CHAPTER FOUR: A New Friend Appears! Tear-Stained Resolution / ターン 4:新しい友達が洗われる!泣き濡れた決心
"Caroline! Where is Caroline?"
A pretty copper-skinned girl with ringleted dark hair hurried across the Student Commons, turning heads as she called out for her friend.
"Has anyone seen her?" she demanded of passerby, her tone surprisingly forceful for her size. "Caroline!"
One of the passing students pointed vaguely towards one of the many paths that connected to the complex, winding in the direction of the greenhouses and gardens. Clarissa took off without another word, her ringlets trailing behind her like a fishing lure.
Despite her frantic pace, Clarissa still managed to appreciate the tranquil beauty unfolding before her. On either side of the path, tall trees arched to form a cool dark green canopy overhead, providing a welcome respite from the glare of the setting sun. She began to slow her pace gradually until she was walking slowly, her head turning as she took in the silence and privacy that permeated the air.
She came to a halt when she reached the clearing, scanning the area for signs of her friend. In the last rays of the setting sun, the greenhouse seemed to shine with a dazzling emerald flame, its long shadow stretching towards her. There was a sudden flash of movement to her left in the furthest corner of the garden, where a girl was kneeling among a thick carpet of blossoms.
"Caroline! There you are!"
Caroline looked up at the sound of her friend's voice, one hand cupped gently around a wilting rose while the other doused it with water from a spray-bottle. Whereas Clarissa was fiery, short and upright like a poplar, she was tall and slender like a weeping willow, with creamy porcelain skin that shone to perfection. The curtain of long black hair framing a gentle face with sad blue eyes only heightened the resemblance: the silky tresses swayed as she rose, like drooping leaves in the breeze.
"I've been looking everywhere for you," Clarissa pouted, placing her hands at her hips in a manner that many boys found extremely attractive. "There's something I have to tell you!"
"I'm sorry, Clarissa," Caroline replied, so softly that she almost went unheard. "I didn't know. I just wanted to come down and work in the gardens for a bit, it always relaxes me…"
"Yeah, yeah," Clarissa said, waving her hand dismissively. "Whatever. Anyways, you have to come with me right now, you won't believe—"
"I actually wanted to talk to you about something as well," Caroline said slowly, her tone gentle but firm. She rose and pointed further into the shade of the trees, towards a solitary stone bench nestled alongside a wooden screen.
"It won't take long, will you come with me?"
Clarissa sighed and rolled her dark eyes in exasperation, recognizing the symptoms—clearly, Caroline was having one of her moments.
"Alright, alright, but make it fast, okay?"
The two girls sat down side by side on the bench. Now that she was closer, Clarissa could see that there was also a marble sculpture nearby, depicting an angel with a mournful smile. Shivering slightly despite the lack of cold, she continued to look around, her eyes tracing the path of the climbing roses on the wooden screen.
"This is my special place," Caroline said after a moment, leaning forwards and plucking a scarlet rose from the screen. "It's where I come when I want to be alone, when I have something I need to think about…"
She sighed and closed her eyes with a small smile, an almost perfect copy of the sculpture behind her.
"I'm sure you know by now about the Star Nexus Tournament," she continued, looking down at her hands with swanlike sadness, "and how I was selected to participate… Well, I've thought about it and I don't think—"
At this, Clarissa could no longer restrain herself. She got to her feet with a swift movement, her voice rising passionately.
"But that's what I've been trying to talk to you about!" she cried, her eyes flashing in vexation.
Caroline did not flinch at the unexpected outburst, but her fingers curled still more tightly around the rose's thorny stem. Suddenly she gave a soft cry of pain as the flower tumbled from her hands into the grass.
Clarissa's exclamations died upon her lips as Caroline raised a pale finger, spotted with a single bead of dark red blood. Both girls regarded the wound for a moment: Clarissa with a mixture of guilt and exasperation, while Caroline's blue gaze was intent, as if the drop of blood held the answer to all of the world's mysteries.
"You'll want to put something on that."
