"So...you're saying that you cheated?"
Rain watches as Nik stares at him incredulously. The handsome Legacy is sprawled out on the floor with his head leaning against the bed. It's now evening, and instead of their sparring, the two of them went back to Nik's room to talk at the Legacy's behest. Naturally, Nik asked him about his disqualification from the tournament, and the dean's now public claim that his feat of strength was the result of a Nature attribute.
Just like he and Tess discussed earlier, he told Nik that he in fact had used his Talent in the match. However, thanks to his Nature, which Nik already knows keeps Tess from being able to mind-control him, the Talent monitors don't work on Rain. Truthfully, now that he thinks about it, that could be another effect of Chaotic Will for all Rain knows.
Anyway, Rain told Nik that, to save his own skin afterwards, he managed to convince the dean that it was a fluke burst of strength from his Nature, not misconduct. Then, he suggested to the dean that he be removed from the tournament due to excessive force.
So, if what Rain just told Nik were true...it would, in fact, have been cheating.
He looks at Nik and sighs deeply.
"I mean...yes, technically. But like I said, I made sure I was disqualified afterwards, so...that was kind of honorable, right?"
Nik's expression becomes one of pure disappointment and incredulity.
"No...not really. But what's done is done. Still, if you were just going to effectively quit the tournament after cheating, why use your Talent on your opponent in the first place?"
Rain makes a show of scratching his cheek nervously, though he's already planned this answer as well. It has the advantage of being the truth...mostly.
"Yeah, that wasn't planned...I kind of got upset. You see, that guy was a real dick of a Legacy, sensei. He said some really awful things about you, and when I mouthed off to him in response, he...kind of threatened to kill me if we crossed paths in Asphodel. Naturally, that all upset me. Still, I didn't expect my Talent to activate so fully...it's not normally that reliable. I was just hoping to beat the guy a bit so he'd stop talking."
Nik's eyes widen in surprise, then after a couple moments they seem to narrow nervously.
"Me? What did he say about me, exactly?"
Rain sighs and shrugs.
"Nothing particular, really. He just called you a massive disappointment, or something similar. I, uh, recall you also expressing that kind of sentiment when we first formed our alliance. Any chance you want to tell me what it's all about?"
Rain wouldn't normally ask such a thing, but he's eager to draw Nik's attention away from his own cover story, even if he doubts Nik will answer.
After his question, Nik stares at him in silence for a long time, contemplative. Then, to Rain's surprise, he averts his gaze and speaks.
"Essentially, I haven't lived up to the expectations placed on me. My clan, the Raging Sun, is one of the more powerful clans that's beholden to the major clan of Abel. So much so that my father, our clan's leader, named me Niklaus, after Klaus Abel.
"Anyway, as I've gotten older, I've been a bit more outspoken with my criticisms of the clans and their petty feuds. That's also why I hate when people call me Niklaus, and I go by Nik...I loathe the idolization of that man that's driven my family and clan to act abhorrently in his name.
"Needless to say, my opposition to the clans' collective policies and actions is seen as disloyal, dishonorable, and cowardly, especially by Legacies. That's why even those allied with the Veyron clan are aware of and look down on me. That's more or less the story behind what you've heard."
Rain watches in awkward silence as Nik refuses to meet his gaze, his expression troubled. He's glad to finally know what the 'Raging Sun' nonsense his opponent was referring to means, but he's less glad to see Nik so glum.
At the same time, he also feels a pang of apprehension over Nik's plain admission that he is associated with the major clan of Abel. Ronin's life story makes it seem like the Abe clan is also involved in coming after her, though he has no direct evidence of that. So far, he's only seen a Legacy of the Veyron clan be openly hostile towards Ronin. Still...
'Is there any chance I need to worry about Nik?'
Though the thought has been nagging at him for a while, until now he's told himself that it's unlikely. He had no idea what clan Nik may have belonged to, and furthermore, he just doesn't want to see Nik in that light. But now...it sounds like Nik is pretty high up in the Abel clan's social structure. If there was a concerted effort by their leadership to eliminate Ronin, he'd have to know about it, right?
At the same time, Nik really does seem like a genuinely decent guy. Plus, he's been nothing but polite to Ronin, despite her gruff behavior. Maybe Nik has no bad intentions, and maybe his complicated daddy issues mean he doesn't even know the clans are coming after Ronin. Maybe the Abel clan as a whole isn't even involved with the more violent actions against Ronin and her family.
Rain glances over at the sullen looking Legacy, trying to see him as a potential enemy. But all he feels for Nik is admiration and sympathy. Eventually, he sighs internally.
'This handsome bastard is too likable for his own good.'
He puts on an incredulous expression and shrugs nonchalantly, finally responding to Nik in a flippant tone.
"Pffft, that's it? You criticized the clans for being dicks to each other when they've got the whole of humanity depending on them, and suddenly you're a disappointment to them? I may just be a dumb orphan who lacks honor, sensei, but all that makes you in my eyes is...decent."
