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neoninky · 1 year

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TWST Fic "Her Ivory Crown": Chapter 9

*busts out glow sticks*

Ch. 9: Igniting a Fever

There were a few things happening all at once but none of them stopped the acidic feeling of annoyance that was currently brewing in Zehn's gut. It didn't surprise him that the majority of these girls were going so far to make fools of themselves and everyone around them. They finally get a taste of freedom and this is the result: give them an inch and they start a damn circus. What did surprise him is how more and more Reine went along with it all without question. He had humored the idea at first, knowing that she'd eventually get it out of her system, but this was ridiculous and unfitting of a future queen. Even more so of the one he wanted to be his future bride. Zehn watched the long line of male students outside of the Diasomnia booth where Reine and Petra, her 'Lilia', were waiting. It was hard to see past all of the clamoring patrons but Zehn did get a glimpse of the two girls chatting with each other before their gate opened. He had no particular interest in participating in this foolishness but a number of his posse and other Royal Sword boys were in line on his behalf. Zehn couldn't keep everyone he wanted to away from Reine, of course, but the fewer Night Ravens harassing and ogling her close up the better. Then again...she was smack dab in the middle of two of them, much to Zehn's chagrin.

Sebek and Silver were on either side of Reine and Petra, ready to deal with anyone who might get a bit too bold. Sebek was especially vigilant today. Zehn frowned when he noticed Reine patting the intense boy's arm affectionately and smiling up at him, making him flinch for one bashful second before slipping right back into his chivalrously loud demeanor. Zehn never gave Petra much thought outside of her own royal status but even her friendly interactions with Silver annoyed him. Watching the two boys guard the girls as they did only reminded Zehn of how the eel twins had cut him off from approaching Princess Elise or those wild Scarabia boys constantly flocking around Manari. More and more, these girls were letting themselves be cornered by these troublesome Ravens. He didn't dare forget the look on Reine's face when she had confronted him last about Riddle Rosehearts' fall during the Magift match. That crimson runt irked Zehn even more than the rest...how easily he slithered up to the princess' side and how she in turn never refused his company.

"Ridiculous...I can't wait for this to be over and done with," he spat before slipping away into the crowd. He went unnoticed by everyone except a certain pair of fae that had been casually hanging back away from the masses. Unfortunately for him, they had excellent hearing and very observant eyes. Lilia chuckled whereas Malleus only frowned, obviously put off by the miserable human's salty aura.

"He is a dull one, isn't he?" Lilia stared at Zehn's retreating back with half-lidded eyes and a wry grin, "Trying to ruin all the fun...humans can be so petty. No wonder you had the boys guard the sweet lady against him."

The petite fae looked up at the dorm leader in response to Malleus' silence. Ooo, he didn't look so happy either! Lilia floated up to Malleus' eye level and gave him a playful smirk, "Malleus~ Now, now, don't show such a sour face! You'll cause a storm and put a damper on all the princesses' efforts if you're not careful~"

The tall dragon's scowl turned into the pout of a scolded child, "Stop teasing me, Lilia. I would never let something so childish like that happen." Lies. Malleus had definitely done it before. Whether or not it was on purpose was another story. Lilia just snickered knowingly.

Deuce's face was so hot he could probably fry an egg on it. True, Deuce had wanted to buy a ticket to Alyssa's photo booth before the tickets ran out and in his panic, he booked it back to the front gate at record speed...b-but how was he suppose to know that he was going to be the very FIRST ONE in line?! Ace and a few other Heartslabyul first years were enjoying the show from further back in line, those who won their bets were already collecting amongst each other. Their fun was swiftly shut down as soon as they realized Riddle was also in line and making a mental list of whose head was getting 'offed' later. He didn't want to alarm the Rosabyrine girl that was currently going down the line, collecting the boys' money and handing them numbered tickets so their spot in line would be secured.

While Deuce was trying to get a grip on himself, two other Rosabyrine girls dressed in the Heartslabyul uniforms opened up the gate and beckoned the nervous boy forward, taking his ticket and stamping it. Deuce almost felt like the shiny red #1 on the ticket was laughing at him too. His heart nearly popped out of his chest when he heard his name.

"Deuce!" Alyssa, dressed as a way too happy Riddle Rosehearts, hopped up from her heart-shaped chair and pranced up to him with the biggest, happiest smile on her face he had ever seen. His heart was going a mile a minute. Why are these girls so cute?! He couldn't even respond as she grabbed his hand and walked him back towards the center of the small stage with her, "I'm so glad you came! And my first customer today, I'm so lucky!" Alyssa giggled. Deuce knew full and well that he wasn't going to be able to function at all for the rest of the day after this...

Cater was in line before Riddle, taking a video of that entire interaction between Deuce and Alyssa on his phone like some proud parent, gushing about how cute the first years were. And then about how cute Alyssa was specifically, "She is sooo tinyyy~! Riddle, she's even tinier than you!!"

The dorm leader fumed up at him for a split second before Cater shoved his phone in Riddle and Trey's faces, showing them a quick snapshot he took of her before she had turned around. Ok yes, Riddle had to admit, she was incredibly adorable in the female equivalent of his dorm attire. But that didn't cover up Cater's unnecessary 'tiny' comparison! Riddle swatted the phone away from his face, "Cater, stop acting like a creepy stalker and wait your turn for pictures like everyone else!"

Cater lowered his voice as a rascally grin spread on his face, "You know, good on our little Deuce for taking initiative and getting to his cutie first...I'm surprised someone else here didn't do the same for Her Royal Majesty's VIP line."

Riddle remained facing forward, arms crossed, a slight scowl on his face, ".....they had already sold out of the first round of tickets," he muttered quietly so only Cater and Trey could hear him.

"Awwww it's ok, Riddle. Hey if you camp out while everyone else takes a break for the performances, I'm sure you can score a ticket once they reopen," Cater pat his dorm leader on the shoulder.

Trey, being the tallest, found the current line for the Diasomnia booth that was adjacent across from their own on the other side of the path and suddenly tensed up in surprise, "Uh. If that's your plan...you might want to be extra careful in that line, Riddle..."

