Author's notes: And here's the next one. Like the last chapter this doesn't follow the event story precisely. But that was a given for this though a lot of it is from the main story. I hope you enjoy it. In addition, I do apologize for not going into detail on any outfits but Aster's own, as the others can be found with a google search of the character and the masquerade tag if you're curious. Aster of course does not, but that is due to the ambiguity Yuu- the default name of the M.C- has in game in regards to gender and appearance.
Thank you to everyone who reads this story. I know this isn't a popular fanon to write about... on. this site at least. I'm almost certain there's more on other websites. But I make do. I enjoy this platform most of the time anyways. Thanks again and feedback is always accepted, so long as it's not abuse.
Chapter 5
The sound of footsteps was all that was heard during the long climb. After some time, it was then filled with the pants coming from Azul and Idia, both who were exhausted and worn as they reached a complex room nearing the top. "What's the matter? You've both gone strangely quiet." Malleus observed as the group stopped for the sake of the two who were struggling.
"How many floors... is the bell tower...?" Azul asked, panting.
"Why don't they have an elevator?" Idia wheezed. "This place is in dire need of an upgrade..."
"Um... are you guys, okay? You're covered in sweat." Epel said, genuine concern in his voice at the state of their upper classmen.
"Say, what if you took a broom up? Surely, they have some brooms you could borrow..." Deuce suggested proudly.
Jamil snickered at the suggestion. Those two on brooms? Azul barely functioned on land as it was. "What a cruel suggestion." he snickered in amusement at the two others' expenses. "Flying would just take them longer and exhaust them more." he said, ignoring the very threatening glares the two mages were giving him. "So, this is all it takes to reduce you to a miserable heap, Azul?" Jamil asked tauntingly.
He remembered the housewarden's role in revealing his plot to the rest of Scarabia during last year's winter break. He was glad things had been solved, but he still found himself taking amusement in the others predicament. Judging by the merman's intensifying glare, he knew exactly what was on the Scarabia Vice Housewarden's mind.
Sebek, unaware of the underlying reason spoke up. "Yes, you clearly need a more rigorous training regimen! You should follow Malleus's example." Sebek scolded his upperclassmen.
"Apologies for the climb." Rollo told the group. "It's a very old building, so the only way up is on foot. Our school takes just as much pride in this bell tower as the bell itself. I do hope you'll take in all the scenery here" He explained.
He then indicated the large room they were in. "It's rather vast and complex, actually. They say that a person could even live here. But worry not, we're almost to the top." He assured the two who were struggling.
It was another few flights before they finally came out at the top of the tall building. "Made it!" Idia cried in triumph. Azul letting out a proud smile.
"So, this... is the top floor..." he stated. The group looked around before properly laying their eyes on the beautiful bell that dominated the center of the room.
"Is that it there?" Grim asked.
"Yes, behold... the Bell of Solace." Aster's golden eyes took in the gorgeous and ancient bell. He could feel the magic that saturated the bell and its tower.
"It's gorgeous." Aster said with near reverence. It was taller than all of them by nearly a foot, including Malleus who was the tallest there.
"Impressive. We have bells that toll to tell the time in Briar Valley, but I've never seen one so large." Malleus glanced over at Silver. "I wonder if this bell could even rouse you, Silver." he teased the boy.
"I can only hope so." Silver said in resignation, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Look at the way the sunbeams highlight its brilliant gold luster." Rook exclaimed in awe.
"Is it actually made of pure gold?!" Ruggie exclaimed.
"Heh. Even if it was, you'd never be able to carry it back." Riddle told the greedy boy with an amused smirk.
"It's magnificent..." Trein said, quite happy with the experience. "I'm so very glad I was able to view it in person. This will be a fine tale to tell my wife when we are reunited." Trein said with a content and happy smile. Aster, happy to see his guardian's peace was quick to bring up the camera and snap a photo of the man in front of the bell.
