Kaza meets Addaellis: the meme

As promised, the meme to last week's scene!

And...because we all know I'm indecisive, I think I'm actually doing a different story for NaNo 2014. This is because Sun Dagger as always been my go-to for writing episode-by-episode and despite having a semi-plausible idea for a novel plot, I think I would rather keep it in little parts and develop the world that way. XD More next week. 

WC: 769

Pick a character: He or She or It has just broken the fourth wall to come to visit you. 

Kaza at 11/12ish/ the age he is in Sun Dagger. 

1. Their reaction: Surprised. Completely creeped out by how everything looks and the trees and the “metal trees” and honestly scared shitless. Once he calms down he tries to figure out what’s going on.  

2. What is the first thing they say upon entering our world? “Where am I?…Who am I supposed to be here? Uhm…excuse me?” 

3. They find out you are their author/ the god of their universe. Their reaction? “You are…the creator of all things? Even before the Gran Tkalis? What…what does that even mean?” Decides eventually that this means that I was the parent/ one of the sibling deities of Gran. Once I tell him that he’s the protagonist, he’d be like (after a lot of contemplation)“…I’m not sure the world works that way, even if you think you built it that way. The Gran Tkalis thought that we were just portions of his children, but we have individual feelings and thoughts too…I’m just a character in a world you built, one that you decided to focus on. But everyone else in my world is just as real and complex.” Aka “I respect your power but I’m not sure that you’re entirely right.” 

4. Until they can return to their world, they have to stay with you. How do the living accommodations go? How does your present roommate react? He’s gotta hide in my room or my brother’s room. Like, maybe we can pass him off as a friend of Wells’s. Once we get him some more modern clothes anyways. 

5. Who do they miss? Ani the most. My brother’s wisecracks would be a mean and thoughtful version of Ani’s headstrong and brash statements. We’d be poor company, although he’d get comfortable with asking us about stuff. After than, He’d miss talking to and working on stuff with Eli and Kiwa. I would remind him of Keri, with how talkative we are.  

6. What aspect of their world do they miss? His city, the open space, and knowing everyone. The simple and community-based lifestyle basically.  

7. What do they like most about your world? The university and forums. Lectures would be familiar (aside from the AC) and he’d love listening to new ideas about how the world works. He’d be interested in how online forums connect people’s thoughts, and be very interested to hear even the trolls.  

8. What do they hate most about your world? Money/ the capitalistic aspect of it. The concept of working for something that buys material things would be more foreign and unappreciated than even the concept of working for power.  

9. What do you guys do together while they're here? He would come to class with me! He’d probably try watching me write sometimes, and otherwise just try to gather as much information as he could about this world. 

10. Actually, why are they even here? Was the visit accidental? Are they demanding something? He might have been trying to get help from a different “realm” or something and instead was transported here. Once he understands what I can do, he would ask me to help solve the problems in his world, but would be absolutely against my just erasing them and giving them a happy-go-lucky existence. 

11. When it's time to send them back, how do you two part? Shake hands, something cordial like “Hope you enjoyed your time here”. “Yes, thank you for your hospitality. Please continue to take care of me when I return.” 

12. How long was this visit? A few weeks, months, less than a year for certain though.  

13. Does any aspect of their behavior change after their experience with you? (Assume time has passed and they remember their time with you for this question) He’d probably tell Ani and Kiwa in confidence about it, but then more or less keep it to himself. He’d occasionally wonder something like “Is this what she would call a plot point? How many times has she revised until our lives became like this? Or is this moment a revision that I will forget in an instant, rewritten by another drop of ink?” 

14. And how would their reaction be if they reappeared in your world again after the conflict in their world was resolved? (Assume they recognize their world and reappear next to you while you’re alone and finishing up editing their story.) Hello! Life goes on though, doesn’t it? I don’t suppose there’s a sequel?

Kaza meets Addaellis

Salve! Apologies for the late update ><"

TL;DR: BLOOD OF OLYMPUS. I've been breaking the fourth wall in anticipation of Sun Dagger for NaNo 2014. This is a rough scene/ writing exercise.

Reading: The fifth and final book of the Heroes of Olympus, came out on the seventh! :D :D :D :D Despite school, I finished it in two days. XD This marks the conclusion of my favorite series (yes, this beats even Harry Potter for me) and a world of wondering at the ending. It's a brilliant ending, although not without Rick Riordan, Troll in Chief's touch. D: D: D: D: D: I'm suspecting answers will be hinted at in Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, due in 2015.

Writing: For NaNoWriMo, I plan on adding 50K to the Sun Dagger word count. This week, in anticipation of that, I wrote a scene where Kaza is pulled through the fourth wall to and meets addaellis, aka me! ^_^ (this concept just drips with self deification -_-)

This is posted anachronously. The accompanying Break the Fourth wall meme I made up for Forsaken and I was heavily referenced (this will be posted next week!) This was supposed to be a short 20 minute writing sprint. I got a little carried away and ignored the 20 minutes part.

I have problems with the wording in places. I was getting sleepy as I edited, which is probably why Kaza's dialogue is a weird sounding and why Adda sounds entirely haughty. This might be edited further to address those issues but it was really just a speedwrite. We'll see.

Nevertheless, I hope you like it! Next time is the meme that preceded this scene. Also, I might be updating the Projects Page and Index soon, so if that changes, please don't be alarmed.

Word Count: 1,013

Character: Tkalis Kaza, from the pen of addaellis.
Setting: A timeless void (some random room in the Writer’s Convention).  

Sand and dust settled around Kaza. When he emerged from the swirling sand, he saw nothing but darkness and the twinkle of stars in every direction. He blinked, thinking his eyes would adjust to the darkness. But the blackness persisted. He looked down to find his bearings and found the ground equally discocerting. He could hear the sounds running water below him if he concentrated enough, and when he concentrated even more he could feel cool but not cold water running through his toes. The water moved quickly, then slowed, then quickened again. Despite the pull of the water though, he was not pulled by the current. His feet felt like they stood on firm ground, and when he walked, he did so without apparent splashes in the smooth ground.  

Evidently, Kaza was not in Anasazi Xhihalla. In fact, he reckoned he was not in any place that Sun Tribe ever rode. Kaza immediately kept alert. In that case, who was he in this new place?  

“Welcome, Tkalis Kaza,” a voice greeted. Below his feet, the water slowed to a calm and he looked up to see a woman crossing to meet him. She was dressed in strange draping clothes that flowed off her like the river beneath his feet.  

