#alkin

WNA HALLOWEEN - THE GREAT HIDE & SEEK HUNT!

HALLOWEEN INTERVIEW - ROSALIA MORGAINNE

SCENE I

[distant screaming]

ALKIN: Hm, it seems that the festivities are going quite well by the sound of it. There have been over 400 tickets sold and the students are hard at work to make sure that everything is going smoothly. That's good.

I think that you would have enjoyed this as well, Astra.

[footsteps]

... Hm. It seems that Morgainne's chamber is currently empty of visitors. I shall pay her a visit then.

[door creaking]

Greetings.

ROSA: My love- I knew you would come for me at last! Even as the years got har-

ALKIN: This is unnecessary. There are no guests here as you can see.

ROSA: Huh?! Then you aren't-

ALKIN: Hm?

ROSA: Wait! Who are you supposed to be?!

ALKIN: It's me- the Head Prefect.

ROSA: ... HUH?!

ALKIN: ?

ROSA: WAITWAITWAITWAIT- THAT'S NOT POSSIBLE! THE HEAD PREFECT IS A CAT, ISN'T HE?! THEN-

ALKIN: It's a disguise.

ROSA: Huh?

ALKIN: I suppose that you must have not been aware of it... I am, in fact, not a cat, but a nekomata. A creature that hails from the Far East with the ability to change my appearance at will. Old or young, tall or short - I can assume any form that I desire, provided that I can imagine it. What you see before you is the human form I take when interacting with large crowds. It's easier to talk to you like this since you're more likely to obey.

ROSA: Tha-That sounds kinda ominous...

ALKIN: However, Morgainne... You should have known this, as Prefect of Rosenhex, a dorm that specializes in charms and hexes.

ROSA: URGH- Um, well, I was so caught with preparations for the event and staying in character, hahahaha...

ALKIN: Hm.

ROSA: I-In any case- What do you think of our work, Head Prefect? Isn't it cool?! The vines look just like the real thing, don't they?

ALKIN: Indeed. This is charmed rope, isn't it?

ROSA: Exactly! You have an eye for this sort of thing~ It's actually the same kind of rope that they use for docking boats, so the material is extra rough to the touch! The frays that are shooting out make for the perfect base for thorns and we tied a bunch together and threw them all over the floor to imitate the real thing!

ALKIN: I see- Then the enchantment?

ROSA: It was minimal! We favoured form over function since we merely wanted to give off the illusion of plants rather than the real deal. And this way the environment doesn't get damaged either~

ALKIN: It would have taken quite a long time to get so many together, and they most likely would have dried out as well by the time the tours would have ended.

ROSA: Yep~ I kept everything in mind to make sure it all worked out~ Even Vil said he was impressed by the craftsmanship, hehe!

ALKIN: Ah, the child from Night Raven.

ROSA: We're old friends actually so I got him a ticket to come to visit us today~ Well, he and a bunch of other people came actually... It almost lead to a disaster.

ALKIN: Is that so?

ROSA: Yeah, yeah! Listen - It was a bit out of the blue but the group of people that Vil came with had Jack in it as well. It seems that they made it through really easily thanks to Jack's hearing so they ended up here much faster than I expected. I was in the middle of eating that rhubarb pie that mom brought over and got so startled I dropped some jam on my dress and face! It wasn't so bad because at least it looked like blood but-

When I began to do my act, Jack came over and picked me up to wipe it off me! He had this really pale look on his face until he realized it was just jam then he told me [You should not take jokes so far, Rosalia-sempai]! Hmph! Like he was the older one or something!

Well, at least both Vil and Yuuki praised my performance so that just shows how good of an actress I really am! Isn't that right~?

ALKIN: ... Astra always said that young love tends to be difficult.

ROSA: Huh? What that's supposed to mean?

ALKIN: Nevermind.

SCENE II

ALKIN: It seems that you have kept rather close to the ideals of the dorm when you interpreted the story of the bride and her lover. That is surprising.

ROSA: You think so? Well, to be honest, I just thought that they would fit really well together. The story of the Witch of Roses is one of love as well, isn't it?

ALKIN: Indeed, but I believe it's somewhat different.

ROSA: You think so? The way I see it they're one and the same.

ALKIN: Is that so?

ROSA: Mm! In the end, all the bride wanted was to reunite with her beloved and live happily ever after, but since that couldn't be she decided to join him in the afterlife instead. It's kind of melancholic, but it's the happy end she was hoping for. Same with the Witch!

