Thread one

So masked/hooded and villains in disguise will all be going to a meeting as a representative of their world at the royal palace. All main OCs were invited and some random ones we don’t have pages for (XD)

Once they all get there some of the queens royal staff will help them get ready then lead them to the queens court room where the meeting will be held

Taylor was looking at the other people, their face like a smirking brick wall

Cole observed quietly, like you do.

Paisley had a stern, regal expression on her face as she stood with her twin sister in the entrance hall of the palace.

Anika is sitting in her room having her hair done, she smooths out her rose gold dress, her favorite color.

Callyah stood at attention against the wall nearest Anika, her long pale blue dress swishing around her legs. "You know, I've never seen that color on you before," she observed sarcastically.

Anika rolls her eyes and glances behind her, “I suppose your right.” she says looking down at her dress, “I might wear white today.” she comments and immediately three maids brought over different white dresses.

Taylor adjusted the hood on their head, making sure it didn't fall

"You've already gotten your hair done," Callyah said. "If you change, you'll probably mess it up again. And besides, everyone is waiting on you. Although it does establish dominance if you take your time and force them to wait..." She traced a finger along the edge of her cowl. "Up to you, oh queen."

Quinn tugged on her hood gently, looking around at the others.

Cole gave up and walked up to someone. "Hi."

Anika nods considering this, her and Callyah had a decent relationship so she is quickly changed into one of the white dresses and sits back down for her hair to be redone.

A large group of maids comes out from a door down where the others are waiting and each goes to a certain person and bows slightly, “Welcome to Queen Anika’s Palace I’ll be helping you get ready for the meeting.” They all say politely.

Jossephine pulled back the final strand of her hair and smiled at her appearance in the mirror. She  probably should have been more worried about helping her Royal Majesty but..she had her own outfit to prepare.

Aireana reluctantly walked into the palace, her pale blue gown swishing as she did so.

Callyah hid a smile. It was nice to see Queen Anika getting used to her power as, well, queen.

Paisley looks at the maid who had approached her and introduced herself as Elmira and who had curtseyed, “Welcome to the palace Lady Mills.” she says and curtseys again, “May I show you to your room?” she asks.

Paisley nods looking slightly, under her mask she was looking bored yet even with the mask she managed to look very regal

Aire didn't understand what the point of having to get dressed up by maids after she was already wearing something fancy was.

Taylor looked up at Cole. They (Taylor) waited for them (Cole) to introduce themself

Holden was dressed in a green suit, that matched his mask.

"I'm Cole." Cole resisted the impulse to do his name sign as he introduced himself. Better to present as normal -- as equal -- as long as possible while he was here.

A maid approached Holden and curtsied politely and started to lead him to his room.

“Um excuse me, I am supposed to guard Queen Anika.” Holden protested.

"I'm Taylor. They them." Taylor hated when people misgendered them. The last person who had walked away with a broken nose. And maybe a few other injuries

Ella adjusted her mask for the legit 1,628 time, yes she had been counting.

Klay wondered why he had been invited to the [redacted] meeting-or whatever it was. He pushed his blond hair out of his face.

”Oh I’m sorry sir, this way then.” she says quickly looking flustered and started to lead Holden towards the Queens chambers.

A maid stopped before Aire. "Lady Aireana Tien, follow me."

Quinn tapped her foot on the ground.

Another maid walked up to Klay and curtsied politely, “Hello sir, may I show you to your dressing room?”

"Nice to meet you," Cole said, not entirely sure what they had said. He had gotten "they them," at least. He could work with pronouns until he learned their name.

Yet another maid approached Quinn and curtsied, “Hello may I show you to your room miss?’

Ella adjusted her mask again, she really needed a book or something.

"Your pronouns?" Taylor was getting annoyed. Then again, getting them annoyed didn't take much

“It’s quite alright miss.” Holden apologized and followed her.

"Oh. He/him," Cole said. "Nice to meet you."

Ella pulled on her hair, which she had kept out of the pony tail, until she was out of eyeline of anyone else.

Taylor nodded, though it was hard to tell with their hood. They didn't know what to say next

Anika studied herself in her full wall length mirror and she looked quite regal wearing a smooth white dress that wasn’t too over the top and made her look important and she had her rose-gold jewelry and her hair was done up nicely.

"Certaintly," Klay winked.

The maid led Holden out to Anika’s dressing room and left him outside it with a quick bow.

Valerie walked into the palace, breathing slightly hard from having to run all the way there.

Callyah rocked back and forth on her heels -- high heels, specifically. "Ya look great, oh queen." This time, she wasn't being sarcastic.

Aire's maid dressed her up in an outfit she wouldn't have picked herself. It was elegant, pretty, stunning, and so not her.

A maid hurries up to Valerie, “Hello miss, may I show you to your dressing room?” she curtsies politely

Ella needed to get out of this place.

"Thanks." They reached up and touched their hood, making sure it was still there. "Yours too."

Anika continues to study herself not convinced with Callyah’s words but she didn’t say anything and just frowns slightly, she was so lost in her thoughts that a knock on the door made her jump. She quickly smooths her dress out and waits for it to be opened.

Valerie opened her mouth, not quite sure what to say. “Sure, I guess?”

The maid curtsied again to Valerie and quickly led her to a dressing room, “What dress?” she asks her after holding up a few.

Callyah stepped forward so she was closer to the door than Queen Anika was, one hand hovering at her hip where her knives were sheathed.

Cole smiled. "Thanks," he replied, accidentally signing the word on impulse along with it. He dropped his hands to his side quickly.

“I have to wear a DRESS?” Valerie asked, hoping the maid wasn’t serious.

The maid nods quickly, “It’s only polite to the queen.” she informs her.

Anika took a small step back, waiting for the door to open when it does it’s just a maid with a boy (Holden)

“Can’t I wear a suit or something at least?” Valerie tried. Ploofy went to go find a good image of a dress/suit.

Jo hurried down the hall to the queens' private dressing room.

Callyah sighed. "You're late. Not good, Paul."

Holden’s jaw drops. Why in all of Aurelian did he get to world with the literal model.

Ella, was standing there not sure what to do.

The maid frowned, “I suppose...” She says looking nervous, “The queen isn’t likely to be mad if you show up in a suit-“

Anika’s shoulders relaxed when it wasn’t someone coming to try and kill her.

"Stop gaping at the queen and take your post," Callyah ordered Holden. "And don't be late again."

Quinn nodded politely at the maid. "Yes, please."

Taylor looked at Cole's hand for a moment before shrugging

The maid nods again and curtsied again before leading Quinn to a dressing room, “Dress or suit?” she asks.

“You don’t get to tell me what to do,” he retorts, and takes his place.

Aire sighed. The dress was pretty.

"Suit." Quinn tugged on her hood again, gently, of course.

"I'm your [redacted] captain, Paul. You bet your [redacted] I get to tell you what to do."

Holden stayed silent.

Will didn’t feel like dressing up that much, so he just wore a simple gray suit with his gray mask.

"Your Majesty?" Jo arrived at the door. But, the queen looked..occupied.

The maid nods and goes and gets many options for Quinn.

Anika glances at herself in the mirror again, looking very regal and she nods satisfied.

Ella had no idea what to do so she started to mutter to herself.

Quinn surveyed the options, feeling the fabric against her fingers.

Anika turns when she is addressed, “Yes?” she asks.

Valerie sighed, still wishing she didn’t have to get dressed up. “I’m not wearing heels,” She wanted picking out a green suit/romper/thing.

"Jo's here," Callyah told the queen.

“Are any of these good miss?” she maid asks Quinn quietly.

“Of coarse miss.” the maid nods looking nervous around Valerie.

Quinn pointed her chin at a light blue one. "I like this one, if that's alright."

Jo frowned ""Its Lady Jossephine to you- also, hello, your majesty. Sorry I took so long."

Anika nods slightly, “That’s fine but please don’t be this late, this often.” she replies and goes over to one of her desks where there is a lot of very expensive jewelry and she picks up her family ring and slips it on her finger.

Valerie kept her boots on, and buckled her belt with her gun and knives on it. “All right, let’s go,” She said.

"I'm not responsible for your life. How about Lady Jo." That wasn't a question.

"I won't be late again." Jo promises, and narrows her eyes again, "Lady Jo isn't much better, but it shall do.

A maid approached Ella, “Hello miss, may I show you your dressing room?”

"Jeez, you scared me! Uhh yes please."

Cole followed the maid that approached him and let her help him pick out a pair of pressed black pants and a red button-down shirt with a black tie.

Klay was wearing a dark green suit, and he couldn't say he liked it. It was nothing compared to the rugged yet handsome look he had been going for lately.

"AHH! Hi- Ella." She was jumpy.

"Are you ready, oh queen?" Callyah asked Queen Anika.

Cole came back out of his dressing room. "Hey," he said to (Will). "I'm Cole."

The maid noticed Klay’s obvious discomfort, “Sir would you like a different look?”

The maid smiles kindly at Ella, “follow me miss.”

Anika nods at Callyah.

"Nah. But, really, I doubt many girls like christmas trees. Or guys, even" Klay replys

The maid frowns, “Well then one moment please.” she says and rushes to get him a nicer suit.

"Shall we go to the throne room, then?"  Callyah asked.

“Hi, I guess.” Will mumbled. “I’m Will. Not William, not Willy.”

Valerie followed her maid ~somewhere~.

Anika nods, still not saying anything as she goes over to the door ready to go.

Once all the maids had dressed everyone they led them to the court room.

Aire watched with interestas her maid twisted her hair into a beautiful braid crown. "Thanks!" Aire says.

"It's only my job." the maid looks slightly bored.

"Do you have a name?" Aire asks.

"Yeah. I'm Dianei." she frowns slightly.

Callyah opened the door for the queen and followed her out.

Valerie stepped into the throne room and turned in a circle, barely holding in gasp of awe.

Klay stepped into the court room, and bit his lip. Now this, was beauty.

Cole followed everyone into the throne room. It was impressive.

**Wow**, he signed, forgetting his efforts to seem normal.

The maids quickly leave them alone in the throne room and paisley looks around in awe which she tries not to show.

Anika walks to the throne room her heels clicking on the floor.

Quinn looked mildly impressed as she entered the throne room.

Aire looked around with awe. It was really beautiful in here.

Jo sighs with boredom. The throne room was pretty, but honestly, all the gasps were annoying.

Callyah stepped in front of the queen again and opened the door to the throne room.

Quinn clicked her tounge softly, bending down to observe some of the finer details of the throne room.

When the door opens Paisley turns, her dress swishing as she turns to get a look at the Queen.

Anika walks in after Callyah, looking as regal as ever.

Holden trailed after Anika

Now, Klay gapsed. The QUeen was by far more beautiful than the room.

Everett followed the queen, his expression placid.

Um, let's say that Taylor was in a dress now (Because my notifs are drowning)

Cole saw- was that his sister? He knew she worked at the palace, but he had thought she was a maid, not... a lady-in-waiting?

Callyah noticed her brother among the people on the floor of the throne room, but her steps didn't falter. The only sign she was distracted was a slight loosening of her hand at her belt where her knives were holstered.

Will walked into the throne room and gasped, something he almost never did.

Val shook out of her awe and pulled her hood lower over her face. She stood there awkwardly, not knowing what to do, not noticing the queen.

Paisley quickly bows to the queen when she walks in.

Anika gives them all a polite nod as she goes to sit down.

Quinn watched the queen with interest.

Everett narrowed his eyes at all the people in the room, silently observing.

Anika stays quiet until she sits down then she makes a friendly gesture inviting them to sit in the chairs meant for guest.

Cole bowed and sat down, still not believing that his sister was up there.

Callyah quietly directed Holden and Everett to the other side of the throne. She took up her position on the side closest to the door and surveyed the floor.

Klay sits down, dumbfounded by how sexy Anika was-

Aire elegantly sits, her eyes scanning the room.

Taylor was with the group, having been there the entire time.

Valerie noticed the queen, and went to sit down at the table, watching. She was used to noticing the smallest signs that a deer had passed through a glade hours before and the slightest tending in an animals muscles that happened right before they leapt away. In comparison, almost everyone’s gestures were completely obvious.

Cole made sure he could see the queen's face, so he could read her lips as she spoke.

Anika finally speaks, her voice somehow both soft and sExY

Holden took his place.

Taylor sat down

Valerie listened intently.

Anika glances at all of them in turn and speaks again, “Hello everyone and welcome to the palace of Aurelian.” she says.

Cole watched her carefully.

Callyah put a placid, peaceful look on her face and pretended to be dreamily staring into nothing -- in reality, she was keeping an eye on literally everything.

Paisley realizes they were supposed to bow and she quickly does so and kicks the shin of the person closest to her encouraging them to do the same.

Taylor was watching Anika closely, bowing slightly

Cole bowed, although he was already seated, so it just looked like he was faceplanting into the table.

Paisley sits down gracefully and watches the queen with fascination.

Anika looking regal in all her finery and her detailed jewelry and just her general expression glanced at everyone and continued, “I’m glad you all could come, now onto why you have been brought here.”

Anika stands up to her full height which wasn’t super impressive but she sure looked important, “As you all should know by now there is a group that killed my grandfather and multiple others who were found to have...abilities.” she goes on

Holden’s shin still hurt.

Taylor was grateful that their hood was over their face. Totally unrelated to what Anika said. Completely unrelated

Paisley nods quietly under her mask, she knew all this already, or she had assumed and now it was basically confirmed.