Thankfully, there was no flash to make those aware of what he had done, their noise covering up the sound of the shutter. His intention was to surprise the man with it later once he got the film developed. "I'm pleased to see how taken you all are with it. But its true draw lies not in its beauty." Rollo informed them almost cryptically. That got their attentions.
"Oh, then what is it?" Epel asked curiously.
"Remember when I said that the Bell of Solace was a magical artifact? Well, not only is the bell infused with magic. But so is its sound." he told them. "The ringing of the bells carries magic through the city, safeguarding our people. It's said that long ago, this very bell saved the city from a horrific disaster. Thus, its name." Rollo explained to them.
"The sound of a bell save an entire city?" Malleus asked in surprise.
Rollo nodded. "Just as unfathomable magical might dwells within Night Raven College's Dark Mirror... so too does the Bell of Solace's ring contain a powerful magic. You'll find a great many rare magical plants growing here in Fleur City, which is another gift of the bell. It's sound suffuses the city with magic and spurs magical plants to grow rapidly."
"You won't find scenery like ours elsewhere. Our bell and the flowers are constant sources of reassurance to the people here." Rollo told them.
"How splendid!" Azul said. "I can hardly wait to lay eyes on your floral city myself." Azul said with some excitement.
"We have a designated ringer sound the bell in the morning, at noon, and at night. What you heard was the noon bell." Rollo told them. "It's solemn tolling wakes the city up, stirs its heart, then announces when it's time to rest."
"Fascinating. So, the locals structure their lives according to the peals of the bell... What beautiful organization. And look, out beyond the bell. What a view!" Rook cried, completely taken with the beauty of what they had seen and heard.
"Where now...?" Epel asked as they sophomores crept towards the edge of the room to look out beyond the tower. "Whoa, I didn't realize just how high up we were!" Epel cried.
"Now that I'm looking, I'm getting a little dizzy!" Grim murmured, stepping away from the edges.
"Well, we did climb a lot of stairs. The people look like ants from up here." Deuce murmured, stiff from the height. Aster blinked and crept as close as he was allowed. Not very, due to Rook keeping a hand on his arm. But it was enough to see the stunning view.
"What a sweeping view. Only but one word comes to mind: Beaute! Is that sparkling body of water leading out of the city a river?" Rook asked their host.
"Yes- Nobel Bell College sits in the center of a large river. It's called the Soleil, and it actually joins to a much larger river elsewhere. The school is connected to the city by four bridges that cross the Soleil. We pride ourselves on this view as well." Rollo told them all with pride.
"Ah, so the Soleil runs through the middle of the city... And Nobel Bell College stands in the middle of the river." Jamil reiterated for the ones who weren't following as closely.
"Correct. Across the river, you can see the busiest road in Fleur City..." Rollo explained.
Silver, Sebek, and Aster soon found themselves at a different edge of the tower form the others. "... Wow, I can't believe how high we are. When I lean over the railing and look down, it feels like I'm flying." Silver said, doing just that. He glanced over and let out a surprised noise.
"What's wrong, Silver?" Why did you start like that?" Sebek asked worriedly, he and Aster immediately going to grab him.
"Did you start to get drowsy again?" Aster asked concerned. Silver gave them a sheepish look.
"No. Look over there, to the side, you two." Silver motioned. Aster and Sebek then took their turn to lean out as Silver had to see what he had.
"Oh! It's..."
"A gargoyle!" The three realized together.
"What has gotten into you three? I don't understand how simply seeing a gargoyle could elicit such excitement." Azul said, coming over and pulling the youngest from the edge, causing the boy to let out an 'eep' at the handling.
"How could it not? Malleus is the head of the Gargoyle Studies Club!" Sebek scolded the merman as he and Silver also pulled back from the edge.
"He'll be delighted to see this." Silver said.
"Uh, p. Sure, he's less the head of the club and more the only guy in it..." Idia said, having joined them.
"Well, I join him when I get the chance." Aster replied.