ALKIN: Oh?

ROSA: I think, in the end, all the Witch wanted was to reunite with Mother Sea but since that couldn't happen she resigned herself to her fate just like the bride did. All they wanted was to be happy in life, but since that wasn't possible for the moment they sought happiness somewhere else.

I like to think that the bride and the Witch were both reunited in the end with their loved ones, even if it's just a childish wish.

ALKIN: Hm.

ROSA: I-Is there something weird about what I said?

ALKIN: No, I was merely contemplating on the innocence of children.

ROSA: CHILDREN?! I know I said it was childish but still- That was too cruel Head Prefect! I think I prefer you in cat form actually.

ALKIN: As I told you before, I am not a cat but a nekomata.

Still, that you hold such childish ideals even now... It is rather charming I would have to say.

ROSA: Somehow I don't think that's true...

SCENE III

ALKIN: Your make-up.

ROSA: Ye-Yes?

ALKIN: It's quite well done. You truly give off the impression of a deceased bride that has mourned her beloved to death.

ROSA: Right~? Actually, it was my mom who did it for me! You see, she's a professional make-up artist who worked on a lot of big movie sets! Her forte is as a SFX make-up artist who specializes in horror movies!

ALKIN: SFX?

ROSA: Special effects! You know the stuff that they pile on the actor that plays the monster to make him look even scarier!

ALKIN: ... Hm, I thought those were the real deal.

ROSA: Wha- No way! Those sort of monsters only exist in fantasy, right? No way would they be real! You're trying to pull my leg, aren't you? Head Prefect?

ALKIN: ...

ROSA: A-Anyway... Since mom heard that we'll be doing this sort of thing, she decided to come over and help us out. Isn't she great?

ALKIN: A warm and welcoming home does often bring up healthy and strong children, that is true.

ROSA: Hm, dunno about strong but my dad always says that I had the health of an ox! A really cute one! I've never caught a cold in my life!

ALKIN: ... There's an old saying... No, never mind. It seems that you have been enjoying yourself today, child.

ROSA: Yeah! It's been really fun, to be honest! Getting to play this scary role and make everybody tremble in fear- I feel like I'm getting closer to my ideal! Hehe, Halloween is really the best!

ALKIN: I see that you are really fond of this human festivity. How curious. Is there something really so enchanting about being haunted and harassed by ghosts?

ROSA: Ha-Harassed... I don't think that's the case, haha. But- I've always liked Halloween since I was a kid! The celebrations in the Rose Kingdom have always been so much fun!

ALKIN: Really?

ROSA: Mm! My mom and dad would usually take me to the funfest that took place in the town plaza and where they would organize all sorts of activities! Like apple bobbing and pumpkin carving!

ALKIN: Hm, what odd activities-

ROSA: They're really fun! My dad is actually a pro at apple bobbing and my mom made the cutest carved pumpkins for me when I was little! I really liked watching her at work. She turns super cool when she'll concentrate like that! My dad would always get soaking wet and get a cold, but I was always fine, you know~

ALKIN: ...

ROSA: Well, I say that but my actual favourite thing to do was nut-cracking!

ALKIN: A new ridiculous thing has appeared.

ROSA: It's not ridiculous at all! It's actually super romantic! You see, nut-cracking is when you place two nuts over the roasting fire and give them names! Then you wait to see which cracks first and that's how you know who your true love is supposed to be!

ALKIN: I see... And then?

ROSA: Then, um, I guess you eat them?

ALKIN: You're unsure?

ROSA: ... Um, truth is... mine... mine never cracked. Even though I only picked Vil's name...

ALKIN: Hm?

ROSA: NE-NEVER MIND! UM! I-I think the next group of people might come up, so-

ALKIN: I hear no footsteps.

ROSA: AAAAAAH, HEAD PREFECT PLEASE GET A CLUE ALREADY!

[door slams]

ALKIN: Hmph, what a strong-willed girl.

Team NIGT

Noct Nyx

Ignatius Alkin

Glasir Muspel

Tide Cadejo

Team NIGT (pronounced night) is a team out of Beacon Academy, specializing in scouting and quick strikes against the grimm. 

