Chapter 5-13: Straight for the Dunk

"Trein is still resting in bed," A familiar voice answers.

The group turns to see Malleus, Briar, Azul, and Idia.

Malleus explains, "He stayed up for quite a while taking care of things in the aftermath, and I'm certain his back still hurts. We can let him sleep."

"Man, I wish that were me…" Idia says.

Azul notices, "Oh, are we the last to arrive? Sorry if we kept you."

"After what happened, we did need some rest after getting to the bell tower," Briar says.

Sebek rushes over, "My liege! Did you rest well?"

"Yes. I'm feeling fully recovered. Both my stamina and my magical reserves are restored," Malleus says.

"You recovered fully in a DAY?" Jamil questions in shock, "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised someone with your massive reserves can replenish them quickly…"

Deuce rushes to Azul, "Azul! I hope you kept your promise and got Rollo good!"

"Of course. I upheld my end of the deal with a superb blow. I hope you enjoy this evening as much as I plan to. I'll just be on my way, then…" Azul says.

Deuce is dumbfounded, "Huh?! Wait, hold up, Azul! Give me back my magic!"

And Azul begins laughing, "Haha! That was a joke, I assure you."

Then Azul gets out the golden contract.

"Here's your contract. I hereby dissolve it," Azul says, and dissolves the contract.

Deuce is relieved, "Whew... I was kinda worried you might just keep it."

"'Kinda' worried? You should be VERY worried," Azul says, giving Deuce a stern lecture, "You need to start thinking before you act, or you're going to make a terrible mistake one day. Not everyone out there is as benevolent as I am. The next time you sign a contract, do your due diligence and make sure you're not getting taken for a ride.

"Yes, sir. I'll be more careful," Deuce says, understanding Azul's statement.

"As you should be. You could stand to be a little less trusting. Of course, I'm ENTIRELY trustworthy. You may sign indiscriminately when it's one of my contracts.," Azul says.

"Oh, really? Well, I guess you DID just give me back my spell without any fuss…" Deuce says.

But Riddle quickly says, "Deuce! You're letting Azul swindle you already!"

Rook then turns to Idia, "Idia. I knew someone with your boundless kindness and courage would manage to ring the Bell of Solace. Let us enjoy the ball to its fullest!"

"Actually, uh, I think I'm good... I've said my hellos, so I'm just gonna head back to my room now…" Idia says.

But Sebek calls out, "WAIT, HUMAN! Malleus told me of your deeds. You thwarted Rollo with superior logic and soundly chastised him, yes? You may be a twisted, irksome human, but I suppose even a broken clock is right twice a day!"

"Way to start with a compliment before going straight for the dunk... Look, I don't need this. Just leave me alone," Idia says, not really interested.

"We aren't so rude as to ignore those deserving of proper credit," Sebek says.

"Yeah. Modesty is a virtue and all, but you can take it too far. You deserve to celebrate your accomplishments," Silver agrees.

"Ooh, sounds like this calls for an air toss, huh?" Ruggie says.

Hearing it, Sebek says, "You know... I think you're onto something, human!"

Idia panics, "Tossing me into the air?! On another school's Main Street?! Nope, the hardest possible nope!"

"Let's do it, Sebek. You get his legs," Sebek says.

Idia cries out, "NOOO!"

But then, Malleus says, "The aerial toss can wait. Let us head for the ball before Trein wakes up. A teacher would be loath to condone holding a ball directly after a major incident. But Trein values etiquette. He wouldn't interrupt everyone's fun once the ball was underway."

"I have to agree. The ball will be starting soon, so it's best we start heading over," Briar says.

"But, wait, the ball's supposed to be in the lecture hall, right? A chandelier fell down in there, and there are bound to be wilted flowers all over the place…" Deuce says, "I'm not sure we're gonna be able to have it there."

But suddenly, Che'nya appears, "Don't mew worry about that," and it's just his head too.

Deuce yelps, "WHOA!"

Grim and Sereia yelp in response.

Riddle sternly says to Che'nya, "Chenya, you know better than to scare people like that."

"Hey, I make my entrances how I want," Che'nya says.

Then Neige walks over to say, "Good evening, everyone!"

Seeing Neige, Rook says, "Ah, Roi des Neiges, you're here as well! I see the glow has returned to your cheeks. I'm truly relieved that you're hale and hearty."

"I'm so glad you're all okay! I was incredibly worried about you," Neige replies, "Here's hoping we all have fun at the ball tonight. Heh heh, we'd better go get changed!"

Epel remains silent. Everyone else remains silent as well.

Neige notices Epel to ask, "Hey... Why the long faces? Is something wrong? Oh no, are you hurt?"

"Hardly, "Azul says, "We know the lecture hall is in shambles, so we were just questioning if it's in any shape for a ball."

"Yeah, and I said not to worry about it! After all… He cleaned the whole place from floor to ceiling," Che'nya says.

"Who are you referring to?" Riddle asks.

"He's him, of course! Not us or them, but him!" Che'nya says.

Neige says to Che'nya, "Come on, Chenya, do you have to tease them? Rollo cleaned the whole place up."

The students are shocked to hear it.

"Yeah, that's the guy!" Che'nya says, "I saw him cleaning here, there, and everywhere the last time I took a little looksie in the hall."

"We offered to help, but he insisted that the guests of honor should rest," Neige says.

"Was Flamme alone?" Malleus asks.

"Sure was! Big room, one guy! Who signs up for that?" Che'nya says.

Then Neige says, "He told his schoolmates to rest, seeing as they were exhausted. It's just great how he banded together with you all to save us. What a swell guy."

"Oh, yes. And for my part, I'm quite amazed at how guileless you Royal Sword Academy boys are," Azul says.

"Gosh, that's so nice. Thank you!" Neige happily says.

"That was clearly a backhanded compliment, but he's acting all happy about it... Yep, just went right over his head…" Idia replies.

"I'll see you guys at the ball. I'm so glad we were able to help one another during that whole ordeal," Neige says.

'Yeah, um... You really saved us," Epel replies.

Neige giggles, "Heh heh, you did just the same for us. Let's keep doing our part as representatives of Sage's Island arcane academies."

Che'nya then says, "Cat-ch you on the flip side! Hum hum huuum huuum…" and soon disappears as Neige heads to the lecture hall.

Once the Night Raven students are gone, the group is surprised to learn of Rollo's actions.

"Rollo fixed up the whole venue by himself? Nobody asked him to do that. Geez, why'd he go and do a thing like that…" Idia replies.

"Why would he take such toil upon himself? Is it his idea of atonement?" Malleus questions.

And Azul says, "Who can say? It's possible he just didn't want to accept help from mages… But also, after that battle, I imagine just walking would be a feat for him. And he cares quite a bit about appearances."

"I'm not sure. But still, it's amazing that he went through the trouble to get the lecture hall fixed up," Briar says.

Suddenly, they hear the bell ringing.

"Ah... There's the nighttime bell," Malleus says, "It's time for the ball to begin. Let us head to the venue."