Clarissa yelped and turned in the direction of the sound, where a third girl was emerging from the deep shadow of the trees. Although she was not quite as tall as Caroline, the newcomer nevertheless towered over Clarissa, her bright green eyes filled with amusement and concern in equal amounts.
In comparison to the red- and white-skirted uniforms worn by the two girls, she was dressed for adventure. Several scratches marred her shapely legs, but if she felt any discomfort, she gave no indication. The girl came to a halt before the two Uria Reds, playing absentmindedly with a tress of dark green hair.
"Just who are you?" Clarissa demanded, attempting to draw the rags of her dignity around her after the unexpected intrusion. "And what do you think you're doing?"
With a single fluid movement, the newcomer took off her backpack and set it on the ground. She knelt and began to dig through it purposefully.
"My name is Vera Leigh," she answered brightly, handing Caroline a bandage wrapped around a small bottle of rubbing alcohol. The porcelain-skinned girl murmured her thanks and began treating the wound.
"And as for what I'm doing," she continued, sifting once more through her bag, "I'm conducting research, like always." She pointed with one hand vaguely into the trees, which seemed to extend a fair distance.
Clarissa frowned and crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "Research? Are you some kind of botanist or something?" she asked, still not entirely convinced of the girl's intentions.
Vera laughed and shook her head. "Not quite, I think I'll leave that to my father," she replied, withdrawing a small jar from her backpack. She held it up for Clarissa: within its confines, a bizarre purple insect buzzed furiously against the glass.
Clarissa yelped again and sprang backwards, almost tripping over the bench.
"I hate bugs!" she wailed, smoothing her skirts as if an army of insects were crawling over her.
"Suit yourself," Vera shrugged, taking the girl's reaction in stride as she stored the jar once more.
Caroline made a soothing sound and placed a hand on her friend's shoulder; at her touch, Clarissa sat down, still breathing hard. The swan-like girl stood, her blue gaze focused on Vera, who gave her a bright, vague smile.
"You're one of the students chosen to participate in the Star Nexus Tournament," Caroline said slowly.
"That's right," Vera replied distractedly in a cheerful tone, looking around the area as if in search of more insects to study. "And you're Caroline Lace. I'm a Hamon Yellow, which means that I have a bit more seniority than you, but we won't worry about that. It's a pleasure to meet you."
The two girls exchanged a brief handshake before turning back to Clarissa, who seemed to have regained control over herself, although her hair was still in disarray.
"If you two are done with introductions," she said sarcastically, "I'll just tell my story, shall I? Anyways, I was getting some drinks with this boy from third period… Everything was going fine until I overheard someone talking about one of the workrooms on the library's third floor. I went to go check it out and it was true—someone had been using all of those computers to research you, Caroline."
At this last remark, her friend flinched and turned pale, as if Clarissa had struck her across the face. "What did you say?" she asked softly, a terrible pain blossoming her eyes.
"Research," Clarissa repeatedly bluntly, "just your basic background check, I guess… Your age, class schedule, your school record, that sort of thing…"
Caroline gasped and fell to her knees, her shoulders rising and falling in silent sobs. Vera gave Clarissa a disappointed look and rolled her eyes, as if to say, How could you?
The copper-skinned girl crossed her arms haughtily before gesturing to Caroline, as if to say, Go on, you try!
"There, there," Vera said uncertainly, kneeling next to the weeping girl and patting her awkwardly on the head like a small dog. "I'm sure everything will be, uh—okay, yes, very good, and then—"
Caroline continued to weep silently, her dark fair falling to form a curtain around her face. Vera sighed and surrendered in the face of the other girl's mysterious sorrow. She exchanged a concerned glance with Clarissa and then shrugged, utterly nonplussed as to the cause of Caroline's tears.
Adrienne enjoyed walking through the hallways of Neo Duel Academy, only too aware of the heads that turned and the eyes that gazed in admiration and envy as she and Alexander passed. Had she been one of the serpents she was so fond of, she would have been practically hissing with pleasure.
Things are just as they should be, she thought to herself in satisfaction, a breathtaking smile appearing on her features; immediately, the boys in the vicinity were smitten, convinced that they were the source of her happiness.