Noct Nyx

The leader of team NIGT, Noct grew up in a traveling village on the plains of Vacuo, used to traveling around a lot it was difficult for him to adjust to life training at a school, especially since he hadn’t trained younger at one of the established schools, but went straight into the academy from his home. That being said, life has given him enough live experiences to ensure he is not left behind his school mates. In fact, he had shown so much experience he was chosen as the leader. Even still, he is a bit of a recluse outside of his team, preferring the more quiet time of night or his own room.

He is normally seen wearing a dust cloak over his shoulders, hiding the pieces of armour he wears underneath. He wears what looks like the skull of a sabertooth grimm hanging behind them, which he puts over his wavy black hair when he goes into combat, which he claims to have found when he was younger. He wields a naginata spear who’s blade and open to fire projectiles blasts. 

Noct’s semblance allows him to manipulate shadows and darkness, thickening it or wrapping it to visually hide or manipulate someone’s vision. Normally it cannot inflict physical issues, like damage or manipulating a person, but it can be enhanced with dust. Results will vary depending of type of dust.

His symbol is the moon of Atlas as it currently is

Ignatius Alkin

A feathered winged faunus, Alkin (who hates his first name, and likes to go by his last) is from the same village as Noct, having both traveled from Vacuo together. While Noct dislikes being in crowded or loud busy areas, Alkin takes this up even father, and doesn’t like most people within a few feet of himself. He enjoys to fly around and over most people, although will walk to not be rude. He and his family acted as scouts in the air for their village when they set down roots for longer than a night’s rest. Noct is one of the few people Alkin will normally allow within a few feet of himself, although he is trying to get better.

Alkin’s wings go between burnt reds and browns with some yellow highlights, his long auburn hair is usually kept tied back. His specialty made shirts (to accommodate for his wings) usually cover mainly his from in a soft brown, and a red leather belt keeps his weapon, a golden kopesh which can unlock into a chain whip. He enjoys going barefoot when possible, and is always seen wearing a pair of headphones which his symbol on them

Alkin’s semblance is extra sense, ever since unlocking his aura, he can feel in an area of about a foot or two around himself at all times. While it doesn’t give him an exact picture, he can feel presences, both organic and inorganic, as well as feel people’s aura around them. By concentrating and/or forcibly forgoing his other senses, he can extend his aura to much greater lengths. He is able to read people’s personal aura with them reflecting their emotions, and at most, surface thoughts as they affect those emotions.

His symbol is of a falling feather over a saucer.

Glasir Muspel

Glasir grew up in the mountains that surrounded the city of Vale itself, so had studied in the lower levels of Beacon Academy before she moved up to the proper huntsman levels of the Academy. She can seem to be really stoic and cool on the outside, but if you ever get her excited enough or get to know her, you learn that she has a core of care, worry and excitement that could put to shame any prep or glee club. She loves her team, able to connect with each of her teammates and help to keep everyone together

Glasir likes to wear some heavier clothing, despite having lived at the academy for a while now, although that hasn’t stopped her from complaining from the temperature. She wears a heavy green parka with red accents, and heavy cargo boots. Her weapon(s) are a pair of skis which she wears on her back in an X fashion, which can clip together to fashion into a broadsword or wield individually. Internal dust on them connect with her boots allowing for no issues with taking them on and off. She has named them Eldershtahl.

The form that Glasir’s semblance has taken is that of planted combustion. Normally through her touch, Glasir is able to superheat the internals of objects, causing rapid expansion and explosions. From a simple rock to underneath the skin of a grimm, she can cause it to burst out to as hot as lava. She has designed Eldershtahl to allow her to super heat the internals, causing a burst of heat and rocket off, either as propulsion, or whatever it is stuck in. 

Her symbol is a rock sitting in the center of a stylized fire. 

Tide Cadejo

Tide grew up pretty easily on the island of Patch, having lived on a farm on the edge of a small town with his parents that raised some of the few livestock the island had. He probably wouldn’t have even thought of joining up as a hunter if he had never awoken his aura and his semblance, at least as a full time profession. He had the ability to absorb things into himself and it was during a grimm attack that he first experienced it. 

Normally, his semblance allows him to reach out to a thing or person’s aura to take part of it into himself, allowing to duplicate their abilities and more. With dust, much more than a normal hunter or huntress, he can super charge his body with whatever element it is. The problem was, that Grimm do not have an aura and having never experienced his aura previously, used it at the full of his capabilities. Tide took the entire Beowulf grimm into himself, absorbing the creature itself.