He raised his hand in greeting. “Excuse me, Are you familiar with this place?” 

“I am.” She responded. “Let’s not waste time with introductions. I am Adda Ellis, the avatar of your Writer. Everything you or your world entails is a figment of my imagination, penned into words or drawings. This is a room in my mind; here we may speak briefly.” They shook hands and from the instant their skin touched he had a sudden understanding of what she just said. 

Kaza was a little concerned by the words she used and the authority with which she spoke. “Writer…As in…the created of all things? Even before the Gran Tkalis?” 

“Yes. I created Gran to create your world. You though, are the protagonist.”  

Kaza struggled over her words. He might have struggled longer, but she touched his shoulder in a comforting motion. Again, understanding filled him. Several weeks of contemplation filled him in an instant. Mentally, he likened her to the sibling or parent of the Gran Tkalis. As such, he spoke with respect, but candor—it would not do to hide his grievances against her. A being of that magnitude of power would be able to able to handle his small qualms, and would know his thought anyways, maybe even before he had it. 

“I…see. Yet..I don’t think it works exactly that way though, even if you think you built it that way. The Gran Tkalis thought that we were just portions of his children, but we have individual feelings and thoughts too. I’m just a character in a world you built, one that you decided to focus on. But everyone else in my world is just as real and complex.” He lowered his head in a humble bow. “I respect your power, but am not sure you are entirely right.” 

Adda Ellis returned the bow, opening her arms in welcome. “But you do grant me the ability to manipulate your world?” 

“If you do reserve that power, I’d rather you use it to help the problems that are happening in my world.” 

“Would you prefer if I erased these problems completely?”  

He thought about her offer for a moment and made up his mind as soon as he could: “No. That would make our existences meaningless, not only for ourselves, but for your stories as well, wouldn’t it?” 

Adda Ellis nodded. He had come around to her way of thinking very well. 

“Definitely not then,” he decided. “But can you give me the guarantee that we will solve these quandaries and come out stronger for it?” 

She smiled. “Of course. There wouldn’t be much of a story if that didn’t happen, did it?” She summoned a ceramic vial from the nothingness around them. “What though, you don’t seek to elicit a promise not to kill off those dear to you?” 

Kaza had a sudden insight that the vial in she was holding was one that could save any of his friends—even bring them back from the dead. He took a step forward instinctively, then stopped.  

It was true he wanted to protect those close to him. He didn’t want anyone to be hurt, even those opposing him and Hopa, if that were possible. But there was something wrong with that guarantee.  

“There’s a catch, isn’t there?” 

“No, no, no catch.” She held the vial out to him temptingly. “None as bad as you think anyways.” 

“I’d love some of that. But….” He couldn’t shake the feeling that the vial was trouble. If there was meant to be a way to save everyone, then he would definitely come by it by his own power. If not, then he would know it was in the will of their fates for tragedy to happen. He hated to condemn anyone to that, but could not bring himself to accept a panacea in blind faith. 

“I see your train of thought,” Adda interrupted. “Well, if you think so.” She banished the vial. Kaza was surprised he didn’t feel regret at its disappearance. “Alas, your time here runs thin. Naturally you won’t remember your time here,” she said briskly,  She reached forward and they shook hands again. “But I’m sure we will meet again. I hope you enjoyed your time here.” 

“Thank you. Please continue to take care of me when I return to my world.”
Her smile wasn’t exactly reassuring as golden sand swirled again around his feet. In a moment, his senses left him and he vanished from the void. He hoped he had done well enough—impressed this avatar enough so that his visit did good. Writer or not, it did no good to offend those that would be friends. 

Roleplay Applications!

Hi there!
This is a middle of the week update, but I felt like posting something anyways!

Before NaNo, I finished two applications for roleplays on deviantART and wanted to share them here, where I rant unabashedly about my characters and their universe anyways. WARNING: this is going to be me just ranting about character backstories that will probably never really amount to anything.

Tea Essence: Jane Exina. [Link to dA full app] (Accepted! :D)

Aside from having the most plain name (as far as I know) in my stories, Jane's also one of those characters that I majorly changed a few years back when I re-warped my entire imaginary world. For the roleplay she doesn't do any magic but summoning her tea essence, but in my worlds, she's still in a dark magic prodigy with an interest in psychology. The differences though: her age shrunk, originally from around 20 to 6 and finally to around 15. Her frame shrunk and grew along with those changes as well. Most significantly though, she's now physically frail and quite sickly.

The original Jane was in Dawn Eternia's background stories (first part linked from here) and could technically be the same person, but I'm not quite counting on it. Since Dawn's story hasn't changed, I suppose I'm just considering it a different person? :P Go me and my complicating weirdness. >.<"

TRW-exclusive trivia! Again in my story version of her, she's the leader of a superhero team called J.U.L.I.E.T.. There'll be more on J.U.L.I.E.T., probably around when I introduce the Sixteen. Her codename is "Shadowlight" which was created by some civilians who saw her using "dark" and "light" colored magic. Her favorite food, as indicated in the Crack OC meme is pumpkin pie XD. Her mother was part of a military "supergroup" as well

Grand Cross Academy: Fiana Lunaltusiem. [written profile] [artsy profile] (they're the same thing, just different formats). (Accepted! :D)

This is the same Fiana that's shown up as a super side character in the Spring Ball Trouble arc as well as the ECA segments. And being a minor character in a bunch of stories is kind of how she caught my attention. Let's be a little silly and break some fourth wall barriers here:

So I'm working on a few character profiles, just tidying things up and drawing relationship trees when I realized that Fiana shows up as a relation for a lot of characters in the Sixteen (16 characters I'm considering my main protagonists; I'll introduce them sometime).
And so I laugh and say "Well, that's good. She's a good minor character. I'll never have to write her story out."
But she's obviously not as complacent and as much a identity-confused pushover as I had initially thought of her as because she decides to tell me: "I'm a little tired of being a minor character for everyone. Can I...walk away from my life and have my own adventure?"
Being the magnanimous writer I am, I looked into her story a bit and told her, "Yea, if you can find the courage to get up and actually walk away, I'll give you your own adventure." And she actually does it. So based on the only notes I had for her before (white haired, yellow eyes, demigod, always looks sad, healing and weapons class, likes reading, identity confused) I revised a few things about her person and let her in a roleplay. Thus far, I think she likes the artistic attention. :)

TRW-exclusive trivia! Fiana's got a bunch of different surnames, all of which give her a different person and identity to associate herself with. Also included are a bunch of character relations.

