The Lyre-less brawl aka HBD 2021 event won't be included since it's just a narrative on what the other boys did, with little to no inclusion of MC.
Events are not canon to main story! Yana Toboso said so in an interview in the twst art book Magical Archives. Don't think too much about the timeline.
Event length: 10k words/61 pages
Synopsis: In which a night owl is gung-ho for extra PE credit. Thus a sniper was born.
~Happy Beans Day~
Homeroom in class 1-A is in session.
Crewel calls their attention to the front. "Behave yourselves, puppies. About the traditional event of Night Raven College that will be held tomorrow, Happy Beans Day, we will group ourselves now. We will do the groupings by a lottery method. Come here by class number."
As each student from the roster drew lots in order, a question lingers for the two Ramshackle residents.
"Happy Beans Day? What's that?" Grim asked.
Strix was curious as well. "That's a traditional event of this school?"
"Strix, you don't know what Happy Beans Day is about?" Ace looked at her inquisitively.
"Should I?" Was her innocent response.
Crewel frowned upon overhearing their conversation. "There are some ignorant puppies as well. It can't be helped. Let Master Crewel teach you about it. Guiding puppies is my job."
He then explains, "'Happy Beans Day' is a traditional Twisted Wonderland event that is held every February. Long ago, there was once a place called 'Valley of Happiness' in this country. There is a reason why that place was called 'happiness'. Rich nature and fertile ground... And there was a magical harp with a beautiful voice. The singing voice of the magical harp was said to have made humans and livestock...even the plants in the valley happy. However, a giant who was envious of it came to the valley to steal the magical harp."
A giant? Strix wonders if they still exist today in Twisted Wonderland. She kind of dreads encountering one if they're still around.
"Soon, the trees died in an instant, making the people suffer from hunger. Then, a certain farmer just happened to have his hands on magical beans. Those beans were the magical 'Happy Beans'. The vines of the tree that grew from the Happy Beans reached up high in the sky where the giant lives within one night. The farmer immediately climbed up the vines and skillfully brought back the harp."
This sounds like the "Jack and the Beanstalk" tale. Though if we go by the Disney universe then it'd be Mickey's version of the story, Strix thought to herself the more as she continued listening.
"Once he got back to the ground, he immediately cut down the beanstalk and defeated the giant who came after him. And with that, the Valley of Happiness returned to its natural richness with the magic harp's song—so the story goes."
"It's an anecdote about taking back what they stole, and doing double the deed of what they've done to you." Crewel finished.
"I get it, that's pretty educational." Grim said, oddly enlightened by the tale.
"And that's where it was chosen that the farmer's role would hit the giant's role with beans to dispel evil, right?" Deuce spoke up.
"Good boy. That's exactly it." Crewel praised.
Strix connected the event to the Setsubun tradition that applies to certain cultures from her world. You throw beans at the demon to ward them away and bring luck, protection, fortune and the like to your home.
"However, Night Raven College's 'Happy Beans Day' is a bit different. The 'Happy Beans Day' we hold here is a competition where all students are split regardless of dorm or year into two teams, the farmers and the giants, to retrieve the harp... It's the farmer-giant face-off sports festival!!" Crewel boomed.
"Eeh? The hell?" Ace muttered incredulously at the sudden outburst.
"The giants were always running around to avoid being hit and exorcised by the beans, and meanwhile, the farmers would attack. Putting those both together created quite a confusing rebellion battle." Crewel recalled.
Strix sweatdropped. "That's a Night Raven College student, all right."
"It was quite a turbulent brawl, and it was brought up that an event could serve as part of your physical training, therefore... The Night Raven College version of 'Happy Beans Day' was created." Crewel stated.
"Master Crewel's special lecture ends here! Next, Trappola, Spade, Noctowl. Draw lots." The science teacher tapped the lottery box and beckoned them closer.
"Yees..." Ace drawled out with a saunter. He withdrew a purple lot from the box. "Ah, I'm in the giant team."
"Hm, I'm in the farmer team." Deuce said, orange strip in hand.
Strix drew a lot matching Deuce's. "We're in the farmer team too."
"Heh, guess tomorrow we'll be against each other then." Ace smirked at their direction.
"If it's a competition, I definitely can't bring myself to lose." Deuce reciprocates the smirk with his own.
"We definitely won't lose, ya know!" Grim flashed his sharp teeth smugly.
"You guys sure are excited..." Strix remarked, amused by the competitive spirit everyone has except her. Sport competitions are not something she gets motivated about. Sleepwalking won't save her in this event.
Once all students have drawn lots, Crewel announced, "The details of the match will be explained tomorrow by Coach Vargas who's in charge of physical training. Well then, puppies, house!"
The next day—
On Happy Beans Day, classes were not scheduled for this yearly event. All students are gathered in the sports field in their PE uniforms with their respective team patch on their right breast pocket where their dorm insignia was usually attached.
Vargas stood on a makeshift crate to address the students. "Good that you've gathered, bean sprouts. Today's the long awaited 'Happy Beans Day'. Have you guys had proper breakfast and drank your raw egg? If you don't take enough nutrition, your muscles won't grow."
"Now, for the freshmen first years, I'll be explaining the rules. Don't miss the explanation just because you are fascinated with my muscles." He warned with a flex of his biceps before explaining the following details.
"This tournament is a capture-the-flag game centered around the 'magical harp' located in the Coliseum. The giant team loses if the farmer team steals the harp. On the other hand, the farmers will lose if they weren't able to take the harp within the time limit. Pretty simple and clear, right? If a farmer is caught by a giant, they're out. If a giant is hit by the farmer's beans, they're out."
"And next is the most important rule! During the match, the usage of any magic is prohibited! If magic is used, they'll be immediately disqualified. Fight through with your own body!" Vargas boomed.
"Eeh, we're not allowed to use magic?" Ace slumped his shoulders.
"It was apparently allowed back then." Riddle said.
"There was a huge number of students who got injured because of it, so ever since that incident, the usage of magic has been prohibited." Trey explained.
"That makes sense. Even then, it doesn't put me in an advantage or disadvantage since the headmaster told me to not summon any of my Dream Eaters for fair play." Strix suppressed a yawn behind her hand. She was no exception to the rules, and she doesn't intend to be cheap by relying on her familiars for help all the time. Not that she's confident in her physical prowess, but the sooner this is over, the better.
Though it would have been fun playing with her Spirits, Strix thought, suddenly struck with inspiration. Instead of beans, candy is a better incentive for the sweet-tooth species.
"So this match is a battle of strength, huh? Hell yeah, I'm good at those!" A fire burned in Deuce's peacock green eyes.