He doesn’t like to talk about the incident, but he was able to finally excorsise the beowulf from himself with the help of the local Hunters, but he had held it in so long, it had consequences. His teeth had grown more feral, his irises were stained red, his fingernails had became claw like, ears becoming more pointed, etc. It is why he normally wears large baggy hoodies around most of the time. His weapon is actually a unique breathing mask that connects to a backpack he wears by a tube. The backpack helps as a dust distribution system to his lungs, helping to best absorb dust, but also to help with a bit of a cough he had since the incident. His colours are black and white with a blue shader

WNA HALLOWEEN - THE GREAT HIDE & SEEK HUNT!

HALLOWEEN INTERVIEW - CASSANDRA DELPHINNE

SCENE I

[footsteps]

ALKIN: This sleeping chamber... According to Professor Stryx it is an exact replica of the bride's own room. Hm, only a student of Oraluna could be able to divine something like this. Well then-

[door opens]

ALKIN: It's an elegant decor. The furnishing itself seems quite well made, and the accents chosen, but-

Just where is the bride?

CASS: Uwahhhh...

ALKIN: ? Under the bed... Delphinne?

CASS: HE-HE-HEAD PREFECT?!

ALKIN: !! Not so loud!

CASS: I-I-I-I'M SORRY! I-I-I-I didn't mean to shout like that, um... Miss Dion ha-ha-has told me how sensitive beastmen a-are to sound and yet... Um...

ALKIN: It's fine. I was the one who startled you, after all. My apologies.

But, Delphinne-

CASS: Um?

ALKIN: Why are you hiding under the bed?

CASS: Um... I... um...

ALKIN: Did something happen? Did somebody try to harass you? Should I-

CASS: UM, NO!

ALKIN: !!

CASS: I-I'm sorry... Um, no, there has been no-no-nothing like that. It's ju-just... um... [mumble]...

ALKIN: Pardon? I did not catch that.

CASS: ............................. Pe-pe-people from Night Ra-Raven came to visit...

ALKIN: Those children again. Somehow they always seem to make an appearance.

Well, then, did they say anything?

CASS: Um... it was... um... it was a-a-a-actually more li-li-like...

It was Lo-Lo-Lord Draconia's party... um...

ALKIN: Ah.

CASS: I-I-I was trying to play my-my-my role as instructed and, um, sa-sa-saying my lines was ve-very embarrassing, but, um, I-I thought it would be a-alright since they weren't pe-pe-people I would meet a-again...

I was ha-having my eyes closed, a-a-as I should have... but when I-I-I opened them... Um!!

ALKIN: Yes?

CASS: I-I-I-I-It was Mister Si-Si-Si-Silver who stood be-be-before me!!

ALKIN: That child...

CASS: Yes, um... He had this o-odd look in hi-hi-his eyes... I think it wa-was because he he-heard my speech... A-A-And I was confused at first u-u-until I realized that i-i-it could be taken as a lo-lo-love confession!! Uwahhhhhh...

ALKIN: There's no need to cry.

CASS: Um, but they all must think I-I-I'm very odd no-no-now!!

ALKIN: They?

CASS: There wa-was Mister Zi-Zigvolt, and Mister Vanrouge and... um... Lo-Lo-Lord Draconia too! Mister Vanrouge was la-la-laughing too and he-he-he said, um, [It looks like she woke up without a kiss! How mysterious!]

ALKIN: ...

CASS: Then Mi-Mi-Mister Zigvolt started ye-ye-yelling at Mister Silver saying that, um, they should have let Lord Draconia ta-ta-take care of it instead si-since he's a proper prince...

And Mi-Mi-Mister Silver was red too... I think he-he-he was upset a-a-about it... um...

ALKIN: ... That one still likes to amuse himself on behalf of others...

CASS: Um?

ALKIN: Never mind. Then, am I right to assume you hid yourself under this bed out of embarrassment?

CASS: Um, ye-yes... I was so mo-mo-mortified by this si-since I practically looked li-li-like I was confessing to Mi-Mi-Mister Silver...

And it seemed to u-u-upset him too... So, um... I was re-re-really heartbroken, um...

ALKIN: ... [sighs]

CASS: I-I-I'm sorry! I really mu-mu-must have sounded so si-si-silly right now...

ALKIN: It is fine. You're still young, even for a fairy. You'll soon learn not to trust your elders so readily.

CASS: Um...

ALKIN: He really hasn't changed after all...

