsened as so too did his panic now being infused with fear.

[color=seagreen]”Kazumin-”[/color] She interrupted and waved her hands. [color=seagreen]”Wait-”[/color] But the farmer boy continued on, drowning out her words. The voices grew louder, and her pupils dilated while struggling to remain calm. [i]You are misunderstanding the situation and I do not have the energy for this. Please be quiet.[/i]

[color=limegreen]”Y-you can’t! Please d-don’t leave.”[/color] His words came out in shaky, choked sobs; signs of Kazu trying to hold himself together, but the shaking and panic became more evident with every second. His hands reached to grab hold and cling onto whatever the closest part of Percy’s dress was. [color=limegreen]"Please…I-I’m sorry. I’ll stop causing you trouble.. Just don’t... Don’t leave me alone.”[/color] For the first time, Kazu let his vulnerability out; a side that only his family and Percy knew. His fear of being abandoned is overwhelming. 

Her eyes widened at the outburst and she bit back a groan. Despite how close she was with him, his dramaticness was wearing on her. Biting back a washpish retort, she took several deep breaths. Fortunately, Charlotte intervened more patiently, and Olivia’s gratitude rose. This gave her the time to simmer down and push aside the negative aspects of the magic slowly consuming her. 

Charlotte’s expression fell apart. She took a deep breath as she listened to his words and considered how to best fix the misunderstanding.  Her extreme weariness was ever evident. 

Finally, she moved forward purposely and began to assure him. [color=afb3e0]“Kazumin…I didn't mean it like that. I was not suggesting that Percy should leave with my cousin, I just meant that  we can utilize it as a cover story if anyone asked where ‘Olivia’ came from. There’s no reason to separate you two.“[/color] She then moved forward and gently took his hand and then Percy’s. [color=afb3e0] “...We could maybe all be friends.”[/color] She gave them both a smile.

With a deep breath, her voice came out relaxing. [color=seagreen]”Kazumin. She is right. We’re all going to stay together. People are going to wonder who I am and where I came from. It’s not a stretch for Calbert to think I came here and I am disguised. This identity is my coverup so I can remain alive and unwanted. Calbert will not let go of the crime I committed today.”[/color] The end of her sentence came out bitter. 

Instead of letting it increase, she placed a hand on his shoulder gently and smiled at him comfortingly. [color=seagreen]”As Ms. Charlotte here proposed we can all be friends.”[/color] She caught Charlotte’s smile and returned it, then pulled Kazumin into a firm hug. [color=seagreen]”You can't get rid of me that easily, duh.”[/color] 

Kazumin could do nothing but sit there on his knees, his previously panic stricken and tear streaked face now blank. How was one to react after allowing the ladies to explain. For as happy as he was that Percy wasn’t leaving after all or the warmth of their comfort, but the semi-tired blonde found himself feeling immensely embarrassed due to his jumping to assumptions so quickly.” [color=limegreen]…Friends…right…[/color]” His words came out hollow as he just stood there staring into space past his friend’s shoulder wishing nothing more than to disappear right now though it was not the crying and more so stupidity and shame he just put him through.

Charlotte picked up on his change in demeanor and frowned. Though she wasn’t certain of his particular thought process or what could aid him best, she still wanted to show him comfort. She knelt down to level with him. [color=afb3e0]“I’m so sorry I made you so upset… You’re lucky to have each other. I am truly moved by how much you care about her. It’s rare to find a bond like you two have… I also understand how painful the idea of losing those close to you can feel.”[/color]

Olivia nodded in agreement and pulled Kazumin to his feet. She wrapped an arm around his shoulder and grinned at him mischievously. [color=seagreen]”As if you could get rid of me that easily!”[/color] she exclaimed and ruffled his hair. Then her gaze fell on Charlotte and her expression softened. [color=seagreen]”Thank you for understanding. I do hope we all become that close too. You have a great heart and mind, Charlotte. You deserve the world.”[/color] 

Their words were certainly comforting though unintentionally added to his embarrassment. Being treated like a little child in need of comfort over his reckless assumptions along with earlier incidents before passing out; all of it humiliating. Then Percy went and added further fuel by ruffling his hair. (her usual smirk coming off creepy with her make-up adorn face appearing foreign) There was a limit of humiliation a person could take and Kazu had endured twice that, Percy’s little brother treatment inflating it all the more. What could the exhausted and exasperated farmer do but cover his face beneath his hands where a muffled long drawled out groan could be heard as he screamed into his palms needing some form of outlet.

Charlotte cringed at the sudden scream. She looked at Persephone, signaling her with a head shake and hand wave to back off.  [color=afb3e0]“Sorry. I will give you your space.”[/color] She quietly said to Kazumin and rose to her feet. Then, she turned to face Persephone. [color=afb3e0]“Well if you are going to look the part of Olivia the noblewoman, we’ll have to take you shopping. For now, tomorrow you’re welcome to borrow some of my clothes and Kazumin is welcome to use my costume trunk if he wants to lay low as well.”[/color]

Olivia jumped at the unexpected yell and tensed up. She frowned and moved away from him. Due to being on edge already, her nerves were already heightened. With a scowl, Olivia decided it was best to focus on Charlotte until he recovered. She smiled at Charlotte’s words and took her hands gently. [color=seagreen]”That would be great, thank you so much. I will pay you back some day. I promise.”[/color] Olivia squeezed her hands and let go. 

[color=seagreen]”Acting noble at first will be strange for me, but I’ll get the hang of it. I grew up being a farmer and seamstress my whole life.”[/color] She sat down and looked up at Charlotte with a radiant smile. [color=seagreen]”You are a great person, Charlotte. You have a kind heart.”[/color]

[color=afb3e0]“Ah yes it may be, however, I did attend charm school. I have a plethora of knowledge for you two… Luckily, you’re a hard worker and will learn in no time.”[/color] Charlotte explained to Persephone. [color=afb3e0]“No need for a compliment. My father had always advised me as a child that kindness should be the baseline standard in our interactions with others.”[/color]

Being given the chance to have a moment to vent some of his pent up frustration that had been building from the events of the past few days. While he still had plenty to air out., for now he was relieved and content enough to finally function and think. With one last small groan, Kazu peeled his hands from his face letting loose a big huff of air. [color=limegreen]”Okay, fine fine, I’m cool. I’m fine.” [/color] He said in a calm tone as he slid his right hand through his hair, smoothing it out with a relax sigh. 

[color=limegreen]”Yeah..cool as a cucumber."[/color] He followed this up with a double thumbs up to the ladies with his usual grin. [color=limegreen]”Sorry about that, ignore my being stupid. Ahem…so… guess a lot has happened since I’ve been… out of it, so to speak.”[/color]” Kazu stated, with an awkward chuckle while nervously rubbing the back of his neck. [/color]