Tallwater: Her father's, Ivian Tallwater, surname. Fiana uses this name for most of her childhood. He's  very protective of her, to the point of being controlling and demanding. His sour relationship with her step-brother (his step-son) causes rifts sometimes, but underneath everything he is always proud of her achievements and her effort.

Maur: Her stepmother's, Jemma Pryce Maur, surname. Jemma is a very famous actress and the niece of the lord of their fief, so Fiana is sometimes referred to as such. Neither she nor her step-mother appreciate this naming. Although outwardly Jemma seems to dote on her stepdaughter, she thinks Fiana is quite silly and weak. For a laugh she might hang scary pictures in the hallways to intimidate her. Jemma does not approve of Fiana's mainly aesthetic use for magic.

Synisar: Her seraphic parent's surname. Aldis and people at the temple sometimes call her "Fiana Synisar" to remind her that she is her own person, not just an extension/ property of her father.

DiEntario: Her step-seraph parent's surname, given in the hope the she might bring peace between her mother and this seraph by marrying a son of this seraph. Ironically, Fiana's step-brother would fill this criteria. Both of them strongly reject the idea.

Fin Fian/ Fiana Villosa: A title that's supposed to mean "Healer of the Mind" because of her work in the psychological illness field later on in life. Even though it was meant to be an honor, Fiana grows almost irritated because to her, it comes to represent the almost unreasonable expectations placed on her by society.

Lunaltusiem: After Fiana becomes recruited to become a "Ghost of Cieonna Halls"--a servant of the Master of the mystical Cieonna Halls and Keeper of the Chasm of Secrets--a moon-rabbit friend recommends the name to her: a combination of "Luna" for Moon, and "altus" for High Priestess. Her master thinks it's a cruel and funny thing and calls her by that name; she doesn't pick up that he is mocking and instead sees it as something original. Thus, almost ironically, this is the name that she eventually adopts.

A few last notes:
Unfortunately due to NaNo and then school and my procrastination abilities, I haven't actually been able to draw, much less submit a lot of stuff. I'm barely keeping up with the December drawing challenge as is and only the first two-three days have actually post-able quality and content material.

We'll talk after finals. If you read all the way down here, then I commend you and apologize for ranting like this. Good luck to anyone taking finals soon! :D

Crack OC Meme

Hey! Should be studying for midterms, not, perfect time to post something that I finished just before NaNo started! (can it be? Only 10 days ago?) 

This was a meme I found (and will be reposting) on deviantart. I'm going to break some of this up and add my comments for posting here though! :)

RULES:

- Pick 10 of your OC in any order. If you don’t have 10 characters use canon.

- Don't look at the questions while picking the characters!

- Link back to the blank.

- Have fun! 

PICK YOUR VICTIMS!

*I put in ages and occupations for reference. 

**For the sake of following the meme and having fun, some of this is slightly out of character. But that was to be expected, after all. And they’re not all from the same time. I have stories thought out for some of them and this might be before or after their tales. >.<

1.  Alina Zephyr  (16; soldier, dollmaker)

2. Fiana Lunaltusiem  (16; student, healer)

3.  Jane Exina  (14; reader, teamaker)

4. Sonora Li (19; student, tarot-summoner)

5.  Auris Eternia  (9; student)

6.  Evan Blackthorn  (19; student, prince, mercenary)

7.  Ever Blaize  (8; servant)

8.  Emile Errolheart (10; student)

9. Tkalis Kaza  (11; mage-priest-medic)

10.  Elysia Intana Kieran  (20; swordsman, temple sister)

The ten victims!

1. Alina: Even though I haven't actually written her story out, I think she's one of my favorite OCs. Naturally, that means I like picking on her. :)

2. Fiana: A roleplay character for the roleplay I found this on. Obvious choice. I've also been drawing her a lot recently.

3. Jane: Another recent roleplay character! (I have a blurb on Fiana and Jane I'll post soon too)

4-8. Sonora, Auris, Evan, Ever, Emile: All are characters in my NaNoNovel, so I figured I would get a chance writing them before I got into NaNo. Um... not all of them actually behave this way in the novel...because some of it is after the story...It's confusing XD

9. Kaza: From Sun Dagger! :) This is actually minorly plotspoilery because it indicates some of the stuff he does later. Not really that much though :P

10. Elysia: The ECA representative. I was debating whether to throw her or Celestine or Arlin into the pot and almost randomly decided on her. So...yea!\

I just noticed, I probably should have included Eileen/ Enlaika in this...but I didn't...oh well. :x

-------------

1. How will [1] describe [6]? 

1=Alina Zephyr. 6= Evan Blackthorn

Alina: Prince Blackthorn? Huh. He is a good fighter, I suppose, and kind enough to spar with me, though I am an Object. I know others better acquainted with him that have described him as “decent”. Thus far I have seen no evidence that he is not. He does not aim to take the Avis Fior co-rulership, but I think that if he were to, he would not be a bad king.

 2. [5] and [4] were locked in a closet together. What does [10] see when he/she found them? 

5= Auris Eternia, 4= Sonora Li, 10= Elysia Intana Kieran

Sonora is sitting against one wall, Auris against another. They’re talking alternatively about astronomy and possession when Elysia opens the door, looking for a piece of armor she misplaced…

Auris: THANK GOODNESS. I mean, thank you for unlocking the door. 

Elysia: *raises and eyebrow* Did the two of you finally decide to have your talk? And you couldn’t find a quiet room except for the closet?

Sonora: It was an accident, *awkward chuckle*. Um…it was nice talking to you, Auris. 

Auris: Likewise, Miss Li. Um…I look forward to working more with you…later?

Sonora: Of course. (Later to Elysia): Thank you for coming to our rescue. That was seriously the most awkward conversation I’ve ever been in. It was like…

Elysia: Talking to a character from a book you wrote?

Sonora: Exactly. It was stranger than I’d thought it would be.

Note for #2: Minorly references something that happens in Campus Curse. 

 3. For whatever reason, [7] decides to kiss [2]. How does [2] react?

7= Ever Blaize, 2= Fiana Lunaltusiem

Ever: *kiss on cheek*

Fiana: Ah-h? What…

Ever: Thank you for always taking care of me. It must be such a hassle…. I know you don’t have a lot to spare for someone small like me who can’t do anything, but you and Aldis always take care of me…. I don’t have a lot of friends, so you’re…like the older sister I never had. 

Fiana: Aww… Don’t worry. You do your best. And it’s horrible to be lonely in life. We can be each others’ sisters. *Hug*.