SCENE II

ALKIN: Your interpretation of the bride's story... It's very poetic.

CASS: Um! I-I-I wouldn't go so far, but, um... It's actually based on an old story I-I-I-I once read...

There wa-was a princess o-o-once who fell in lo-lo-love with a prince from another ki-ki-kingdom... It wa-wa-was love at first sight and they wa-wa-wanted to get wed... but, um, the older sister forbade their ma-ma-marriage... So the prince we-we-went to prove hi-himself up on the mo-mountain and defeat the evil queen who re-re-reigned over a land of snow... But he-he-he never made it back a-a-a-alive so she died o-o-of a broken he-heart...

ALKIN: Hm, that is a romantic opera they tell in the Glacier Mountains, isn't it?

CASS: Um, I-I-I'm not sure... I remember that my granny wo-would have this old book of ro-romantic legends... and there were many ta-tales like this...

Li-Like the story of a princess who fe-fell deep into slumber u-u-until her prince ca-came to wake her up with a kiss...

ALKIN: Hm, the tale from the Valley of Thorns. It was rather popular during our time... But your bride is not dead, is she?

CASS: Um, no! I-I-I was told that the ending where she di-dies of a broken he-heart would be more re-realistic... but... I fo-found it too sad...

ALKIN: Is that so?

CASS: Yes, um... to have wa-waited for so lo-long for her lo-lover to return... and to die from this before they were pro-pro-properly reunited... That is ju-just too sad. Isn't it, Head Prefect?

ALKIN: Perhaps... Then what do you think must have happened in the story?

CASS: Um... I li-like to think they fo-found a way to re-reunite with each other... Maybe they ra-ran away together and started a new li-life... Wo-Wouldn't that be nice?

Love is a-a-a thing that should bring joy, after all, ri-ri-right?

ALKIN: ... I understand now why he seems so fond of the two of you.

A knight from a fairytale coming to rescue a damsel in distress...

CASS: Um?

ALKIN: Ah, I am lost in my daydreams. Forgive me.

SCENE III

ALKIN: But I do have a question?

CASS: Ye-Yes?!

ALKIN: That watch that you're holding... It holds rather old. Is it an antique?

CASS: U-Um... I-I-I'm not sure... It's something that my granny has se-se-send over when she heard about our play... She wa-wa-was so excited to hear about it. I think she wo-would have loved to come over as we-well... but her legs, um...

ALKIN: I see. In those situations, it can be quite difficult... I presume the two of you are quite close, then?

CASS: Yes! She's my granny who ra-raised me since I was a child so I-I-I love her dearly! Until I came to Wa-Walpurga Nacht we ha-have never been se-se-separated at all... So it was quite ha-ha-hard to adjust to life here... But granny e-encouraged me and said that I-I should do my best...

ALKIN: That is good. She seems like a kind-hearted woman.

CASS: Yes! She a-always made sure I-I-I would be looked after... That's why I a-always make sure to send her good wi-wishes during this ti-time...

Um, you see, we used to spend Ha-Ha-Halloween together! Granny was a-a-a bit too old to go to town du-during that time... So we mostly sa-sat at home carving pu-pu-pumpkins and ma-ma-making candy together!

ALKIN: Hm, so you didn't go trick or treating with the other children?

CASS: Um, there weren't ma-ma-many children ba-back in our village... And the ones who we-went trick or treating didn't li-li-like me that much... So I-I-I mostly stayed ho-home with granny instead! Which I-I-I always liked to do!

ALKIN: ... I see. Then you must have enjoyed those moments greatly, despite everything.

CASS: Ye-Yes! Hanging out with granny is a-always so much fun... She knows a lo-lo-lot of stories! And e-even scary ones! She is really good at ma-making up voices, so I grew up li-listening to her ta-tales!

ALKIN: Hm, a scary story on the night of Halloween... How wonderfully appropriate. I don't think I've ever had the fortune of such an experience.

CASS: Yes! Um...

ALKIN: Hm? Is something the matter?

CASS: Um, we-well... Head Prefect... if you'd like I co-could try and tell you a-a-a few of granny's stories... um...

ALKIN: That would be very kind of you... But are you sure that's a wise idea? Your stutter...

CASS: UM! I'M SORRY! YO-YOU'RE RIGHT! I-I-IT WOULD BE VERY TROUBLING IF YO-YOU HAD TO LI-LISTEN TO MY A-ATTEMPTS!