Cater sweatdropped. "You're raring to go, Deuce-chan..." He then muttered to himself, "Well, having only the strength would make one fail, though..."
Vargas continued, "All students on the winning team will have points added to their PE grades. And above that, I promise to add bonus points to the students who directly make the winning play."
Students, particularly those not most proficient in the fitness field, perked up among the crowd. Their eyes grew attentive and sharp.
Strix stilled. Extra credit for PE? The subject that she's weakest in?
Grim noticed the sudden silence from his partner. "Strix?"
"Go fight with all your might until your muscles cry out! The playing field is the school grounds. Supply points for both teams have been prepared. If you get your hands on one of the boxes, be sure to use their contents well! I'll be distributing a field map with supply points as well as... ten beans to each farmer and running boots to each giant for additional speed. Once you have received your items, head to your designated starting area. The match will begin at 9AM. To all the students, good luck!"
The student body dispersed.
The Ramshackle duo make a beeline for the marked destination.
"Our starting point is A-6 on the map... It's at the forest near the Ramshackle Dorm, huh." Strix noted off the paper as they walked.
"Looks like other people are scattered all around the map." Grim remarked.
"Oh, Gri-chan and Stri-chan. You two starting at point A-6?" Cater approached from behind.
Grim and Strix look at the ginger, who is a fellow farmer teammate. The former nodded. "Yeah. You too, Cater?"
"Yep. Let's do well together~" Cater winked.
"An advice from your senpai who've experienced things for three years here is that it's better for the farmer team to take action as a group as much as possible. We happened to end up in the same starting area so we should just stick together." He smiled.
"That's reassuring." Though Strix genuinely believes that, she could have sworn she detected something behind that smile. However, she doesn't say anything. There would be no reason for him to backstab a fellow teammate... Right?
From behind the group, Deuce arrives, mumbling while reading his map as he walked, "Area A-6... Somewhere here?"
"Oh, Deuce-chan. Are you starting here, too?" Cater asked.
"Yes. You as well?" Deuce inquired after he looked up to see the three of them together.
"Yep. Just now, Stri-chan and I were talking about going together. Wanna join, Deuce-chan?" Cater invited.
"Got it. I'll be in your care!" Agreed the navy-haired boy in a heartbeat.
"All right, let's take a memorable picture first! Yaay~" Before anyone had the time to blink, Cater snapped a selfie group pic before humming thoughtfully.
He fiddles with the app. "#NRC #happybeansday #farmerteam #won'tlosetogiantteam~ There, upload done!"
The first-years sweatdropped. Deuce remarks, "You're the same as always, Diamond-senpai..."
The ringing of the bell resounds throughout the campus.
"Welp, that's the start of the event. From this point forward, we won't know where the giant team will be coming from, so be careful. Don't forget to prepare the beans." Cater reminds them.
"We only have ten beans that we can use against the giant team, so we should use it wisely." Deuce said.
"I want more of these beans too, ya know. They can be emergency rations." Grim said.
"Don't eat our only means of defeating the giants, Grim. If you're that hungry I'll let you eat anything except the beans." Strix told him sternly, yawning shortly after.
"Well then, let's head to a supply point first. They not only have more beans, but usually useful items like high-speed bean shooters. But only the early bird gets the worm~ It's always a scramble to get there." Cater said.
"A farmer supply point... The nearest one is in the forest near the botanical garden. Let's go there." Deuce said.
Thus the farmer team head to the woods behind the campus.
"There's supposed to be a supply box around here... Hm, is it that box by the base of the apple tree?" Deuce points at a crate entangled in the tree's roots.
"I think the first years who aren't used to this should take the supplies and equip them first. So, Deuce-chan." Cater rested a hand on the first year's shoulder. "You can go ahead and get the supplies in the box."
"Eh, really? Thank you very much! Well then, I'll feel free to get it..." Encouraged, Deuce draws closer to the box.
Strix was about to call out to Deuce when Cater placed a hand on her shoulder from moving. She looked up to make eye contact with the young man.
The third year placed a finger to his lips. "...Stri-chan, Gri-chan. Come over a bit behind this tree."
"What is it? What's with the whispering..." Grim asked quietly as they were coaxed to the back of a tree.
However, Cater quickly hushed him, "Shh, be quiet."
Behind the apple tree the box was situated at, the bushes rustled to life. Sprouting from behind were two familiar faces. It was Ace and Sebek, who is also a giant enemy.
"So you've come, you simple-minded farmer Deuce!" Ace smirked.
Deuce stepped back in shock. "What?! The giant team?! Were you lying in wait?!"
"If you wait by the farmer team supply box, you'll be able to easily capture them. Even you can understand that logic, right." Ace leered.
"Shit, I was being careless!" After Deuce cursed his naivety, he immediately sprinted to the opposite direction from the two giants.
"He's running, after him!" Sebek yelled, chasing after him.
"We'll catch you!" Ace swore.
They kick the dirt behind as they hound the spade card soldier deep into the forest.
"And they're off. All right, now we can get the supply box." Cater steps out from behind the tree when the area was clear.
"That's why you sweet-talked Deuce into going to the box first. What a bad guy!" Grim flatly pointed a look at the ginger with crossed arms.
"It was even worse when it's the earnest Deuce we're talking about here. Poor guy." Strix pitied for her fellow classmate.
Cater withstands the first years' pinning stares as he placated with a smile, "C'mon~ You two. This is strategy, okay, strategy. In the end, if the farmer team wins, it's still a plus for Deuce-chan. We gotta cooperate! Besides, Deuce-chan's in track and field club and he's super fast, so I'm sure he'll get away!"
Suddenly the sound of foliage shifting draws their attention to the new source.
"Farmers here!" An Octavinelle giant shouted.
"Let's capture them!" A Scarabia giant ordered.
Cater's eyes dilated. "Oh no, giants! There were more of them?! Stri-chan, Gri-chan, ready your beans!"
Grim scrambles to equip his beans just as the two giants lunge for the farmers. Cater and Strix each throw a bean to ward them from getting close. The giants dodge and move back a safe distance upon recognizing their quick instincts unwavering even by their surprise entrance.
Strix would order Cater and Grim to aim their beans at certain times and directions, keeping their limited ammunition in mind with 30 beans altogether.
When the Octavinelle giant takes one mighty step forward ready to pounce, Strix immediately swung her arm back and threw a bean right when he was in a positioning stance. The green bean bounced off his chest, eliciting a sharp gasp from the enemy and grunting from the pain.
The Scarabia giant beside him was rendered shocked as well that Cater saw the golden opportunity and struck him soon after.