*Well carp*. Holden thought *i have abilities...*

Callyah unhooked one of her knives from her belt, holding it concealed at her side, just in case.

Cole swallowed hard, but he didn't take his eyes of the queen's face. He needed to see the next part.

Anika slightly wishes she could see their faces but knows to bite her tongue cause they valued their safety. She tries not to think about her own ability as she says, “Does anyone have any questions?” she asks inviting them to speak.

“What...sort of abilities...” Holden spoke up.

Will stayed silent.

Cole shook his head, which was a lie.

Anika frowns, “Well I’m sure you’ve heard but the sort of abilities like I don’t know being able to lift things with your mind or change your appearance.” she shrugs slightly, “I’ve heard of many more,”

Taylor listened silently

Paisley frowns under her mask, but stays quiet.

"Why are we here, then?" Cole asked.

Callyah sighed inwardly. Her brother, everyone.

Anika frowns again and sighs inwardly, “Well you’ve all be selected to help me-I have been trying to find this group on my own for-“ she takes a breath thinking for a moment, “two years almost three.” she says, managing to look tired and regal at the same time.

Taylor continued watching and listening

Cole nodded.

Callyah didn't say anything, but she remembered the months of searching, of accompanying Queen Anika on her expeditions. She knew how hard the queen had been working to find this group.

Valerie's heart and mind were racing. "Why us?" she asked, proud at how even her voice was.

Audrey stared at her ruby red nails uninterestedly.

Will stared at everyone, thankful that he had his mask on so he wouldn't be recognized.

A million thoughts raced through Aire's mind.

Holden was suspicious. Did the queen know about him? DID HE KILL HER GRANDFATHER? Wait. No he didn't. Wow his brain was turning.

Jossephine was in a bit of shock. How had she not known this was what Anika was going to announce? Maybe she really should have paid more attention to the queen-

Quinn felt her stomach flip. Abilties? Why her? What was so...*special* about her?

Everett watched the expressions of the people with interest.

Aire nervously let a swoosh of air out of her finger.

Seth was wearing a plain black suit. He glanced around.

Ella twisted the hem of her pale blue dress around her finger.

Seth tugged on his jacket.

Shay opened the throne room door quietly and tried to sneak in. Her hair was pinned up in an elaborate bun, and her silk dress was lilac and hemmed just above her knees.

Quinn rubbed her eyes, pulling her hood even more over her face.

Ella rapidly tapped her foot.

Taylor crossed their arms, expression hidden in the shadows of their hood

Shay made sure her mask was on tight as she moved to the back of the room.

Valerie tugged nervously on her hood, pulling it farther down.

Cole offered the late arrival a small wave as she passed him.

"So-." Ella said not really intending on saying anything.

Shay gave the guy who waved at her a small smile. At least he didn't try to talk to her––that's all she cared about.

"So-" Holden said awkwardly

Seth glanced at the people who were with him.

Ella glanced at Seth.

"So whats your guys favorite color?"

Seth looked at the person who was talking. "What-?"

"Purple." Ella pointed to her mask.

"Mine's blue." Holden added

"Fun." Ella remarked

"I don't have one," Shay said flatly.

"My hood is black. Like my soul." Taylor said, bored

"For the sake of this conversation, my favorite color is red."

"If you had to pick one color to get rid or what would it be?" Ella asked Shay.

Valerie coughed a laugh. This- whatever this was- was not what she expected. "Dark green."

"Probably blue. It's overrated," Shay said, not feeling bad for anyone whose favorite color was blue.

Seth perked up. "I feel the same way about blue."

"Gosh We know favorite colors but not names! I'm Ella."

"I like blue. And dark green." Holden motioned to his suit. "Me and you are twins."

Callyah sighed through her nose.

Shay bit back a laugh at Ella's interruption. "I'm Shay."

"Please don't," Valerie said, shaking her head. "Happening to wear the same color as someone you've never met before does not make you twins. And I'm Valerie."

"Seth. I'm Seth," Seth said.

Will just watched them quietly.

Taylor was amused by this group. "I'm Taylor" They forgot to say their pronouns

"I'm Holden." (UGHHHHHHH) "Holden Paul." (DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!) "But you can call me anytime."

"What about you?" Ella asked looking at Will.

"Nice to meet you, Anytime." Taylor said snarkily, not able to resist

"Oh, I'll be sure to call you," Seth said. Or joked. He didn't really know at this point.

"Paul," Callyah hissed, "you're getting distracted."

Cole was trying to follow the conversation, but everyone was everywhere, and he could only read a few people's lips.

"Sure, what's your number?" Ella asked, pulling gout her ever present sheet of paper and a pen

"{REDACTED FOR SECURITY PURPOSES]" Holden wrote on the paper.

Callyah considered stabbing Holden, not for the first time since he'd joined the Queen's guard.

Shay watched, already shipping them.

Taylor snickered

Ella smiled at him.

Taylor leaned back in their chair, putting it on the back 2 legs

Shay looked around the room at everyone, not knowing what else to say.

Seth watched Ella and Holden and narrowed his eyes.

"Anyone else? Going once?" Holden said, holding up his pen.

"Gone." Taylor said dryly

Shay laughed a bit. "Looks like you're not as popular as you hoped," she said to Holden.

Callyah resisted the urge to kick Holden in the leg for giving out personal information and potentially endangering the rest of the guard -- not to mention Queen Anika herself.

"Tragic." Holden sighed dramatically

"Gimme the pen," Seth grabbed Holden's pen.

"Oh let him dream."

"Fine." Holden through the pen to Seth

Seth started doodling. He blocked the paper with his arm so no one else could see it.

"Okay. Thanks." She nodded at Holden.

Shay forced herself not to peek over Seth's shoulder at whatever he was drawing.

Taylor tugged their hood farther over their face, unable to tug on their hair

Anika clears her throat, “Before we continue, is anyone hungry?” she asks and instantly chefs bring out platters full of food.

Callyah leaned over to the queen. "The one in the green hood asked why they are the ones chosen," she supplied.

Shay couldn't hide the noise her stomach made at the mention of food. She hadn't realized how hungry she was.

"I LEGIT JUST ASKED FOR EVERYONE'S NAMES!" Ella shouted with frustration

Quinn rolled her eyes. "Pipe down. It's not a big deal."

“Ahh well we can discuss more after we eat.” Queen Anika replies and the chefs place the food in front of everyone.

Seth looked at his drawing, then at Holden. "Here, loverboy." The drawing was of Holden.

"Oh, uhh thanks." Ella was never really hungry, she probably only ate once a day and even then it was just a protein bar.

Cole looked around at everyone else.

"I was the one in the green hood," Valerie corrected.

"aww thanks." Holden said

Everett crossed his arms, still silently - which was sort of unusal for him - watching the others.

Ella's hood was silver.

Seth grabbed a bowl and poured some baked beans into it. (I just had baked beans XD)

Taylor poked at the food before taking a bite, fork dissapearing into their hood

Quinn jabbed at her meal, not that hungry.

Cole ate quietly, not saying much.

Callyah remained at her post next to the queen.

Shay adjusted her mask to just above her mouth so she could eat.

Val took a bite of her meat.

Holden ate some mac 'n' cheese. "So..."

Valerie waited for him to continue.

"What is our game plan? How are we supposed to find the murderer?"

"And why you chose us," Valerie reminded the queen of her question.

Callyah blinked. Holden was direct, she'd give him that.

*This feels like a giant game of Clue.* Taylor snickered quietly at the thought

Quinn took a small bite of her meal, making a face under the hood.

Shay just listened while she ate, having missed the entire beginning conversation.

"Yes I'd like to know." Ella added

"Still not sure why you would choose us. I mean, there's got to be more people with these--these "abilities"." Quinn made air quotes with her fingers.

Anika raises an eyebrow, “So you admit you do have abilities?” she questions.

"Yeah. what she said." Ella was considering pretending she didn't have abilites.

"You clearly already know that if you've gone through so much effort to track us down and bring us here," Valerie pointed out.

"You guys have abilities?" Holden questioned

Quinn narrowed her eyes. "I never said that."

"I'M NOT ADMITTING ANYTHING! I just have really good aim!" Ella shot back defensively

"As if," Shay mumbled. She wouldn't consider it an 'ability,' per say.

Anika glances around the room at all of them, “I don’t know for sure, although I am almost positive.” she says deciding to be direct.

"There's no such thing as "abilities"!" Quinn shot back, trying to convince herself more than she was trying to convince the queen.

Taylor had ~Charisma~ not some ability. It's because they're so lovable. (Lies)

"Key word being 'almost'" Ella scoffed

Valerie fell silent, deciding it was better to wait and see. Her ability was going off the radar, but in both ways. So mainly she was trying to focus and listen.

The queen frowns slightly, “Do not yell at the queen!” Paisley says in a loud tone.

Quinn tugged her hood even lower. "Sorry."

Everett was mentally rolling his eyes at all of them. Did they not know better to not question the queen?

". . . . I have abilities." Holden said

"Nope." Ella said

Jo rolled her eyes. Abilities to her, were stupid. Particularly because she had none herself.

Paisley goes back to her calm composure, her frown deepening.

Anika glances at Holden but doesn’t say anything for a minute, “Care to demonstrate?” she asks calmly.

Taylor's face was unreadable

Holden snapped his fingers. A small sword appeared in his hands

Aire nervously balled her hands into fists. Why did the queen need there abilities to find her granfathers murderer?

Valerie held in a gasp. In comparison, her ability was next to nothing.

Audrey had a dagger stuffed under her dress, the cold metal pressed against her back.

Anika looked mildly impressed with Holden but said nothing besides, “Impressive.”

Paisley sat next to her sister and gave everyone in the room a small glare, but other than that remained calm and silent.

"Fun." Ella said dryly

Everett was calmly taking in the scene.

Quinn raised her eyebrows at Holden's demonstration.

Holden snapped his fingers again, and the sword went away, being replaced by a rose. "M'lady." Holden handed it to Anika

Taylor's face remained impassive

"I have one too" Aire whispers.

Valerie held in a snort at the gesture.

Anika raises an eyebrow but takes the rose, “Anyone else?” she asks after a moment.

"Oh are we doing this now?" Ella slid down in her chair so low only her eyes were visible.

Shay said quietly, "I have one. But it's useless."

Klay smirked "That would be me"

Anika glances at Shay then Klay then Paisley who had also spoken up, she nods at them expectantly.

Paisley clears her throat and instantly her hair and eye color changes.

Audrey smiled at her twin. "Nice hair," she observed. "But I much prefer my red hair."

Paisley smiles slightly and her hair changes back to her normal red which is identical to Audreys.

Aire nervously wrung her hands. Almost against her will, a swoosh of air fluttered through her hair

“Why would you two ladies ever want to change your appearances?” Holden said in the direction of Paisley and Audrey.

Ella muttered something about the Queen and her common sense.

Audrey grinned at Holden, which changed the color of her lips from bright red to dark red.

Callyah kept a close eye on everything, watching to make sure the queen wasn't threatened.

Cole looked at his sister, who pinched her two forefingers and thumb together. **No**.

Anika looked around at them all with slightly raised eyebrows. “So most of you and if not all of you have these abilities.” she observes and her tone is calm which would seem odd.

“And where did that wind come from. Dramatic effect much?” Ella scoffed

Quinn crossed her arms and didn't say anything.

I can't tell if he's just being nice or actually flirting, Valerie thought, deciding to figure that out.

Audrey kept smiling at Holden. He seemed cute.

Paisley smiles sweetly at Holden and flutters her eyelashes as her eyes change colors.

Everett tightend his grip on his weapon/sword/whatever weapon he had. He didn't like magic.

Audrey shot her twin a dirty look but immediately smiled at Holden again.

Ella sighed, "So I don't have, an ability can I go?"

Paisley rolls her eyes at Audrey, her twin should know that she didn’t really like Holden, besides she never tried for anyone her sister liked.

“I bet that helps with camouflage. You girls will need it because you can’t help standing out.” Holden grinned

Aire glared at Holden. Thankfully, no one- or at least, she thought no one- noticed his comment.

Anika turns to Ella, “I didn’t select you for your abilities.” she says and when she notices that Ella wants to go her ability kicks in and her tone changes so that she can make Ella want to stay.

Paisley snorts at Holden’s comment, “Well obviously we stand out.” she says in a matter of fact tone and flips her hair with an eye roll.

"Okay but why am I here?" Ella asked

Taylor didn't like this at all.

Audrey twirled her hair at Holden, which made it flicker blonde for a few moments before turning back to red. "You're too kind," she said sweetly.

“Because you want to be.” she says subconsciously which would make them all believe that but she immediately shakes her head slightly and shakes her ability off for the moment so they hopefully don’t notice.

"Do not flirt with them," Callyah told Holden quietly. "Seriously."

Valerie wondered how other girls stood each other if all they cared about was competing for some guy they just met. "If you're done flirting, does anyone else have abilities?" She asked, more harshly than she intended.

“And your too pretty. Alas, one cannot help being born perfect can they.” Holden replies.

Paisley sighs and goes back to her normal look, she was used to her sister flirting with everyone.

Quinn felt...weird. Like, she actually didn't want to leave. Huh. The feeling passed over here, then went away. She shook her head, slightly dizzy.