ALKIN: ... No, I meant that it might hurt your throat...

Ah, I hear footsteps. Looks like your next guests are here. Good luck, Delphinne.

CASS: Th-Thank you, Head Prefect!

[door closes]

ALKIN: ... It seems that I might have to run into you eventually, General. To think that we'd look after these children in our old age like that...

WNA HALLOWEEN - THE GREAT HIDE & SEEK HUNT!

HALLOWEEN INTERVIEW - AGATHA VOISIN

SCENE I

[footsteps]

ALKIN: Hm? The kitchen door seems stuck... How odd. Even without a key, I should be able to pass through... And yet...

Voisin? Can you hear me?

AGATHA: ........................ Go... away... you... dumb... chowder...

ALKIN: So she is here, after all. But why is the door...

Voisin, open this door.

AGATHA: ..... No....

ALKIN: ... Voisin, open this door or I shall break it down.

AGATHA: ...... I... would... like... to... see... you... try... ehehehehehehehe...

ALKIN: ... Very well. Then-

[door opens]

AGATHA: ...... You... were... really... going... to... break... it... open... huh... Land... animals... sure... are... scary...

ALKIN: Hmph, you say this even though you always take delight in scaring your own classmates. All these props must come in handy today, especially, I suppose.

AGATHA: They're... not... props... ehehehehehhe...

ALKIN: ... Pardon?

AGATHA: They're... all... stuff... I... got... from... our... dorm... Potions... elixirs... poisons... and... the... bones... are... from... Big... Sis... along... with... the... heads... and... arms...

They're... nice... right... ehehehehehe...

ALKIN: ... Human limbs aside, is it not dangerous to take out such things from the Eliksia dorm, given their high potency and danger? What if somebody stole one of the vials?

AGATHA: It's... alright... since... they... are... all... explosives... or... fast... acting... poisons... ehehehehhehehe...

ALKIN: ?! That! That is too dangerous, Voisin!

AGATHA: ................................................................... That's... what... that... dumb... long-haired... chowder... said... too... Ugh... that's... just... annoying...

ALKIN: Long-haired... ? Is this another child of Night Raven?

AGATHA: He... came... by... with... those... other... two... chowders... and... threw... a... fuss... about... the... poisons... too... and... told... the... shiny... chowder... it... was... too... dangerous... in... here...

ALKIN: That is a natural reaction after all.

AGATHA: .................. Only... because... they're... dumb... chowders...

The... sunny... one... especially... He... just... laughed... the... entire... time... like... it... was... funny... He... wasn't... scared... at... all... I... can't... stand... him...

ALKIN: He must have not realized the danger he was in. Perhaps that is for the best. There surely would have been a scandal if something had happened.

AGATHA: ................................. Those... chowders... I... hate... how... they... gather... around... all... the... time... in... schools... They're... so... annoying...

That... dumb... cat... that's... always... with... the... shrimpy... chowder... started... bawling... ehehehehehe... That... was... funny... but... the... shrimpy... chowder... got... mad... at... me... for... laughing... and... then... went... to... comfort... the... dumb... cat...

The... sunny... chowder... joined... in... too... and... nobody... was... scared... anymore... They... were... all... smiling... thoughtlessly... like... I... wasn't... even... there... They're... all... so... annoying... showing... off... like... that...

Dumb... happy... people... should... be... banned... ehehehehehehe...

ALKIN: .......... There's much envy in our heart, is there not, child?

AGATHA: .................. ehehehehhehe... are... you... dumb... ?... As... long... as... I... have... Big... Sis... and... Big... Bro... then... I... don't... need... anyone... else... They're... all... just... dumb... chowders... anyway... ehehehehehhe...

ALKIN: ...

AGATHA: Big... Sis... was... right... when... she... said... cats... are... dumb... ehehehhehe........

ALKIN: ......... No, talking right now will accomplish nothing. Giving in to the taunts of children would not make me any better than them, after all.

AGATHA: Ehehehehehehehehe...

SCENE II

ALKIN: In any case... Your approach to the story was rather... wrathful.

AGATHA: We... were... told... to... tell... the... story... as... it... happened... so... that's... what... I... did...

ALKIN: ... It was to tell the sort of story that you thought might have happened.

AGATHA: Obviously... I... got... the... right... answer...

ALKIN: Such stubbornness. Very well, then I'll listen to your explanation. Then, what do you think of the story?