The giants cursed their loss and surrendered, exiting the area.
"That was close~! But we managed to repel them." Cater breathed a sigh of relief.
"S'like impossible to hit giants with hand-thrown beans! Gotta pick up all those beans again now..." Grim grumbled, stalking over to gather the scattered beans.
Cater crouched and let his dancing fingers ghost the orange box waiting to be opened. "Now~ For the supply box contents... There."
Unlatching the clips, the bulky lid clicked open. "A small-size bean shooter S and more beans. Also two magic camouflage jackets. And then... Lastly, a magic pill."
He picked up a small plastic container with a single pill inside and reads off the content label. "Says the effect 'makes the user's body small for 30 seconds'."
Cater grinned widely. "We got some pretty good stuff! I wanna get this jacket on quick. Stri-chan, you take one too."
Strix catches the bag tossed over by Cater. "We're changing here...? Grim, watch out for our backs."
The two humans move behind trees on opposite sides from each other as they quickly equip their farmer uniforms. The jacket is in the farmer uniform colors of a white base with red, black, and orange bean patterns.
Cater appears in the uniform and winked, wearing black goggles on his head, sporting fingerless gloves, and a white T-shirt underneath his jacket. "Ta-da~ How is it? Look good?"
Strix stepped out from behind her tree. She comments, "It looks like the clothes were made for you, Cater-senpai. Especially the bright warm color scheme. I'm not sure about myself, though..."
She had fixed the beret snugly on her head to contain her high ponytail and tugged on her full-length gloves. Her jacket was zipped up, a pouch resting on her right hip.
"I think you look great in our colors, too, Stri-chan. The blue hair and eyes complement the orange nicely." Cater reassured. "You look cute even in camouflage patterns."
Grim stared dubiously between the two dressed farmers. "Eeh. With those loud colors, won't you just be found immediately?"
Cater waved his finger while clicking his tongue, "Tsk tsk tsk. These are 'magic' camouflage jackets, right? They look like this to your allies, but to our opponents they work like optical camouflage and we disappear into the scenery."
"And it keeps me warm in this winter season, two birds with one stone." Strix added, burying her face closer into her collar.
"So, Stri-chan, let's take a commemorative we-got-the-supply-box photo! Yay~"
Once again Cater slid next to Strix to make a peace sign for the camera lens flaring a white flash instantly. The girl blinked owlishly at the young man's insane reflex speed when it comes to Magicam.
He remained huddled next to her as he typed the following: "#NRC #happybeansday #supplyboxget #sowwydeucey"
Strix sweatdropped sympathetically at the final tag. She muttered solemnly to herself, "Your sacrifice will not be in vain, Deuce."
"We should probably start heading towards the Coliseum where the harp is being kept." Cater prompted after making his post.
"All right, let's go!" Grim eagerly leads with a pep in his step.
Along the way out of the woods, they evidently come across giants again.
"We've found you, farmers!" An Ignihyde giant cried out upon popping from behind a tree.
"After 'em, after 'em!" A Heartslabyul giant hollered.
"Uwah, crap, crap! There's a ton of giants hiding around here!" Cater freaks out.
"You've come, farmers! We definitely won't let you get to the magic harp!" A Pomefiore giant stands in their way from the front.
Strix stands her ground as the three farmers were back-to-back facing off enemies closing in from either side. "A pincer attack...?!"
"We'll break through with force! Let's go, Stri-chan." Cater gripped his bean shooter equipped in hand.
"Yes!"
After beating the three giants, they quickly proceed out of the woods when more giants lurking in the vicinity overheard the ruckus and have come hunting for them now.
"They're super persistent~" Cater's aggravated smile was accompanied by a bead of sweat down his temple as they ran.
"And I'm out of beans!" Grim cried.
"Gri-chan, I told you to be careful with your throws~!" Cater cried in distress.
"Shame on me once for putting faith in paws with no opposable thumbs." Strix sighed into her words.
"Oh my. You all seem to be in trouble... Can I perhaps help you?"
Strix's eyes widen a fraction before roaming around the forest. "That mild-mannered voice...! Where...?"
Leaves shuddered. Two green blurs ricochet an Ignihyde and Heartslabyul giant's heads.
The Ignihyde student shot his hands up to where a bean bounced off. "Ow!"
"Beans from above?!" The Heartslabyul giant gaped upwards.
Perched on a tree branch was Jade Leech cladded in camouflage gear. He smiled pleasantly. "Yes, you two giants are now out."
"He was hiding in the tree with the magic camouflage... We messed up." The Ignihyde giant wilted.
The Heartslabyul giant kicked the dirt and cursed, "D-Damnit!"
They sulked off from the playing field.
"I knew it had to be you, Jade-senpai. Thank you." Strix thanked with a smile.
"Thanks, Jade-kun. We were in a real jam! You came right in the nick of time. Another shot for the survivors~!" Cater cheered.
"All right. And cheese." Having been familiar with the third-year's behavior, Jade played along and readily smiled in time for the snapshot.
"Cater-san and company got their hands on a supply box as well, I see." Jade noted after seeing Cater and Strix decked out in gear.
"But Gri-chan has been using so many beans that we need another one or we're going to run out." Cater sadly informed.
"If it would be all right with you, may I come along as well?" Jade asked.
"You saved us from that pinch, so of course." Cater chirped in a heartbeat, Strix nodding along in agreement.
"That's good. The supply box I opened only had the magic camouflage jacket and some beans, no bean shooter. I'm afraid to face the giant team unarmed like that... So I was just hiding in that tree by myself." Jade chuckled, not looking distraught by his disadvantages.
Strix deadpanned. "You seem like you're also hiding in that smile..."
"Let us work together. Cater-san, Grim-kun, Strix-san." Jade placed his left hand to his chest with a smile.
"Let's do it~ Speaking of, Jade-kun, where are Azul-kun and your twin Floyd-kun? You're always with them." Cater inquired.
"On Happy Beans Day, the dorm head and vice dorm head will always be on separate teams. It's to avoid any unfair advantages that we would have." Jade explained.
"Jade-senpai and Azul on the same team would be hell, that's for sure." Strix paled a shade. It's definitely fair when it applies to Octavinelle's current dorm leader and vice dorm leader.
"Ah, our Trey-kun said something about that too, now that you mention it. So Azul-kun is on the giant team, then." Cater noted.
"Floyd is also on the farmer team, but... He said 'not in the mood~' and disappeared somewhere. On the other hand, Azul has been making preparations for this for quite some time, so he will certainly be hunting us down with all he's got." Jade said.