"I must notify him at once! Malleus!" Sebek called, waving for his liege who made his way over out of curiosity. "Look! It's one of your beloved gargoyles! Please, take all the time you want to gaze upon it!" Sebek said in excitement. Malleus frowned at the stone. "Hm. Is something wrong?" Sebek asked, seeing the displeased look.
"It doesn't have a waterspout." Malleus said with a frown. "The only purpose it serves is to adorn the railing. Hence, it's not a gargoyle. It's a mere decoration, which means it's a grotesque. You must not conflate the two." Malleus lectured his two dorm students.
"Pedantic, much?" Azul asked in disbelief.
"Hey, it was that information that led to me figuring out the secret of your contracts." Aster told the merman who looked even more aghast than before.
'This was what led to my downfall!' he wondered in horrified disbelief.
"I guess Malleus is pretty particular. Dude, I can relate. It seriously grinds my gears when people call the shield in Star Rogue a barrier." Idia said snorting.
"Ugh, persnickety people are so tiresome..." Azul grumbled, returning to the present. "The gar- ah, grotesque- looks rather dirty, though. There's straw stuffed in its mouth." Azul observed.
That got a different reaction out of Malleus. "What? There is?" Malleus leaned over the edge once more to look closer at what Azul was indicating. "Why, yes, you're right. Is that a bird's nest?" he asked.
Silver peaked around his leader and nodded. "It looks that way. Excuse me, birds. May we have a look inside?" Silver asked. The birds tweeted joyfully before moving away and allowing Silver to carefully remove the nest. Aster then took it from Silver and placed it in a different area nearby that would provide just as much cover and protection as the definitely gargoyle's mouth.
"Ah, it's hollow on the inside. The birds had built their nest in there." Silver stated, looking into the empty spot.
"It's hollow?" Malleus asked.
"Yes, sir. There seems to be a passage going from its mouth to the back."
"A passage, hm... Ah, of course." Malleus said, now smiling at the stone figure with appreciation. "I must apologize for my earlier rudeness. You are a gargoyle, through and through. I can clearly see the passage goes all the way back. It must serve as your waterspout." Malleus mused. Glancing over the railing he realized there were many more of them. And each possessed a distinctive face all their own.
"I'm curious about your placement... but it's an intriguing thought exercise to guess why you might be there. Are you being relocated, I wonder? What a truly fascinating place Nobel Bell College is." Malleus mused, mostly to himself and the gargoyle.
"Anyone else having whiplash from that total 180?" Idia asked, glaring at the other and his mood swing. Mood swings always made him uneasy.
The Diasomnia students continued discussing the gargoyle while Idia, Azul, and Aster watched on. Suddenly, Aster and Azul glanced at the gargoyle. "Did that gargoyle just move?" Azul asked, on edge and ready for a fight if it sprung at them.
"Huh?" Silver glanced at the other. "The gargoyle... moved?" Silver asked, not believing it.
"... Ashengrotto." Malleus gave the other a rather amused look. "You must be sorely exhausted from the climb up here. You should take a long rest."
"It's just a big rock. It can't move on its own. Are you sure you're not delirious, Azul?" Idia taunted.
Azul scowled. "I know what I saw..." he began only to huff. "Oh, never mind. I'm aware of how silly it sounds." he grumbled.
"It's not that silly." Aster's voice attracted the groups attention. They glanced at him. "The gargoyles all have magic in them. And while it's not a lot of magic. It could be just enough for the gargoyles to have shifted." he told them. There was an eerie silence that followed the beast master's declaration.
"Forget I said anything." Azul said, turning from the creepy implications of the others statement.
"Well, I think that covers all the notable geographic points..." Rollo's voice sounded as he began to lead the rest of their group back their way. He studied the uneasy air about them and was curious. "Ah, and what were you chatting about over here?" he asked.
"Nothing at all. We're finished now." Azul said, still glowering at Malleus and Idia who had regained their smug looks.