 4. [2] randomly walks in and sees [9] is at least half naked. 

2= Fiana Lunaltusiem, 9= Tkalis Kaza

Fiana: *humming as she walks into the pool room.* A nice relaxing swim would be the perfect way to start the day. Oh hello Kaz—eek! Sorry! *Quickly covers her eyes and turns around, burrowing her face in her towel.*

Kaza: ahh…sorry about that. *quickly finishes drying up and puts on a breechcloth and robe*

Fiana: I-I did I walk in the wrong room? I-I’m sorry!

Kaza: Oh, no. I was just using the warm water from the warm pool for healing…the only major healing spell I know doesn’t work very well with clothes….and um…I was hoping no one would go for a swim so early….

Fiana: I’ve never heard of such a spell…Are you finished dressing?

Kaza: Yes. Sorry about that.

Fiana: I’m sorry for randomly barging in. 

Kaza: It’s ok… I should have posted a warning….I’m going to go now… I’ll um…show you that spell sometime…

Fiana: That’s be lovely! I’m always open to new methods of healing. Oh but would it be…proper?

Kaza: *realizes the same thing and blushes* On second thought, I’ll just write the ritual down…. 

Note for #4: This was rather awkward and hilarious to write. I didn't think this was a very good pair for this question :P

 5. What is [3] theme song? Favorite food if [3] doesn’t have theme song.

3= Jane Exina

Jane: Whitney Houston’s “One Moment in Time”, undoubtedly.

For music I also enjoyed “Diary of Jane” by Breaking Benjamin, though that may just be because of the rhythm and the title. Sometimes I play Avril Lavigne’s “Keep Holding On” or “Innocence” when I’m upset. “Europa” by Globus is an excellent choice as well.

 My favorite tea is rooibos, of course. African red bush tea. But you didn’t ask for that. Pumpkin pie, no cream, is my favorite food. The two go well together. 

 6. And what is [8] opinion about [3] theme song? If [3] doesn’t have a theme song make [8] eats [3]’s wallet. 

8= Emile Errolheart, 3= Jane Exina

Emile: “One Moment in Time”? Honestly? You’re a rich little girl! You always have choices. And what do you care about tasting pain or breaking hearts? You’re a cold-hearted little witch.

 And the other choices… “Diary of Jane” and “Europa” are nothing like “Keep Holding On” or “Innocence”, none of which suit you at all. Well, maybe “Europa”. It’s bloody enough for you, isn’t it? I thought “Breathe Me” by Sia would better suit you. You’re a sick, masochistic little girl.

Note for #5/6: I actually really liked writing these last two. It was pretty fun writing about Jane with her talking and getting Emile, who's a pretty blunt, mean little boy, to comment on it. 

 7. [5] has a drink in a bar and discovers [10] is a strip dancer. 

5= Auris Eternia, 10= Elysia Intana Kieran. 

Tired from walking home, Auris stops by a bar and orders a water. He is about to leave when he notices and recognizes Elysia walking off the stage. Rubbing his eyes in disbelief and casting a spell against illusions and visions, he tracks her outside where he confirms it’s her.*

Auris: Ely-Elysia—what-what there—I-what—what were you doing?! 

Elysia: …And what exactly do you think I was doing?

Auris: You-you were on the dancing stage, where all the-the scantly clad women were. 

Elysia: Uh…huh….and why were you in this place where the “scantly clad women” are?

Auris: Oh, well, I was just going to well you see, I’m learning about the Seraph of the Devil now? And that seraph is also the patron of such houses. I decided it would be an educational experience to try my hand at working in one of these houses to further my understanding of the Fifteenth Seraph. 

Auris: Oh…I-I thought you practiced the Sign sect though?

Elysia: The Sanctus Aedes—Holy House—does not differentiate between the sects. A good Sister would be knowledgeable in all branches of belief. Though I don’t encourage this, it’s necessary to understand it.

Auris: …O-okay…if you say so….

Note for #7: This was....really really weird to write. Because Auris is...9...and nine-year-olds don't go in bars. And Elysia works in the religious house of her world...and wouldn't be a stripper. So... I thought of Elysia saying her lines sarcastically, but she's so deadpan when she says it that Auris, who doesn't really understand sarcasm yet, doesn't catch it.

 8. So [5] was completely drunk and wakes up in bed next to… [9] and [1]?! 

5= Auris Eternia, 9= Tkalis Kaza, 1= Alina Zephyr

Auris: UGhhh what’s going on? What happened?

Alina: Kaza, I never thought I would meet a person with a more curious spell than my unlocking one. But this drunk-state inducing one is certainly very curious. 

Kaza: *slurring words* It-watshn’t suhpposed to make heem drunk…

Alina: I suppose it was not meant to backfire either. 

Auris: Something about a spill? I have a rag to clean it up.

Alina: That is my pillow, thank you very much. Now go back to sleep, both of you. The effect will wear off after a good night of rest.

Kaza: Esht thees how eets suuhpposed to feel ahfter dreenking?

Alina: It depends. Go to sleep.

Auris: I’m too short to make a slam dunk…

Alina: Sleep!

Kaza: Hwat’s a slam dunk?

Alina: …=_=

Note for #8: This was funny. I didn't like it too much though. Aside from writing a drunk Kaza slurring his words and hearing things wrong.

 9. Something exploded and now [2], [6] and [8] are gender bended! How do they react? 

2=Fiana Lunaltusiem, 6= Evan Blackthorn, 8= Emile Errolheart

Female!Emile: Ughh… *cough cough* ahh What happened to my voice?!

Male!Fiana: Oh dear…I feel very strange…*decides to stay quiet.*

Female!Evan: …great, I have breasts now! And why is my hair so long? *Tries to comb his now-long hair out*

Emile: I’m a GIRL?!!!

Fiana: It seems our genders have been…swapped. Hm…I suppose I can still do everything I used to….

Emile: I’m a GIRL!! D: *despair*

Evan: Fiana, I can’t believe I’m asking you for this, but do you have a comb or brush? And a hair tie? 

Emile: I am soooo not cooking for anyone. And I am totally not going shopping. That’s just too much.

Fiana: Here you go, Evan. Hm… I just realized I might be able to lift larger loads at the library and hospital now…this is actually quite fine. 

Emile: And heels and makeup and purses. No way. 

Evan: Fiana you actually look pretty nice as a guy. Short hair looks nice on you. Though the skirt… We should call you Fin. And Emile, you make a cute girl. If you tied your hair in pigtails you might even look and sound a little like Ever. 