Audrey smiled at Holden, then rolled her eyes at Valerie. "Obviously, me and Paisley can change our appearances. Duh. Can't you blind morons see that?"

"I don't want to be here." Ella said firmly, not full out from under the table.

"I was talking to everyone else," Valerie said, gritting her teeth.

Taylor got up. They wanted to stay but they didn't. "Let me out." They ordered, using charmspeak

"Paul, I will send you to sentry duty. This is your last warning," Callyah said to Holden, her tone completely level and dry.

Everett covered his mouth to hide a cough.

Anika who also had something like charm speak frowned, she did NOT like being told what to do, it reminded her of bad memories.

Klay was wondering when he would get his chance to show off his abilities.

Valerie waited for other people to say what their abilities were.

Shay stayed quiet, not knowing what to do.

"Let me go." Taylor ordered again, more forcefully

Anika frowned at Taylor and stands, “If you leave you won’t be safe.” she warns, she didn’t mean it as a threat more of a warning.

"Can I go too?" Ella asked

“Your boring.” Holden said

Quinn frowned. "What do you mean?"

Jo smiled at that. She could tell Anika wasn't lying by the way her eyes held no pity, and her mouth was set in a firm line.

Callyah watched (Ella) and (Taylor) carefully -- they unnerved her.

“So you knew we’d be in danger if we accepted your offer and didn’t think to warn us?” Valerie butted in.

"POINT! GOOD POINT!" Ella was now standing, having pulled herself out of her chair.

“Eek she’s right” Holden had a disgusted look on his face. “Did I just say... eek?”

Taylor hadn't ever used this much charmspeak. They were swaying a little on their feet

Anika still had her lips in a firm line and said, “Would you have come then?” she points out.

Aire considered this, "I don't think you would have done that. Would you?" She directed the question at Queen Anika.

Callyah's hand went to just behind her hip, where her butterfly knives were holstered.

“I would have. I’m one for heroic adventures.”

"No. I wouldn't have come." Quinn shook her head, still pondering about the abilities thing.

Quinn knew she had an ability. Well--she didn't exactly know...it was more like a feeling. She just kept denying it because she didn't want one. She was scared. A lot more scared than she was willing to admit -- that was why she didn't want to admit that abilites were real.

"You okay?" Cole asked Taylor quietly.

Anika raises an eyebrow, “It doesn’t matter what I would have or wouldn’t have done.” she responds

“Oh I believe it does, Your majesty.”

"Well, we can't exactly ignore a letter from the Queen can we?" She pointed to Callyah who had her hands over her weapons.

“Maybe. I’m getting mixed feelings from this, so maybe not.” Valerie said after considering for a moment.

Anika frowns at Holden and Paisley rolls her eyes, “Are you guys trying to anger the queen? The queen”

Taylor sat back down. "I'm fine." They were trying to look normal

“Of course not. Just trying to understand. That’s all.” Holden replied

Anika stands up and her white dress swishes quietly, “Enough.” she says in her commanding, charm speak tone.

Cole didn't believe them, but he decided to let it go. They were clearly trying to hide it.

Callyah was still watching everything and listening carefully, one quick movement away from whipping out a knife to defend the queen.

Holden was gonna debate more, but something about Anika... he needed to shut up. Now.

Ella rolled her eyes.

Taylor was having trouble staying awake. *NO. NOW IS NOT NAPTIME*. They thought

“So why did you call us here? Yes, I know you want our help finding the murderer. But why us? Not all of us even have abilities.” Valerie pointed out.

Despite her urge to shut up, she couldn't help thinking what she had meant to say: No one cares whether she is the queen or not. If she is lying, she is lying. And if she is hiding something, she should have her status taken away.

Anika frowns for a moment and considers Valerie’s question, “I didn’t choose you...” she admits, “my mother did.” she says her frown deepening but she still managed to look regal.

Taylor ended up falling asleep, barely breathing, not reacting

Quinn's frowned deepend. "Your mother," She repeated. "And why did your mother choose us?"

"Oh glad to know i'm not the only one with mommy issues." Ella muttered.

Cole noticed Taylor fall asleep. He gently kicked them in the shins to try and wake them up.

Anika stops frowning and says, “Because I told her to find people to help me.” she replies, she decides she was done with these questions and turns to Klay, “You’ve been quiet most of the time, what about you?” she asks, addressing him directly.

"Oh, I don't think Anika has anything wrong with her relationship with her mother-" Aire said.

Taylor woke up. They were kinda confused. *Uh...*

"You fell asleep," he whispered to them, seeing their confused expression.

"How long was I out?" Taylor asked quietly

Anika didn’t like being called by her first name by people she just met so she frowned slightly.

"That is Queen Anika, or Her Highness, to you," Callyah told (Aire). "You would do well to remember that."

Ella muttered something about an idiotic something or other.

"Just a moment or two. Definitely less than a minute," Cole said. "You didn't miss much." Or at least, he thought.

Klay piped up, "Finally, someone has adressed me! Now, shall I show you what I can do?"

"I've got nothing BETTER to do."

"Thanks." Taylor whispered before focusing on the conversation

Anika shakes her head as if trying to clear her thoughts, “Okay everyone, we are splitting up I suppose to get to know each other and such.” she says.

Paisley shrugs, “Okay who are we all going with?”

Anika stands, “Here I have a list.” she replies and a maid hurries over with a list, “Audrey with Holden, Paisley with Valerie, Shay with Taylor, Cole with Aire and Quinn with Ella and uh.” she looked up to see who was left, “I suppose Klay with me then.” she finishes.

Cole missed... all the names. He was with someone whose name was something along the lines of "era"? "air"?

Ella looked around for a Quinn.

Shay looked up at Taylor, unsure of whether this get-to-know you thing would go well or not.

“Now you can go anywhere in the palace just don’t go to the closed off corners, that’s where my family is and they don’t enjoy visitors.” she instructed.

Quinn nodded at Ella, giving a small wave.

Ella waved back.

Quinn walked over to Ella. "So...hi."

"Hi." Ella replied

Cole sat there, hoping this Air/Era/whatever person would be able to find him.

"So, what's your favorite food?" Ella asked to make small talk

"With all due respect, oh queen, they will be better able to get to know each other on the mission itself," Callyah said.

Valerie looked around. “Who’s Paisley?” She wondered aloud.

"Whaa?" Ella asked

Paisley looks up, “I am.”

Quinn paused. "Pie. Apple pie. You?"

"Oh uhh, I like chocolate." Ella replied

“Well. We’re partners then, I guess,” Valerie said, shifting awkwardly.

Quinn nodded. "Nice. Chocolate is good."

"Yeah, so uhh This place is a bit over the top." Ella told Quinn

Paisley shrugs not saying anything.

Quinn nodded again. "I guess. I'm not really use to fancy things, I suppose."

"Me too. So uhh whats you favorite cardinal direction?" Ella asked randomly

Cole came up to Callyah. **How are you here?** he signed.

**Not now**, Callyah replied, casting a quick glance at the queen and the other bodyguards.

"So, your highness..I do suppose you paired us together for a purpose?" Klay smirks.

Anika raises an eyebrow, “Such as?” she asks her slightly teasing side coming out, yet she still looked regal no matter what she did.

Audrey smiled at Holden. "Hi, I'm Audrey," she said sweetly. "So I guess that means you're Holden."

"Such as the fact you are extremely hot, and I," Klay paused dramatically, "Am overly handsome,"

"Quinn?" Ella asked

Aire hummed a bit to herself, not certain what to say.

Callyah just barely managed to hold in an incredibly sarcastic and disgusted sigh at Klay's words.

Anika raises an eyebrow but decided to mess with him a bit and says, “I’m flattered.” she says with a raised eyebrow, “Now did you want to go anywhere else in the castle?” she invites, she stands and her dress flows slightly at her feet.

"Goodness, the view is fine here." Klay winks.

"Oh my God," Callyah whispered to herself. "Everett, you can be dismissed if you'd like," she told the other bodyguard. "Patrol or something. By all means, don't listen to this terrible flirting."

Anika glances at Callyah with a small smirk, as if saying, *oh I’m going to go along with this and you have to be there the wholeee time* she liked to play with Callyah sometimes and be not so queenly but it was mostly to get a break from being so uptight. She turns back to Klay, “Come on.” she says and turns swiftly her dress swirling a bit as she led him out of the throne room.

"Sorry, zoned out of their for a second." Quinn aplogized. "Um, I guess North if my favorite. You?"

Everett gave a brisk nod, making a face at the flirting.

"East." Ella replied to Quinn

Callyah exhaled through her nose and shook her head at the queen. Sometimes she wished she was deaf and not Cole. Then she wouldn't have to listen to... this.

Speaking of Cole, he was still chilling in the corner, having no idea who or where the person he was supposed to talk to was.

Anika led Klay out of the throne room briskly, she knew Callyah wouldn’t be far behind her.

Callyah followed, obviously, doing her job silently and efficiently.

“Well, nice to meet you?” Val tried, not really knowing what to say.

Quinn fiddled with some loose strands of threads on her hood. "Okay. Hm. Favorite color?"

**Seriously, how are you here?** Cole signed to his sister. **Are you one of the queen's ladies? How?**

**C-O-L-E**, Callyah signed aggressively. **I'm glad you're here, but you need to leave me alone. I have a job to do.**

Paisley frowns slightly, “Yeah..uh I guess we should introduce ourselves?”

"I said it was purple." Ella told Quinn a bit snapishly

"Right." Quinn looked at her feet.

"That's okay." Ella sighed

**Sister**, Cole signed, **why-**

Callyah took his hands, cutting him off. "I know you can read my lips," she said, her voice lower than even a whisper, "so do it. I can't talk to you. I have a job to do. I'm the captain of the Queen's guard." She signed those words. "Don't tell our parents, or anyone else, okay?"

Cole nodded.

**Love you, little brother,** Callyah signed, before gently shoving him back towards the door to the throne room.

Audrey smiled at Holden. "Hi, I'm Audrey," she said sweetly. "So I guess that means you're Holden."

“Yeah,” Valerie agreed, “I’m Valerie, but I guess you already know that.”

Paisley nods, “Yeah, Paisley.” she replies.

“Well, what do you like to do?” Val asked

Paisley seems to light up a bit, “I like to design things.” she answers.

“Like what sort of things?” Valerie asked.

Quinn continued to fiddle with the loose threads. "Yeah."

Seth existed. He ate an apple. Just cuz-

“Like house design and clothing” Paisley says with a small smile

Cole walked over to (Seth). "Hi."

“Oh. That’s cool.” Valerie said. She really had no idea about either of those things but she didn’t want to seem rude.

Seth looked up. He swallowed his bite o' apple. "Hi, what's up?"

"Not much. You?" Cola asked

"Samesies. I'm Seth."

Cole nodded, having no idea what he'd said.

“What about you?” Paisley asks.

Valerie smiled wryly, not that Paisley could really see it. “I usually take long hikes with my falcon. I’m trying to train her to carry messages over long distances, but I’m not entirely sure it’s working.”

“Yep that’s me.” Holden confirmed

Audre grinned. "Well, it's nice to meet you then, Holden. But, I think I'm gonna call you Cutie for now." She gave a small, flirtatious wink.

Paisley raises an eyebrow at Valerie from under her mask the gives her sister the side eye, but not that she could see that either.

Anika kept walking, taking many turns, so many that if you didn’t live there you wouldn’t ever be able to memorize it.

"So...arre we supposed to introduce ourselves?" Klay asks

Anika slowed down and turned, “Well I suppose.” she responds, “I’m Queen Anika and if you didn’t know this is my most trusted bodyguard and lady in waiting Callyah.” she gestures to Callyah and adds, “She’s fun.” with a small smirk. Her playful, teasing side was coming out.

"Well, I'm Klay. I work down in your stables as the head trainer. Got that privilege after Erret fell ill."

Anika stops smirking and nods quietly, after a few moments of silence she says, “I think I will go change.” she says glancing down at her dress.

"I personally like that dress." Klay pauses, "But you do you."

Anika smiles and flips her hair, “Well you’ll probably like most of the dresses I own if you like this one.” she says before walking swiftly into her dressing room and coming out a few moments later dressed in a different dress

Klay whistled, "Yep, this one is far better than your last one."

Anika managed to smirk a bit at him and still look regal, “Are you just going to stand there or do you want to go somewhere else in the palace?” she asks.

"What room exactly do you have in mind?" Klay smiled slyly.

Anika decided to play with him a bit and said, “Well we could go visit my mother.” she says and she sees the look on his face and adds, “Or maybe to the garden, or maybe we could go to my tower...” she kept going, waiting for him to stop her.

Klay had no intention of stopping her.

“...or the sleeping chambers, or the kitchen, court room..” Anika went on and finally stopped to say, “I could go on for hours naming every room here.” she warns

"I suppose we should go where *you* would like..After all, you're the Queen" Klay told her

Anika shrugs, “Okay then, this way.” she says leading him around even more long, fancy hallways before stopping at a door which was very old, accented wood, “Garden?” she asks, “Or my chambers?” she adds teasingly and gestures behind her where another door was.

"Are you really making me choose?" Klay complained.

Anika shook her head with a small laugh, “Let’s go, I’m guessing you don’t want to see where I sleep.” she teases.

"I certaintly do." Klay says quietly, to himself.

Anika heard him and she smiled to herself, she liked messing with people when she didn’t have to be queenly, “I mean I suppose I should show you the whole palace since I did invite you and everyone else here.” she muses, playing with him and she found it easy.