It was hard to tell if there was just one line or two separate lines that were being forced into a very polarized single one in front of the Diasomnia booth. One side was mainly Diasomnia students along with a few other NRC boys and the other was entirely made up of RSA boys. Neither side looked like they were happy to be next to each other either. The poor girls from Petra's dorm were trying their best to get the boys to stand in one orderly line without chaos ensuing. Riddle managed to get a glimpse of the scene and immediately understood why Sebek and Silver had been accompanying Reine earlier. He at least felt some relief in knowing that she wasn't over there completely unguarded but the tension in the air alone was enough to make him feel for her. The feeling only grew when he noticed a familiar head of silvery-blue hair hovering about that same area like a shark fin in deep water. Riddle's immediate instinct was to jump the line he was in and...and what? Run to fair damsel's supposed rescue?? The boy shooked himself back to reason as Alyssa's line kept shuffling forward, silently feeling embarrassed and bothered like some spring-fevered idiot. When it was his turn, Alyssa was there up the steps to greet him.

"Hello, Sir Rosehearts! What do you think?"

The small blonde did a little spin for him so Riddle could take in the entire look. He smiled in approval, how could he not? The details were impeccable. Also, the fact that she referred to the senior dorm leaders as 'sir' was endearing.

"You pull it off famously, Miss Alyssa. I might just have to retire my title to you," he sighed jokingly.

"Oh pish, nonsense!" she laughed and took his arm, guiding him back to the stage with her like she had done with Deuce, though not as enthusiastically. The difference was obvious but Riddle was too much of a gentleman to say anything.

The setup was a simpler version of the tea party table from Heartslabyul's gardens. Like Alyssa, it was smaller than the original but still very accurate and charming. Riddle sat in the chair next to hers, facing the upperclassman getting the camera ready. Alyssa took the short pause to lean over to Riddle and whisper to him, "By the way...I have something for you so I'm glad you were able to come!"

He felt Alyssa slip something light and flat into his hand underneath the table. When he looked down, Riddle felt a buzz of silent excitement as he saw the glossy Diasomnia VIP ticket. Alyssa gave the surprised boy a cute smile with her finger pressed to her lips, "I thought you might want one...our little secret, ok?"

Moments later, Riddle and Alyssa posed with the teacups in front of them and the picture was taken right as the first break was announced for the opening number of the contest. Alyssa stood up and made her way over to the photographer, collecting and packaging the small printed picture for Riddle to take before getting a rush of excitement, "Ooh! Sir Schoenheit from your school is first right? Shoot, I should have had someone save a seat for me!"

It was obvious that the girls were the most eager to get back to the main stage more than anyone as they very quickly shut down operations and told everyone in line to come back after the first performance. Having been on several festival committees in his two years at NRC, Riddle knew a shortcut though. It was the least he could do as a thank you for the VIP ticket.

"I'll show you the way," he whispered to Alyssa before smiling a bit mischievously, "we'll take Deuce too, he's right over there." Alyssa looked delighted at the suggestion. Poor Deuce, however, was unprepared as usual.

The first performance was fabulously brutal. The girls, and even a few of the boys, in the audience were completely swept up in the Pomefiore trio's beauty and idol-like stage presence. Naturally, Vil's influence was undeniable but Rook definitely held his own and Epel had grown since his experience in the last VDC. Vil's voice cut through the air like a siren song, captivating everyone present and even terrifying his competition a bit. Charlaine had fallen prey to both sensations. On one hand, she was absolutely star-struck and swooning hard. On the other hand, the small songstress was spiraling into full crisis mode off stage with the rest of her group trying to calm her down.

"I can't do this. I can't! This is impossible!!"

Manari was trying not to panic as she fanned Charlaine and talked her through some breathing techniques. Fortunately, her second in command was way better at being the voice of reason. Jinnah just rubbed gentle circles on Charlaine's back while speaking in a calming tone, "Hey heeeey, breeeeathe. It's alright~ You're alllriiiiight~ We have practiced and practiced and practiced until we couldn't possibly make it any better than it already is! You got this, little songbird! And we got you! Everyone is going to love it!"

"Yes absolutely! Jinnah is absolutely right! Plus we're not going on until the very last anyway! So we have plenty of time to build suspense and then blow them out of the water! Right after Neige performs-"

Manari quickly regretted mentioning the boy's name as it made Charlaine spiral even more. Jinnah shot her dorm leader a look that said she would have smacked her own forehead if her hands weren't busy trying to comfort the very anxious vocalist between them. Manari just mouthed an apology as she handed Charlaine some water.

The three Pomefiore boys took a bow to the standing ovation they were given as soon as the song ended. All three were tired but you'd never know it from the sparkling glow of perfection around them as they smiled and sent their thank you's directly back to the enthusiastic crowd. Riddle wouldn't be surprised if over half the girls screaming Vil's name weren't also crying their eyes out or fainted already from the sound of their hysterics. It was only the first song and Riddle stood with everyone else, applauding his fellow students, but he also felt really bad for everyone who had to follow after them. His eyes traveled across the crowd, seeing everyone else's intense reactions, and somehow through all the chaos, he found her. There she was, a couple of rows and a few seats down, standing in between Sebek and Silver.

Reine was laughing at whatever Petra was yelling over the crowd as they both clapped. Even in the dark clothes, dark makeup, and very realistic-looking fangs, Reine was still...Reine. Same smile, the same spark of wonder in her wide eyes. He could almost hear her laugh over the crowd just like he had heard it before between just the two of them. Riddle felt himself swallow hard as her head turned in his direction.

Sebek and Petra were a hoot. Reine wasn't sure if they had an unspoken rivalry going or what, but she laughed at the two of them trying to outdo the other when it came to cheering. Poor Silver looked like he was getting a headache from all the noise. Poor thing, Reine silently told herself that she would have to treat him to some herbal tea and some other reward later on for all of his hard work today. Petra finally caved and plopped back down in her seat, having to readjust the giant Lilia coat she had on, "Man, I hope Charlaine's not freaking out somewhere. You know how she gets...especially having to follow that! Whoo!"