Strix's attention piqued. Azul also intends to win for those extra PE credits. A desperate Azul will surely spell disaster if they're not ready themselves.
"Anyways, we should be heading to the Coliseum to recapture the harp, but... If we really expect to survive this I need to get a bean shooter as well." Jade's mismatched eyes zeroed intently on the small bean shooter in Cater's hand.
"Eek... So you are after our bean shooter after all?! I won't stand for it!" Grim glared at him challengingly.
"Well now. I meant no such thing." Jade said mirthfully. Whether he was jesting or not is hard to tell.
"But enemies are likely waiting around our supply points so the chance of danger is high. And we can't get everything we want. If we want to go to a supply point we've got to have a careful plan." Cater reasoned.
"That's true. I do have one thought along those lines... Or rather, one hope. If 'Smith'-san is here, we may be able to loan out a bean shooter." Jade said.
''Smith'? There's a student with that name?" Cater curiously inquired.
"I do have a source that will be able to affirm his whereabouts, so I will lead the way." Jade assured.
"Ummm, well, if the well-connected Octavinelle vice dorm head says so, I guess I gotta believe it. We're allies right now, anyways." Cater shrugged.
The second year smiled amiably. "Thank you. Then please head back to the gardens first and we will head to our objective from there. Before the bean shooter, there's something I'd like to get my hands on."
"We might be able to get our hands on some emergency fruit rations there. All right, departure time!" Grim skipped off.
"Gri-chan, just how bottomless is your stomach?" Cater stared at the gray beast widely in astonishment.
Jade suddenly stood alert. He sharply turned to the direction past their group. "Everyone, we have company."
Grim reeled to a stop at the sight of legs and tall shadows looming over him. He shrieked before scampering back behind the safety of Strix's leg.
Two Savanaclaw beastmen giants smirked. "Four farmer prey spotted."
Cater's eyes widened. "That was too quick. Did the giants we beat earlier give them our location?"
Their smirks were replaced with confusion at the Heartslabyul student's words.
"Hah? We only followed the sweet scent here. Only one person in this whole academy has it, and that's the Ramshackle prefect!" A striped hyena beastman points a callous finger at the girl.
Strix flinched, skin losing color at the realization. "How could I forget? Some giants are beastmen, too. They can track down my scent! That's not fair!"
"Guys, get ready!" Cater called out.
"Get the birdie first!" A giant said.
They readily lunged for the girl who stood in place with an unknown expression.
Cater gasped, "Stri-chan!"
Before they would catch her, Strix interlocked hands with either of the giants' and grips them tightly that they lost all feeling in their hands and arms. If heard closely, one can hear bones popping its joints.
They immediately took a knee and howled for mercy. It was a funny sight for two burly young men to kneel at a smaller girl's surprising grip strength.
"Ye-ow! Uncle, uncle!"
"I can't feel my hand...!"
"Now." Strix ordered her teammates.
Both enemy players were swiftly defeated by Cater and Jade without hesitation.
"Whoa, how'd you do that, Strix?" Grim gawked at the girl.
Strix released her hold and shakes the pressure off. "I've seen how much Savanaclaw likes to fistfight each other every other day that I can usually predict their attack patterns."
Her solemn face shifted into an optimistic smile upon chirping, "I also let out a little pent up stress through my grip, so my strength comes from the spite I hold."
"Damn, that's Sis for ya... Talons are deadly." The striped hyena beastman nursed his hand.
"I knew we shouldn't have messed with Boss Lady..." His fellow giant teammate whimpered quietly, ears folding to his head.
"Stop calling me 'Sis' and 'Boss Lady'! That's embarrassing." Strix told them.
Cater blinked. "Stri-chan's gotten really familiar with Savanaclaw for hotheads to bow their heads and respect her. So cool~"
Jade chuckled. "She has adapted to her environment, perhaps even dominated it, it seems. How admirable, considering her circumstances."
After Strix had dismissed the defeated giants out of sight, her shoulders visibly slumped. The human sunk to the ground and curled into a ball.
"Strix? What's wrong?" Grim asked beside her.
She muttered, "I made fun of everyone on our team but in the end, I'm no better than them... Ever since coming here, trouble has always followed me. I'm no exception to spreading grief."
"Oi, are you dissing the farmer team?!" Grim retorted.
Cater sweatdropped. "Ummm, Stri-chan..."
"Strix-san," Jade intervened politely, "You've proven to make up your shortcomings with other assets you possess in your arsenal, especially without the aid of your unique familiars. I respect that."
"Does that mean you'll be a little more considerate and nicer to your junior?" Strix asked, lifting her head to reveal eyes round with hope.
"..."
"...I hate how I'm supposed to accept you smiling at me like I'm an idiot for asking things to be taken for granted." Strix wryly retorted, rising up to her feet and dusting the dirt off her clothes.
"Let's get a move on already." The girl sighed. NRC students, man.
...
"Arrived at the gardens!" Cater chirped. "...Is what I'd like to say, but... There's been like this, weird smell for a while, right?"
"You say weird, but it's this unusual eastern spicy smell that whets the appetite..." Jade said.
"It's a smell that just naturally makes me want to drool!" Grim sniffs the air. "It's coming from over there. I'll go check it out!"
Strix's eyes widen. "Grim! Stop!"
"Gri-chan, you've gotta be more cautious. It might be a giant trap!" Cater tried to call out, but he was already inside and out of earshot.
Strix shook her head before calmly saying, "Let's go after him."
Deep in the temperate zone, Grim arrived at the source of the savory aroma. "That smell's coming from around here!"
"Oh, it's you guys. Lured in by the smell?" It was Scarabia's dorm leader, Kalim, who greeted him.
Jade and Cater quickly swoop in with beans armed and ready to launch for Grim.
"Whoa, wait a sec with those beans. I'm on the farmer team too." Kalim told them, stretching his shirt uniform for them to see.
"It's true. You do have the orange patch." Jade affirmed. He and Cater lower their beans.
"Kalim-kun, you alone?" The ginger scrunched his nose upon the strong savory scent dominating the flower fragrance. "...Or rather, what in the world is that smell permeating the area, anyways...?"
"Smell? Oh yeah, this is shawarma!" Kalim perked up.
"Shawarma... Ah! Far from the Scalding Sands where lamb and chicken meat is skewered and roasted over an open flame. It's also commonly called 'kebabs' in other countries." Jade explained.
"Ah, so you guys call it that where you're from." Kalim said.
"You're cooking in the middle of the playing field, though?!" Strix exclaimed.