Emile: I sound like Ever? *Excited*

Fin: *giggles a little, which comes out as a deep chuckle* I don’t actually mind the short hair… You can be Evana then? It even means the same. 

Evana: Evana Blackthorn, assassin and seductress *strikes a pose* I mean, princess and student. Haha, why not? What about you, Emile? How does Emily Errolheart sound?

Emile Emily: Noo… *wail* This isn’t funny! Change me back! T_T

Note for #9: This was probably one of my favorite questions in this meme, as the length probably suggests. And of course, I had to give them new names for their new genders. I was really excited to find names that were similar to their original names. Especially Fiana's, since one of her other names is "Fin Fian" and in her male form she becomes "Fin."Fiana was too ok with her new gender that it wasn't that interesting, but I think the guys--I mean girls'--reactions were fairly amusing.

 10. [1] suddenly feels an urge to chase after unicorns. What do [3] do to help him/her? 

1= Alina Zephyr, 3= Jane Exina

Jane: Hello Alina. Where’re you going out to?

Alina: I am going to chase unicorns now. It suddenly struck my fancy to. 

Jane: Collecting potion ingredients? Or just for the exercise?

Alina: I have not yet decided. Probably just to amuse me. 

Jane: If you don’t mind a slowpoke, I’ll come with you. I’ve read that they like rainbows. Perhaps if we brought some water we could tempt them to come closer.

Alina: Excellent idea. I would enjoy the company. 

 11. [4] is getting married to a rainbow dinosaur. How did it happen? Does [7] do anything about it? 

4= Sonora Li, 7= Ever Blaize

Sonora: A rainbow dinosaur? Why do my arranged marriages suck so much? First I get paired with an oily, power-hungry hermit, then an arrogant, perverted geek, and now a random, rainbow dinosaur? We’re not even the same species this time!

Ever: I don’t know…maybe just…bad luck? You should be glad so many people want to marry you, Sona. 

Sonora: But I already have someone I like…Why does my love life suck so much? Why is it that every time some group needs a peace treaty my hand and heart go to the chopping block?

Ever: That’s a good question actually…who started the war with the rainbow dinosaurs? 

Sonora: No one knows….Well, if it means peace, I suppose. 

Ever: And knowing your track record, peace will be established and you won’t actually need to be married!

Sonora: And maybe the dinosaur will be nice. Maybe he’ll be friendly and content with life. Oh! What if he was a pterodactyl? Those fly! Maybe he’ll teach me to fly!

Ever: That’s the way to think of it! Can I be the flower girl?

Sonora: Only if I have to go through with it. And don’t set the flowers on fire. 

Note for #11: This might be a bit of an inside joke that only I and maybe my brother would get. heh.

 12. [8] is being chased by evil toys in a locked toy factory with a pen as his/her only weapon. Does he/she survive through the night? 

8= Emile Errolheart

<i> He’s screwed. Majorly, unless he has someone more creative and magical to protect him. </i>

Emile: Well, I suppose I’d be ok. I mean, as long as I don’t have to worry about anyone else, I think I could manage. I mean, they’re just toys, right? What’s the worst they can do? Make a giant pile around me? I’d just chill by the door until morning. 

And what’s with the useless pen? What am I supposed to do? Doodle on them if they get too close? Seriously.  

Note for #12: Irony is a very good part of my image for Emile hehehe!

 13. [5], [7] and [10] is having a picnic. Suddenly a giant pink donut falls out from the sky. Which one of them is likely to get hit by it? 

5= Auris Eternia, 7= Ever Blaize, 10= Elysia Intana Kieran

Auris: Watch out! Incoming donut! *Summons his phoenix and takes to the sky, grabbing Ever with him as he escapes through the hole in the center.*

Elysia: Huh? Oh, huh.

Elysia looks up too late to move and grabs her sword. As the donut comes down she unsheathes and swings, aiming to slice the donut so it won’t hit her. Her cut is fine, but then the jelly filling flies out and rains all over her, leaving her covered with jelly, donut and pink frosting. 

Ever: Oh dear…um…we’ll help you eat it? 

Elysia: Doesn’t seem poisonous. Be my guest. 

 14. [8] stole [6] most valuable item (or person). What happen next? 

8= Emile Errolheart, 6= Evan Blackthorn

When Evan discovers the theft, he stalks and corners Emile. 

“Errolheart….”

Emile turns. Behind him is a wall of shadow, darkness radiating off a vaguely humanoid figure. Even anti-magic Emile can feel the gravity of the black magic gathering in front of him, pulling at the bonds between his soul and body. There is no order to this magic. It is everything and nothing at once, a black hole sending off an occasional spark of color. At the center of this shadow, unmoving in a constantly shifting cloud of energy and power, are two small points of light: bright, colorless slits that drill through everything, exactly like the event horizon that warps and razes everything that so much as grazes it.

Emile balks, forgets that he can speak, forgets that he can move, forgets why this demonic spirit is after his blood. All he can remember is that he is alive, very pitifully alive, and that he is about to feel what eternal torture means.

<i> Actually, knowing them, it’d go somewhat more like this: </i>

Emile: Evan. I stole your most valuable item. What’re you going to do about it?

Evan: Uhh…what’s my most valuable item again?

Emile: *facepalm*

 15. [10] found a Death Note! Who dies? 

10= Elysia Intana Kieran

Elysia: Oh, cool? Dear Seraph XIII, Death. How do I use this?….Oh, that’s helpful. Completely helpful. Because I completely didn’t know that much. Well then.

 *Writes: Vesper Jinan Wisteria. Cause of death: Asphyxiates when he next says something rude or arrogant.* 

Elysia: Well then, I’m giving him a chance to live. But if he doesn’t…hehehe. We’ll see just how well this note works. >:)

Note for #15: I couldn't think of anyone Elysia would want to kill from the list, so I used someone from her story. I don't think that's actually against the rules. 

 16. [1], [2] and [4] are staying at [9]’s house while the house is surrounded by zombies! Wait, what do you mean [1] was bitten by a zombie? 

1= Alina Zephyr, 2= Fiana Lunaltusiem, 4= Sonora Li, 9= Tkalis Kaza

<i> Wait…Kaza doesn’t have a house…. :X </i>

Sonora: Kaza and I are back, Fiana. This side of the camp is clear….Where’s Alina?

Fiana: You’re safe! I-I don’t know. I haven’t seen her since the start of the attack…

Sonora: Hmm.. She’s an Object though… I’m sure she’ll be alright. 