"Is that so? Then let us head back down. Once you've put away your things, you're welcome to tour around the city. Seeing is believing, as they say."
"Oh yes, it's about time for our fieldwork, according to the itinerary." Azul said, realizing the time as the group began to make their way down once more.
"You will have free exploration time so you can learn about the city's history. Once we've left the tower, we can-" Trein began.
"Oh, uh, once more thing!" the Vice president said in sudden remembrance.
"Yes?" Trein asked curiously.
"We actually have gifts for all of our guests, as a token of our regard." he said with a smile.
"Gifts, you say. Oh, what'd you get us?" Ruggie asked with excitement.
"Is it food?" Grim asked. "Well? Is it?" Grim asked with sparkling eyes.
"We got you special attire so you can truly enjoy the festival." The aide said with excitement.
"Oh, clothes? Hmm... Not what I expected, but if you're offering, I'm taking." Ruggie grinned. "So, are they like, pricey duds, or...?" he trailed off at a slap at the back of his head by Jamil.
"Yous're not supposed to ask how much a present costs!" Jamil scolded the younger boy. The aide and vice seemed amused, rather than offended or awkward.
"I wouldn't call them pricey, but I'm sure you'll like them." the aide assured.
"All the locals wear similar outfits at this time of year." the vice added.
"So, it's traditional attire?" Malleus asked intrigued.
"They're more for the festival, specifically." Rollo explained. "We thought it would be nice to have all the social participants dress in these outfits... Or rather, that's what these two believed." he muttered the last part under his breath.
"Absolutely! These clothes will help you immerse yourselves in our history and give you a true appreciation of Fleur City!" The Vice said excited.
"Well, there you have it." Rollo said. "Let us head down. The sooner you get changed, the better."
It was a while later that they were all in their rooms, trying to change into the outfits that had been provided for them. "Have you all finished changing?" the vice asked. They were right outside the guest rooms which were slightly separate from the rest of the school, along one side of the front courtyard.
"Just... gimme a minute... My stamina gauge is in the red over here..." Idia yelped through his door.
"Don't even think of keeping Malleus waiting. All of you, get changed this instant!" Sebek called from his room.
"No one's done yet, yourself and Malleus included." Azul scolded the other.
"Ah ain't never seen a getup like this before... How do I even put it on?" Epel's questioning voice sounded. The aide who was helping out chuckled.
"That's where you put your arms, not your head!" He corrected with amused kindness. The vice president chuckled himself.
"By all means, ask us if anything confuses you." he informed their guests.
Rollo who stood on the walk path sighed. "All of this goofing around..." he muttered.
"Hello, Flamme." Trein said, joining the other. It was clear to Trein that this young man was a very serious person, and most likely very stern on himself. Even more so than others.
"Ah, Professor Trein. What can I do for you?" Rollo asked.
"I wanted to thank you for your generous hospitality. Clothing is an embodiment of the culture it comes from and can provide us with a glimpse into different time periods. This is a fine opportunity for my students to get a hands-on history lesson."
"Please, think nothing of it. Perhaps we should have arranged attire for you as well, though. That was a grave oversight on our part." Rollo said apologetically.
"It's quite alright, I assure you. I don't need the other teachers poking fun at me for dressing like the students when I get back." Trein assured.
"Oh?"
"Aster uses photography to keep a record of his school life, which means photographing school events, students, and the like. He's got quite a talent for it, and I have no doubt that he will be doing so for this trip."
"I see, Aster continues to be an interesting student. I assume you're on friendly terms with the rest of your faculty?" Rollo asked.
Trein chuckled lightly. "Hardly. They're a raucous group and a constant source of embarrassment." the two of them chuckled at that.
"Sorry, that took so long." Silver said, stepping out of his room. I've finished dressing."