"It roasts by going around and around, and then you toss it in bread with vegetables and eat it. It's tasty~ You guys have some too." Kalim offered while tending to the huge hunks of meat.
"Wh... Actually if I look around, there's a ton of farmers lured in by the smell sitting around and eating kebabs!" Cater exclaimed at the number of farmers scattered in the garden either sitting or standing with food in hand.
"Can't fight on an empty stomach..." An Octavinelle student said while enjoying his meal.
"Delish~ Kebabs are the best!" A Savanaclaw student heartily devours the meat from the skewer.
"Right~? Jamil got this bento all ready for me this morning." Kalim said.
"Isn't this way beyond any usual bento?!" Cater gaped.
"To even go far as to have an infrared burner to cook the meat on... Yes, it is." Jade mused.
"Ya think? This is just the usual for me~" Kalim grinned.
"Ooho~! Looks super delicious. I'm gonna have some!" Grim walks up to the burner.
"All right, just wait a sec. It's almost done."
Jade, Cater, and Strix stood behind as they stared at the sight of a shawarma party held right in the botanical garden.
"...Jade-kun, this, uh." Cater began awkwardly, making vague gestures in an attempt to convey the message.
"...Yes. The faster we can complete our objective the better. I will leave for just a bit. Please wait here." Jade excused himself and leaves.
Strix pursed her lips at the sight of her fellow farmer teammates casually enjoying their kebab feast. How can they all be so lax?
"Now, the meat's roasted. Top it off with your favorite veggies and pickled things and stuff it in some bread and eat it!" Kalim finished preparing Grim's serving and bends low to hand him the plate.
"Thanks for the grub~! All right!" Grim greedily takes the kebab and feasts on it. "Nomnom! Tasty! It's a little spicy but when that salty-sweet sauce mixes with the savory ones of the meat it's just delicious!"
"Cater, Strix, I'll make your servings next. Meat's roasting so wait just a sec." Kalim told them over his shoulder.
"Ah~ Nah, I think I'm gonna pass." Cater politely waved a hand to decline.
"Me too." Strix said.
"You don't gotta. There's more than enough for everyone." Kalim insisted.
Cater laughed weakly, muttering, "Jade-kun, please come back soon."
"It's weird how I already miss Jade-senpai. He hasn't even been gone for ten minutes..." Strix admitted.
"Why? You've got no real reason to rush, right?" Kalim titled his head at them, noting their restlessness and squirming.
"That's not the point, Kalim." Strix began. "If you keep cooking, the smell will bring not only farmers but also...!"
"We've found you, farmer team!" Jamil shouted, startling everyone and nearly dropping their kebabs. He was cladded in the giant's uniform, wearing a hood over his cap.
"Round 'em up!" An Ignihyde giant yelled.
"Capture them!" A Heartslabyul giant cried.
Kalim's eyes widened. "Eh, Jamil?!"
Grim gave a start. "Fgna?! There's a ton of giants appearing!"
The botanical garden is a battlefield of hysteria as farmers scramble to run and fight back the giants pouring in.
"See, knew this would happen. That kind of intense aroma is like a beacon just calling 'I'm over here'~ Boohoo." Cater weeped.
"Shawarma... Kebabs, with the whole roasting the spices and the meat, is the food that you can smell from the furthest possible point." Jamil said.
Dark eyes narrowed with mirth. "That's why I went through the trouble of getting it all picked out for Kalim, but... I didn't think it'd be this good."
"Using food for evil is a cowardly move!" Grim hissed.
"I should have known Jamil-senpai had an ulterior motive behind it..." Strix cursed. Such is the turmoils of war...
"Anyways, let's get out of here, Stri-chan!" Cater told the girl.
"Like we'd let you! Get them!" Jamil ordered to the giants.
The three farmers flee the botanical gardens.
Cater catches his breath, glancing behind to find no one on their tail. "Looks like we finally lost the giant team. Let's take a shot for getting out of that pinch! #NRC #happybeansday #supertired"
Strix readjusted her beret. "Looks like you have the energy to spare over Magicam, though..."
"We lost Jade in all that too." Grim slumped his shoulders.
"Jade-kun will figure something out, I'm sure. I'm getting more and more anxious about our beans... Let's head for the Coliseum and try for a supply box on the way." Cater suggested.
"I'd also like to acquire a bean shooter for myself. My arms are getting sore from throwing with my bare hands." Strix flexed her joints experimentally.
They enter the Main Street in search for a bright orange box. Fortunately no giants were in immediate vicinity to block their path.
As Cater and Grim stood watch, Strix unlatched the box and peered inside.
"We got some beans. And a small bean shooter!" Strix loads beans inside before storing the rest in her pockets.
"Looking sharp, Stri-chan. I'm counting on you to back me up." Cater winked.
"We really haven't seen many giants lately." Grim noted.
"I mean, it's been a while since the match started. There's probably not many farmers or giants left. But this is where the real match starts. Those left alive equals high level guys, y'know?" Cater said.
"Hehe! With this many beans at our disposal I'm not afraid of anything." Grim smirked confidently, much to Cater and Strix's dread.
"Stop raising flags for us, Grim!" Strix hissed.
As though on cue, the crunch of grass and rustling of shrubbery interrupts them.
The three farmers swerved to the source.
"Oh, whoops. Were we a little early to grab those flags?" Trey smirked.
"Hello, Monsieur Magicam. Monsieur Hirsute. And Mademoiselle Hibou (Owl)." Rook greeted, cladded in his giant team uniform and cap, as well as an imposing net in hand.
Cater sweats nervously. "Ugh! Trey-kun and Rook-kun! Two of the vice dorm heads...?!"
"Not to mention Rook-senpai is in gear from head to toe like his own skin...! This is the worst case scenario yet." Strix stared at the blond warily, clenching her jaw at the greatest obstacle they've encountered up to now.
She noted offhandedly, "I saw Jamil-senpai's before and forgot to mention it, but their uniform looks cool, though."
"Unfortunately, you are fated to end here. You will become... blood on the claws of me, the Hunter of Love, and Trey, the Rose Chevalier." Rook theatrically said.
Trey stared at his fellow science club member peculiarly. "...I said this before, but could you please stop with the Rose Chevalier thing?"
"But why? You're the rose's right hand, so it fits perfectly." Rook returns his stare curiously. It was obvious he was referring to Riddle as the "rose".
"No, it's just that it's super embarrassing..." Trey muttered shyly before clearing his throat from getting sidetracked. He stares at the farmer team. "We can talk about that later."
"Qui. We should catch the prey in front of us first." Rook gripped the handle of his net firmly.