Klay only nodded.

"What do you do here at the castle?" Valerie asked, changing the subject.

Anika smiles slightly and lead Klay over to her chambers door and opens it and starts walking through a beautiful hallway into a very impressive bedroom.

Paisley shrugs, “I live in the nobles quarters and basically do nothing, I’ve never met the queen until today.”

Callyah did her best not to let her discomfort show on her face.

"Whoa, you sleep in here?" *It was huge*, Klay thought

Anika glances at Callyah and since she knows her really well she stops and says, “Callyah you can be outside my room.” she says, she knew Callyah hated when she flirted with boys.

Anika shrugs, “Yeah.” she replies.

"So you just do nothing? All the time?" Val asked

Paisley frowns slightly, “Well I’m not exactly allowed to go anywhere but I work on designs at home.” she protests.

Callyah stood in the doorway, facing out. The only other enterance to this room was so secret even the queen herself didn't know about it -- only the captain of her guard did. Queen Anika would be fine in there -- unless Klay was dangerous. But she doubted that.

"Not gonna lie, that sounds super boring. Being cooped up all day, every day- have you ever even left the castle?" Valerie asked, then tugged her hood a lower when she realized it was slipping up.

Paisley frowns again, thinking, “Not really.” she admits.

"It's beautiful," Klay commented, "And the view is great too." you couldn't tell if he were talking about the view outside the window..or something else.

Callyah mimed gagging, although neither of them could see her.

"Well. Are you and the other flirty girl sisters?" Val asked

Anika glances at the window, “Yeah, I guess it is.” she didn’t notice he might not be talking about the view outside (XD) but shrugged.

“Yeah she’s my twin.” Paisley replied

Klay smirked a bit to himself.

"Is it weird being the only people without a mask or hood?" Val asked

Anika turns, “Well anyways, this is my chambers, want to go to the garden now?” she asks, smoothing her dress a bit.

Paisley frowns, “Well I do prefer to wear this mask.” she points to her face where she was wearing a white masquerade mask, “I only wear this to cover around my eyes.” she says, “My parents don’t really care if we do or not.”

"But everyone can still see most of your face," Valerie pointed out, "So what's really the point?"

"Sure." Klay looked over her room again.

Paisley sighs, “I don’t know to be honest.” she admits.

Anika doesn’t notice him still looking around, she had turned and was going to the door.

"Oh, alright." Valerie said, not really sure how to continue. This was probably the most conversation she's had at one time with a stranger.

Callyah stepped aside to let the queen through.

Paisley fell silent for a moment before saying, “What about you?”

Anika nods at Callyah and waits for Klay.

"What *about* me?" Val looked at Paisley

Klay hurries to Anika.

“I mean, what’s it like...uh outside the palace?” Paisley asks.

Anika waits until Klay catches up.

"Where exactly is the gardens?" Klay asks.

“Right over here.” Anika replies, starting to walk a bit down the hall before opening glass doors into the biggest garden in Aurelian.

Callyah obviously followed closely. In fact, unless the narration says otherwise, that's basically what she always does.

"No judgement." Holden said to Audrey. As he saw Queen Anika walked away, he gave a silent nod to Callyah. The nod said *You got this? Or should I come*

Klay stared, his eyes widening. It was beautiful.

Callyah shrugged. He seemed to be enjoying flirting, and besides, the queen wanted him to accompany the group (I think), so he should be getting used to them.

Anika smiles slightly, she liked this part of the palace a lot and she walked a bit more glancing back at Klay who looked in awe and she smirks a bit as she walks over to the middle of the garden.

Callyah (gasp) followed

Klay thought the garden rather..romantic.

Anika smooths her dress out as she sits down on the side of the fountain, she was slightly regretting her outfit choice, she hadn’t thought she was going to the garden but she had guests so she had to dress nice.

Callyah took her usual position, slighly behind and to the side of the queen. Close enough to intercept an attack, but far enough away to give her space.

Klay felt tempted to sit down beside her, but instead stood there awkwardly.

Anika smirks a bit at his awkward stance and puts her chin in her hands.

Anika raises an eyebrow at him and waits for him to say something.

"The garden is stunning," Klay says.

(Holden: seriously bro. Thats what you come up with?! You then say, but not as stunning as you)

Callyah didn't realize it, but she agreed with the Holden narration She had *no* intention of *ever* dating, and even she could come up with something better than that.

Anika tilts her head and looks around, “Mhm, it was designed by the top florists of Aurelian.” she says a bit bored.

"I don't suppose you know any of these floralists?" Klay asked

Anika nods, “Of coarse I do.” she replies.

Callyah groaned at Klay's question, just loud enough for the queen to hear. *Bo-ring.*

Klay turned his head. "Someone here?"

“Callyah?” Anika asks, “Is anyone else here?”

"No," Callyah said, listening carefully. "They were all in the throne room still when we passed through it."

“Okay.” Anika says, she trusted Callyah.

Klay let out the breath he had been holding.

Anika went back to sitting with her chin in her hands.

"Wanna play something like..thorns and roses?" Klay suggested.

Callyah said nothing, but inside she was screaming *ANYTHING WOULD BE BETTER THAN WATCHING YOU TWO SIT IN AWKWARD SILENCE, OH GODS PLEASE.*

Anika shrugs, “Sure.” she says sitting up a bit.

"Want to go first, or me?" Klay asked

“I can go,” Anika says, “Well, I love Rosè-gold, obviously.” she says with a small laugh, “and I hate when the reporters for the news won’t leave.” she says with a shrug.

"I..love the horses at the stables..and hate when people lie," Klay was tempted to add, *Even though I lie myself. A lot.*

Anika nods, “I love my little sister and hate my ex-boyfriends.” she says with a small smirk. Her stories had been all over the news including all of the times her boyfriends had cheated or left her.

"I love Erret, and hate Cassadee." Klay replied

“I love-“ Anika was interrupted by a long bang at the door of the garden and Anika is instantly on her feet.

Callyah stepped in front of the queen and unholstered her knives, flicking them open in a quick and practiced motion.

Klay stood up quickly.

The banging stops but then starts up again somewhere else in the garden. Then it seemed to multiply and Anika backed up a bit but then she wasn’t sure where to go.

Holden heard the bang.

"Get down," Callyah instructed her, nodding to a stone bench. "Under that. Don't come up until I say it's safe."

Anika nods and pulls Klay with her under the long bench and whisper-hisses, “Do not make a noise.” she says and then goes silent.

The banging silences which freaks out Anika more than the banging did.

Callyah stands in front of the bench, her knives at the ready, every sense on high alert.

Klay normally would have jumped at the chance to be this close to Anika, but he didn't feel good about this- Something was evidently wrong.

The banging had stopped but a door opened and a figure wearing a hood walks in quietly. “Oh frick, no.” Anika mumbles.

Callyah turned to face them. "Leave now," she instructed, her voice sounding nothing like the sweet damsel she appeared to be, "or you will be forcibly removed from the grounds, and possibly executed painfully."

Jo heard the banging and hurried towards the sound-

The figure stood as still as a statue before pulling out a long, thin blade that had dried blood on it. The figure talked for the first time in a distorted voice, “Hand over the queen and nobody else will be harmed.”

Anika scooted closer to Klay to get out of sight from the figure.

"The only one harmed today will be you," Callyah replied. She lunged forward and kicked upward with her foot, aiming for the figure's blade hand.

Holden heard commotion and snapped his sword into his hand as he rushed to the garden

The figure raised his blade hand the blade ready.

Callyah caught his blade between her knives and rammed her shoulder into his chest, knocking(?) him back

“How about no.” Holden said, taking in the scene

"Stop quipping and get the queen out of here, Paul!" Callyah yelled.

(^^no, uh uh no way! (like that commercial))

The figure stumbled slightly but pulled his blade back and tried to knock her knives away.

Holden has joined the battle!

He held his arm at the ready, brandishing his sword.

Callyah dropped to the ground and rolled away from the figure, opening Holden up to attack him.

She ran to the bench and held out a hand to the queen. "Come on."

Holden slashed at him.

Anika took Callyah’s hand and pulled Klay with her and said, “I can go around the back exit.” she tells Callyah, which this exit only the both of them knew of.

Klay followed her quickly.

Seth was still at the main area?

"I'm coming with you," Callyah reminded her. "There could still be others. Klay, run back for the main entrance. Through the rose maze."

Klay nods, full of determination.

Anika nods and waits for Callyah.

Klay gives Anika a smile and starts running towards the rose maze.

Holden was holding the figure off.

Anika gives Klay a small nod, she was too busy freaking out to smile.

The figure slashes at Holden but misses and he realizes he was outnumbered and hurries to the exit.

Callyah peeled off behind a row of trellisses (spelled that wrong) and shoved another stone bench aside, revealing a trapdoor. She opened it and followed the queen inside.

Holden followed the figure and tried to fight it while he was retreating

Anika hurries into the trapdoor, still breathing quickly.

The figure made it out the door and just vanished.

Taylor had no idea that people were being attacked and were trying not to fall asleep

Callyah closed one knife, holstered it, and put her free hand on the queen's shoulder. "You doing okay?"

Anika nods, unconvincingly

"Let's go through," Callyah told her, "Holden and Everett should be outside your room."

Anika nods and follows Callyah.

Everett was strolling around.

Everett was hurridly pacing in front of the Queen's chambers, anxious.

Ella found a window and was staring out of it.

Callyah climbed through the other end of the tunnel first and helped the queen through after checking that the room was secure.

Anika looks around and says, “Did the others get out?” she asks, she couldn’t have her guests killed.

Ella was staring at a tree.

Ella was now staring at a cloud.

"I don't know," Callyah admitted. She went over to the door and knocked on it, then opened it when there was no response.

Everett looked relieved to see that the queen was okay.

"Is everyone else okay?" Callyah asked Everett.

Everett nodded. "Last time I checked, everyone was in one piece."

Anika didn’t look very comforted by that statement.

Callyah went back over to Queen Anika. "Do you want to stay here, or are you ready to go back to the throne room?"

Anika stands up from where she had sat down on the bed, “Let’s go back to the throne room.” she said.

Callyah nodded and signaled to Everett to walk on the queen's other side and remain vigilant.

Anika walked to the door and smoothed out her dress before opening the door.

Everett obeyed Callyah's commands, straightening as he stayed right next to the queen.

Anika walked back to the throne room not even bothered by people this close to her, I mean she was used to it. She tries not to show her nerves on her face. She got to the throne room and walked in to see everyone else still calm.

As she walked, Callyah watched the queen as carefully as she watched the hallways, making sure she was as okay as she was pretending to be.

**Is everything okay?** Cole signed, seeing his sister's serious face.

Quinn eyed the queen, still mildly shaken up.

Everett positioned himself, ready to defend her against another attack if one came.

Anika glanced around the throne room and breathed out a breath she hadn’t realized she had been holding as she saw everyone was fine.

**An attack,** Callyah signed at her side. **Don't worry. Fine.**

She didn't say who or what was fine, which Cole *definitely* noticed.

Taylor was with the group, awake

"Do you want me to tell them about the attack, or do you want to?" Callyah asked the queen in a low voice.

“I can.” Anika says and clears her throat to get everyone’s attention.

Cole was already paying attention -- which was good, he wouldn't have heard the throat clearing.

Quinn snapped her head up.

“Okay everyone, the palace just had an attack.” Anika says in a way too calm voice to be real, “Since it isn’t entirely safe for everyone to be wandering alone for now you can all stay in the common rooms with some rooms and beds and food.” she says.

Taylor's face was unreadable. They hated the idea of being stuck here, though they would stay for safety reasons

Callyah turned to the queen. "Do you plan to stay with them?" she asked.

“I might.” Anika replies.

Callyah nodded.

Cole turned to Taylor. "An attack?"

"It seems that way." Tay looked at him, wanting to nod.

"That's scary. Do you know if anyone got hurt?" Cole asked

"No idea." Taylor replied quietly. Louder, they said "Anyone get hurt?"

Anika shook her head then stopped, “I don’t think so.”

Callyah shook her head. Then, she realized that the person who'd asked was standing next to Cole. He was going to use his ability, wasn't he. She sighed through her nose.

Taylor looked at Cole. "No one." They said, almost to themself

Cole nodded.

Callyah put a hand on the queen's shoulder, just for a moment. Anyone who wasn't looking would have missed it.

Anika gave Callyah a small smile and nods before turning back to everyone else, “Okay I’ll show you to the common room.” she says.

Callyah nodded back.

Cole stood up as a few others did.

Anika went to the main door of the throne room and gestured for the others to follow her.

Callyah had obviously already followed.

Cole followed.

Taylor got up and followed, still a bit sleepy

Anika led them down long hallways and into a large room with smaller rooms which were still pretty large off to the sides, “Okay is this good?” she asks them looking slightly tired.

Taylor nodded and walked in, uncaring for their safety

Cole nodded.

"You should rest," Callyah told the queen. "You've had a day."

Anika nods slowly, “i need to make sure our guests our comfortable.” she insisted, holding in a yawn.

Taylor sat in the middle of the biggest room. Because Taylor.

Callyah held back a sigh, but she nodded.

Cole picked a room near the door and sat on the bed.

Taylor started dozing, still sitting in the big room

Anika glances around and looks satisfied, she was so tired she barely makes it to her room before collapsing on the bed and falling asleep still wearing her dress.