"Ah, I see that our professor and Rollo have hit it off in grand fashion!" Rook exclaimed, also having finished. Silver and Rook were dressed in older outfits that shared the color schemes of their own NRC dorms. Black and green for Silver. Black, purple, and red for Rook.
"From the way they sounded, I almost believed there were two Professor Treins." Riddle added.
"Yeah, Rollo gives off old man vibes." Ruggie stated, getting smacked in the head by Jamil who had stepped out too. Riddle's own outfit was black, red, and gold. While Ruggie's was a mix of white, golden brown, and black.
"Hey, I'm all done! There are so many pieces to this outfit. It was hard to tell what went where and in what order." Deuce said, stepping out with Epel.
"It's kind of heavy... but oddly, not all that hot." Epel observed. Living with Vil for as long as he had had given Epel a decent understanding of clothing and fashion. Deuce's complimented his house warden's but with a deep blue, rather than red.
"The fabric's much more breathable than it looks. Definitely comfortable." Jamil informed the younger boy.
"Both practical and stately. I like it!" Sebek said. Jamil's was a deep red, over black with golden decals. And Sebek's matched Silver's the green fin like design reflective in position.
The outfits were rather nice on the students, each accentuating something in their personalities and their own symbols. Grim exited his and Aster's room, the only two not sharing with other students but each other.
Grim had a nice black leather belt with a gold, fish shaped buckle and a black ribbon with his purple mage stone affixed to the front which was spread out like a cape. The inside of the ribbon a deep purple that matched his mage stone. On his head, covering one of his ears was a black, blue feathered hat with a purple ribbon and gold buckle.
"I'm all done changing too!" Grim cried. "Don't I look awesome? Aster says I look the coolest." Grim preened with pride. "Of course, my henchman doesn't look bad either." he added to the amused group who looked up when Aster stepped out.
Aster's outfit had similar affects to Grim's own. He wore deep slate blue tights with dark brown boots that reached just below his knees with a nice heel that gave Aster a slight height boost of two inches. He wore a beautiful white blouse with long flowing sleeves with lacey hems. Around the bottom of the shirt and wrapped around his waist was a deep purple sash with beautiful gold sun, moon, and star decals with soft golden tassels. Similar to Rollo's handkerchief.
Decorating his neck was a black lace choker with a beautiful, golden flower attachment that matched his name in its star shaped appearance. Around his shoulders was a black cape with a deep purple inside that fell to his ankles. His hands possessed black, partial gloves. Atop his head was a hat matching the one Grim wore. And his trusty ghost camera was resting around his waist as it normally did.
Due to his rush that morning, he hadn't been able to do his normal routine which meant his waist long hair was an unusually wild mass of curls that day and it fell in thick curly waves down his back. Giving the boy a near gypsy like look, in the opinion of the one who had aided him.
"Goodness, don't you all make a striking ensemble." Trein praised the group of students.
"The clothes have a very classical design, I note." Riddle observed.
"I believe they're patterned after designs that are over 500 years old. Supposedly people in those days had a tradition of wearing new clothes and shoes on festival days. And the outfits grew brighter and more elaborate as the years went on. People would emulate those in prominent positions, such as nobles, royalty, merchants, knights... which led to the outfits you're wearing now." Rollo explained to them.
"I getcha. Everyone likes getting fancied up, even if it's once a year." Ruggie understood.
"It must have been quite exciting for everyone. I can tell this festival was beloved then as it is now." Rook said.
"Indeed... More's the pity." Rollo mused under his breath.
"Hm, did you say something?" Sebek asked,
"No, nothing at all." Rollo assured the other.
"Thank you for your patience." Malleus said, exiting his room.
"Sir!" Sebek cried with stars in his eyes.
"What a comfort this is to wear. I wouldn't mind taking this home to Briar Valley even." Malleus mused.
"I rather like mine as well." Azul said. "It's both elegant and well-made. And I'm quite enjoying this style!"
"I don't wanna go out... Don't make me..." Idia whimpered.