*Outside, a zombie-fied Alina screeches bloody murder in zombie-language.*

Kaza: *peeks outside the adobe hut.* Oh. Um. Well. I don’t think it’s her we should be worried for. Fin Fian,…do you have anything that would help against these…zombies?

Fiana: As far as a cure? N-no…I have my notes with me though and can run through them?

Kaza: You can use the herbs here. Suddenly I don’t mind living in a storeroom. 

*Zombie!Alina charges at the doorway*

Fiana: eek! I-I’ll hurry!

Kaza: Right! *Gets in a defensive position in front of the door* Sonora, try not to hurt Alina! We don’t want to hurt her if we can help it!

Sonora: *takes up a position in front of Kaza.* Way ahead of you! 

*They proceed to try to capture Alina and heal her, while fighting off the rest of the zombies.* 

Note for #16: [Shot of heros riding into the sunset. Fade to black. Cut and wrap.]

 17. [7] found a time machine. What does he/she do? 

7= Ever Blaize

Ever: hm….Hey, Auris, you want to go back in time and find your birthparents? 

Auris: Oh…I don’t know…what would I do about it anyways? I mean, I like Dawn as my mom just fine. 

Ever: Oh, well, if not, why don’t we go back and see the beginning of the universe? 

Auris: Genesis of our world? Or the Writer’s world? That sounds pretty cool.

Ever: Of everything. Of the beginning of our writer’s writer’s writer’s writer’s—etc. existence.

Auris: Ok. I’ll go do some research. Can you pack me a jacket? I’m afraid the beginning of the universe might be a bit chilly. 

Note for #17: I actually like how this one turned out. It's cute, I think, and probably not what what 8 and 9 year olds would actually do. 

 18. [3], [4] and [5] decided to rob a bank. How does it go? 

3= Jane Exina, 4= Sonora Li, 5= Auris Eternia

Auris: Um.um.um. Hi…I’m here to withdraw some cash?

Sonora: Alright! Wallets in the air and hands where I can see them! You there! Hand out the cash! *Brandishes her sword.*

Jane: Hey, you can’t just—

Sonora: Silence! *Swishes her sword down, holding Jane at swordpoint. Jane quiets, quivering visibly.* Wallets over here! Slide them over! 

Auris glances over and chucks the a bunch of paper and cash and pens at Sonora. While Sonora is distracted, Jane sneaks away, ducking under the counter and taking cover with the bank tenders. Acting nervous, Auris throws objects from around them at her. Others join in. Sonora deflects the projectiles with her sword or a shield of energy and the two basically create a ruckus. Meanwhile, Jane slips into the back and picks or otherwise breaks all the locks and loads all the loot. When she’s done, Sonora flees, pretending to be routed and Auris is hailed as a hero. They rendezvous later and split the pot. 

Note for #18: I kind of find it funny that Jane and Auris were chosen to rob the bank: Jane's plenty rich since her mother's basically a celebrity/ superhero and her dad owns the equivalent of Barnes and Noble; and Auris, who's innocent, honest and volunteers at any volunteer place he can find in any city he can find, and who grew up with a step-mother who once survived on the streets without doing anything illegal and grew up to be successful.

 19. Oh no! [8] was hit by a fire truck! Who (in the list) will be the first one to show up in the hospital? 

8= Emile Errolheart

Ever Blaize and Auris Eternia (they’d go together, which would irritate Emile XD). Ever would have brought brownies and Auris a card. They would sit there in awkward silence until Evan came, to check out how his “lil bro” was doing. That would ease the tension a bit.

 20. Tag someone? If you don’t do tagging, tell me [6]’s dark secret. 

6= Evan Blackthorn

Evan: Well…I know Sonora likes me yet I feign obliviousness because… I don’t know how to reject her without hurting her feelings…and I like being liked, as selfish as that sounds. I know our friends think I don’t confront her about it because they think I don’t know. They think I’m “decent” about it, like I am about everything. I tell myself it’s less awkward this way. But I’m just being a selfish coward. Everyone sees me as this honest guy, but I’m…not. I’m really horrible.

Note for #1/20: I actually really liked how this meme started and ended with Evan (though that's probably how the meme was designed and all...) This isn't exactly his "darkest secret" or anything, but it was the first one that popped into mind and I actually like how it came out. I actually think I like most of Evan's interactions in this meme. He's quite lucky, haha

I'll be posting that random little bit on Jane and Fiana soon and hopefully another clip from my NaNo! I"m terribly behind word count, but I'll make it eventually, I'm sure! :)

Thanks for Reading! Comments are loved! :)
~Minerva

Spring Ball Trouble 5/7: Thursday evening

Part two of Thursday!

This part was obviously entirely made up because there was no reference in the game that I could go off of. Actually, most of the story from now on is all me, though Friday morning is based off the possible date options.

I was asking a friend for a reason why a character would be absent from the ball and she said "Make her go to Alaska for a day." "Just a day?" "Yup." It was too random to pass up.

Breaking the fourth wall for a bit of fun:

Louis: Nick's still not back? Jeez I still can't beat the Markordalemon boss. I can't believe Norbert and Eileen beat him in just a few tries! And I'm supposed to be the gaming champ here!

Casayo: Actually I think Norbert is supposed to be. 

Jason: I'm not even sure why we're here. I don't really understand why the writer changed Eileen's family moving here to her coming to live with us. I mean, doesn't that just create more date opportunities for Eileen?

Louis: Hey, we're not date opportunities! I've got Wendy, Cas's got Fiana and that girl he dumped a while back and we all know you're obsessed with Gwen.

Casayo: I think it's because our writer didn't have any family decided for the Enlaika character except for me when she wrote this. That, and since the writer knew Wendy had a boyfriend--

Louis: Yah guys, there was another person in the writer's world who thought of me. Haha, I'm special!

Casayo: --and older sister, she probably wanted to create a pairing for the older sister and friends for the boyfriend. So...Eileen got stuck over here living with a bunch of college guys.... 

Jason: Which doesn't make any sense in any way, but I suppose we just have to accept that. I wonder if our writer's writer ever makes silly lapses like that. 

<pensive moment>

Casayo: You do know that she's making you think that, right? Why would she want us to think about that though?

Jason: Why did her writer make her write me thinking that?

<another pause>

Louis: Dude guys, you're making my head hurt. We're supposed to be in a silly romance story, not some profound whasit paper. 

Casayo: Hey, since we can see ourselves on tv, does that mean the the us of tv knows about us watching them on tv? Are they conscious of the fourth wall?

Louis:...Headache here? Let's just watch a movie.