Caroline Lace may have proven an annoyance at first, but thanks to Hayden's information, I'm confident we can deal with her…
Although she was not cruel by nature like Alexander, Adrienne was nevertheless competitive and vain, and certainly not above resorting to harsh methods in order to protect her interests. As the Queen of Neo Duel Academy, she did not appreciate any developments that threatened her crown, and it was clear that selection of this year's tournament participants had disrupted the social hierarchy.
I don't know what kind of aspirations Caroline Lace or those other Uria Red dorks might have, she thought, but Alex and I will show them soon enough that it doesn't pay to rock the boat…
Her body moved fluidly as she matched Alexander's pace, the two of them walking side by side. As always, she found herself inexplicably drawn towards him, an attraction which went beyond her appreciation for his talent as a Duelist and her appreciation of his cold masculine beauty.
"Hey there, Adrienne! Can a pretty girl like you spare a moment?"
The Greek girl blinked at the voice and slowed her pace, her reverie temporarily interrupted. She turned, blue-black hair falling over her shoulders, and watched as a young man approached, his unbuttoned Raviel Blue blazer flaring behind him.
"Yes, Raphael?" she asked, her impatience poorly concealed as he came to a halt before her. If Alexander had heard Raphael's request he paid it no mind, continuing to make his way down the hallway without her.
Raphael Manganelli flashed her a bright smile, his intense brown eyes flashing up and down her body appreciatively. He was tall and athletic with dark blond hair that was worn short and slightly spiked in the front. A single silver stud glinted at his ear, catching the light from overhead.
"I wanted to congratulate you on placing into the tournament," he replied in a low smooth voice, marked slightly like hers with an accent. "It's no surprise that you did, but I figured you'd appreciate the compliment."
His grin widened, although Adrienne said nothing.
"Anyways, seeing as we're both participants, why don't you and I have a little practice date at my apartment? We can compare notes, maybe share some drinks while we brainstorm ideas…"
Raphael's voice trailed off suggestively, indicating just what kind of ideas he had in mind.
Adrienne smiled slowly and leaned in closer, until her lips were only a few inches away from his. Raphael could smell the fresh scent of her body as well as her perfume, a pleasant dry fragrance that made him think of pomegranate and snakeskin. Naturally, he resisted the urge to drink in the smell.
"You're sweet," she replied, placing a soft hand against his cheek and caressing him softly, her dark eyes smoldering.
"You're also completely out of your league."
Adrienne's tone changed from seductive to blistering so quickly that Raphael blinked in surprise.
"In case you didn't notice," she contained in the same disdainful tone, "I scored better than you did on the exam. I'm not interested in practicing with the likes of you, so take your little offer somewhere else."
She stopped caressing his face and smiled again.
"Good luck at the tournament, Raphael. I look forward to seeing you play."
She gave him a gentle, almost playful slap with her hand before straightening and walking away.
Raphael suppressed a growl as held up a hand to his face, as if her touch had burned him. He glanced at her evenly as she hurried back towards Alexander, who had finally noticed her absence and was waiting with crossed arms.
"I hope we get to Duel against each other, Adrienne," he called, his voice carrying down the hallway after her. "I'm sure that losing to me will change your mind about my offer."
He flashed her one last cocky smile and turned back the way he had come, ignoring the hopeful glances he drew from girls as he passed.
"What was that all about?" Alexander asked, raising an eyebrow as Adrienne fell back into place at his side.
"It's nothing I can't handle," she replied smoothly, the same pleased expression from before on her face.
Alexander and I are the King and Queen of Neo Duel Academy and I'm not going to let anything change that.
Caroline cried for almost five minutes before she straightened and rose, drying her eyes slowly. Even after weeping, her skin still shone in the dusk like moonlight.
"Forgive me," she said at last, her voice surpassingly calm after the episode. "I just wasn't expecting something like that to happen."
"Don't worry about it," Vera replied easily, rolling a blade of grass between her teeth as she reclined on the bench, her long legs crossed at the ankle. "It happens to all of us sometimes."