Callyah gently removed the queen's shoes and crown and pulled the covers over her, tucking Queen Anika in much like she had done for Cole back when she still lived at home. Then she sat on the floor, leaning against the bed, and gave herself thirty seconds to catch her breath.

Cole took off his shoes, jacket, and hood, and stretched out on the bed, but he couldn't fall asleep. His mind was racing.

Taylor continued sitting on the floor, asleep

Anika barely stirred as she slept, her face occasionally scrunching up in fear but only for a moment.

Callyah stood back up and took her position next to the queen's bed. She hummed softly to herself, remembering an old lullaby her mother used to sing her.

Anika noticeably slept much calmer then.

Shay was sitting on a chair in one of the rooms, her mind reeling over the last few hours.

Taylor woke up and walked into a random room

Valerie was in the big room and she turned to Paisley. “I never got to answer your question.”

Paisley looks up from where she had been looking at the details on the floor, “Oh yeah right.” she says.

“Yeah,” Valerie agreed, giving a little shrug. “It’s intense. Everyone has places to be and things they need to do- selfish things. But there’s also a sense of community, y’know? At least, with some people. Others not so much.”

Paisley nods slowly, “Is it nicer out there?”

“It’s not nice. Everyone is working to survive, but there’s a freedom you can’t find anywhere else.” Valerie corrected her.

Paisley nods, “that sounds better than being trapped here.” she admits.

"For sure," Val immediately agreed. "And the city- it's not like the palace. It's broken and dirty and things are messed up. But it's more real than this place. So I guess what I'm trying to say is things get serious out there, but you can't be happy without danger, right?"

Cole finally stood up and put his hood and shoes back on and walked into the large room. He noticed some people talking.

**Sorry,** he signed, in case he'd interrupted them by accident.

Taylor was passed out again next to the bed in their room

Taylor woke up, leaping to standing. They hit their head and started cussing loudly

Paisley nods, “That’s true.” she says.

"I like it, but it's not for everyone." Valerie warned.

Callyah started, hearing loud cussing, but she recognized the voice -- that one kid in the gray hood. She settled back into her spot.

Taylor put up their hood more, stalking out of their room and muttering more curses

Seth woke up to the wonderful sound of cursing. "Whuh...?" He blinked and stretched.

Paisley shrugs, “I think I might prefer it to being stuck in a glittery hall all my life.”

Taylor took out an ice pack, getting a feeling of Deja Vu'.

"Are you okay?" Cole asked Taylor, seeing them holding an ice pack.

"We'll see," Valerie said, tugging her hood lower and wandering off to find a room.

Quinn was alone her room.

Paisley yawns and stretches a bit before going to find a bed she could sleep in.

"I'm fine." Taylor said, their cheeks heating up in embarrassment.

"Did you hit your head?" Cole asked.

Valerie locked herself in one of the rooms and threw back her hood.

"No" Taylor said quickly before sighing. "Fine. Yes I did." They mumbled

"I can help," he offered. "I can kind of... eliminate... pain? And I'm medically trained," he added quickly.

Taylor looked like they were debating just saying no. "That would be great." They ended up saying instead

Cole put a hand on Taylor's forehead and concentrated. His hand went *~fuzzy~* for a moment, and then Taylor's pain was gone.

Cole brought his hand back down. "Yep. That's my ability," he explained.

Taylor felt their forehead. Their hood fell down for a moment before they put it back up. "Pretty cool." They mused

"Thanks," Cole said, suddenly feeling shy. "It comes in handy when you're a medic."

William was just standing there, stalki- I mean, watching.

"Better than just being able to talk sweetly." Taylor muttered

Seth walked to the main room, rubbing his eyes.

Holden was in his room pacing.

"You do the charmspeaking thing?" Cole asked.

Anika rolls over, still asleep and her hair falls out of her fancy updo and into her face.

Klay had ran through the rose maze, but the iDioT got lost. He pushed open a wooden elaborate door and was shocked to find himself in a tunnel of a sort.

Callyah sighed lightly and leaned over, brushing some of the queen's hair off of her face gently.

Anika continued to ~sleep~

Paisley decided she wasn’t going to be able to sleep and walked back into the main room.

Cole waved to (Paisley)

"Yep" Taylor did halfhearted jazz hands

Seth sat down on a couch, his eyes drooping.

Paisley gives the person who waved at her a small wave back, she thought she remembered his name as Cole or something.

Holden was in flannel pj pants and no shirt, however he walked into the main room.

Cole saw Holden and sighed. "Is not wearing shirts a thing here at the palace?"

Holden looked down at what he was wearing. “Shoot sorry.”

Seth glanced at a shirtless Holden. "Am I dreaming..?" he said, obviously half asleep.

Taylor groaned and turned away. "Why." They muttered

Cole tugged on his hood and tried to pretend like he had heard what Seth and Taylor had said. He hadn't.

Valerie groaned, running a hand through her hair. As they were walking her scars started hurting so she sat down on the bed, trying to reach them.

Holden grabbed a shirt and tugged it over his head.

Seth fell asleep on the couch.

Anika sleeps while Aura patiently waits for Klay to disturb her sleeping beauty

Giving up on reaching them, Valerie put her hood back on and went out to the main room. "Is no one going to talk about how the fact that the Queen put all of us in danger with no warning?"

“So.... Cole. Can you understand me right now?” Holden was trying to make it easier for him to understand

Paisley turns to Valerie, “Well I don’t think she meant to.” she defends quietly.

“It want her fault. It was the jedi’s fault.” Holden said

Anika continued to sleep peacefully unaware of any drama happening or about to happen.

Klay reached the end of the stone hallway. There was another door. Without hesitating, he pushed it open...

"Yeah," Cole said to Holden, feigning confusion.

Valerie shook her head in disgust. "No one cares? Seriously? It doesn't matter if it's intentional, she intentionally didn't tell us we'd be in danger."

Anika stirred a bit at the sound of a door opening.

And Klay was in Anika's bedroom..again. And she was sleeping.

And Callyah was there. "Why are you here?" she asked in a deadly tone, flicking her knives open.

Audrey was...sOmEwHeRe.

And Callyah was there, "Listen, I got lost, ok?"

Anika groaned quietly at the sudden noise and shifts a bit, threatening to wake up.

Cole turned to Valerie just in time to catch the tail end of what she was saying. "She almost got killed an hour or so ago. If her life is under that level of danger all the time, this is probably pretty inconsequential to her."

"Down the hall, two lefts, a right, and another left. Out," Callyah ordered.

“That’s truth.” Holden said

"That's a her problem," Valerie snapped. "I was perfectly fine before I came here."

Taylor sighed in exasperation and walked away, muttering things about annoying people who can't keep their shirt on

Seth stretched in his sleep and fell off the couch with a thump.

"-But.." Klay  started to protest

Paisley frowns, “Well I am glad to be pulled out of my glittery bedroom for once.” she announces.

"I'm not saying she was in the right," Cole said calmly. "I just think we should at least consider this. I mean, her life is in danger, and we've been asked to find the people trying to kill her, right?"

"I quite like my glittery bedroom," Audrey informed her sister.

Anika then groaned awake and her eyes slowly fluttered open, she didn’t notice Klay or Callyah threatening him at first.

"Now," Callyah said, stepping towards him and raising one of her knives. "Or you can say good-bye to that pretty smile of yours, lover boy."

Paisley turns to look at her sister, “Yeah I know but I was getting tired of never leaving.” she admits.

"Again, she never said why she chose us. And why would we help her? So far she's done nothing for anyone here." Valerie pointed out.

"Lover Boy?" Klay asks.

"She's giving us a place to sleep, she fed us, and she showed concern when *she* was the one being attacked. And-" Cole cut himself off.

Paisley frowns, “And what?”

Seth stood up. "...What's going on?" he asked.

"Stop stalling and get out," Callyah ordered him. "You have three seconds."

Cole didn't see Paisley or Seth speak.

"I had a place to sleep, food, and a caring family before all of this too." Val ignored Paisley's question. She didn't mention her family was just two people, and one couldn't even speak.

Paisley frowns when she wasn’t answered but doesn’t ask again.

Anika rolls over in her bed because she had woken up and Klay and Callyah came into focus and she was immediately sitting upright.

"Can't I at least talk to Anika-" Klay pleaded.

"Right," Cole agreed. "She didn't have to share this with us. But she chose to because she wanted to." This time, he managed not to say anything else.

"No, you may not talk to *Queen* Anika," Callyah said. "She's resting. Last warning."

"And for the last time, she still hasn't told us why!" Valerie ground out. "I'm getting weird feelings from this place. I don't like it and I don't trust it. You guys shouldn't either."

Paisley frowns, “Well I don’t know what to think but I don’t know if it’s even safe to leave.”

"I trust Callyah," Cole told Valerie, signing the words as he spoke. And his name sign for Callyah - the word **sister**, but with the letter C.

Anika finally was awake enough to notice Klay and Callyah and she was immediately sitting upright.

"Hey- Anika! Save me" Klay said

Anika looks a bit caught off guard but she says, “Callyah please don’t kill anyone on the first day they are here.” she orders through a yawn.

Callyah sighed, but closed her knives, holstered them, and hip-checked Klay out the door with a surprising amount of strength. "Two lefts, a right, and a left," she told him again before closing the door.

Anika flopped her head back down on her pillows after Callyah kicked Klay out and she sighs quietly.

"You sign?" Val asked momentarily distracted.

"What?" Callyah asked the queen.

Holden laughed. “My bedroom is not glittery. It’s quite classy.”

"Oh. Um, yeah," Cole said, tugging his hood lower over his face.

Klay sighed. He tried to remember what the rUdE iDiOt had said, "Two rights, a left, and a right!" he muttered.

Taylor was back in their room, looking at the frilly things in the closet

Anika shook her head slightly in the pillow, “Well I’m kinda just realizing there was an attack which might freak people out then I left them alone and fell asleep.” she sighs again.

Callyah sighed and leaned against the wall where she had been before. "You're entitled," she told the queen. "You were attacked. But if you want, we can go back there and talk to them some more."

Anika nods sitting up, “Sorry, I suppose I should get ready though, it would be more promising if I didn’t look like I had just slept for a year.”

Valerie nodded, then realized he might not be able to tell. "You signed sister wrong, didn't you?"

Audrey smirked at Holden. "Why? Do you have something against glitter?" She teased. "Because I think you'd look adorable with some glittery eyeshadow on. You should let me do your makeup sometime," she added with a smirk.

Callyah smiled. "You want me to help you with your hair, oh queen? I can braid it for you."

Klay ended up in the throne room, "Weird she would  want me in here.." he caught sight of the throne and smirked, "But since I am.."

Anika smiles just a bit, “Of coarse,” she replies and goes to sit down at her counter.

"It's, um..." Cole tugged his hood down again. "It's Callyah's name sign. She's my sister."

Callyah took a brush from the counter and began gently brushing the queen's tangled hair.

Klay sat on ANika's throne contently, not knowing he was about to be murdered-

Anika held her head back so Callyah could brush it.

"Oh. The Queens' guard?" Val guessed

Jo was brushing her hair and applying eyeshadow even though it was [redacted] 2 in the morning.

Callyah finished brushing the queen's hair and started weaving it into a French braid.

"Yeah," Cole agreed.

When Callyah had finished her hair she looked at herself in the mirror and smiles, “It’s beautiful.” she tells her, “Now we should go to the throne room and have the maids get the others.”

Callyah nodded and opened the door. Good. Klay wasn't still there.

Klay was lounging like a kInG

“I might just take you up on that offer.” Holden said

Val nodded again, then shook her head. "I don't know. I still wouldn't put everything with them."

Anika walks out and down the hall to the throne room when she opens the door she doesn’t notice Klay for a moment.

Callyah, however, *did* notice Klay. "What are you doing?" she asked, but it sounded more like *I can throw my knives with incredible accuracy and you had best get out of that throne before I pierce your eyeball with one, because it would be really hard to get all the fluid out of the material.*

Audrey smiled brightly at Holden, twirling her hair. "Really?"

Cole shrugged. "If Callyah trusts the queen, then I think we should at least hear her out."

"I'm..sitting?" Klay tried, trying to figure out how he will get off the throne in the exactly 2.5 seconds it will take for Callyah to murder him-

Paisley nods, “I agree I mean I trust her enough to give her a shot.” she says and she was in front of Cole so he should have been able to see her speak.

Anika then noticed Klay and she gave him a look that said, *Now first, why are you on my throne and second, run for your life.*

Everett was standing side by side with the queen, silent.

"It was a rhetorical question," Callyah told him evenly. "You now have two seconds."

Cole nodded. "Thank you."

Klay scrambled off the throne like a wounded puppy.

Callyah tilted her head, like *There's a good boy.*

Anika smirks slightly, “I’m surprised she hasn’t actually made a move to kill you yet.” she observed before going and sitting down in the throne Klay had just scrambled off.

Taylor flopped back on their bed, staring at the ceiling

"You ordered me not to, oh queen," Callyah reminded her.

A maid hurries over into the room where the others are and says, “Queen Anika would like to see you all in the throne room.”

“I suppose I did.” Anika says with a glance at Klay.

"Okay," Cole said slowly. He followed the maid out.

Valerie followed the maid silently, thinking about things.