Casayo: Sure. I found a dvd in the mailbox today.  

Jason: Did anyone order a dvd? 

Louis: Not that I know. What is it? Does it look good? 

Jason: (To himself: What if the writer sent it to us?)

Casayo: Looks pretty interesting. It's called Inception.

. . .

As I expected, Norbert was waiting for me in front of the school when I arrived. He was playing his game, but closed the system as he heard me approach. 

“Hey Norbert! I’m sorry I’m late! I had to pick up some books,” I explained. 

“No worries,” he said. “Ready for the arcade?”

“Let’s go!”

We discussed fighting games and their strategy as we walked, and eventually digressed to talking about Legacy of Lords. 

“By the way,” he asked. “I noticed you changed your avatar. Nice look!” He paused a beat. “Reminds me of a book character” he mused almost silently.

“Adelaide from Tale of the Darkest Star?”

 “Exactly!” he said with a smile. “Have you read it?”

I didn’t know how to respond to that, so stuck with honesty: “And loved it!”

“That’s neat! I’ll need to tell Alan there’s an Adelaide on Legacy of Lords as well now.  Anyways, it’s a very nice look you designed.”

I grinned. “Thank you! I usually change my avatar every week or so. Just so I have something new to look at.”

He laughed. “I’ve stuck with the same one for a few months now I think.  Ah, here’s the arcade. I can’t wait to see how you fight in Battle Blitz.”

I was no match for him. He beat me in three moves, leaving me stunned but grinning. 

“How’d you do that jump-spin-kick?” I asked. 

“Up-Side-A,” he said, showing me. “The sweep kick is down-side-A.”

I nodded. “Let’s go again then? I’ll put up a better fight this time!”

He laughed and we resumed. I did slightly better this time; in fact, I felt tremendously improved by the end of the hour, even if he’d only taught me a few new techniques. Subtle, slight improvement and a lot of fun. We joked about the games and agreed to meet online again the next afternoon. 

But there was no mention of the ball just the next day. Not even a passing comment. I was almost disheartened by the lack of response. 

But when I got home, I had a surprise waiting for me. I had just changed into a casual dress Wendy had picked out and was getting ready to go when a familiar bundle of energy burst into my room. 

“Eileen!”

I stared. “S-Samantha! Wh-what are you doing here?” I asked, but elation filled my heart. It was so pleasant to have someone from home here for a surprise visit!

“The championship football tournament was at school today!” she answered instead. “We—I mean, my school—won, of course. Oh, but I wander. There’re no classes tomorrow and I had nothing planned so I figured it was the perfect excuse to come visit you for the weekend!”

I was at a loss for words. Samantha’s one day rare off and she decided to drive all the way here to visit me instead of hanging out with her friends on the team at home? I wondered aloud if she should be celebrating with them and she smiled. 

“I’ve been invited to the team party Saturday evening, so it’s all good. Besides, who knows how long it would have been if I hadn’t decided to check up on you! You’re so shy!”

We both had to laugh at that and we probably could have gone on for hours just catching up but talking about football reminded be that my school’s team was now at the pizza parlour, their season-end party probably dampened by their recent loss. I brought it up to Samantha and Wendy before inviting them along. Samantha was squealing with delight before I was even finished.

Wendy glanced warily at Samantha and then me, but just laughed. “I’ll pass. You’ve got this one, Eileen,” she said happily. “Your brother’s volunteered to help cook and I can’t leave the kitchen to them or you might not have a place to stay when you get back.” She patted our shoulders. “Have a good time, girls!”

I expected a disheartened team when I got to the pizza parlour, but instead it was quite the party. Our team had placed second in the tournament and was ecstatic to have gotten that far. 

Samantha picked out Curtis faster than I did. “Eileen!” she whispered excitedly. “That’s the MVP Of the entire tournament!” I found Curtis surrounded by admiring teammates and spectators alike. 

I glanced at her and at Curtis, who hadn’t seemed to notice us yet. Another team member invited us to partake in the pizza and we helped ourselves. Samantha’s attention though, was fixated on Curtis.

Halfway through my second pizza an idea formed in my mind that I pondered with growing curiosity. It would probably kill any chance of Curtis asking me to the ball, but I thought it through, carefully picking my words.

Finally I smiled and asked, “How would you like me to introduce you to the MVP, Samantha?”

She gawked at me like it was the most unbelievable thing she’d ever heard. “You-You—know him?”

“Sure. He’s a friend,” I said. I didn’t add that he’d been a potential ball date.

We made our way through the throng. Curtis spotted me and waved.

“Hi Curtis! Congratulations!” I said, indicating the gleaming silver trophy in his arm.

“Ah, thanks!” he said. “I’d hoped for first, but this is great too. It’s the furthest our school’s ever been in league.”

“All thanks to you, MVP!”

He chuckled. 

“By the way, Curtis, I wanted to introduce you to my friend, Samantha Samar. She’s from my old school, but she came up here just for a chance at meeting the MVP in person,” I said. 

“Hi!” Samantha squeaked. 

“Hey, you’re the one-person cheerleading squad!” Curtis noted, surprising all of us. “You had some great energy out there!”

He chuckled and set the trophy down to shake her hand properly. “Thanks for cheering for all the teams,” he said. “You’re a real fan, aren’t you?”

I smiled. My work here was done. Ten minutes to seven I bid Curtis another congratulations, thanks for the invitation and good bye. Samantha assured me she knew the way back to my brothers’ apartment without trouble.

I caught Iris’s eye on my way out, but she didn’t approach me, only giving me a nod of the head in greeting. I smiled and waved, hoping that whatever had passed between us was now somehow over, but she only scowled and turned away before leaving herself. So much for that train of thought.

As arranged, I met Kenneth at the gate at exactly 7. 

“Hiya, Eilee!” he greeted. “Ready to go?”

“Sure!”

“I can’t wait to introduce’cha to the other band members!” 

He didn’t have to wait long. When we got there, the drummer and other guitarist were warming up and didn’t notice us, but the lead singer greeted us enthusiastically. 

“Hi Kenny! Oh! You brought a guest!”

Her name was Melodie Eadoin and was a freshman at our school. She was cheerful and full of energy. I could definitely hear the energy of the songs in her voice. She seemed to like me from the moment we met, but I could easily have said the same for anyone; Melodie seemed to like everyone. 

I left my bag on the backstage couch and toured the area with Kenneth. Maggie, the drummer, and Raymond, the other guitarist, discussed a new short instrumental piece that they wanted to play that night with Kenneth. When I returned, I found Melodie flipping through my sketches of Sorin, Adelaide, and Turrek. 