Reine was about to join her adopted vice leader to rest for a moment but she couldn't shake the feeling that someone was looking at her...which wouldn't be a stretch, the outfit she was wearing was not remotely subtle let alone the introduction she received earlier. Reine didn't even want to think about going back to the booth yet with all the rowdy boys already waiting their turn, no doubt. She sighed and noticed a bit of red out of her peripheral vision. Letting her gaze be guided by it, Reine ended up locking eyes with Riddle. Thump.

The two of them almost jolted in sync at the sudden flutter in their chests. Reine admitted that she didn't expect him to be right there but still felt silly for having such a reaction. She laughed at herself as she gave him a smile and a wave. He returned her smile and pulled the ticket Alyssa had given him out of his pocket. He showed it to her before quickly pocketing it again, not wanting to get tackled by anyone who might have missed out on their chance for one. Reine felt a rush of giddiness run through her at the sight. Suddenly she didn't feel so reluctant about going back to the booth. She felt...excited? Like, really excited. Reine's brain suddenly stopped as she turned away, blinking in confusion. She felt...

Really.

Really...excited to see him again. Up close. Together.

But why...? It wasn't like she didn't just see him that morning when she poured him tea. Or the day before where they spent most of the day together at the tea party, playing croquet together and spending time with the hedgehogs together. And the day before that....when he gave her those roses because he was worried about her...and when she was worried about him. And before that at the oasis...under the stars...alone.

Together.

His gentle ways towards her becoming more endearing and adorably awkward with each passing memory. Riddle's sincere silver eyes. His proud posture. The signature red of his hair with the cute heart-shaped hairs that she couldn't help but think of now any time she saw the roses he gifted her. Or any red rose really. Or just the color itself and how much it made her heart flutter- .....oh. OH.

A sudden, extreme heat bloomed on her face as everything sped up in her mind all at once. Oh...noooooooo...the electric butterflies returned to her gut with a vengeance but this time, it wasn't out of fear. No, it was a much sweeter rush through her system. Reine had never felt so happy and so mortified all at once in her life. She was so wrapped up in every realization hitting her at breakneck speed that she didn't hear Petra at all.

"Reine? Are you alright?? Oh damn, your face is red! "

Reine couldn't even attempt a smooth recovery. She just whipped her head towards Petra and stammered, "Uuuuhh..y-yeah yes! Yes, I am....fine! I'm just not...uh u-used to wearing this much black and it's really warm today!"

Sebek immediately snapped to attention, "Perhaps the maiden is dehydrated! SILVER! Stay put I will fetch the mistress some water!" Silver gave Reine a concerned look but she smiled and clumsily tried to explain herself as best she could. In a last attempt to pull herself together, Reine quickly stood up.

"NO! No Sebek, that is fine. I'm fine. I promise....let's just head back to the booth ok?"

The two Diasomnia boys offered their hands to Reine and carefully walked her down the stadium steps with Petra following behind. On top of her sudden 'overheated' state, Reine was also wearing heeled boots that made her taller than she was used to. Making her actual 'Malleus height' was a bit much but adding another 4-5 inches? That was within the realm of possibility. Still, there would be absolutely no sprained ankles on the boys' watch!

Alyssa waved to Deuce and Riddle and thanked them both for walking her back to the booth. Another two performances were happening in another half hour so it was back to 'work'. Riddle tried his best not to tease the bashful boy next to him but it was proving more difficult than he imagined. Cater didn't bother showing any mercy as he and Trey met back up with them.

"Oh ho ho hoooo, someone looks happy!" he playfully elbowed his red-faced junior who just sputtered some weak defense that Cater totally ignored, "Why not try your luck and ask her to the dance on the final day? You better put those quick legs of yours to work before someone else snatches her up, ya know~"

A unanimous lightbulb lit up on the other three boys' faces. They had completely forgotten about the formal and suddenly the realization that the girls were vastly outnumbered by not one, but two boys' school became a cause for alarm. Cater sighed hopelessly at all three of them, "Really guys? You forgot?? Oh man, I feel sorry for you...sure it's a couple of days away but have you seen these guys?" he gestured over to the almost militant line of Royal Sword boys over at the Diasomnia booth, "Sure you have the friendly types like Che'nya and Neige Le Blanche but I know just by looking at them that they're the sort to have everything planned out way in advance. Hey but no worries...apparently asking the girls is an event all in itself so no one has made the first move yet."

How Cater knew all this was somehow mysterious and unsurprising all at the same time. Seeing him flirtatiously wave at some of the Rosabyrine 3rd years, however, was pretty illuminating. Riddle rolled his eyes and looked over at the Diasomnia line, remembering the ticket in his pocket. The line showed no signs of getting less...intense...any time soon. He didn't really have any excuses to wait. He cleared his throat and stood up straight turning to the other three who were already making plans on moving on to the next booth before the next break.

"Go on without me, I'll catch up with you later."

He didn't give them a chance to question him before quickly walking towards the Diasomnia line. Riddle grimaced and did his best to ignore Cater's sing-song jeering that rang through the air.

"Good hunting, Dorm Leadeeeeer!"

Reine managed to keep up the calm, elegant air around her as more and more boys came forward to take their photos with her and Petra. She was relieved that, so far, her two bodyguards didn't have to escort anyone out for being too forward. Still, the princess was an absolute mess of nerves under the surface. In between pictures, thank you's, and handshakes, Reine could feel her heart and mind buzzing with the revelation that she harbored a massive crush on a certain redhead and that eventually, he was going to be the one coming up those steps to see her. Saying that it was nerve-wracking was an understatement. Every other second, a nervous thought popped into her mind like a spooked rabbit. Did she look alright?? Was she sitting too stiffly?? Why was she constantly checking the line?? Wait was that him-no no, it wasn't...