"They're coming, Stri-chan, Gri-chan! Get ready!" Cater warned before clutching his bean shooter.
Everyone takes cover behind trees and lampposts. The farmers would shoot to keep the giants at bay, and the giants would try to corner them as they dart behind objects as they approach, causing the farmers to move to another cover.
"Just because you're my senpai doesn't mean I'll run, Rose Chevalier!" Strix cried out.
"We ain't scared of ya, Rose Chevalier!" Grim hollered after.
"Targeting the freshmen makes ya a bad sport, Rose Chevalier~!" Cater sang.
"Stop calling me that!" Yelled out the "Rose Chevalier" before ducking his head behind the thick base of the tree from a bean that nearly grazed him, courtesy of Strix's alarming accuracy.
"Look! Everyone agrees the name suits you!" Rook beamed from the tree next to Trey's hiding spot, oddly super delighted.
A bead of sweat rolls down Trey's temple as his back pressed close to the tree. "Trying to throw me off with that embarrassing nickname... Strix is merciless."
"Mademoiselle Hibou's eyes are truly that of an owl's. Her sniper skills are not one to sneeze at. Monsieur Magicam is also as fast as a goat! I must be serious as well." Rook grinned, feeling his blood rush with excitement.
The sound of a bean shooter reached Trey's ears too late once a green blur zipped past his vision. It came from a direction off to the side.
Trey sharply inhaled. "What?!"
"Trey-kun, get yourself behind that tree! There's a sniper targeting us!" Rook called out.
Another bean aims for Trey. It missed him by a few inches where his body once stood. He hides behind the tree again.
Mustard yellow eyes dart everywhere frantically searching for the lurking presence. A curse barely tumbled out his lips as he gritted his teeth. "Where is he shooting from?"
"Two o'clock. He's using a long-range bean shooter!" Rook reported.
Just when Trey dared to peek, a bean is immediately shot without hesitation.
"Ow!" Trey rubbed his shoulder. His body drooped defeatedly. "...Well. Looks like I got hit with a bean. Rook, you should get out of here."
"My goodness! Rose Chevalier~!" Cried out a distressed Rook for the whole Main Street to hear.
Trey stared exasperated at the blond. "No, really, could you please stop that...?"
"Your noble sacrifice... It will not be in vain. Adieu..." With solemn tip of his cap, Rook retreats into the trees and out of the Main Streets.
Grim released a sigh of relief, slowly emerging from his hiding spot. "That was dangerous."
Cater stood up to look over the street. "Were we just saved by..."
A pair of footsteps approach, followed by a mild voice. "Is everyone all right?"
Strix's eyes widen. "Jade-senpai!"
Cater swooned, "You're so super cool, saving us from a second pinch! Let's take a pic!"
Jade smiled. "Yes. That's fine."
"You get in here too, Trey-kun. As Jade-kun's defeated giant." Cater waved the young man over.
Trey sweatdropped as he got roped in. "Am I just supposed to be the fish you caught?"
Cater snapped a photo. "#NRC #happybeansday #farmerteamstrong #toobadtrey"
"Well, since I'm eliminated, that's it for me. There's not much time left. Good luck getting the harp." Trey bids them farewell and leaves, joining the rest of the defeated players at the gymnasium down the Main Street.
"Jade, your timing has been super nice this whole event. You're really a hero." Grim stared up at the tall boy in awe from Strix's shoulder.
"Having you as our ally really makes me appreciate how dependable my senpai are even more. I'm so glad to have teammates like you and Cater-senpai." Strix admitted.
Jade chuckled in amusement. "Fufu, I'm no hero. I've just been checking Cater-san's Magicam account this whole time."
Strix and Cater stared. "Eh?"
"With all the pictures you've been uploading, I was able to track your position and save you from emergencies." Jade informed.
Cater looked anywhere but the intense pair of blue eyes glaring into his head.
"So the reason we got two vice dorm heads targeting us was because you can't go without social media every so often..." Strix began slowly.
She crossed her arms and closed her eyes. "I thought not many would take the time to look on their phones while we're in the match so I didn't think much of it. That's on me for underestimating social media."
"But I see that I should be careful even with my allies, reliable senpai not excluded." Her close-eyed smile was thin and tight as she said this calmly to the ginger.
Cater began sweating bullets, nervously laughing. "Ahaha... B-But, this time it saved us, y'know?"
"We wouldn't have had to confront them and save some beans in the process if you didn't post anything in the first place." Strix frowned.
"Aww, don't get so mad at poor Cay-kun. It wounds a man's heart to be on the receiving end of a girl's glare. Boohoohoo." Cater weeped.
"Now now, Strix-san. There's still hope. We managed to diminish the number of giants little by little." Jade assured.
"Oh yeah, Jade-kun. You were able to get your hands on a weapon after all." Cater noted.
"It's a way longer bean shooter than the one we've got!" Grim exclaimed, gawking at the massive weapon slung across his chest and resting on his hip. With Jade's taller stature, he can easily wield it.
"Indeed. This type can send beans much further and is called the bean shooter L. I also received a 'run fast for 10 seconds' magic potion." Jade said.
"We don't have a lot of time left... Time to go get that harp? But I used up a ton of beans in that fight and I've only got four left." Cater sadly reported.
"Actually, I only have six left as well." Jade informed.
"Trey-senpai and Rook-senpai were hard to hit, and they were also persistent on capturing us. We only managed to take one of them out, too, after all that. I only have three beans now..." Strix lowered her head, holding up her small shooter.
"Eeh?! How're we supposed to steal the harp like that?" Grim looks across the three for a solution.
"A total of 13 beans, a 'become small for 30 seconds' potion, and a 'run fast for 10 seconds' potion..." Jade hummed thoughtfully. "I do have a thought. Will you lend me your ears?"
...
They stand before the Coliseum. The area around it was oddly quiet. Only a few remaining survivors on both teams have made it this far.
"All right, everyone. Time for operation 'steal the harp' to commence." Jade said.
"Stri-chan, you're the only one who can defeat that monster. We're counting on you." Cater evenly meets her eyes.
"Strix-san. Our lives are in your hands." Jade nodded to her.
Strix swallowed nervously, resting a hand to her chest. "My heart's pounding like crazy."
"So, one last pic to commemorate!" Cater then paused. "...Well, I thought about it, but let's not. I'll grab a pic with everyone to upload once we win!"
Jade smiled. "Yes, certainly."
"Then, ready go!"
...
Standing in the field were two giants, Rook and Jack.
The wolf beastman frowned. He was fully geared with the giant uniform, along with earpieces for his long ears and a capture gauntlet equipped. "You've come, farmer team!"