“Really.” Holden says as he follows the maid out

Audrey followed Holden, smiling. "Then I guess we'll be hanging out more," she said happily.

Holden grinned. That wouldn’t be so bad. He snapped his fingers, a glittery eyeshadow appeared. “I’ll have my supplies ready.”

She laughed, surprised. "Right now?" She asked, giggling. "I mean, I don't need all that. See?" She flicked her wrist, and in an instant, he had glittery pink eyeshadow on. She almost snort-laughed at that.

Valerie rolled her eyes at their obvious flirting. Because yes, she had decided it was flirting.

Taylor got up, hearing the announcement. They followed the group

Holden blinked a couple of times. “And I thought I was cute before!” he exclaimed batting his eyelashes.

That only made Audrey laugh even harder. "You look gorgeous," she informed him matter-of-factly.

Holden strutted the hall. “Oo oh oo ah.” He said, striking some poses and doing a 360\* pose.

Cole sighed, sounding remarkably like his sister. Not that he knew he did.

Audrey nearly doubled over laughing. "You're ridiculous," she decided.

"You look like someone who is going to get yelled at for flirting on the job," Valerie muttered, not caring whether he heard her or not.

Cole sighed again as they walked into the throne room.

Taylor walked in silence

“I’m being friendly.” Holden responded to Valerie, batting his eyes and made an over exaggerated  wink and kissy face.

"Here we go again," Callyah muttered as the others walked into the throne room. "Paul!" she shouted. "Take your position and stop flirting."

"What you're being is annoying." Taylor said snarkily

"You're being an idiot," She corrected him. "Just because we happened to wear the same color doesn't mean we're suddenly buddy buddy." Yet something deep inside of her twinged. She wasn't entirely sure she liked it.

Audrey scowled at Valerie.

“I’m not flirting. According to everyone’s opinions, I’m only being annoying and an idiot!” Holden said to Callyah. “So boom. Get proven wrong. Mic. Drop.”

"Well, stop doing that and take your postion," Callyah ordered. "And learn some respect for your commanding officer while you're at it."

Holden didn’t bother arguing.

Audrey snickered at Holden's response, then turned to Callyah. "Aw, c'mon! We were just having a little fun!"

Audrey crossed her arms. "And why's that?" She asked, stepping in for Holden.

Holden smiled at everyone’s responses and took his place.

"Good for you, but Paul has a job to do, and flirting with you is preventing him from doing it," Callyah told her. "He'll have plenty of time to have fun with you on the journey if you both decide to go."

“Adventure,” Holden corrected

Audrey glanced back at Callyah. "Oh, trust me, if that cutie is going, then you can sign me up," she said with a smirk.

Callyah gave Holden a look that would shatter glass.

"Yeah, you definitely want to run now," Val told him. "And it's because the queens guard is currently holding throwing knives and I don't think they're for show."

"Butterfly knives, actually," Callyah corrected. "Not really for throwing. And Paul will stay in his position if he knows what's good for him."

Audrey crossed her arms. "Like I said, I was just having a little fun with him," she said, flicking her wrist again and making the glittering pink eyeshadow on his face disappear.

"And you're willing to let that cost him his job?" Valerie asked disbelievingly.

Cole wasn't used to this -- his sister was so... in control. Tough. Threatening, even.

Callyah raised an eyebrow. "Have a seat, please, everyone. The queen would like to finish speaking with you."

Audrey bit her lip, looking away from Valerie. "...no."

Cole sat down.

Holden awkwardly stood at his post.

Audrey cast Holden one last glance, then sat down.

"Good." Valerie sat down as well.

Holden got the courage to ask, “Could you please call me Holden? Or Cygnus.”

Taylor sat down

"You follow my orders the first time, then we can talk," Callyah told him.

"You want her to call you *Cygnus*?" Valerie asked bemusedly, then tugged her hood farther down. "I mean, that's the most ridiculous thing I've heard yet."

“Long story. Lots of people call me it here.”

“Well now I’m intrigued,” Valerie admitted.

“Well let’s just say... I had a run in with a swan...” Holden started

“Oh no. Did you get too close to her nest?” Val asked

“Nope.” Holden looked away

Taylor was listening to everyone else talk with a small smirk, hidden by their hood

“Then what?” Valerie asked, then mentally chided herself, hoping she didn’t sound too eager.

“The swans love me. Amd they followed me everywhere. So people decided to call me Cygnus, or ‘swan’” Holden finished

“I know what it means. But why did they start following you?” Val asked

"He keeps birdseed in his pockets," Callyah muttered sarcastically.

Holden blushed. “Because I fed them and cuddled them. They are just so cute!”

Taylor was snickering quietly

Audrey glowered at Valerie. She knew what that girl was playing at. Trying to play hard to get with Holden. Audrey knew exactly what that meant: that she was out to get Holden.

“I knew you did something!” Valerie cried triumphantly. “It doesn’t count if you feed them.”

“Fine. But they still like me.” Holden had a stubborn pout on his face

“Because of your food. My falcon is the same way. Or she was, but now she actually trusts me.” Valerie said smugly.

Holden’s ears perked up. “Falcon?”

“Yeah,” Valerie said. “I found her a few years ago and kept her. I trained her and stuff. It’s what these arm bands are for.”

“Summon her. Now.” Holden pleaded.

“How’d she get in? We’re in the middle of a castle.” Valerie pointed out.

Anika was sitting on her throne quietly, waiting for them to silence.

Paisley sat down quietly next to her twin.

“Hello everyone.” Anika says in a commanding, regal tone.

"Hey, Annie!" Klay says it  to purposely annoy Callyah.

Anika gives Klay a raised eyebrow but continues without stopping, “Now I know you all might be a bit disturbed by what happened earlier.” she says, “And so I can’t tell you enough how important it is to start trying to find these killers.”

"The killers who I practically saved her from," Klay bragged, even though in ~r e a l i t y~ that was not true

Anika gave him a look then, “Oh yes, so heroic.” she rolls her eyes and stands up, “Okay everyone you might not have noticed how late it is but you all should get some rest.” she tells them. “I will be too and in the morning I can explain more.” she says before maids come in to lead them all back to the common room. Anika noticeably doesn’t leave yet though. She goes after they all leave and she starts to walk back to her room.

Klay also noticeably lingers behind, following the queen...

Anika doesn’t notice Klay and she makes it to her chambers and she tells Callyah to stay outside to guard before going in and closing the door a few moments later still without noticing Klay.

Klay closes his eyes, just briefly, then pushes the door open.

Anika back was turned to the door and she didn’t turn around, assuming it was just Callyah, “Callyah really I’m fine, you should sleep too.” she says still with her back turned as she leaned over her counter and took off her earrings.

Aire sighs quietly in her room. The maid, Dianei, had informed her the castle was safe, but she couldn't shake off the feeling the queen was hiding something

Klay silently trails behind the queen-

Paisley lay down on her bed not even bothering to change out of her dress before falling asleep.

“Seriously Callyah, go sleep.” She says when nobody talks and she is taking off her crown at her counter, her back still to who she thought was Callyah.

Klay cursed himself for not being quieter.

Anika sighs when nobody says anything and she says, “Callyah please, I order you to go sleep.” she demands.

Klay slowly gets closer.."I'm not Callyah.."

“Holy fricking-“ Anika jumps a bit in surprise then whips around.

"WHoa- calm down- Its just me. What are you doing?" Klay asked

Anika rolls her eyes then her eyes widen, “How the heck did you get in her without Callyah killing you?” she questions, looking slightly impressed.

"Callyah isn't here." Klay admits, "She went to sleep when you told her to".

Valerie followed her maid to her room.

Anika nods, “Okay well she does sleep right there.” she points a bit to the side where there was another room on the other side of the wall, “So try to keep it down.” she teases and messes with her dress absentmindedly.

"I will," Klay smiles.

Anika nods then narrows her eyes, “Why are you here?” she asks then.

Klay shrugs, "I don't know.  Wanted to know what you were up to."

“At midnight?” Anika asks with a teasing raised eyebrow.

Valerie closed her door and started taking off her boots.

Paisley slept for a while without any dreams but later she started to dream of being stuck in a room forever with nobody and nowhere to go.

Quinn shut the door of her room, stretching out her arms.

Valerie hoped there was a bathroom in her room and wandered around, trying to find it.

Anika smirks at Klay, “And you wanted to see what I was doing at midnight?”

Klay blushes bright red, "No-I-"

Finding the bathroom, Valerie turned on the shower and undressed, waiting for the water to heat up.

She smirks again and goes to sit on the bed when there was a loud knock on the door, she quickly grabs Klays arm and pulls him under the bed. She goes to look to see who it is but she doesn’t open the door. When she realizes who it was she hurries under the bed with Klay, “It’s my mom, now do not make a sound.” she warns as she crawls under the bed.

Quinn stumbled around, looking around for a glass of water.

If he wasn't being all quiet and good, Klay would have commented about her tendency to drag him under furniture.

Anika scooted back a bit so she was out of sight if the door opened and by ~plot convenience~ was right next to Klay.

"Well, hello there." Klay mutters quietly

Valerie got into the shower, imagining all the days worries washing away.

Anika turns her head and pushes her finger to his lips to get him to shut up, “Quiet, if my mom finds me with a guy in my room it’s not going to be good.” she whispers.

Anika scooted a bit further back and closer to Klay when the door opens and her mom walks in and scans the room for anyone.

Stepping out of the shower, Valerie quickly wrapped a towel around herself. It was much softer and fluffier than the ones she normally used.

When Anika’s mom didn’t think anyone was there she left and closed the door. Anika let out a small breath and moved her finger from Klays lips.

Callyah came in then - she had been scouting through the secret passages, ensuring the entrances were all properly concealed. She of course noticed Klay and the queen, but she didn't say anything about it as she took her place next to the door.

"Well...at least your mom didn't notice us." Klay said.

Anika nods and glances at him, “Come on.” she says scooting out from under the bed and pulling him with her.

Taylor was wherever they were, most likely sitting in a random hallway, waiting for someone to trip over them

Holden was still in the common area, quietly weaving a small blanket that he had been working on for his sister.

Valerie went into the closet, hoping there would be some decent clothes in there.

Paisley woke up after a while and walked into the common area and saw Holden weaving and didn’t say anything, but instead went and made herself a drink.

“Good morning.” Holden said softly. “It’s officially 2 am”

Callyah raised an eyebrow as the queen and Klay came out from under the bed, but she didn't say anything.

Anika spotted Callyah and paled slightly, “Don’t say anything, i do not want what happened last time to happen again.” she warns her.

Paisley yawns, “Wonderful.” she says through her yawn.

Deciding she wasn't above it, Valerie just got into the clothes she came here in and walked out to the main room.

Callyah held up her hands. "I keep your secrets, oh queen," she reminded her. After all, she hadn't told Queen Anika's family about the queen's mission to find her grandfather's killer.

Holden yawned, due to Paisley. “Way to gooo nooow I’m yawwwwning.” he said through yawns

Anika nods, “Thank you.” she says knowing if she wanted to all of her secrets would be spilled to the rest of her family.

Paisley yawns too, “My gosh.” she says and covers her mouth trying not to yawn again.

“Geeeeez. Heeey Valerie” Holden said, yawning.

Cole had finally managed to sleep some, but he came out of his room and saw *everyone* yawning, so naturally he had to yawn too.

"Hey," Valerie said, biting back a yawn of her own. "If you remind me in the morning I can try to summon Kaida."

Paisley groans and then yawns, “Okay no more yawning.” she says which of course leads to her yawning again.

Cole tugged his hood down over his face in an effort not to yawn. "Shall we sing instead? Not that I can sing," he added.

Paisley frowns, “Well at least it doesn’t make us all sing.” she says and finally manages to not yawn.

Cole sat down. "So."

“Making banana pancakes pretend like it’s the weekend oooooo we can pretend it all the time.” Holden hummed/sang ‘Banana Pancakes’ by Jack Johnson.

Paisley rolls her eyes at the terrible singing/song choice and sits down on one of the couches.

"Just why?" Valerie asked the air. "Must you always be doing something stupid? Shouldn't you be guarding the queen or something?"

“It’s a chill song!” Holden said. “Fine. Something else.”

“Yeah, aren’t you supposed to guard the queen?” Paislet asks Holden.

“She’s asleep. Plus Callyah AND Klay are guarding her, but Klay isn’t even a guard...” Holden reasoned

Paisley frowns, “Well then why is anyone letting him with her?”

"So you're saying you trust a random person you just met today to guard her, *alone*? Also, how do you even know that?" Valerie asked.

Holden blushed because he’s a sap. “... welll. . . .” he was assuming the worst.

Callyah, meanwhile, was giving Klay her best *you are trying my patience and I don't have enough as-is* glare.

“Callyah can handle it and I don’t know WHAT Klay is doing in there...” Holden shrugged. “And I have known Callyah for a while.”

"You are a terrible guard," Valerie informed him. "It's a miracle Callyah hasn't fired you yet."

“Callyah go get some sleep.” Anika orders her then turns to Klay, “You probably should too.”

Callyah sighed through her nose. Holden was *supposed* to be on duty, but he [redacted] wasn't. So she was on duty.

Holden shrunk into his chair. He just did NOT want to barge in on wHaTeVeR they were doing in there.

Jo was existent.

"You know, I'm almost looking forward to what Callyah is going to say when you don't show up," Valerie mused.

“You need sleep.” Anika told Klay again.