Ugh, get a hold of yourself, Reine! This is probably the WORST time for you to be hyper-aware of your feelings! She silently lectured herself. The giddy feeling hadn't subsided whatsoever but it was now joined by a feeling of guilt. She was after all in a situation where a very important choice was expected to be made and soon. Was this really the time to let herself be so distracted or flustered? And Riddle...the sweet boy he was...was it fair to get him caught up in all of this? Regardless it was getting more and more difficult for Reine to squash the girlish rush down with each passing minute.

Petra silently looked Reine up and down from the side, watching her reaction to every boy that approached. There was something that would peek out before immediately being hidden behind her polite regality. Was it fatigue? No, disappointment seemed more accurate. The gears started to turn in Petra's head before a familiar, jolly face appeared next in line. Lilia Van Rouge went from getting his ticket stamped to swiftly teleporting up on stage in seconds flat, making the girls both squeak in surprise. Lilia just laughed to himself, how cute~

"MASTER LILIA! The maidens are delicate but so thrilled to be in your presence!!" Sebek spoke on the girls' behalf. They didn't bother arguing with him. Reine took a moment to properly reintroduce herself to Lilia since the last time they saw each other was after the Magift game. Apparently, he and Petra had already been acquainted a few times.

"He wanted pictures after the game and then we met again after I accidentally tripped over Silver in the courtyard," she laughed at the memory.

Silver gave Petra an apologetic look with a hint of embarrassed pink on his face. Somehow she didn't notice him sleeping under the tree but it was definitely a conversation starter. Lilia just beamed at the adorable young people in front of him before taking the spot on the other side of Reine's mini throne, making it so the young queen was flanked by both Lilia's with Sebek next to the real Lilia and Silver next to Petra. Lilia quietly noticed his son looking a bit shyer now as Petra settled in front of him. Ah, youth~...now where did Malleus get off to?

Riddle sighed in aggravation at these idiots in the line ahead of him. If they weren't having a staredown with the other Night Raven students, the Royal Sword boys were not so subtly pushing Riddle further and further back as the girls from Petra's dorm were shepherding them into a single file line. The redhead just silently bore it. He refused to cause a scene ergo putting even more unnecessary pressure on these poor girls just trying to keep the peace. He politely handed the passing girl his ticket so she could stamp and number it, securing his place in line for him, while ignoring the sour looks he was getting from the two RSA students ahead of him. For a moment, Riddle thought he recognized them. More importantly, why did it feel like they along with a few of their classmates looked more displeased that he was even there?

The announcement for a second break was announced though there was far less of a rush to get a good seat for this performance. Some of the students broke away from the lines to go back to the main stage but Riddle stayed put. Only then did he realize he was almost surrounded by equally stubborn Royal Sword students, all acutely aware of his presence. The Heartslabyul king just smugly stared them down, his upright posture never wavering. Surely even they weren't stupid enough to start a fight right there in the middle of the whole event and over what? One more of their rivals wanting a picture? What nonsense...but then it clicked as Riddle looked back at the two boys in front of him. He did recognize them. They were part of the Royal Sword Magift team he and the other dorm leaders played against. Not just that but they were notably more aggressive about guarding their team captain than the others. Suddenly their scowls made sense. It was like being faced with two guard dogs, waiting for their master's command to attack. Riddle Rosehearts was no coward, however. Let the vulgar brutes stare...he thought to himself, standing his ground and choosing to ignore them. It wasn't until he heard someone come up behind him that Riddle broke his stance and turned around. He had to fight the urge to hiss right in Zehn Cavalier's bored-looking face.

"Mr. Cavalier...can I help you?" Riddle asked dryly, annoyed that the upperclassman was standing a bit too close to him.

Zehn's face barely changed as he leaned down ever so slightly to look Riddle in the eye which annoyed the redhead even more, "I'd like a word, Rosehearts. In private."

The two boys stood facing each other in a thick silence as the noise of the event swelled around them and the empty corridor behind the booths, out of sight of anyone. This was probably the longest the two of them had been in each other's presence since their first encounter years ago. Zehn still had that unimpressed look on his face as he did before except this time, there was a layer of agitation mixed in. Riddle wasn't stupid. After witnessing the boorish displays of power by Zehn's classmates trying to push other Raven students away from Reine and now this call-out meant to intimidate him, Riddle knew what was going on. Zehn Cavalier made it clear that he, Riddle Rosehearts, was not someone of interest...that is until Riddle's world collided with Reine's on steadily growing levels. Now he was on the older mage's radar and neither party was too thrilled about it. While the details may not be common knowledge, Zehn's intentions of staying close to Reine and keeping her even closer to only him were painfully obvious to anyone that knew of him. It was like Cater said the day of the tea party, even the students of Night Raven College who had no connection to him or the situation could tell. It was so irritating if not insulting to both Riddle and Reine...

"I'm going to make this quick," Zehn began finally.

"Much appreciated. I abhor being late especially for something so unnecessary," Riddle quipped, making Zehn's golden eyes narrow. This punk...he thought glaring down at the redheaded junior.

"I'm doing you a favor, Rosehearts. Spare yourself the embarrassment and stop hovering about the princess. It'd be better to do it now instead of forcing her to crush you and leave you behind later..."

Who was this fool even talking about? He spoke of Reine as if she were just some two-faced flirt that toyed with boys' hearts before disposing of them. The nerve of his implications made Riddle's temper quietly burn in his blood.

"I highly doubt you know Miss Reine as well as you think, Cavalier..."

Zehn just smirked at Riddle's biting tone, "Oh? The princess is and has always been a very kind-hearted girl. She loves her subjects, her schoolmates both from Sacred Crown and Royal Sword, and is hospitable to everyone even if they don't deserve it. I've seen it over the years many, many times. She says a kind word, gives them that sweet smile of hers, maybe even a small gesture of affection, and they're enraptured instantly only for it to mean nothing to her in the end. Or perhaps...did you really think you were special?"

Riddle bristled at his mocking, amused tone but Zehn only pressed further, "Lady Reine has been given a new opportunity to be allowed into your campus and mingle with your kind and all of these other strange cretins in your school. A terrible decision really. Of course, she is excited, swept up in the allure of something new. But what happens after the festival ends? She'll return to Sacred Crown where she belongs and eventually choose her suitor to continue on her chosen path towards taking the throne...do you really think she'll remember you then? Another flustered boy, playing make-believe in his precious little tea garden that entertained her for a few days?"