"On my name as the Hunter of Love, you will not pass. Monsieur Magicam. And Monsieur Hirsute." Rook's eyes glanced around. "...Oh my, I don't see Mademoiselle Hibou?"
"Whatever, I'm gonna capture these guys!" Jack dismissed, squaring his shoulders and spreading his feet shoulder-width apart.
"And then down with my secret weapon, the 'run faster' potion..." Cater chugged the potion and tossed the empty glass bottle aside. "Now I'm on a totally different level than before. I'm gonna show you Cay-kun's serious side!"
He charges in at a speed far above human capacity, overwhelming Rook and Jack within the brief few seconds before they assumed on the defensive.
Meanwhile with Jade, who wandered to a vantage point optimal for sniping...
Azul caught him in the act. He was confident he could outwit Jade a few steps ahead and disqualify him with his net. However, he realized something after confronting his vice dorm leader.
"...I see what you've done, Jade. You let Rook-san get away." Azul narrowed his sky blue eyes at the eel.
"Why? Why ever would you think that?" Jade inquired innocently, smile never leaving him.
"Your bean shooter... isn't loaded, right. Rook-san's information was designed to divert me up here. I didn't see the real threat..."
The image of a certain prefect's appearance resurfaces behind Azul's closed eyelids. Eyes lucid as the sapphire ocean reflecting from the shallowest sunny waters to the depths which light may never reach swim around beady black holes gravitating one into the center of the whirlpool... Until they inevitably drown from the face of the earth.
A frown curls his lips. To lose against the one who should be the least of his problems yet prove to conquer above them all... He cursed his oversight, and thus cursed the name of the sole individual at the center of everything, for good and bad.
"Strix-san!"
What Rook and Jack haven't realized was how far apart they were from each other thanks to Cater relentlessly coming after them by alternatively shooting quickly at Jack and Rook to opposite sides of the field.
The ten seconds of the fast speed buff were enough to separate the two giants beyond assistance.
"Now, Stri-chan!"
Another presence suddenly appeared behind the blond.
Rook glanced behind his shoulder. "What?! Mademoiselle Hibou, when did you get behind us?!"
"Seems a shrinking potion is all I needed to escape your keen sight and nose, Sir Hunter." Strix smirked, bright blue hues reflecting the face of her prey's vulnerability finally lowered.
"Get out of there, senpai!" Jack cried out.
"Demons out, luck in!" Strix didn't give Rook another moment to react before shooting a bean to his shoulder at gun point.
"Ouch!"
"Nice! Giant nailed in one shot! Strix, get that giant Jack with the rest of our beans!" Grim cheered.
Strix points her shooter for Jack.
"Damn it! I'm not gonna turn tail from a bird!"
He swiftly avoids any beans shooting his way. Despite his massive body, his reflexes and flexibility allow him to move out of their trajectory.
"Eeh, he dodged all of those beans at point-blank range?! Is it even possible to bend your body around like that?!" Cater exclaimed.
A bead of sweat rolled down Strix's temple. The click of her shooter coughed out nothing remaining inside.
Grim stammered anxiously, "We don't have any beans left!"
"Run, Stri-chan! The harp's right in front of you! If you can touch it we win!" Cater yelled.
"Gooo! Strix!" Grim hollered with all his might.
Strix abandoned the weight of her shooter behind and immediately sprints for the gold harp.
"Don't underestimate me!" Jack released a battle cry as the race for the magic harp draws closer and closer. Either Strix reclaims the harp or she gets captured by Jack's claw gadget and time runs out.
Azul and Jade ran up to the stands just in time to witness the first years on opposing teams contend for the harp.
The former's eyes flared wide upon the sight of familiar blue hair and lucid eyes. "How many times will that girl continue to foil my plans until she's satisfied...?"
Jade's mismatched eyes watched calmly. "Strix-san..."
Jack's claw grows in size and lunged for the girl.
Strix cursed. The difference in their arm reach is too vast! She had suspected this, but the daunting realization still hits her hard.
She had only one plan up her sleeve to stop him in this scenario. It's risky, but if she can accomplish capturing the harp within that time, then she'll take that gambit head on!
Strix skids the soles of her boots against the dirt. She swung her left foot across the ground in an arc to twist her body in time to barely evade the enlarged claw that grasped where her torso would have been.
Jack's eyes widened. She managed to dodge that at point-blank range by a hair length?!
Azul analyzed the shift in her behavior immediately. "She moved to Jack-san's left side knowing using his dominant right hand leaves him open...!"
"Strix-san had mentioned she foresaw the pattern of an average Savanaclaw student's attack. Jack-san is no exception." Jade said, also sharing a shocked expression. Those reflexes are unusual even for Strix.
While Jack was stuck in his momentum from failing to catch her, Strix took the chance to grip his arm from changing directions and immediately pounced on him. It wasn't her weight that topples him off balance, though.
Jack barely registered what was happening before his vision was overwhelmed by a pale face ghosting the shell of his visage.
A pair of soft lips pressed against his cheek.
Rook, who remained watching after his defeat, had his hands flown to his open round mouth releasing a sharp gasp that escaped him. "Ooh la la!"
From the stands, Azul's jaw plummet so low that a fly may as well fly in, eyes blinded by his visor. Strangled noises leave his throat as he barely comprehends what was going on.
Next to Azul, Jade's perpetual smile looked on in heightened amusement. "Oya oya?"
Cater and Grim stared bug-eyed and mouths agape. "Eeeeehhh?!! This is Stri-chan's 'backup' plan?"
Jack unceremoniously trips on his feet and tumbles forward off to the side away from the magical harp. His instincts ensnared Strix into his arms just before his back skidded across the ground, keeping her safe from harm.
Recovering from the fall soon after, Strix supports her upper body up with hands caging either side of his head. "Jack! Jack, are you hurt?!"
Jack opened his eyes. He found himself staring not at the sky but into a pair of bold blues. His senses are overridden by her sweet scent, the aroma running through his nostrils and heart pumping his blood roaring in his ears.
He laid on the ground unmoving and silent while the girl was left concern in suspense. She tried to get off but discovered his arms were wrapped tight around her waist. Or rather, they were petrified as hard as a Great Seven statue.
Strix paled.
"I think I broke him. Cater-senpai! Grim!"
Quickly snapping himself out of his stupor, Cater runs for the harp in her stead. "Come on, come on! Make it!"
He outstretched his hand...
A bell's ringing reverberates the Coliseum.
Grim gasped. "The time limit!"
Cater slows down until he stopped just before the pedestal. "No way..."