The corners of Nik's mouth twitch upward, but his eyes also seem to darken as he still avoids Rain's gaze.
"I appreciate the sentiment, Rain, but I'm far from decent. I'm a product of my upbringing...as much as I don't want to admit it. Moreover, we don't live in a world made for decent people. Not anymore. Though I may criticize the clans and wish to be free of them, they're also a necessary component of keeping humanity alive, so I can't bring myself to abandon them entirely. That means...sometimes...my ideals are incompatible with my reality. I just wish...if I..."
Nik trails off, his expression becoming strained as his eyes seem to focus on something far away. Then, he appears to remember where he is, and his face quickly relaxes as he looks back at Rain with a polite smile.
"Well, never mind. It seems I got carried away. I find that's not uncommon when you're involved, Rain...my wanting to be a little more...unburdened. For someone whose morals I find so questionable, I guess I can't help but consider you a friend. How strange..."
Nik continues to study Rain after he speaks, his light brown eyes holding a bit of...warmth.
Rain stares back at Nik in conflicted silence for several moments. He's touched by the fact that Nik basically just called them friends, but it's overshadowed by other concerns. Namely, he's worried about Nik's dark little rant just now about not being decent, and wants to ask about what's troubling him, but he knows he wouldn't get an answer.
He forces a sheepish grin to his face as he rubs his neck.
"Aww, sensei...you're going to make me blush, talking like that. Is this the kind of flattering treatment the members of your harem get?"
Nik hangs in head and sighs deeply, then he cuts his eyes at Rain with a smirk.
"Speaking of romantic pursuits, things between you and Tess seem...serious. Mind finally telling me how that all came about? A couple months ago, when we all met, you guys hated one another."
Rain chuckles nervously, glancing away from the Legacy.
"Oh...yeah. Uhm...well, you know, we had a rocky start, but we were sort of forced into peaceful coexistence in our survival class. From there...I guess I've just always been a 'live in the moment' kind of guy, so I took her for what she was and forgot about how things started. She's not like you remember her, Nik...not to me, at least. She just...doesn't trust people. Fiercely determined, thoughtful, caring, loyal, trustworthy...she's all of that once you know her."
Nik raises his eyebrows, studying Rain for several long moments. Eventually, the Legacy smiles.
"If what you say is true, it's interesting that she decided to trust you then, isn't it? I guess I'm not the only one that finds myself behaving inexplicably around you. Regardless, I'll take you at your word about Tess...I hope things go well for you two."
Rain reveals a small smile.
"Thanks, man."
A long silence descends on the two as they stare at one another, nothing left to say. Feeling awkward, Rain clears his throat.
"Ehem...uhm...so I've got some time until I have to meet Ronin for today. Want to play some videogames?"
Nik gives him a puzzled expression, but his eyes hold a touch of amusement.
"You aren't tired of losing yet?"
Rain snorts indignantly, then puts on his most shit-eating grin.
"What? Don't be ridiculous, sensei. My losses are a calculated strategy to lull you into a sense of complacency...your reign of terror isn't long for this world."
Nik gives him an incredibly skeptical expression, shaking his head in disbelief. But...
he still reaches for the controllers with a small smile on his face.
*****
"Fucking ridiculous..."
Rain mutters angrily as he makes his way towards the training room for his evening sparring session with Ronin. Of the 48 matches he played against Nik across three different videogames, he won zero of them.
'I swear, I keep joking about him fooling around with tons of girls, but maybe he's just gaming in all his free time...'
He lets out a despondent sigh as he rounds the last corner before the entrance to the training room. As he arrives in front of the familiar door, he registers the sound of training weapons clashing furiously. His eyes widen in surprise.
'That's unexpected...is someone else using it this late?'
He walks into the room, looking towards the curious sounds, and his jaw drops in shock. Ronin is engaged in a rather intense-looking sparring session...
with Tess.
Neither of them have noticed him yet, so he watches their clash in disbelief for several moments. Tess looks like the incarnation of a war goddess, a fierce smile on her face that manages to instill both fear and longing in him, and her spear moves so fast in repeated thrusts that one could be convinced she was wielding multiple weapons. Meanwhile, Ronin is a swirl of blonde hair and merciless sword strikes, effortlessly weaving between Tess's attacks.
In the next moment, Rain spots a sudden change in Ronin's attack patterns, as though she's responding to some unseen threat, and she suddenly launches towards Tess. At the same time, Tess opens her mouth to speak, and he feels a strange sensation wash over him.
"Sto-"
Tess is cut off mid-speech by a brutal strike to the abdomen from Ronin, and she's sent flying back towards Rain. Instantly alarmed, Rain prepares to catch Tess. However, before she collides with him, she suddenly slams the end of her training spear into the ground, and her momentum is drained as her feet find the ground again, causing her to slide to a stop, leaning over on her spear.
She gasps for air for several seconds, then speaks angrily through pained breaths.
"Dammit...wheeze...again!? Not even...wheeze...with my...wheeze...Talent!?"