Adrienne, Anika’s younger sister was walking through the halls of the palace.

Paisley rolls her eyes, “Oh I’m definitely looking forward to what she has to say.”

Holden stood and left. He didn’t really like being told what to do by someone who was rude. He went to Anikas room to guard like they all told him to.

"Yeah, right, sorry..Bye, I guess" Klay mumbled

Sighing with relief, Valerie settled into one of the chairs backed away in a corner.

"Paul," Callyah told him, "you're late. Again."

Anika gives him a small smile, “Oh wait no, frick I didn’t think this through, uh my sister kinda patrols...the palace and if she sees you there will be questions.” she groans quietly, she sighs, and looks at him.

“I didn’t want to interrupt what ever is going on in there.” Holden said, fidgeting and putting extra emphasis on what ever

"I hope you're more reliable to your companions on the adventure than you are as a guard," Callyah told him. "And I can go distract your sister if you'd like, oh queen," she said more loudly over her shoulder -- the doors in the palace were not very soundproof.

Holden shook gross images from his head about what was going on in there.

Valerie rested in her chair, moving it to a reclining position.

Anika stands up and goes to the door and opens it, “Okay, thank you, also it’s getting early so I might as well get ready.” she says letting Klay out to go to the common room while Callyah distracted her sister.

Holden watched Klay go and raised an eyebrow at Anika

Callyah quickly found Adrienne. "I heard there was an attack," she said, slipping back into her lady-in-waiting act -- most of the castle wasn't aware that Callyah Dennison was the same Callyah that was always with the queen. "Are you all right, Princess?"

Anika gave Holden a look then said, “Paul I expect you at your posts and to not be late.” she orders him.

Adrienne frowns, “I’m fine, and yes the press is all asking about the attack and apparently they want to know about the queen and some hot boy whom saved the queen.” she says her nose turned up all snooty like.

Valerie was still resting in her chair.

Callyah resisted the urge to say something snarky about Klay hiding in the rose garden while she and Holden did the actual fighting. "I'm glad you're all right. Is there anything I can get you, Princess?"

“I’m fine for now but mother wants Anika and whoever this guy is to meet her in the court room where the press will be waiting. Oh and mother said that if Anika doesn’t look perfect she won’t be happy.” Adrienne says looking bored.

“I didn’t realize you were that type.” Holden said gesturing to Klay and then to the bedroom

Anika frowns, “Excuse me?” she says looking disgusted with Holden, “That is disgusting to assume of me Paul and he just followed me and I had to keep him hidden from my mother. I could have you fired or worse for such statements.” she tells him.

"Oh, of course," Callyah said. "I will go let her know." *And if Klay isn't back in the common area by now, he deserves to be cross-examined by the princess,* she thought to herself as she curtsied to Princess Adrienne and strode back down the hall towards the queen's room.

“Then fire me.” Holden said, though looking noticeably relieved. “But no one can do the things that I can. Oh that can put wrong. I mean conjuring.”

Adrienne barely even acknowledged her as she left and kept walking bored.

Anika looked ready to seriously injure him then, “i can find many people who are better at your job then you and who don’t need fancy tricks.” she says coolly.

Callyah arrived back at the queen's room just in time to see the queen looking somewhat ticked off and Holden turning bright red. "Paul, what the [redacted] are you doing?"

“Language!” Holden yelped

Valerie had slept enough and woke up without moving, wondering if she'd overhear anything important.

Anika who was still very ticked off said, “Paul, go and get the others and make sure they are ready and presentable to go in front of my mother.” she orders.

“Yes, my queen. And its Holden.” he bowed and left, snapping he fingers and making a pen reappear and disappear.

"You will adress the queen and your captain with respect, *Paul*," Callyah told him evenly.

Anika didn’t reply to his final comment and sighs quietly before turning to Callyah, “So my mom wanted me?”

"Yes. She wants you and Klay to appear in front of the press. And apparently she wants you to look... perfect." Callyah made a face. "Should I call for your maids and lady?"

Anika frowns, “This won’t end well but yeah call them to my dressing room.” she says and starts to walk that way.

Callyah rang the bell and followed the queen to her dressing room.

Anika got to her dressing room and when the maids came in they immediately started to dress her and do her makeup and hair.

Callyah took off her hood-cowl-thing and started brushing out her long brown curls off to the side of the room. She wasn't any less dangerous with her hands occupied with the hairbrush, however. (remember Rachel Dare?)

Holden went to his room and sat on his bed.

Maids started to help everyone else dress up

Valerie went back to her room and got into the suit I just posted on the Fashion thing. She kept her boots on, hid a few knives in various places, and concealed her armbands under the sleeves.

Callyah had some... thoughts on the queen's choice of wardrobe, but she kept them to herself as she tugged her sheer white cowl back over her head.

Cole was already mostly dressed -- he just smoothed the wrinkles out of his shirt.

0

Aura.the.black.moonlark·1/17/2021

Anika fidgeted with her dress, apparently this was “perfect” in her mother’s eyes, but she didn’t say anything as her hair was done too.

"You look uncomfortable," Callyah told the queen quietly, dodging a maid with a powder brush.

“A bit.” Anika admits simply.

"You can always change dresses," Callyah reminded her. "You are the queen, and an adult. It's your descision."

Anika nods, “I suppose” she says quietly and she does just that, she is very thankful for Callyah then and she should be more often.

Holden puts on his suit and adjusted his tie.

Callyah bit back a smile -- she protected the queen in more ways than one. A sentimental and silly thought, sure, but Callyah had those just like everyone else did. She just refused to say them out loud.

Anika got changed into this dress and she liked it a bit better. She stood up after her hair was done and said, “Okay so my mom wanted me and Klay?”

Holden walked back into the main room.

Valerie, now changed, went back to the main room and waited for someone to tell her what was happening next.

A few maids hurried to the main room and waited for everyone to be ready to follow them.

"I think so," Callyah agreed. "Are you ready?"

Anika nods.

Callyah opened the door for the queen.

Anika walked out the door, and waits for Callyah before heading to the court room.

Callyah followed the queen closely, as she always did, on even higher alert than usual.

Anika made it to the court room but was stopped by her mother’s official who said, “Your highness, your mother would like you to not enter until she press is ready so they have to wait.” He says looking bored.

Anika frowns, “I’m the Queen and I will go in when I want to.” she says pushing past him.

Callyah walked past him as well, fixing him with her *do not interfere with the Queen* glare.

Anika goes in and her mother gives her a frown but a small bow. Anika stalks past her and sits on her seat quietly.

Callyah took her position behind the queen, her hands clasped behind her back.

Anika sat in her seat patiently, trying to come up with ways to get out of this press interview with no harm done.

Holden takes his seat.

A maid hurries over to Holden, “Sir, only the queen is to sit during this interview.” she whispers to him.

Holden stands.

The maid hurries away again to go and get the others.

Callyah resisted the urge to yell at Holden. She settled for flicking a small pebble at his head.

Anika let out a small sigh as she waited for the press, and the others to arrive, and as Aura waited for midnight.

Holden snapped the pebble away.

Valerie was still waiting.

A maid came to lead the others to the court room.

Cole followed the maid to the room.

Taylor followed Cole following the maid

Ella was living.

Audrey existed.

Holden breathed

Valerie existed AND breathed. (~MaJiK~)

Ella was in the court room standing and waiting.

Holden was in the court room standing and waiting.

Audrey also sat in the court room, hiding behind her ruby red hood. Her nails flicked back and forth between red and blue every now and then.

Ella had no idea what was going on.

Paisley sat down next to her sister, her white dress flowing around her.

Valerie was sitting/standing with the group, tugging her hood lower over her face.

Holden looked around to see if he could finally sit.

“You may all now sit in the back.” a maid tells them

"Fun." Ella said dryly

Audrey noticed Holden sitting in the back and waved him over, patting the seat next to her.

Valerie sat down in the back, hoping no one would notice her. Her ability was telling her that something bad was about to happen so she was on alert.

Holden went to sit by Audrey.

Ella wished she had a book.

Audrey smiled brightly. "Hey," she whispered, almost afraid that Valerie would hear her.

“Hi.” Holden said

Audrey sighed. "This stupid hood is itchy," she muttered unhappily.

Valerie was half listening to them and half watching the queen.

Ella found another widow to stare out of from her seat.

Cole sat in the back, wondering how much of this press conference he would miss.

She pulled on her ponytail.

Paisley looked bored as she sat there messing with her nails.

Anika waited for Klay and the press to show up.

“When is it starting?” Holden asked

"When can I go?" Ella had no problem expressing her utter dislike for anything that was happening.

“Over there.” a maid directs Ella.

"No idea," Audrey admitted.

Taylor sat down and propped their feet on the table, daring anyone to tell them not to.

"Did you get fired?" Valerie asked Holden, interrupting his and Audrey's conversation like the r00d bean she is.

"Not what I meant, but thanks." Ella said

Audrey glared.

Klay was wearing jeans and a t-shirt when he arrived.

Ella pulled her hood over her face and propped her head up on her arm and drifted off.

Anika spots him and internally cringes, wardrobe was a huge part of press interviews and it really helped to look nice but not over the top and the press was going to screw him for what he was wearing.

A maid escorts Klay over to a chair next to Anika.

Callyah held back a sigh at Klay's informal attire.

Klay yawned. He was really tired.

Ella peeked out from under her hood, "Well this is gonna end up ding the death of me."

“No I didn’t. Thanks for your concern.” Holden said

Audrey rolled her eyes. "Can you go now?" She asked Valerie impatiently.

The press started to arrive and Anika held a regal expression, trying to figure out how to get them all out of this situation with as little harm done as possible.

Her mother took her seat off to the side of them, “Okay questions first.” her mother says loudly to the press.

Anika swallows quietly, she had been through a LOT of interviews and none ended without some sort of dramatic outcome.

Valerie raised an eyebrow at Audrey. "What did I ever do to you?"

"Sounds great!" Klaysaid, wayyy too optimistic.

Taylor crossed their arms over their chest, smirking under their hood. Taylor's feet were still up.

“Oh Klay.” Anika mumbles quietly, right before the press began there questions.

”Where were you two at the time of the attack?” one person asks.

”We were both in the Royal garden.” Anika says straight faced

”and what were you doing in the garden?” Another asks.

”I was showing my guest around the palace.” Anika informs them.

Callyah remained in her position and fought the urge to tug her hood lower. She didn't like press conferences much, but she endured them because it was her job.

Ella was  silently groaning, wasn't she here to find an assassin, not sit through a- what ever this was.

"Ah, and then she dragged me under a picnic table" Klay adds.

*OH MY GOD,* Callyah thought. She was going to stab this idiot.

Holden snickered

"Um, interrupt my conversation?" Audrey said to Valerie impatiently.

Anika pales, she slowly turns her head to look at Klay then at her mom who has a snooty, satisfied look on her face and she was even more pale.

”And what did you do under the bench?” one asks, all of them were jotting things down probably to create drama and rumors.

Taylor set their feet down, surprised that no one had yelled at them

Ella's eyes widened, gosh this was AWKWARD!

And now Klay had no answer.

"You said, like, two things." Valerie pointed out calmly.

Ella was silently screaming through her hand.

Anika pursed her lips before saying, “We were hiding from the attacker.” she says trying to get the interview back on track.

”Are we to assume you two didn’t at least make out?” another asks

And, the blushing and silence continued.

Callyah squished the sassy, snarky, defensive part of her down and bit her tongue. She was not supposed to speak.

“Sure sure.” Holden said doubtfully

The press seemed bored with the silence so they directed the next question to Klay, “And if you didn’t make out do you wish you had?” they ask.

Audrey tried really hard not to laugh.

Ella's face was turning red, from a combination of laughter, and not really caring.

"I- well..she.." Klay was too flustered to properly speak.

“Hot seat.” Holden murmured

Valerie wondered if this was really all the reporters cared about- whether or not the queen had made out with someone. "But fine, I'll let you and *Cygnus* go back to your conversation," she said mockingly.

Taylor drummed their fingers on the table, completely bored

Will just stood there awkwardly.

The press looked pretty satisfied with that answer and asked one more, “We have word you were under a bed with Queen Anika, what do you have to say about that?”

Anika was about to shut this whole thing down.

Seeing everyone's faces, Cole was glad he was too far away to read everyone's lips.

Audrey sighed and rolled her eyes.

"I have no comment," Klay says.

Holden fidgeted in his seat.

“Okay, and we want to know-“ they go on with more embarrassing, rude questions and Anika finally stands up, “Hi everyone, thank you for coming but I’ve run out of time for questions so please let yourself out.” she says in a bit of a rude annoyed tone.

Holden stood and ushered the reporters out.

They all frown but slowly make their way out and Anika’s mom stalks up to her, “What did you do that for?” she demands.

”Mother, I am the queen and I wanted them to leave so I told them to.” she bites back.

“Bye! Leave! Farewell!” Holden called after the retreating reporters

Callyah remained at the queen's side.

Audrey stood a little behind Holden, giggling.

Klay was glad to see them leave.

Taylor smirked at the retreating reporters

Ella hadn't has a decent breathe of air in a full two minuets so her chair tipped back and she fell over creating a resounding *THUD!*

Anika’s mother left briskly and Anika turns to Klay, “Um, that was-never mind, I’m sorry you were dragged into that.” she says.

Cole saw Ella fall. He stood up and came over to her. "Are you okay?"