"President Rollo maintains a very strict timetable. Now move along." The vice said, pushing the other out into the open. Idia sighed once he was out in the open.
"... This sucks. I'm a giant bird now." Idia muttered.
"I believe that's everyone." Trein said, ignoring Idia's complaint.
"I think you look good Idia. You really pull it off." Aster assured his friend who relaxed a bit at that.
"My liege! You look magnificent. No, beyond magnificent. Am I dreaming?" Sebek cried, fan boy at the max. "Humans! Can you see Malleus's noble personage?" He demanded the others.
"Yep." Jamil muttered.
"My word! It's like a dream, and yet it is so very real!" Sebek's excitement only increased along with his volume. "To think there's attire outside of Briar Valley that does justice to my liege's charm... Fleur City had earned my praise!"
"Um, thanks?" The vice questioned, unsure.
"My liege, that black ensemble accentuates your elegant demeanor. You look truly amazing!" Sebek continued, practically singing. It was nearly several minutes later before Sebek turned on Silver. "Come, Silver! Have you nothing to say?!" Sebek demanded.
Silver gave a soft sigh. "I couldn't get a word in. You look truly handsome, Malleus." Silver praised, agreement coming from the others. It was a little unfair really.
"The sentiment is appreciated. Thank you." Malleus told them.
"Malleus! I am far more awestruck than Silver!" Sebek cried.
"Sebek, maybe rein it in a bit. You look like you're going to pass out from excitement." Silver cautioned.
"Also, it's not a competition Sebek." Aster reminded the excitable boy.
"He's geeking out hard core... Yikes..." Idia muttered, hiding behind Aster once more.
"I'm impressed with how unruffled he is in the face of such egregious fawning." Azul muttered.
"Oho? Silver and Sebek, your outfits seem to form a matching pair." Malleus observed with some surprise. Yet it suited them well.
"Yes, sir. I think they designed them so that we'll look good when flanking you." Silver said.
"Very smart of them. Once again, I give my praise to Fleur City!" Sebek exclaimed, this time at the aide who gave the same wary thank you the vice had.
"You both look quite dashing. You'd fit right in amongst any castle's royal guard. I must send Lilia a picture. It would hardly be fair if I were the only one to see you dressed as such." Malleus frowned. "How ever my cellular phone is broken. Aster, would you be willing to take a picture of them for me?" He asked. His answer was the sound of the camera going off and Aster's cheeky grin. Malleus chuckled, realizing the younger had gotten all three of them. "I can see the look of delight on Lilia's face now. It seems we've already gotten one of many souvenirs for him." Malleus realized.
"Thank you, Malleus." Silver said, unable to help the blush at the praise.
Sebek was gleeful. "What generous praise! And just as an aside, my outfit is one size larger than Silver's!" They all wondered what the point of that was.
"What purpose is there in competing over clothing size...?" Trein sighed. "I deduct points for Zigvolt's noisiness, but I'll grant that you all look superb." Trein informed them. "Aren't you glad they provided you with such lovely attire?" he asked them, sending a look at Idia in particular who ducked behind Aster once more.
"Yeah, yeah. I know you have to be polite." he grumbled. "Sorry for making you baby me like that." He apologized.
"Why must you put yourself down so? Have a little confidence." Trein told the boy.
"Can't you ever take a compliment at face value? All that finery is wasted when you're so negative, you know." Azul scolded the other.
"And subject myself to people laughing at me?" Idia cried, leaving the safety of Aster's side. "No thanks. They'd be all like 'LOL he actually believed that? Dude was just being nice, rofl.'" Idia ranted. Aster sighed; he knew that feeling.
"Oh, but Azul, you look great BTW." Idia said with a large, conniving grin on his face that was all teeth. Azul glared at him.
"Am I supposed to believe that after everything you just said?" Azul asked, taking it as a challenge.
"No, really, I mean it. That outfit ups your sus-factor like 100%, e.z." Idia told him.