As Tess continues wheezing after the savage blow, Ronin stares after her calmly. Then, she finally finally notices his presence, and her eyes widen slightly. The blonde Legacy nods at Rain awkwardly, her tone becoming flustered.
"Rain...hello..."
Rain raises his eyebrows expectantly.
"Ronin...I see that you started sparring without me. Your chosen partner is...unexpected..."
Hearing the exchange, and finally catching her breath, Tess whips around to stare at Rain in bewilderment.
"Rain!? Wait...how long have you been standing there?"
His expression turns incredulous.
"Oh, long enough. A better question is...what are you doing here?"
Ronin clears her throat nervously.
"Ehem...after my match today, Tess requested that we spar. I...thought it would be a good idea, since she is to be my ally as well."
He blinks.
'Tess...sought out Ronin's company?'
He looks towards Tess, bewildered, and he raises his eyebrows expectantly. Seeing his gaze, Tess frowns disapprovingly but nods, her tone bitter as she responds.
"Yeah...it's true. I know that she was holding back against me before...I wanted to see how well I did against her if we both went all out with our Talents."
His eyes widen.
'So...she knows. Regardless, I sincerely doubt that Ronin went all out against Tess...that'd expose her too much. As for her other comment, I guess that explains the strange sensation earlier...Tess was trying to mind-control Ronin.'
He glances at Ronin, and notes that her face is completely relaxed. If he had to guess, this isn't the first time that Tess has accused her of having held back, or at least Ronin suspected that Tess thought as much.
He directs a curious gaze at Ronin.
"Well, now that Tess is outright accusing you, Ronin...I'm also curious about the reason for why you've been holding back in your matches. Care to share?"
Ronin shrugs nonchalantly.
"Simple...survival. All the students who intend to come for my life will be studying my matches, probing for weaknesses. The less of my true fighting style I reveal, and the longer I draw out the matches to study my opponents, the more it benefits me."
Rain and Tess stare back at her in solemn silence.
'Well that's...painfully pragmatic.'
He scratches the back of his head awkwardly.
"Yeah...makes sense. Uhm...in more positive news, are you ready for me to make good on my promise to you, Ronin?"
Ronin's eyes widen.
"Are you referring to the one you made after we left the dean's office?"
Rain nods enthusiastically.
"Yup, the very same! I already told Tess, so we're good to go."
Tess glances between the two of them, concerned.
"Rain...what are you talking about? What promise? You've told me nothing of the sort."
He blinks, then directs an apologetic look at Tess.
"Ah, that's not what I meant...sorry, Tess. Basically, as thanks to Ronin for helping me out with the dean, I promised to tell her what my second Talent is. That's what I already told you. You finding out about it before Ronin was actually a condition of me agreeing to her request."
Her expression becomes incredulous.
"You told her about that!? Why!?"
As Tess's eyes pierce into him, he scratches his cheek nervously, avoiding her gaze.
"Uhm...yeahhh. She asked if I had a second Talent, and I had kind of already promised her an honest answer. That's all I can say, though."
She stares back at him in silence for several moments, then she sighs and her eyes narrow at him disapprovingly.
"Later, you need to tell me who all knows what about you...in detail."
He grins sheepishly.
"Totally...you got it."
Tess rolls her eyes at his nonchalant answer. Then, he hears Ronin clear her throat awkwardly.
"Ehem...so...what is your second Talent?"
He turns towards her, opening his mouth to respond, then he closes it abruptly and his expression becomes thoughtful.
'Now, on second thought...'
His lips slowly twist into a mischievous smile, and his eyes study Ronin eagerly.
"I'll tell you what...how about I just show you? With a little...wager."
Ronin raises her eyebrows curiously, but her voice is cautious.
"What kind of wager...?"
He smirks.
"A one-minute combat match, between us. I'll use my second Talent and nothing else, not even Ichor reinforcement. You feel free to use whatever abilities you want. If you can so much as graze me with that training sword before time, then you win. Otherwise, I win. How does that sound?"
Ronin stares at him incredulously.
"It...sounds like you're underestimating me...significantly. A minute is a very long time in a fight, Rain, especially without me holding back, and if all I have to do is graze you."
He shrugs nonchalantly, then gives her a smug grin.
"That's big talk for someone who's going to lose."
He sees a spark of curiosity in her eyes as the corners of her mouth twitch upwards.
"Alright, Rain...I accept. What are the stakes of this 'wager'?"
He purses his lips.
'I...hadn't thought about that...'
He glances at Tess, who is watching him with an amused look, and an idea starts to form in his mind. Then he turns back to Ronin and smiles.
"Since you're so confident, we'll make it interesting. If I lose, I'll answer any single question you want, no matter what it is. But if you lose, you have to do the same...except Tess gets to ask you the question."
Tess and Ronin both look at him in shock. While Tess's expression becomes confused, Ronin lets out a rare, unrestrained smile. The latter responds almost immediately, her pale blue eyes shimmering excitedly.
"Deal."