AGATHA: The... bride... was... very... dumb... and... so... was... the... lover... I... didn't... like... either... of... them... at... all... so... I'm... glad... they... both... died... ehehehehehhe...

ALKIN: ...

AGATHA: Did... you... expect... something... nicer... just... because... I'm... cute... ?....

ALKIN: Rather than that - I had always believed you to be a fan of fantastical romances. That's all you read when you're at the library.

AGATHA: Are... you... spying... on... me... ?... That's... creepy...

But... that... and... this... are... different... things...

ALKIN: ... What do you mean?

AGATHA: I... like... stories... about... princesses... who... don't... look... pretty... but... then... they... find... a... prince... who... loves... them... anyway... It's... nice... because... those... stories... are... like... a... fantasy... I... don't... care... about... pretty... princesses... since... they're... all... dumb... like... that... stupid... amoeba...

If... I... was... a... princess... I'd... want... to... be... a... cute... one... who... gets... turned... into... a... frog... then... marries... a... prince... like... in... the... story... back... home... ehehehehehe...

ALKIN: ....... I see. Then-

AGATHA: There's... a... saying... back... home... 'look... for... the... woman...' It... means... that... when... there's... trouble... you... should... blame... a... woman... for... it... Back... in... the... day... I... believe... it... must... have... been... the... same... thing...

If... the... lover... had... disappeared... then... they'd... blame... her... But... why... should... she... be... the... one... at... fault... ?... She... should... just... take... her... revenge... against... all... of... them... instead... since... they're... all... dumb... chowders... who... keep... accusing... her... of... things... she... hasn't... done...

ALKIN: ...... The theme you've chosen seems rather... personal, thus I'd refrain from commenting. Though I suppose it is true that in the past men would be quick to accuse women of wrong-doings and deceit. Such were the times back then...

AGATHA: That's... because... humans... are... stupid...

SCENE III

ALKIN: Hm, that's an interesting notion - do the mermaids fair differently from us, land dwellers?

AGATHA: ................ Mermaids... are... stupid... too... I... hate... them... a ... lot... like... those... tall... chowders... at... Night... Raven...

They... always... make... fun... of... me... for... being... small... and... speaking... slowly...

ALKIN: ................................ Your list of dislikes seems to be all-encompassing. I wonder if there's anything you do like...

AGATHA: I... like... Big... Bro... and... Big... Sis... and... cute... things... too... ehehehehehehehehe...

ALKIN: Then I suppose Halloween is not to your taste?

AGATHA: Human... Halloween... is... fun... But... I... don't... like... the... one... that's... underwater... too... much...

ALKIN: Hm, I suppose it must be quite different?

AGATHA: The... mermaids... in... the... Coral... Sea... treat... it... like... a... death... memorial... but... us... in... the... Port... of... Jubilee... don't... really... care... too... much... about... it... except... for... those... crocodiles...

ALKIN: Crocodiles?

AGATHA: A... type... of... mermaid... that... lived... there... since... the... beginning... They... hold... a... party... every... year... with... songs... and... dancing... It's... loud... and... annoying... and... shiny...

Uncle... thinks... so... too... That's... why... we... never... went... there... when... I... was... young...

ALKIN: And yet you know so much about it? That's curious.

AGATHA: ................................................ I... used... to... sneak... out... when... Uncle... was... asleep... so... I... could... watch... them... They... all... looked... so... stupid... when... they... danced... and... sang... They... all... looked... like... humans...

ALKIN: Humans?

AGATHA: Yeah... I... saw... them... on... the... surface... too... when... Big... Bro... let... me... stay... at... his... place... They... all... gathered... around... and... had... dumb... parades... with... food... and... masks... and... every... is... happy... ugh...

............................................... Big... Bro... took... out... there... once... too... Even... though... I'm... not... a.... good... dancer... he... let... me... sit... on... his... shoes... and... spun... me... around... so... everything... was... swirling... The... whole... festival... was... dumb... but... I... liked... that...

ALKIN: Hm, he seems to be quite doting towards you.

AGATHA: Big... Bro... is... the... person... I... love... most... next... to... Big... Sis... They're... the... only... ones... who... understand... me... ehehehehehehe...

This... year... too... Big... Bro... said... he'll... give... me... a... Halloween... present... and... Big... Sis... is... buying... me... a.... lot... of... dresses... and... cute... things... too... I... can't... wait... ehehehehehehehehe

ALKIN: Hm.