Riddle felt a twist in his gut at Zehn's words. He really did not need a reminder of the vast gap between Reine and himself but to be belittled in such a way. To speak so crassly about his future queen so effortlessly...this bastard...

"You astound me, Cavalier...to think after two years in a school with so many narcissists and grey moral compasses, I have never seen or heard this level of arrogance until today. Tell me, is this how you've been trying to woo Miss Reine because she doesn't seem all that impressed-"

The smirk on Riddle's face didn't last as Zehn quickly shoved him against the stone wall, knocking the wind out of him and holding him in place by the tight grip on his shirt collar and tie. Zehn's gaze was venomous as he stared right into Riddle's now wide eyes, "I'm warning you, Rosehearts...do what's best for yourself and Lady Reine and take my advice. You'll be better off in the long run."

A great deal of pressure filled the air as Zehn noticed an outline of two long horns attached to an even longer shadow appeared on the wall behind Riddle. When he turned around, he was face to face with a pair of sharp, glowing green eyes. Malleus Draconia was hunched down, glaring Zehn right in his face, similar to how the boy had been threatening Riddle only a moment ago.

"Are you threatening one of Night Raven College's esteemed dorm leaders? You, a stranger invited onto our campus? My, you are as arrogant as Rosehearts said..." the dragon fae's tone was calm but with a hint of a growl vibrating in his throat with each syllable. Even Zehn couldn't hide how shaken he was by the dragon's very presence that seemed to make the alley grow colder. He let go of Riddle and tried to hold his aggressive stare towards Malleus but it quickly weakened with one vicious smirk from the tall, dark fae. Zehn swore the sky had grown darker in minutes and even the sounds of thunder echoed overhead. This atrociously behaved human was no more than an insect under Malleus's dominant stature and it only took mere seconds for Malleus to decide that the boy deserved the same level of regard.

"Rosehearts, the little rose queen has returned to her station. You were also invited were you not? It would very rude to keep her waiting any longer..."

Malleus sidestepped Zehn as if he were just a dust cloud and placed a gentle hand on Riddle's shoulder, leading him away from the wall. The two dorm leaders said nothing as they departed. Malleus ensured that Zehn wouldn't follow by giving him another glower over his shoulder in a silent threat. The arrogant boy stood frozen in place as if the dragon had filled his veins with ice.

Riddle found his experience standing in line vastly different after Malleus had joined him. The Diasomnia students felt comfortable enough to not only let Malleus join the line but also cut in front of them along with Riddle. The remaining Royal Sword students mellowed out considerably. So much that they turned from aggressive guard dogs to cowering puppies in a heartbeat. Malleus himself seemed in much better spirits than he had been in the corridor. Riddle looked up at the towering Diasomnia leader standing behind him with a somewhat sheepish gaze, "I suppose a thank you is in order..."

A quiet chuckle reverberated from the dragon's chest, "If you insist, Heartslabyul King. I didn't want the little rose queen's hard work to go to waste. She seemed fond of you when we met..." Riddle's eyes widened with curiosity making Malleus grin, "she wore one of your roses and your colors in her hair. That is normally a sign of affection and support in humans, is it not?"

"Y-Yes, I suppose it is." Riddle was embarrassed by how flustered his heart suddenly felt at the thought that someone else had noticed something like that. If she still had the rose and ribbons in her hair then... "how long have you and Miss Reine known each other, Malleus?"

"I only met her last night during one of my strolls through the gardens outside the usually abandoned dorm," Riddle definitely noticed the soft, pleased grin on the Diasomnia prince's face, "the little rose queen has a gentle, honest way about her...she wasn't afraid to approach me and speak with me at all."

Somehow the image of Reine talking with the intimidating dragon prince, all alone in the evening glow, and leaving such an impression on him that he stood here now with a much softer air about him than usual...it gave Riddle's gut a twist that he didn't like whatsoever. If that wasn't enough, he recalled Floyd affectionately talking about her before with a big dopey smile, calling her 'mantie ray'. Or even Cater's casual confession that more than half of their dorm more than likely harbored a crush on the princess as well. The twisting sensation only grew with each passing thought.

"Did you think you were special?" Zehn's words mocked him in the back of his mind, making him feel heated and angry all over again. Malleus' chuckle broke him away from the downward spiral.

"Oh? Have I made you envious, Rosehearts?" Wow, did he look smug. Riddle swore for a split second those horns belonged to a teasing devil and not a dragon. Riddle could only puff up, red in the face in response as he sputtered in defiance. This only entertained Malleus even more.

"My, my...how foolish."

"Who are you calling a fool, Malleus?!" Riddle barked.

The dragon's grin didn't break as he looked Riddle directly in the eyes, "I wouldn't trust that boy's words, Rosehearts. For someone who has been acquainted with the little rose queen far longer than you or I, he reeked of desperation and pettiness...surely there is a reason for that? Besides, it wasn't my or his favors she wore in her pretty locks when we met."

Alright, so Malleus had made a valid point. Riddle silently admitted this as he stood with crossed arms and embarrassment written all over his face. Dare he hope that maybe...just maybe? As much as Riddle wanted to believe that Reine had become just as fond of him as he had with her, the reality was that the class gap between them was far too wide and as far as he knew, he wasn't part of the pool of suitors available to the princess or any of her royal cousins, though not for a lack of trying on his mother's part. Not to mention that she would return to Sacred Crown offshore in just a couple of days, back to her life. It irritated him how much that made his heart ache.

"It's your turn, Rosehearts."

Riddle's head popped up with a rush of adrenaline right as Petra reached the stairs to greet him with a big smile. The girl took his arm and lead him up the steps towards Reine. She was seated, eyes down as she adjusted her skirt and flattened out any wrinkles. The moment she heard his name, their eyes met in similar wide, sparking gazes. Riddle felt his breath hitch in his chest. Reine felt her heart thump. Neither one could have guessed that they were thinking the exact same thing...

