A/N: Hey guys, my flu has morphed into double pink eye again YAYYYY!...
Only not at all.
And what sucks is I work at a hospital so if I'm contagious or sick, they won't let me within like a 500 foot radius of the door xD Bonus cause, hell yeah, days off but... They will either use some of my PTO, or I won't get paid for the days I'm off. Kill me.
*Chapter 103*
With massive bat wings trained to the Dead Zed sky, Lickity sped into Zed's game; the nighttime air was warm, though crisp and not as humid as usual, which Tessa was thankful for. She knew she was late for such an important event. Prom, which was held a little bit away from the game's entrance, could be seen in the distance, from Tessa's vantage point. She inhaled a nervous breath and gripped the reigns on Lickity's saddle, though she quickly fastened her small backpack tighter to her body. She could feel her pulse rush faster and faster as the excitement and nervousness, for such an important night, quickly was approaching. She continued to inwardly scold herself for allowing her and Lickity to be late, though she felt it near impossible to pry herself from her mother's and aunt Taffyta's eager notions for such a special night, which including running the kingdom. Tessa knew the four were simply just worried and anxious, over having no control, though she so hoped Penny relayed her message to Zed; that she would, indeed, be fashionably late.
As Tessa neared the large, sprawled event, she could practically feel the powerful, energetic vibe of the place. Perched atop a perfect, vast clifftop, which overlooked one of Dead Zed's largest seas, the event seemed to be in the perfect spot. With the massive jungle trees strung with gorgeous lights, the place was left with a flawless sophistication she was more than excited to delve into. She steered Lickity towards a darker patch of trees, which was just on the outskirts of the crowded event. As quiet as Lickity's silent flight could handle, she glided into a patch of gentle darkness, underneath a few shorter trees, though the glow of the string lights could be seen still. Tessa quickly dismounted Lickity, as she trot to a stop and tucked her wings to her body. Just as Lickity let out a curious grumble towards Tessa, she swung the bag off of her back and quickly began to rummage through it. She whirled around a few times and tucked her hair behind her ear, nervously, in hopes that no one was sneaking around this area.
"Lickity, I'm going to need to you shield me," Tessa said above a whisper, "I need to change into my dress."
Lickity meeped a knowing noise and easily sprawled her wings around Tessa, as if to give her a makeshift changing room. She encompassed Tessa wholly and successfully, all while giving her enough room to change and do what she needed. Tessa moved into Lickity's chest and pat her snout, in a thankful way. Lickity flattened her ears, straightened her posture and lifted her head, so to give Tessa the privacy she wanted. Lickity held still, with her wings sprawled in a tight dome around and over Tessa, to shield her from any wandering eyes, if there were any around. Lickity grumbled a small noise, almost as if to laugh, as Tessa suddenly wobbled and stumbled to get out of her clothes. She flopped into Lickity's chest and uttered a small, startled noise, though she quickly regained herself and continued to undress. She skillfully rummaged through her bag, in the dark, and pulled out her dress. She quickly began to struggle to get into it and slide her larger hands down her body multiple times, to straighten out the fabric.
She finally stood up straight, which cued Lickity that she could relax her stance around Tessa. Lickity slowly hugged her wings to her own body and slumped her spine into a more comfortable position. Tessa grumbled small notions to herself and stepped into the light, a little more, though they were still hid by the large trees. She nervous peered her eyes through the vines and leaves; she could feel the powerful bass of the music practically shake the jungle, the game gave the event a good portion of it's power, or so it seemed. She knew Zed had nothing to do with setting up Prom, and only really had a say in the location, though she couldn't help but feel important, with this event. She nervously began to grapple for her hair, in which she had straightened. Long, dark auburn silk down the right side of her body, though she tidied the short hairs on the left side of her head. She desperately looked herself over and straightened any imperfections in her dress.
She wore a light dress that hugged her figure. It was a soft shade of charcoal, though in the right light, it shimmered in a subtle way. Her dress was form fitting to her torso and hips, though had a bit of a girly poof of a flare that stopped just at her knees. Thin straps that lightly sat on her soft shoulders, the V of the neck was a little bit more dramatic than she ever thought she'd be caught wearing, though she figured if there was any night to turn heads, this was the night. She ran her fingers through her straight, long hair and evened everything out, though just as she was about to find a path, in which to skillfully approach the crowded event, she whirled around and gave Lickity a nervously shy, though excited, smile.
"Do I look alright?" Tessa wondered, though she was thrilled to see Lickity softly duck her head, keep her eyes trained to Tessa, and flatten her ears, as if to bow out of respect; her way of approving of Tessa's dress choice. Tessa beamed a happy smile and pushed into Lickity, a little closer. She hugged her around her neck and smooched her snout, "Thanks girl... Don't get into too much trouble."
Lickity grumbled softly and seemingly cocked an eyebrow muscle, as if to wonder just what Tessa thought she'd be doing, whilst they were apart. Tessa giggled and softly pushed on Lickity's nose as her skillful steps began to head out of the thick brush they were in.
