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Autumndusk, Stoneglen Square, Time: 12:00 PM
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Ace's words broke the solemn moment, steering their focus toward a brighter destination.
"Come on, let's get you to Mianne. She'll heal you back to normal." The path ahead was clear, and together they walked on, their steps in sync, their shared promise a beacon of hope that illuminated the path to recovery and renewal
As Ace carried James in his arms toward Stoneglen Square, he found the area unexpectedly bustling with a crowd. Puzzled by the scene, he decided to inquire, wondering if the parade had already begun.
Approaching a nearby person, Ace asked, "Hey, what's going on here?"
The person turned to address Ace's question, revealing the source of the commotion. "Oh, two girls over there bumped into each other, and now they're having a catfight," the response left Ace slightly bewildered.
The distant chants of the crowd seemed to underscore the dramatic nature of the situation. Curious yet cautious, Ace took to the sky, hoping to gain a better vantage point.
From above, his eyes widened as he witnessed the unexpected spectacle unfolding before him. Mianne was engaged in a fiery confrontation, hurling insults with fervor at a pink-dressed figure.
It was Elizabeth, known as The Princess of Galadhor's Keep from The Haunting Travelerania. The verbal exchange escalated, reaching a point where Mianne seemed ready to resort to more than just words.
Ace descended to the ground, his expression a mixture of disbelief and worry. The situation had spiraled into problematic territory.
The presence of Sugar's Enterprise on the rooftop, the four familiar individuals in detective attire with fake mustaches, wasn't helping matters either. They appeared to be enjoying the spectacle, munching on popcorn as they observed the catfight.
Dy'va's enthusiastic encouragement rang out like a siren, inciting the crowd's chants of "WOO YEAH! CAT FIGHT! CAT FIGHT!"
His playful tone set the mood for Toodies to join in with his chants. "YEAH, YEAH! CAT FIGHT CAT FIGHT!"
November, known for her serious demeanor, surprised everyone by joining the fray, her words laced with a mix of casualness and intensity. "CAT FIGHT! CAT FIGHT! FUCK HER UP!!"
Rosco, initially hesitant, couldn't resist the infectious atmosphere. "Ah, fuck it."
With a resigned sigh, he added his voice to the chorus, and his volume rose along with his enthusiasm. "CAT FIGHT! CAT FIGHT!"
"CAT FIGHT! CAT FIGHT!" The crowd's chants reached a crescendo, enveloping the scene in raucous energy. Amidst the chaos, Ace couldn't help but shake his head at the unfolding drama, understanding that the situation had gone from complicated to outright chaotic.
James's presence in his arms served as a reminder of their purpose – to find Mianne and ensure his recovery.
Amidst the spectacle of the ongoing catfight, Ace and James found a moment to adjust to the situation.
Gently lowering James to the ground, Ace made sure he was comfortable, allowing him to bask in the warmth of the sunlight and the serene blue sky above. The trophy rested by James's side, a testament to his hard-fought victory. "Thank you, Ace..." James decided to ponder to himself as he looked into the sky.
Ace's attention swiftly shifted back to Mianne, who was caught in the throes of a heated confrontation with Elizabeth. Determined to defuse the situation and prioritize James's well-being, Ace acted swiftly.
He descended to the ground, positioning himself between Mianne and Elizabeth, using his own body as a barrier to prevent any further escalation. "Here I come!"
As the verbal battle raged on, Ace's presence seemed to snap Mianne out of her fervor.
His grasp on her arms was firm but gentle, a reminder of their shared purpose. "Mianne, we can't let this continue. James needs us," Ace implored, his voice laced with urgency and concern. Slowly, he guided Mianne away from the scene, a physical anchor to help her regain her composure.
"REMEMBER THIS, YOU BITCH!" Mianne yelled at her, as she pointed at her with fury.
Jhoan spotted the opportunity of this and intervened to separate Elizabeth from the fray, "Alright come on, we gonna get the parade going before we get in trouble." Jhoan said as he dragged Elizabeth away.
"OH, I WILL, YOU CHURCH CABIN CLEANER!" Elizabeth yelled at Mianne as she pointed at her as well. The exchange of heated words continued, a final parting shot from both sides.
The tension in the air was palpable, a lingering reminder of the encounter. As the people were booing at the sudden conclusion of the catfight.
Sugar's Enterprise, hidden on the rooftop, observed the events with a mixture of amusement and disappointment. The abrupt end to the catfight left them wanting more, their plans for entertainment disrupted by the intervention of outside forces.
"Aw, man, already..." Dy'va expressed his disappointment.
"Ahem. We need to wait for the professor," November maintained her cold demeanor but secretly wished the fight had lasted longer, especially to see Mianne potentially tearing Elizabeth to shreds. Despite their playful disappointment, they understood the need to transition to their next task – waiting for their next command.