Paisley also got up to check on Ella.

"That- was- \*hick\*- Yeah, I'm okay." Her face was still very red and she was hiccuping.

Cole held out a hand to help Ella up.

"Thanks." Ella told Cole

Paisley walks over, “you okay?” she asks the girl who had fallen

Anika looked at Klay apolitically.

Taylor was being ignored. They totally didn't mind, not at all.

"Yeah, oh- I \*hick\*, oh I feel so bad for them." Ella place a hand on her chest in an effort to calm herself.

Holden finally ushered everyone out

Paisley looked confused and concerned, “Who?”

"Klay and Anika." Ella said

“Oh yeah, I’m sure they will be fine.” Paisley assures her.

"That was torture." Klay grumbles.

"Next time some one slap me and I will drive out those reporters like the place is on fire." Ella got a little dark there, sorry.

Anika nods, “Yeah, but let’s try to ignore them, they won’t even take anything we actually said and put it in the news so what’s the point.” she shrugs it off.

"I'm sorry, you're going to burn the place?" Cole asked -- he'd misread her lips.

Paisley looked slightly disturbed.

"No! I meant I can get the reporters out of here." Ella amended

"Oh. Sorry," Cole said, tugging his hood down.

"That's okay, but still don't let me near matches." Ella warned

Holden came back to the group.

Audrey smiled at Holden, waving a little.

"Whooo they did not want to leave." Holden said

Klay had a feeling that he did not want to read tomorrow's newspaper- or watch the news tonight.

“Anyways,” Anika finally says, “Guys so since that was....tense.” she says to the whole group, “and since later will also be more difficult because I have things to explain, should we have some fun and go to the palaces royal beach?”

"So now what? Can we get back to the reason we are here?" Ella asked

“Okay guys we can discuss why you all are here after a err calming, trip to the Royal beach?” Anika asks.

"It might be best to tell them now," Callyah told the queen quietly. "Several of them are impatient."

"Sure. As long as I can bring-." Ella started counting on her fingers- "Thirteen books."

Anika nods slowly, “I suppose that’s a good idea.” she says, “Okay everyone if you want to know why your here, follow me.”

Holden followed her.

Callyah nodded.

Cole followed the queen.

"Okay?" ella said as she followed Anika

Anika led them down long hallways and into a library. She walks around for a bit before stopping at a wall and she knocks on it for a bit which might look weird until it opens up to reveal a door to an outside cave.

Will just randomly followed everyone else.

Seth followed the group.

Valerie was following the queen.

"OH I LIKE CAVES!" Ella shouted

“Out here,” Anika says and let’s them all into the cave before closing the hidden door and leaving them in darkness before she stops her foot and a light clicks on.

Valerie glanced around.

Cole had to force himself not to panic when the door closed and the light was gone for a few seconds, digging his fingernails into his other arm.

Anika gestures to some small beanbag chairs that were scattered around the place, “You guys can sit.” she suggests before taking a seat herself.

Seth stared around the cave.

Holden inspected the room, having his snappers at the ready. It was safe.

"I'll pass." Ella replied

Valerie took a step back, giving her head a small shake. “I’ll stand, thanks.”

Anika shrugs, not bothered by them not sitting, “Okay well I’m guessing you all want to know why your here.”

Callyah stood next to the queen.

Cole sat down carefully so he could read the queen's lips.

"Yeah, that's what I've been complaining about for the past like- while." Ella informed the group

Taylor was in the corner, watching Queenie closely

Seth silently agreed with Ella.

Anika nods, her face unreadable, “Well I suppose i should start with how my grandfather died but it’s not how it actually started.” she admits.

Audrey existed.

Holden sits on a bean bag. This was gonna be a while.

"Oh are we gonna need tissues?" Ella asked

“Only if you get overly emotional.” Anika said her face still unreadable.

Seth tugged on the sleeve of his jacket anxiously.

"I have no emotion," Audrey said simply.

Holden conjured tissues

Seth grabbed a tissue from Holden and started unfolding it.

"Emotions are for the weak." Ella said

Aire sighed.

Jo smirked. Emotions were so not her thing.

Anika continued without much stopping, “Well it truly started when *they* came after me.” she pauses, “The way they did it showed the had no intention of leaving any survivors or witnesses.” she glances around, “They came out of the shadows and went as quickly as anyone could imagine. And they didn’t leave any marks that could be healed on purpose. Only scars or death.” she says looking a bit bitter then, she rubbed her arm then absentmindedly not realizes she was doing it.

"Just a precaution." Holden said, already having fistfulls of tissues.

"Exactly," Audrey agreed with Ella.

"OH so this is also physically scaring not just mentally- oh good." Ella said sarcastically

"Back the T-rex up. Who is they?" Holden asked

Valerie kept silent, thinking about what Anika had said.

Klay winced. He still hadn't told anyone...

"Would you all please let the queen speak?" Callyah said. "You're the ones who want answers."

Seth listened intently and refolded the tissue.

Anika blinked out of her memories which were flashing through her head then, “Well we somehow managed to keep the press away from that story, although I’m not sure how.” she says rubbing her arm again, “But anyways, the group was relentless and they kept trying to come back then just disappeared one day.”

"And what does this have to do with us?" Val asked

Seth glanced at Holden. "What... are you doing?" (Seth doesn't know what MCU is :0)

Ella looked at Holden with a mix of amusement and disgust.

Audrey laughed with Holden.

Callyah fought the urge to smack everyone.

Cole said to Ella and Holden, "Maybe we shouldn't make fun of the fact that her grandfather was murdered and the same group of people keep trying to kill her?"

Anika frowns slightly and rubs her arm again, “Do you not realize the seriousness of this?” she asks with a frown, she moves the arm of her dress to reveal a deep, long scar running up her arm and gives them all a look.

"Oh sweetie you are no the only one here with scars." Ella said condecendingly

Callyah gave Ella a look. "Do not belittle the pain another person has to endure," she said crisply. "You can always experience more."

Valerie nodded in agreement. "Sure, that's bad, but nothing compared to what some of us have been through."

“Oh trust me I know and if I can’t find this group every single person they leave alive will have one and it will be worse!” Anika exclaims looking annoyed.

"What is that? Why the dust?" Seth asked, still confused.

Holden immediately was silenced.

At the sight of Anika's scar, Klay instinctively touched his own arm.

"I agree," Ella said looking at Callyah, "But I also agree with Valerie"

"And you had the best of the best taking care of you," Valerie pointed out.

"The queen is trying to prevent everyone else from enduring the pain she has been forced through. I don't think you would want anyone else to experience what you have. She did not ask you here so you could be sorry for her. She did not ask you here to sympathize. She asked you here to help her make sure this doesn't happen to anyone again." Callyah said

Anika shook her head and stood up like all of them were, “Callyah is right, Do you think I sit in my palace getting dressed up everyday just to sit there? No! I am up all day and most nights trying to find these people so my world can be safe again!” she says. “I haven’t rested properly since I was 14.” she growls and then her eyes just grow tired.

"I haven't rested properly since I was 6." Ella replied

Holden side eyes Klay and Anika. *Suuuuure she hasn't rEsTeD*

"We aren't here to compare pain to one another." Holden said. "Lets just hear her out."

Audrey rolled her eyes. "cAN i gO hOmE nOw?"

"IT IS NOT A COMPETITION!" Callyah shouted. "I'm sure your life was absolutely terrible and you should be pitied by all, but at the moment I need you to suck it up and let the queen finish."

Audrey shrugged. "Cool. Sounds good to me. PeAcE oUt, LoSeRs-"

Anika sits back down and looks at them, “I’m sure.” she says trying to stay calm, “And I haven’t rested so I can make sure one day you all can again.”

Klay glanced down, his amber-colored eyes focusing on his boots.

"I'm not looking for your pity!" Valerie snapped. "But if the queen has been spending all these years trying to make her city safer, why does it get more dangerous every year?"

"Bye!" Holden says

Paisley frowns, “Audrey-“ she says and goes after her sister.

"Because she can't find these people on her own. That is why you're here." Callyah told the group

"Bey!" Audrey said to Holden, smiling sweetly before flouncing off.

"Valerie. Its not her fault that there are bad guys out there. AT least she is trying to help unlike you.” Holden snapped

Anika presses her lips together before saying, “I am trying and it’s not exactly easy to find people who disappeared and only appeared last night in my garden.” she says.

Valerie scoffed but didn't say anything.

Klay felt a sharp memory pricking at his mind, "I saw one of them." he says, "Last night. I saw their face."

Anika turns to look at Klay, “You did?” she asks looking a bit hopeful and impressed.

Cole was metaphorically dying trying to follow all the conversation. Callyah had yelled at some people, and the queen had a scar on her arm from the same people who had killed one of her grandparents. Or at least, he thought so?

"Yeah." He furrows his brow, "It was a girl."

Anika nods, “what did she look like?”

"Green eyes. Lots of freckles. Light brown hair...and a scar too- half her face was disfigured." Klay informs her.

"I don't need pity." Ella muttred.

"But..I don't think she was the only one." Klay added

Anika was listening to Klay and he had her undivided attention as she was listening to him.

Ella rolled her eyes.

"The other one had a mask on..likely it meant she-or he- is a citizen." Klay sighed

"Oh yay, more people I have to worry about. And with Paul going on this adventure, it'll just be me and Everett," Callyah muttered to herself. She was in full snark mode now.

"Ugh, he's coming with us?" Valerie complained

"So that narrows it down to- everyone. Wait what color was the mask?" Ella asked

"No comment." Holden said

Anika nodded, she was still not paying attention to anyone else but Klay, cause she needed to know all this.

"What color was the mask!?!" Ella repeated

"It was-" Klay blinked a bit, thinking, "The colour of blood."

Valerie rolled her eyes. "You could've just said red," she muttered.

" Oh. Shoot." Ella muttered.

Seth's mask was a dark red, but that was a coincidence. He hoped no one else noticed.

Cole might have, except he had no fricking clue what was going on.

"What did it look like?" Ella asked

"No, it wasn't just red. It was literally, the colour of blood. Like someone had dipped it in blood and dyed it." Klay insisted

"Dried blood isn't red," Callyah told Klay.

"Um. Gross." Holden wrinkled his nose

"That's what I thought." Ella whispered.

"It's true. It's a dark black or brown." Val added

Audrey sighed as she rounded the corner. Her hood started to itch, so when she was sure she was alone, she took it off.

"I'm getting spooky vibes right now. Can someone tell me what is going on!?" Holden asked

Ella bit her lip, "Red, he said blood not dried blood- I've only seen one mask like that and I hope I never have to again."

"I agree with Holden," Seth piped up. "Something feels off."

"But it wasn't dried." Klay explains.

Taylor was somewhere, most likely punching a wall.

A flash of color caught Holden’s eyes and he leaned back in his chair to better observe. Audrey had her mask off.

"If the blood wasn't dried, then shouldn't it have dripped somewhere? We could try and follow that." Valerie suggested.

Taylor was in the rooms, punching walls.

"I don't think he would have actually dipped it in blood," Callyah said. "That would be really unsanitary. and too easy to track. It was probably just the color of the fabric."

"Yeah," Seth said. "It would probably also smell."

Still, something seemed wrong about the mask..

Audrey sighed, glad that she could breathe again.

Holden’s eyes widened. “Excuse me I have to go.” he left the room and approached Audrey.

Valerie was getting a bad feeling from this. She instinctively reached for one of her hidden knives.

*Holden, you are a terrible bodyguard,* Callyah thought.

Taylor's fists hurt now. They cussed loudly

Audrey didn't notice Holden at first. She glanced in a mirror on the wall and flicked her wrist a few times, making a few small adjustments to her appearance.

"Thats it!" Klays's eyes brightened. "It was their ability, I'm certain. They made me see something, when I knew it wasn't there. Because after, it faded away. It was plain white after. Really, its kind of brilliant"

Seth noticed Holden leave, but didn't do anything.

“Miss, you seemed to have forgotten you mask,” Holden said formally, avoiding eye contact to make her feel safer.

"They could change the color of the fabric?" Cole asked.

Callyah had noticed Val's motion. Her hand came to rest against her hip, brushing against her own hidden butterfly knives.

Audrey whipped around and made a surprised squeaking noise--not exactly a scream, but still. She hurriedly tied her hood back around her neck. "You didn't look, did you?" She whisper-hissed.

"What did they make you see?" Valerie asked suspiciously, still fingering the knife.

Seth heard a squeak and stood up, peeking around where Holden went. He tugged his mask farther over his head.

Taylor wandered down the hall, hissing about fists and how walls are too hard to punch with satisfaction

"Blood was dripping down the mask. And their eyes were the most..strange..colour I've ever seen." Klay shuddered a little

Seth turned around. "What do you mean by 'strange color?'"

“I tried not to.” Holden said

Audrey cringed. "So you *did* see?"

Holden grimaced. “No-yeah.” Holden said

"They were the colour of a...rose? But more green. God, that is confusing." Klay sighed

Audrey bit her lip. "...you're not going to tell anyone what I really look like, right?" She asked quietly.

“No. I won’t.” he said reassuringly. “And it’s only fair that...” Holden took off his mask really quick.

"That is kind of confusing..." Seth said.

Audrey stared at him for a moment, biting her lip. Then, she looked away.

Audrey bit her lip. "Holden, you didn't have to do that..."

Thread one, everybody. \*claps\*