Strix slumped in defeat. She suddenly remembered she was on top of a body and attempts to rouse Jack from his daze.
She patted his cheek a few times.
Amber yellow eyes become clear once they returned to reality, reflecting Strix's concerned face hovering above.
Jack finally realized their position and released his hold on Strix as though he touched fire. "Sorry!"
"It's okay..." Strix crawled off him.
He slowly sat up, unusually silent that it was starting to unnerve the girl.
"Jack...?" She hesitantly called out.
He rested his arms atop his bent knees and tucked his head inside. A gloomy atmosphere surrounds him. "That was... kind of anti-climatic, wasn't it?"
"I'm sorry!" Came the girl's swift apology and low bow.
Meanwhile Cater comforts Grim who had joined him to lament their loss. Rook was singing merrily to himself about the whims of youth from the first years. Azul released a sigh of relief he hadn't noticed he was holding as Jade continued smiling, neither upset nor disappointed. He did get to see something entertaining, after all.
"I said I was sorry~! Jack~!" Strix shook his shoulders and kept calling to him for a response. Yet the wolf stubbornly hung his head low from her and sulking about it, deep down. His ears and tail were drooped low.
"...You're not injured, are you?" Jack eventually asked.
"No, I'm fine thanks to you. In fact I should be asking you that! That fall earlier seemed rough." Strix gazed at him in concern.
"Just a little dirt, that's all. But don't go around acting reckless like that again, especially when I was your enemy. I could have crushed you under my weight." Jack scolded, voice gradually rising.
Strix bit the inside of her cheek. She meekly spoke up, "...Are you mad?"
Realizing his tone must have scared her, Jack exhaled, running a hand through his hair.
He spoke evenly, "I'm not mad. You had me freaked out, that's all. And..."
Strix watched him closely.
"You shouldn't shamelessly do that... Those things are reserved for significant others and family..." Jack muttered tersely, unable to properly make eye contact with her, lest the sight of her lips soft on his skin reignite the flames warming his neck and cheeks.
Strix blinked, admittedly at a loss for words.
Soon a smile danced her lips. "Well, if you put it like that, then that means I have to take responsibility, right?"
Jack slowly makes eye contact with her. "What do you mean?"
Strix shrugged. "I'm the one who troubled you, you tell me. What's your verdict for a peck on the cheek, Mr. Jack Howl?"
His ears stood straight. He was speechless. Has she gotten really familiar with NRC to banter with him casually like this?
"You... You're enjoying teasing me, aren't you." Jack muttered. He was certainly not pouting!
"Sorry, sorry."
Her eyes soften.
Strix slung an arm around his shoulders into a side embrace and ruffled his rugged pale hair fondly, laughing. "I had fun with Happy Beans Day. Great work out there, Jack."
Jack glanced off to the side. Despite this, he didn't brush her off him, nor did he reveal discomfort. His tail flicked a few times. "...Yeah."
...
All students gathered in the Main Street for the results.
"The victor of this year's 'Happy Beans Day' is... The giant team!" Vargas announced.
The giants erupt into cheers.
"The MVPs for the giant team were Ashengrotto and Howl, so you will both be presented with the prize." The brunet gestures to the two standing up front beside him.
Azul smiled politely. "Thank you."
Jack simply grunted, arms crossed in disinterest for the extra credit.
On the other hand, among the farmer team, Grim wailed, "I'm so frustrated!"
"The harp was just one step away, but we couldn't get it." Cater drooped.
"I'm sorry. If only I'd been a little faster..." Strix hung her head in shame.
"No, Strix-san, you played out your part perfectly." Jade assured. His smile grew wider once he added, "Plus, I've seen something worthwhile to look back on and treasure the memory."
"You mean you'll never let that embarrassing moment up for me." Strix deadpanned.
"You did what you thought was essential to winning. Though why didn't you tell us that was your backup plan?" Cater asked.
"You think it's easy for me to tell you guys I'd do the, er, 'K-word' on Jack if I was desperate enough? No way." Strix turned her head away.
"Fufu, perhaps that was wise on your part, Strix-san. It would prove difficult if we were distracted by the prospect." Jade chuckled, entertaining the notion.
Cater bobbed his head along. "Totally~ In the end the plan was a bust, and Jack-kun got a free kiss on the cheek. I'm so jealous~ A true MVP, that guy."
Strix blanched, eyes wide and unblinking into nowhere in particular. The two upperclassmen watched as the gears within turn slowly as she digested Cater's words.
Once she did...
"Wait, then that means I did that for nothing! I never considered it! How am I supposed to face Jack the next time I see him...?!" She buried her face into her hands, suddenly overwhelmed with embarrassment beyond saving.
Despite how she teased the wolf after that incident, the next few encounters are going to be awkward after she just made the embarrassing realization. The thought of kissing a boy's cheek makes her ears burn. How stupid was she to not think of that at all until after she did it?!
Of course Jade had to add salt to the wound by chirping, "Indeed, you sacrificed your virginal lips for nothing."
"Did you have to phrase it like that...?" Came her weak comeback. She was close to losing feeling in her knees and crouch into a fetal position in the middle of the crowd of students.
Now she has the intense urge to crawl in a hole and rot inside like an octopus. Speaking of, it was fortunate Azul wasn't in their circle to witness it personally. He would definitely laugh at how the tables have turned, and she'd hate to suffer through that.
"Aww, Stri-chan's being shy. First-years can be so adorable." Cater teased.
He pouts afterwards. "Jack-kun was just way more powerful than expected. That should've been against the rules."
"Speaking of, Cater-san. That photo we were..." Jade paused. "Ah, I suppose we lost in the end."
"Yeah..." The third year drawled a sigh. "Ahhh. I'd even thought of a tag to use. But, well. It was a fun day."
He beamed at his teammates. "Stri-chan, Gri-chan, Jade-kun. Let's take one more pic to remember it by!"
Jade nodded. "Yes, with pleasure."
"You're hopeless." Despite this, Grim climbed up Strix's shoulder to get within the camera lens.
After Strix recollected herself in preparation for Magicam, she stood in the front with the taller upperclassmen huddled behind.
Sometimes it's not so bad to play in sport competitions, she thought. Especially with people she can depend on and share the experience with. Though she lost, she doesn't feel as though she truly lost anything.
If she becomes a giant on next year's Happy Beans Day, she'll take it much more seriously with everyone else.
'Next year, huh...'
The thought was immediately suppressed. Right now she was living in the present as a student of Night Raven College. Worrying about the future this early won't solve anything.
She formed a close eyed smile for the camera. "One, two..."
CLICK!