Aster sighed and decided to take their argument as a chance. Both were startled by the sound of Aster's camera going off. They whipped around to look at him with horrified eyes.
"No, delete it now." Idia demanded in embarrassment.
"Do you really want to disappoint Ortho by not giving him a picture?" Aster asked with a raised brow. Idia grumbled and proceeded to hide behind Azul this time, muttering about Aster being a villain. Azul was in agreement
"Idia and Azul definitely stand out." Ruggie mused, turning to Jamil who was next to him. "They're giving classy vibes, all the way." Ruggie fingered his own outfit. "This thing makes me feel itchy, but... I guess if I think of it like a merchant's outfit, it's not so bad." He settled on.
"True, its has a certain shrewd, calculating air that suits you nicely." Jamil complimented.
Ruggie scowled at him. "Gee, thanks for the back handed compliment. I could say the same about your outfit." he grumbled. It was only thanks to his advanced hearing that he heard the camera shutter and turned to face their resident photographer who merely grinned at them with a mischievous smirk. Both paled as he disappeared to a different part of the group.
"Truce until we get that camera away from him?" Jamil asked.
"Truce." Ruggie answered.
"Why Deuce. You're looking positively gallant. You could be a knight who stepped straight out of a historic painting. You look quite nice." Riddle told his dorm mate.
Deuce blushed. "Oh, um, thank you!" He cried pleased. "Honestly, I feel pretty out of place in this getup, but hearing you say that makes me feel a lot more comfortable. You've got this whole boss vibe going yourself. Way to nail the look!" Deuce complimented his house warden.
Riddle sent Deuce a shrewd look. "I question what 'vibe' that would even be, but I'll accept your sentiments." Riddle decided.
"You guys both look great. I'm jealous." Epel sighed.
"But you look just as nice, Epel. Why are you upset?" Deuce asked out of concern for his friend.
"Well, I mean... My outfits so... cute." he muttered, not pleased. Even Aster's outfit looked cooler than his, especially with the gypsy vibe he gave off.
"Oh yeah, it totally is cute!" Deuce agreed.
"It does have a distinctive charm." Riddle approved.
"That's just it! Why don't I have one that's all knightly like yours? Or more mature and gentlemanly like Rook's? His outfit's all sleek and cool..." Epel trailed off as his dorm mate joined them.
"Merci, Epel! But there's only one person in this world capable of doing justice to your charming attire- you. Your shorts poof out in a way that evokes an apple! I think it's quite fitting for you.
"You do?" Epel asked.
"I agree. Only you could pull off a cool look like that. I say wear it with confidence." Deuce told him.
"...Yeah, maybe I will. Thanks guys! I feel a lot better now! And I'll have to make sure to brag about it to Vil later." Epel chuckled. Rook didn't bring anyone's attention to Aster who was getting another shot of them all.
"Everyone looks so perfect. It's like our clothes were coordinated by an intimate acquaintance. Beaute, one and all. In fact," Rook trailed off, eyes on Azul. "Did you change your glasses, Azul?" he asked. "Your gold frames are most elegant." Rook observed.
"Very observant, Rook. The frame and lenses were provided as a part of my attire." he said before whispering to him quietly. "They knew my glasses prescription- which is a tad disconcerting, admittedly."
"I'm glad to see you all like your gifts. Now you can really get the full Fleur City experience!" The Vice said excitedly.
"Thank you for the incredible outfits." Aster told the Nobel Bell students.
"Yes, yes. Very good. On to exploring then. There's much to see in Fleur City- far more than time will allow, in fact." Rollo informed them.
"Absolutely! There's going to be a show at the festival this evening. I'd highly recommend seeing it." the Vice informed them.
Rollo sighed. "The festival. We have even less time then." he muttered to himself.
Author's Note: I made myself laugh at the truce part between Jamil and Ruggie. Probably just me. But I thought it was amusing anyhow. Until the next chapter.