Clarissa, sitting next to the Hamon Yellow, gave her an incredulous look—evidently, she wasn't overly pleased with the seating arrangements.
"I should be going soon," Vera said suddenly, rising and tossing the blade of grass aside. She stretched luxuriously for a moment before relaxing and gazing amiably at the two girls.
"It's been an interesting afternoon, Clarissa, Caroline," she remarked. "I'm not really quite sure what's going on, but am I correct in assuming that you'll be participating in the tournament?"
Clarissa's eyes widened as she transferred her gaze from Vera to Caroline, who had never looked more frail, and yet somehow, determined.
"Yes, I think so," Caroline replied, much more firmly than Clarissa had ever heard her speak. "These problems aren't going to be solved unless I confront them directly, right?"
Vera winked roguishly in the direction of the stupefied Clarissa before nodding her agreement and smiling lazily.
"That's right. I'll be going now, but don't be strangers next time you see me in the halls."
She gave the two girls a bright smile and a wave before moving past them in the direction of the Hamon Yellow Dormitory; within moments, she had disappeared past the trees into the shadowy dusk.
"Are you okay, Caroline?" Clarissa asked tentatively, eying her friend as if she were a different person.
"I'm fine, Clarissa," Caroline answered softly. "I was just thinking of how Vera reminds me of someone I used to know, a long time ago…"
She took a deep breath as an invisible wind blew by them, carrying withered rose petals in its wake and raising a fading, sweet scent.
Clarissa blinked and shivered again as she regarded the sculpted angel behind Caroline, whose smile seemed slightly wider, if that were possible. She recognized that smell—it was the scent of change.
AUTHOR'S Notes: I honestly think that this has been my favorite chapter to write so far, despite the fact that it's a bit shorter than the others. I'm glad I can finally provide a bit more characterization; now that most of the main characters have been introduced and developed, you can expect to see some action in the next chapter. I would like to thank Lee Hi and a fantastic remix of her song Rose for providing my background music while writing this chapter.
CHARACTER Profiles:
Caroline Lovelace
Age: 15
Hair Color: Black
Hairstyle: Long and straight, with some simple layers and bangs.
Eye Color: Blue
Height: 5"9
Weight: 120 lbs.
Favorite/Signature Card: Unknown
Deck: Unknown
Personality: Gentle, timid, and generally gloomy. Protective of others and will not hesitate to stand up for them—something that she seems incapable of doing when it comes to standing up for herself.
Likes: Tending to flowers, being alone with her thoughts.
Dislikes: Arguments, cruelty.
Vera Leigh
Age: 16
Hair Color: Dark green
Hairstyle: Short and spiky in the back, with multiple layers of bangs and two long tresses in the front
Eye Color: Bright green
Height: 5"7
Weight: 105 lbs.
Favorite/Signature Card: Unknown
Deck: Unknown
Personality: Bright and naturally inquisitive, she is fascinated by the world around her and always yearns for new experiences. A bit distracted at times, but reliable.
Likes: Nice weather, conducting research in the field.
Dislikes: Complicated situations, uncomfortable clothing.
Raphael Manganelli
Age: 17
Hair Color: Dark blond
Hairstyle: Short, slightly spiked in the front
Eye Color: Dark blue
Height: 6"0
Weight: 175 lbs.
Favorite/Signature Card: Unknown
Deck: Unknown
Personality: A womanizer, Raphael mainly concerns himself with winning the heart of every girl in the school. Underneath his vanity and aggression, however, is an honest and well-meaning attitude which surfaces from time to time.
Likes: Womanizing, going to the gym.
Dislikes: Being rejected, eating junk food.
Clarissa Frayne
Age: 15
Hair Color: Dark brown
Hairstyle: Mid-length, worn in ringlets
Eye Color: Dark brown
Height: 5"4
Weight: 98 lbs.
Favorite/Signature Card: Unknown
Deck: Unknown
Personality: Friendly most of the time, although she's also easily irritated. She's more than a little self-centered and enjoys gossip, but she means well.
Likes: Going on dates, home-made beauty treatments.
Dislikes: Manipulative people, bad luck.