Maybe...just for today...it's alright.

Reine broke the tension by giving Riddle a gentle smile and standing up to approach him...only to realize that the heels she was wearing now made their height difference even more noticeable. The boy felt a bit embarrassed and nervous at the same time as this very beautiful 'Queen of Thorns' smiled down at him, chuckling at the realization.

"I'll stay seated for the picture."

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

Tagging: @nuitthegoddess @1ndigowitch @iscarlettappel @evieyouknow @foxwitchaine @wysteriadelights @aiimee9

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ty-talks-comics · 5 years

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Best of DC: Week of August 14th, 2019

Best of this Week: Justice League Odyssey #12 - Dan Abnett, Will Conrad, Rain Beredo and Andworld Design

Darkseid is.

The former ruler of Apokalips’ plans have finally come to fruition after the small team of heroes brings together the final few relics to complete Sepulkore, the planet that will release a wave of cosmic energy all over the Ghost Sector and make it immune to the destruction of the Multiverse. Narrated by Darkseid, this issue expands on how far back he’s had these ideas and plans in place, even anticipating the betrayal from Cyborg, Starfire and Azrael from the beginning. He hasn’t been lying to them at all, but rather, omitting a few things so that his plans would proceed as they naturally would.

In the last issue we see Darkseid take control of Cyborg, turning him into a dangerous, Motherbox like being with all of the knowledge of the universe and more at his disposal. Darkseid orders Cyborg to keep Azrael and Jessica Cruz distracted while he fights an enraged Starfire. He sees the spark in her eyes and flings her into the core of Sepulkore, where she was destined to be the flame that lit the fire pits of this new hell. As Sepulkore awakens, Darkseid becomes even more powerful. Azrael is left with no other choice than to call his warriors into the fight as well.Unfortunately for him, as soon as the Azraelites enter Darkseid’s presence, they are turned into a new fodder-force: Para-Angels. Azrael succumbs to Darkseid’s control soon after as well.

With all of the pieces falling into place, Darkseid smiles. His new Apokalips is lit and it connects with all of the other remaining relics in the Ghost Sector, becoming a reality unto itself. Darkseid monologues to himself that he has always known that the Source Wall would fall and the Multiverse would be destroyed eventually. Since his early years, Darkseid has been lying in wait, creating myths of heroes that would be Gods and those Gods would serve him. The Eternal One - Darkseid.

His new acolytes look upon him, chanting “Darkseid is,” as he returns to his full power. Jessica Cruz stands tall against him, however. I want to take a moment to say how much I love her journey as a character. She started out as this young girl that could barely leave her apartment and she could barely control her fears which allowed Power Ring from Earth 3 take control of her. Since then she has fought to get past her fears, anxieties and PTSD to become one of the most courageous Lanterns in all of the Green Lantern Corps.

With only about two percent power left in her ring, she tells Darkseid that she will not let him win. His plans will fail if she has anything to do about it and Darkseid is mildly impressed. Darkseid could crush her, without question. She’s barely a fly on his rader, but he’s super into her tenacity. He offers her a place at the table, he cold become as powerful as Cyborg, Starfire or Azrael, a New God of Indomitable Will as Darkseid puts it.

Jessica says “Screw You,” and plants Darkseid with a mean right cross, firmly planting her in the same club as Guy Gardner and Hal Jordan, the “Are You Absolutely Insane? You Really Thought It Was A Good Idea to Punch HIM?” Club

Summarily, he swats her away, crushes her ring hand and Omega Beams her to hell.

*HEAVY SPOILERS ARE HEAVY*

Summarily, he slaps her, crushes her ring hand and Omega Beams her to hell.

*HEAVY SPOILER HOURS ARE OVER*

Will Conrad does the art for this issue and every single page is a wonder to look at. Darkseid is made to look unreasonably imposing as his power increases over time. Cyborg with his advanced mech body looks like a thing of terror as he has a faceguard only over his mouth and his human eye is a milky white. I also appreciate how his metal parts are shaded to give them a sheen. Sepulkore itself is drawn with an immense sense of scale and the architecture of it complex and effective, looking like a huge dodecahedron. Darkseid himself even has a new design that mimics some of his Superman: TAS look with tights added.

Justice League Odyssey might be one of the best ongoing Justice League stories right now because of how different it is to the rest of them. With a team almost as strange as the mid-2000s R.E.B.E.L.S. team and it being centered around an even stranger area of space, everything is so cool. Though there have been a few artists, each have taken different approaches to make all of the different locations and character designs cool.

What should really be applauded is the work when it comes to Beredo’s colors. For the most part, this book is awash in an oppressive red hue as Darkseid become stronger as the book goes on. This color blends well with Starfire’s fiery starbolts and Azrael’s flaming sword. It also worked best with Jessics Cruz being the only contrasting color in the bunch as her green made her the hopeful hero. Beredo makes everything feel dire as hell and it really sells the mood of the book.

I can’t wait for the next issue of the series because Darkseid has effectively won. He has a new Apokalips that he can rule from away from the dangers of the Multiverse and Perpetua. With his new New Gods, the Dark Sector will be another oppressive entity that Darkseid can hatch his schemes from with he regained power. The best question of all, however… who will stop him?

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

Barry Allen is back and better than before.

Runner Up: The Flash #76 - Joshua Williamson, Rafael Sandoval, Jordi Tarragona, Tomeu Morey and Steve Wands

After re-living one of his first adventures as The Flash, Barry sees just how out of touch with things that he has been lately. He realizes that he hasn’t taken the time to slow down since Wally returned and he’s just been throwing himself into adventure after adventure without any regard for his friends and family and it has caused their lives to suffer because of it.

Iris has practically left him. Wallace West distanced himself from Barry as much as possible, even going so far as to briefly join a team with Deathstroke. Avery, the Flash of China, isn’t even that close to Barry, but he also left her and Wallace in the middle of an argument just before he went off on his Force Quest. In an effort to put a stop to the Rogues that have now branched out of Central City, he’s been going through the escapees left and right.