"Stay close, just in case I need you," Tessa urged, in which Lickity barked a soft acknowledgement, though Tessa nervously pointed, "B-But don't show up to prom, cause I don't want you to scare anyone."
Lickity suddenly bared her fangs and let a soft growl rumble from her core, in a playful kind of way, in which Tessa largely waved her hands around, as if to beg her to shut up.
"Lickity, go on!" Tessa hissed with a wide smile and a giggle. Lickity finally flapped her head back and forth, which caused her floppy ears to slap about her fluffy scales. Tessa waved her off as she sprawled her wings and began to take a few steps away, "Go... Find a berry patch or something."
Tessa smiled, in a knowing way, as Lickity finally turned around and took to the skies. She knew Lickity wouldn't stray too far, for they would need her to get back to Sugar Rush. She finally felt whole nervousness come over her, as it was just her and the event behind her; it tapped her shoulder with the inviting light, music and energy. She knew she was bound to surprise everyone, with her daring look, though she had to wonder just what a certain blue haired jerk would think. With one final intake of crisp, jungle air, she turned towards the event and began to confidently push through the brush. Once she was finally clear from the foliage, she softly stepped out into the event and let her eyes adjust. Her bare feet were met with soft, flawless tiles of the prettiest green and white marble. The trees were lit with all sorts of stringed lanterns and lights, which boasted Dead Zed's exotic glory. Against the black, starry sky, the moon hung high in the atmosphere, signifying the night was, indeed, still young. She peered up at the moon and, as if to make a wish, she shut her eyes tight for a moment before she finally began to brave the crowd a bit farther.
Mostly all of Academy was present. There were a lot of faces she recognized, though too much of the school was attending, she knew finding her patch of friends was bound to be a little difficult. She wondered just where Zed, as well as the rest of her family, would be hanging in such an event. She knew most of the girls, in her group, were wallflowers. She peered around the edges of groups, near small, hidden areas, though she began to feel stumped. She knew they made it to the event before her, though she couldn't help but keep a sharp eye out for Zed's stark, blue hair. She furrowed her eyebrows in growing annoyance and wondered just how hard it was to spot Zed in a crowd.
Just as she neared the cusp of a large group of people, she suddenly caught eyes with someone she had nearly forgotten all about. She double-took, in a nervous, unsure way, and hooked eyes with Selka; it were as if he had been watching her for quite some time, the way his still demeanor looked as if it had been settled for a few moments now. He cocked an eyebrow and tilted his head up, a little, as if to inquire if it were alright to approach her. Just as Tessa was going to kindly wave and move away, the distance between them was too closed to pull off vanishing into the crowd. Tessa nervously bit her lip and began to inwardly curse herself for not just sucking it up and ducking away.
"User, if I wasn't mistaken, I'd say YOU were the core of this game," Selka's deep voice was charming, as usual. He looked dashing, Tessa hated to admit. He wore a sleek tux, a black undershirt and black tie to completely match; he almost looked as if he was attempting to out-do everyone here.
"Why, because I look like I just rolled out of a bush?" Tessa barked as she crossed her arms and exhaled a kind laugh.
"Because you look like the most beautiful, rarest, exotic flower in this whole game," Selka's dark voice was raspy, though gentle, with it's usual bite of mischief. His green eyes hooked into hers with sincerity, though Tessa could sense an underlying sly tone.
"Why, thank you," Tessa eased politely as she softly relaxed her shoulders; she knew Selka was the biggest smooth talker, so she tried her hardest not to seem to open to the idea of inviting more flattery from someone that wasn't Zed. Tessa cocked an eyebrow and lightly looked about, "So uh... Where's your OWN beautiful, rare, exotic flower, then?"
"Well," Selka looked down and furrowed his dark brown eyebrows, as if to be lightly bothered, "She's here... She just so happens to be looking for someone else."
"Shame," Tessa wondered gently, though she lightly glanced about in naive confusion, "Is... Is it Jeska?"
"Jeska," Selka beamed, as if to be amused by her notion, "No... Jeska and I sort of had a bit of a falling out."
"You did?" Tessa prod, she began to feel alien with just how interested she was becoming with Selka's personal issues, "How come?"
"I didn't want to go to prom with her... I guess she just doesn't measure up, anymore," Selka said as kindly as he could, though Tessa could tell he was trying his hardest not to rag on her.
"You'd rather go stag than with her?" Tessa side-eyed Selka, as if to convey the softest annoyance, "If I do recall, you stole her from Zed a few years ago, no?"
"I guess I have sticky fingers," Selka's eyes honed to the ground, his head tilted down, though Tessa felt her skin grow cold as his sharp eyes darted to hers, in a knowing way, "Zed didn't chauffeur you to prom?"
"No, i-it was my fault," Tessa rushed, in hopes of halting where she knew this conversation was going, "I had a few things to take care of, back in Sugar Rush, so I-"
"Came alone?" Selka wondered as he finally let his hand reach for hers. As smoothly as he could, he began to reel the back of her hand to his face; he lightly ducked, to place a kind kiss atop her hand, though he jolted as she smoothly, though quickly, yanked her hand away.
"Just because I arrived alone doesn't mean I'm suddenly single."