“Are you a fan of the book too?” she asked me excitedly. “Oh! I’m sorry! It just fell out and I was curious! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to!” She said, tears forming before I could say anything. 

“Aww, hey, it’s ok! Don’t be sad.”

“Hey, ya draw too?” Kenneth asked, peeking over. “Mel, we’re on in 5! You ready and warmed up?..You haven’t even put on any makeup!”

“Yah, but…Please Eileen, can you do it for me? It’d be hyper cool if I could look like Adelaide while singing ‘The Purplish Star’!”

“Me?!” I exclaimed, surprised. “I couldn’t—“

She pouted. “My sister’s the only one here that knows anything about makeup and she isn’t here now.” Her eyes acquired devilish glint to them. “I want to look like Adelaide!” She pointed and my portrait of the character. “Like that!”

Kenneth glanced between us and the sketchbook and recognition seemed to dawn on him. “You’re a cool girl! And that’d look pretty cool, actually. Except I don’t think your current dress would completely work, Mel…the skirt maybe.”

I glanced down at the rough sketch and at Melodie’s pleading expression. 

“I’ll need at least 15 to 20 minutes.”

Kenneth turned. “Maggie! Ray! Your plan’s a go!” He turned to me as the other two cheered. “We’ll try. Good luck!”

I got to work immediately, using my own makeup kit to draw Melodie’s eyeliner and lip gloss. I remembered that the lyrics for the song had “We’ll reach gold/ before we’re old… find the royal violet star/ no matter how far” and added in gold and violet flecks to her eyeshadow. I braided a few strands of her hair down and gave her my pink hairclips. Nothing could be done about her blonde hair, but she had highlighted parts of it with dark pink and I arranged it so that these stands stood out.  

Next was the dress. Her current one was a lovely black and blue, and the skirt might have resembled the alien style Alan described, but It would take too long to alter the top. Instead, I gave her my long black jacket, and altered the collar of the dress with a few snips, and pulled the collar over the jacket.

Kenneth was stalling onstage now. “The next two songs we’re gonna play for ya are from our new album “Colors”. They were inspired by the recent novel Tales of the Darkest Star—“ energetic cheers told me how popular the book was in this town. “And as everyone here knows, Alan Rivers actually goes to our school!” More cheers. “Maggie was hoping that if there was a movie he’d use one of our songs. Ray said he just wants to be Turrek Lor’Cargon… Personally, I think he looks more like a Lor’Euqruk.” 

Laughter. I could hear Ray and Kenneth mock-battling with their guitars, strumming chords and making dramatic dying sounds. Melodie was trying not to fidget as much as I was trying not to stab her with a needle. 

“We’re actually waiting for Adelaide now, but she could be in another dimension for all we know. Sorin must be having lotsa trouble with the portals or the traffic in subspace must be heavy tonight.”

More laughter. I grabbed my scissors and cut the thread. “That’s your cue,.” I said, pushing the microphone in her hand. “Go!”

She flashed me a smile.“Well, it was a little hard without my faithful guards. Sorin and Turrek-- What is this human entertainment you were so excited to attend?

I heard cheers and gasps as she appeared onstage and smiled. Another job well done. I put my mini-sewing kit away and slipped through a side door to join the crowd.

Kenneth strum,ed the starting chords as Melodie, as Adelaide, continued: “I was left staring into at nothing but space and darkness…and a…a Blueish Vortex—“

Maggie came in on the drums as Melodie said the name of the song and it was almost as though they had rehearsed the entrance that way. 

The Super Soundwaves treated an enthusiastic crowd song after song and even a few encores. Their music had been amazing just to listen to, but now that I saw firsthand how Kenneth backed up Melodie’s singing with his own vocals to create the beautiful blend of music we heard. Live, they were even more amazing; whatever subtle cues they used, they worked: the entire band was in synch every beat of every song. 

Finally, at the end of the evening, Kenneth took the microphone and said, 

“It’s been a pleasure playing for you tonight and—“

“Are the Super Soundwaves playing tomorrow at the spring dance?” someone called. Kenneth glanced at Melodie, who answered that they would be contributing some music, but that they would be short on vocals. 

Backstage though, Melodie and Kenneth had a different idea. “Eileen, could you sing for me tomorrow night?”

“Ah, but—“

“I’m going to be in Alaska for the weekend,” she pouted. “Mom and Dad are leaving tonight and I’m going with them. Just for a few songs, Eileen? It’d mean the world to me. The band would gain so much exposure—even if it is just in name.”

I couldn’t say no to Melodie. “I’ll need lyrics.” 

They promised I could still go to the dance as a regular student—it’d only be a few songs for which I would be needed. But I didn’t imply I’d ever even thought of going with Kenneth or even that I would need a date. At the state of matters, he would have most readily asked me if I so much as hinted it, and that, I was certain, would break Melodie’s heart. 

It was only an hour before midnight when I bid my new friends good night and headed back home, insisting that I could find my way. 

“See you tomorrow night!” I called to Maggie and Raymond. I turned to leave when someone on the other side opened it and I found myself face to face with Iris. 

She glowered down at me for a long moment before saying, “So you’re the one who turned my sister into a silly  doll.”

Everyone stood in stunned silence before Melodie came to my rescue.

“But, SIS, I asked her too! And I so was not a silly doll, I was Adelaide, from Tales of the Darkest Star!”

I didn’t even need to look at Iris’s face to know she wasn’t Alan’s biggest fan. 

I don’t remember how I got out of that one alive. But in the end, Melodie and Kenneth convinced Iris that I had done a good job making Melodie recognizable as Adelaide, which was a good thing and had contributed to the evening’s success. Even Raymond and Maggie, both which seemed to be very fearful of their bandmate’s older sister, stuck up for me, though I suspected it was more out of the hope that if they stuck up for me now I wouldn’t mess them up at the ball. Iris let me go with a low warning about how I better not show up at the ball tomorrow and practically kicked me out, which I figured was the nicest she got.

When I got home, I felt really tired. Or maybe it was because of all those emotions? I still didn’t have a date—it was down to just Norbert and Alan now, I figured, but I was still very conflicted. 

Anyways, I went to bed as soon as I got home and fell asleep immediately. I dreamt a long dream about the ball. It was really beautiful: The school had been decorated with flowers and ribbons and I was wearing a lovely dress reminiscent of one of my sketches of Adelaide. I had a wonderful time in my dream, but I couldn’t see the face of my partner.