We begin with Kid Flash and Avery fighting with Girder and Tarpit in the middle of Central City. The two young Speedsters are quick, but not all is right as they have a hard time putting any serious damage on either. Just as Tarpit is about to burn them alive, Barry zips in and saves the teens.

Rafa Sandoval is absolutely one of my favorites of DC’s current crop of artists and my favorite Flash artist. His slick lines and shading combined with Morey’s coloring and Tarragona’s inks makes everything look smooth. Costumes look good, bright and vibrant. Flash’s deep red stands out and compliments Wally’s yellow and surprisingly Avery’s dark pink and purples. Shadows are appropriately dark and every blast of lightning and every blur is stunning to see.

Barry gives his young proteges some advice in dealing with Tarpit and Girder, allowing the young speedsters to defeat the villains. After the win, Wallace is less than enthused to see Barry again and begins to walk away before Barry asks them both to run with him, to see how he's trying to make up for his mistakes.

Begrudgingly they agree and we get another amazing shot of Barry running while flanked by Avery and Wallace. I really loved this because it reminded me of the old Flash Family days and because Barry is really trying his best.

He shows them the rebuilt Flash Museum and they're amazed that he managed to rebuild it all by himself. Barry reveals that there's something more and they use their vibration abilities to enter their new headquarters, which I don't have a pun for yet. They're greeted by Commander Cold(?) And Steadfast, the new avatar of the Still Force, and Barry explains what's been going on with their powers.

Wallace had been noticing small things, but he thought it was all in his head. Apparently with the release of all of these new forces, the Speed Force is collapsing under the weight of these new forces that aren't supposed to exist alongside it. This is further backed up as The Black Flash returns for a cliffhanger ending.

As all of this is going on, in another city altogether, Heatwave is causing havoc, seemingly with his own heat powers having returned. The cops show up to confront him, but are suddenly incapacitated by blasts of ice. Captain Cold, Leonard Snart, has begun to gather his Rogues. With updated Cold Gear, to mirror his own New 52 ice powers, he hands Heatwave a Heat Gun and he two OG Rogues reunite to gather the rest of the troops and finally take down The Flash.

With this first part being so affectionately referred to as "The Death of the Speed Force part 1" I can't imagine that any of this will end well. The Speed Force has been in existence for the better part of almost 30+ years now and there's a good chance that we've seen all that we possibly can from it. It's been used to trap people, reset universes and even bring back past Speedsters for big events.

With the Speed Force dying, now's a great opportunity for new stories to be told with the Flashes exploring new ways for their powers to work if the Speed Force does indeed get destroyed in the future. But what will this mean for other speedsters still trapped like Jai and Iris West II, and Jay Garrick? Will they be immediately freed or will Doomsday Clock somehow tie into things? Only time will tell! High recommend!

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taiwanwebmuseum · 4 years

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Dear Sirs,

Our Honorable Government and Noble Government Leader

Although the degree of virus's bioweapon attack on the human body is evolving every year, are you still waiting for traditional vaccine injections through invasive treatment as the only protective-shield?

Although the extent of the sword and arrow attacks on the human body has evolved into machine guns, artillery and tanks, are you still waiting for the ancient Roman infantry-square with shields as the only protective-shield?

Computer artificial intelligence, the Internet, and mobile phones were not invented solely for chat and communication. They were created with the ultimate purpose of providing humans with an evolving protective-shield to fight against viruses and any form of life danger.

http://myfatebook.com

…

Citizens' Welfare to fight against Virus or Coronavirus paid and covered by the Government

Citizens' Welfare to fight against Virus or Coronavirus paid and covered from the Governmental Protection - The world's latest newly-invented "Citizens' Personal Daily Destiny Report in the next 100 days" generated by computer Artificial Intelligence to be generally government-package-purchased by the government for the citizens to use free of charge online by citizens' own mobile phones or computers at any moment freely, in view of the advanced coronavirus-and-disease-prevention science, to predict their future epidemic-disease risk.

Citizens are assets. Without citizens, there will be no government any longer. All the procedures taken by the government at present are just to detect the infected people and block the area where the infected people live, stay and work with extremely high cost of citizens and society.

If the scientific computer Artificial Intelligence has been matured to offer another intelligent way to do so, why not just the self-watching by citizens before they are going to be infected and to receive notices in advance from computer Artificial Intelligence in time, will be taken as the most important procedure to prevent weak-and-sick-fate people from being infected?

Hundreds of thousands of years ago, the alien high-tech civilization already knew that on which days your disease will occur in your present and future lifetime since you were born.

H病 - Attention carefully: The Unhealthy Day with Illness (Including Wuhan pneumonia, Coronavirus and cold flu … etc.)

This same kind of alien high-tech civilization developed from the high-level civilization and high-tech knowledge of the outer space in the universe, has also defined for the people on Earth that a day on the earth starts at 11 o'clock p.m. last night, and ends at 11 o'clock p.m. this night. This Principle of Definition has already been discovered by the endless exploratory knowledge based on the Outer Space Cosmology, via the existing high-tech Computer Artificial Intelligence science as well as Quantum Science of human beings.

However for 5,000 years, humans on the earth can only rely on the low-level civilization and the low-tech knowledge developed on the earth, people always believe that a day on the earth should start at 00:00 a.m. this morning and end at 12 o'clock p.m. this night.

Since there is a huge gap between each other in civilization, knowledge, comprehension, and technology as above, humans on earth have never believed in their own destiny, and they have no idea how to distinguish the differences of their own individual personal fate among that of any day in the past days, of yesterday, of today, of tomorrow, and of any day in the future days, after they were born.

People have no idea about their personal month fate and year fate neither, even the difference among the rich and the poor, the common and the noble, not to mention the fate difference among people.

By the latest research from the Quantum science, people do have the above fate setup in the brain DNA since the birth and triggered by the Quantum Entanglement in the Universe by dark energy and dark force.