"You're going to get to the end of the night and Tessa will FINALLY show up," Oliver laughed softly, he nervously began to fiddle with the tie around his neck. He scoffed an annoyed noise and tried to look down at it, though he slumped his shoulders in hard dismay as Zed reached his hands out, for what seemed to be the thousandth time.
"Ol," Zed beamed, he fixed Oliver's bold, dark red tie and merely glanced at his disgruntled facial expression; he could swear he was looking directly at Ralph, "You've got to relax. You keep messing with it, it's going to come undone."
The two boys had spent most of the day getting ready together, though Zed knew it was in loo of Oliver's sensitive, shy feelings, as of late. As if Oliver wanted to overflow Zed with questions, about how to get a potential date to prom, though his shyness and stubbornness got the better of him, and he was dateless. Both boys looked sharp, with clean tuxes and tidied hair. Oliver's jet black hair was trimmed at the sides, though held onto it's length towards the top of his head and bangs. Zed, on the other hand, buzzed his brilliantly colored blue hair down to his scalp, though he left his infamous mo-hawk. Styled to perfection, it was handsomely curled to his head, though little strands, near his forehead, had a hard time reversing from his usual, messy hairstyle. He wore a dark grey tux and a pop of a blue tie, which he knew would stand out with his hair.
"And, the only reason I still have a date to this event is because, oh I don't know, I actually swallowed my nervousness and asked a woman to prom?" Zed snapped, though his brotherly tone held true and kind to Oliver's fragile feelings; Oliver shot Zed an annoyed glare.
"I can't ask her now," Oliver mumbled as Zed continued to fiddle with Oliver's red tie, "How stupid would that look? 'Hi Emery, I know we're already AT prom, but do you want to GO to prom with me?'"
"You should at least ask her to dance," Zed said softly, his attentive blue eyes honed to what he was doing.
"Does it look like I know how to dance?" Oliver's tone became more and more annoyed, as if they had this conversation one too many times today.
"Everyone knows how to slow dance," Zed uttered as he tilted his head, to attempt to correct what Oliver had done to his tie, "Y'just sway. Hold the person close and sway. Easy."
"Yeah," Oliver huffed as his eyes glossed over the glorious event, the crowds of gamers were lively and excitable.
He nervously let his eyes finally meet where Otto, Emery, Tammy and Penny were. He glued his eyes to Emery's figure; her beautiful, long, dark green hair was straight and down her back like the finest silk. She wore a simple enough black dress, which hugged her figure nicely. Oliver swallowed nervously and knew wearing something like that, for shy little Emery, was something she probably had to gather a lot of courage for. He smirked a little, and wanted so badly to overflow her with compliments on such a venture, though his hands began to shake.
"She won't bite you, I promise," Zed finally laughed as he took a step away from Oliver and glanced over his shoulder, to where the group of their girls were, though he largely double-took as he finally spot Tessa across the way. He largely whirled his attention back to Oliver, his facial expression was written with wild annoyance, "Uhh, Olly, do you see-"
"Selka standing with Tessa, yes," Oliver rushed through his teeth as he furrowed his eyebrows; both boys froze and went into the ultimate defense mode.
"Surprised you tore your eyes from Emery for two seconds," Zed muttered as both boys continued to hold their whole attention to the two across the crowd of people, who occasionally got into their line of sight.
"Long enough for you to pull your mouth away from Tessa's and let Selka swoop in, you idiot," Oliver rushed.
"It's like he has a radar, on Tessa, or something," Zed gestured gently as he merely glanced at Oliver. He knew Oliver's insults were purely brotherly.
"So, let's go to her," Oliver hurried as he quickly glued his eyes to Zed and took a step forward, though Zed held him back.
"No, it's fine," Zed urged quietly, Oliver darted his attention back to the two, in growing hate, "I trust Tessa can get herself out of it. She doesn't always need us to come flying to her rescue... Besides, Lickity makes it too easy."
"If you let Tessa get herself out of this mess, she'll end up decking Selka in the face," Oliver crossed his arms and heaved a hard breath as both boys relax, though they kept their sharp stares solid on Tessa and Selka, "When do we intervene?"
"We don't, I'm sort of hoping they start making out," Zed said in a dull, sarcastic tone, though he side eyed Oliver in annoyance, "We intervene if he goes in for a big move, or something! When else!"
"Uhh," Oliver pointed nervously as they noticed Selka's attempt to kiss the back of Tessa's hand. They both froze as Tessa yanked her hand away, though Zed let out a hard chuckle at her notion.
"See, it's Tessa I trust," Zed motioned, "Selka, not so much."
"So, we should STILL just sit here?" Oliver grumbled as he shifted on his feet, as if he was nervous, "When do we swoop in as protective brother and boyfriend beast mode?"
Zed opened his mouth to lazily reply, though it wasn't until Selka attempted to re-reach for Tessa's hand, and take a step closer into her personal bubble, did both boys freeze, yet again. Zed snapped his mouth shut and furrowed his eyebrows in growing concern, though he quickly nudged Oliver's arm, as if to motion that it was time to jump.
"Right now," Zed growled.