On the outskirts of the commotion, Don and Cauli from The Sakura Office found themselves thoroughly entertained by the spectacle.
"Ah, I wish it was longer though." Don's wistful desire for a longer fight was met with Cauli's playful complaints.
"I couldn't see the fight at all!" Cauli said as he playfully bashed Don's head, leading him into a fit of giggles. The dynamic between the two reflected their close relationship.
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Autumndusk, Stoneglen Square: Alleyways, Time: 12:30 PM
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Both Ace and Mianne decided to go into a small alleyway as they could rest there for now. Ace looked at Mianne, concern etched into his expression.
"Mianne, are you alright now? We need to focus on getting James the medical attention he needs." His voice held a soothing tone, a reminder that their immediate priority was taking care of their friend.
Mianne's breath was still ragged, her fiery spirit gradually subsiding as she locked eyes with Ace. "You're right, Ace. I... I let my emotions get the best of me." She sighed, a mixture of frustration and regret evident in her features. "I just can't stand people like her."
"I know," Ace nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. "But now's not the time. Let's find a quiet place to sit and rest for a while, and then we can heal James right back up."
As they walked away from the commotion, Mianne's tense shoulders gradually relaxed. "I just hate how she looks down on people like she's better than everyone else."
Ace placed a comforting hand on Mianne's shoulder. "I understand, Mianne. But remember, letting someone like her affect you only gives her power over your emotions. You're better than that."
Mianne offered a small smile, appreciating Ace's perspective. "You're right, Ace. Thanks for being here."
Ace grinned. "That's what friends are for, right?"
Mianne's eyes softened as she looked at James, concern evident in her gaze. "Hey, James," she said gently, her voice filled with a mix of affection and worry. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm fin- Owie!" Before James could finish, his arm felt a winch of pain as he tried to cover it. Mianne was suddenly starting to smile with malice. Ace got him hurt during the public arena fight, and now she feels like destroying someone.
Mianne's concern for James was palpable, but her sudden shift in demeanor caught Ace off guard.
As the dark aura began to envelop her, he couldn't help but stammer, "Um, Mianne, r-r-remember our agreement about not letting your emotions get the best of you?"
Mianne's gaze turned to Ace, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of frustration and, oddly enough, amusement. "Oh, Ace, I wouldn't dream of letting my emotions control me," she replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'm just practicing my dark and brooding guardian magic."
Ace blinked, taken aback by her unexpected response. "Wait, what? Dark and brooding guardian magic? A-aren't you Starer?" Ace remember that she would say her prayer to the star above every single night before bed.
Mianne's lips twitched into a mischievous smile. "Yes, you know, the kind where I dramatically envelop myself in an aura of darkness before I swoop in to save the day."
James, despite his discomfort, managed a weak chuckle. "Mianne, I think you might be confusing Guardian with Fevoor Solace." At least her Jamies was okay. She couldn't be concerned about Ace's living, she could end him next time.
Mianne shrugged, the dark aura fading away. "Potato, potahto."
Ace sighed in absolute relief as he set his prayers to the lord above. "Oh, thanks to the lord for making me live today," Ace said to himself as he almost face death herself.
Mianne continued to work her healing magic on James, who sat back and let out a content sigh as he felt the wounds gradually mending. "This... feels nice," he admitted, a hint of relief in his voice as the pain subsided.
Mianne smiled warmly, her gentle touch soothing him. "I'm glad I can help, James."
Just then, Ezra emerged from the west section, his eyes scanning the surroundings. Spotting The Lucky Inquisitor, he made his way over to them. "Ah, there you guys are," he greeted, a hint of relief evident in his tone.
Ace looked up from where he had been keeping watch, and his expression brightened. "Ezra! Good to see you again."
"I guess James got into a bit of trouble, huh?" Ezra mused, glancing at James, who was still cradling the trophy in his arms.
James chuckled, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "You could say that. It was like a blast from the past."
Ezra and Mianne exchanged curious glances. "Oh? What happened?" Mianne inquired, intrigued by James's comment.
James's expression turned a bit pouty. "I had a run-in with this guy, Elliott, I think? Total cocky attitude, and honestly, I couldn't stand him."
Ezra raised an eyebrow. "Elliott, huh? Sounds like an interesting encounter."
James nodded. "Yeah, but the funny thing is, he kind of reminded me of Koras. Can't help but hope Koras is doing alright..."
James's sentimentality for Koras was evident, even amidst the chaos. He had a soft spot for his prideful friend, despite the exasperation he often felt around him.
The group finally reunited after only 5+ hours of departing from each other.
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