The brain's mind governs people's daily activities after the daily mind's sleeping and forms the DNA setup Quantum Entanglement in the Universe such as affectionate missing someone in the world, falling in love at the first sight, arousing evil mind of killing people or animals, having desire of meeting someone in the world, or even unfortunately meeting with someone else who has the same DNA setup Quantum Entanglement in brain's mind as well as a stranger with Viruses, to get infected, or to receive any form of life danger at designated time and place (that is to say according to the common belief, to go for illness, injury, misery or death by Satan or Devil’s will),……… etc.

Below is a letter content from Einstein to his daughter Lieserl (collected in the Hebrew University):

「When I proposed the theory of relativity, very few understood me, and what I will reveal now to transmit to mankind will also collide with the misunderstanding and prejudice in the world.

I ask you to guard the letters as long as necessary, years, decades, until society is advanced enough to accept what I will explain below.

There is an extremely powerful force that, so far, science has not found a formal explanation to. It is a force that includes and governs all others, and is even behind any phenomenon operating in the universe and has not yet been identified by us. This universal force is LOVE.」

How to use the advanced technology of far ancient outer space high-tech alien civilization to intelligently fight against the virus that is invisible in the air on the earth and in contact with the surface of objects

Must be read by the medical staffs standing at the front line of the anti-virus war

Must be read by people who must go to the office, work, go to school, entertain and buy necessities and supplies for daily life

Examine in detail the individual citizen's own daily fate report for the next 100 days, and find that the date of the fate event symbol "H病" appears, then calculate a starting date for 14 days earlier, that is, the reasonable virus infection latency days (for the people who have been infected by the virus), and start self-vigilance (self-watching) to avoid suffering from a viral infection from that starting date.

Necessary self-protection in self-vigilance (self-watching) period

1. Frequent Hand-washing to wipe out any virus touched by hands.

2. Mask-wearing to protect nose and mouth.

3. Eyeglass-wearing to protect eyes.

4. Frequent Water-drinking to protect throat.

5. Sufficient meals and sleeps for immunity.

Viruses need alive victims of human target to live on. If all citizens follow the above necessary self-protection procedures in their self-vigilance (self-watching) period occurred during their destined dates of Illness and DNA setup weak-immunity, that is to say, all the destined infected human targets of Viruses are under self-protection from the Viruses, the Viruses will definitely die within 24 hours or 9 days (depends on the types of viruses) due to lack of alive victims of human target to live with.

Coronavirus and other unknown ones have become a new type of bioweapon that is quite easy to attack by any group of evil human enemy. If government has no such an intelligent computer Artificial Intelligence as illustrated above to protect her own citizens, the extinguish and paralysis of all citizens in the country could be occurred at any moment in the future.

Do you have any other better way to fight against Coronavirus and other unknown ones except just crying, restrictions and blocks of cities? In this way, the wealth of the country is decreased grossly. Therefore the necessary cost of this government-package-purchase is very reasonable and necessary.

Coronavirus has come to the earth and other unknown ones will come one by one either. The new enemies of human beings are not just human beings themselves that can be fought and defended by guns, missiles and fight-jets.

Dinosaurs are bigger and stronger than human beings, however they have been made extinguished by some unknown reasons that might be those ancient extremely tiny invisible viruses.

Example of the 5th and 6th day of the citizen's daily fate report for the next 100 days: [H病]

5 - 20200127 (date)

The Fate Event Symbols on this Day:

這一天的命運事件代碼符號:

( T運 98 )( S偏 0 ) X損 B出 C出 I3入

6 - 20200128 (date)

The Fate Event Symbols on this Day:

這一天的命運事件代碼符號:

( T運 186.2 )( S偏 140 ) X損 [H病] F地 N神 B出 C出 C2出 I入 I3入 Q發

In the 21st century, although humans have gone to school, they have never been to Mars, they have never seen aliens, they have never known about the alien high-tech civilization, and they have never read their own future 100 days' daily destiny reports (whether they believe or don't believe them). It's really a great regret in all the lifetime.

The function Table of Event Symbols listed on the computer Artificial Intelligence "Personal Daily Fate Report in the next 100 days":

T運 - Total Fortune Scores

S偏 - Lucky Side-Fortune Scores

!危 - Attention carefully: The Life Dangerous Day

D險 - The Life Dangerous Day

W弱 - The Weak Day to be easily injured with Misfortune and kept away from Quick Money or Quick Development

A煩 - The Annoying Day in Low Spirits (Including X損below)

X損 - The Troublesome Day (Including Hospitalization or Penalty) or Money-Spending Day (Including Loss or Unfortunate Matter)

0空 - The Helpless Null and Void Empty Day

!危 D險 0空 - The Great Danger of !危 and D險 has been Null and Void Empty by 0空 (Attention is still necessary)

D險 0空 - The Little Danger of D險 has been Null and Void Empty by 0空 (Attention is still necessary)

H病 - Attention carefully: The Unhealthy Day with Illness

R解 - The Recovery Day from Illness or the Leaving Day from the Hospital or Problem Solving Day

E壽 - The Life-Span Extension Day

V勝 - The Promotion or Victory Winning Day

P優 - The Examination Passing or Wisdom Day

G天 - The Good Day with Help from Heaven

F地 - The Fortune Day with Help from Heaven

F2財 - The Fortune Day with Help from Heaven

N神 - The Fortune Delivery Angel Day

U強 - The United Strength Day to be hardly injured and kept away from Misfortune or to catch easily Quick Money or Quick Development

G天/F地/F2財/N神/U強 - The Danger of !危 and D險 can be decreased (Attention is still necessary)

B出 - The Bill-Payment Day

C出 - The Cash Disbursement Day

C2出 - The Cash Disbursement Day

I入 - The Cash Income Day

I2入 - The Cash Income Day

I3入 - The Cash Income Day

Q發 - The Quick Money or Quick Development Day

Attention: The amount of above Cash Income by symbols N神/ I入/ I2入/ I3入 -OFFSET mutually- that of Cash Outcome by symbols B出/ C出/ C2出 to (Each) or (Both), either (Zero) or (Much Less Amount) situation occasionally.

http://myfatebook.com

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