AGATHA: Hey... don't... you... think... it's... time... you... left... I... need... to... set... the... stage... again... in... case... any... more... chowders... come... around... and... you're... in... the... way...

ALKIN: ........ I see. My apologies. Then I shall be on my way.

Though... do make sure none of these vials disappears from their place. Voisin.

AGATHA: I... can't... promise... anything... ehehehehehehe....

ALKIN: Good grief...

[door closes]

ALKIN: ..................... There's a sheen of derangement in her, that's true... But her heart is still so pure... What a mystery. I'm curious to see what may have provoked her into becoming like this.

Still... Her genuine affection towards those two seems to keep her centred.

WNA HALLOWEEN - THE GREAT HIDE & SEEK HUNT!

HALLOWEEN INTERVIEW - BLANCHE DION

SCENE I

[footsteps]

ALKIN: The library. This is where Dion's chamber lies. Grimmaire has always found itself at peace within those walls - but is it not too obvious for such an occasion? Never mind. Let us see what the children have planned.

[door creaking]

BLANCHE: Head Prefect. Greetings.

ALKIN: It seems that you have expected my arrival.

BLANCHE: Not at all. I am rather surprised to see you here - and in this form as well.

ALKIN: Hm. It seemed easier to move around if I had this form. Humans are... quite curious creatures after all.

BLANCHE: That is true. I would not think it is you either if I didn't happen to be already familiar with your form. A charm, perhaps?

ALKIN: Indeed. Your eyes are quite sharp, after all. That it is no less than I expected from you. It seems that the Halloween Event is going smoothly on your end.

BLANCHE: Yes. As you can see we have set up the library in such a way as to make perfect use of the environment and decor.

ALKIN: Mm. I assume the revolving staircases have been your idea?

BLANCHE: More or less. It is an old trick that I read about in a book once. By using mirrors and precise placement of bolts and shelves, the library gives off the impression that is endlessly reconstructing itself, much like the Grimmaire one.

ALKIN: When I was walking through it seemed as if an unknown force was guiding me through, indeed.

BLANCHE: Yes, it is meant to give off the impression of being haunted by a poltergeist - a creature specific to the Land of Pyroxene that enjoys causing disturbances without being seen - unlike our own ghosts.

ALKIN: Indeed, even the spirits back in my homeland enjoyed revealing themselves right before -

...

BLANCHE: Head Prefect?

ALKIN: ... Astra had always admonished me for being too macabre.

BLANCHE: I see. It must be a force of habit to follow a master's old orders, I suppose.

ALKIN: ... Habit. I guess it must be so.

Regardless, I am glad to see that your presentation has gone off without any trouble at all.

BLANCHE: Thank you... Or at least this is what I would have liked to say if it hadn't been for...

ALKIN: Did something happen after all?

BLANCHE: I suppose it could be considered that...

The matter is a bit more complicated.

ALKIN: Oh?

BLANCHE: It has to do with the group from Night Raven College.

ALKIN: ...

BLANCHE: In the interest of... fostering better relationships with the Heartslaybyul dorm, I have extended an invitation towards their dorm leader, Riddle Rosehearts, to visit our attraction during this period.

ALKIN: I see.

BLANCHE: ... It was strictly in the interests of the school. I have even impressed upon him the importance of bringing forth some of his dorm mates and...

ALKIN: Did he come alone then?

BLANCHE: No... Ace Trappola, Deuce Spade, Trey Clover and Cater Diamond accompanied him. They were supposed to come across me when they followed the path laid out before them. But it seemed that Cater had halted the group to take a series of pictures and through a couple of incidents they ended up stranded from one another. This was not supposed to happen, so I set off to reunite them. But when I came across Cater and Riddle...

ALKIN: Hm?

BLANCHE: My sudden appearance must have startled them. It seems that I even forgot the noose around my neck, so upon spotting me, Cater gave a rather deafening screech that took me by surprise and in my fall I had accidentally twisted my ankle.

ALKIN: Have you visited the nurse?

BLANCHE: Yes. Fortunately, both Nurse Da Luz and the medical staff were nearby so Riddle... um...

ALKIN: Yes?

BLANCHE: He... He was kind enough to escort me there. Though it was not necessary to carry me on his back as I surely could have managed by foot.

ALKIN: Hm, he is a disciplined child after all.

BLANCHE: He does embody the virtues of a chivalrous noble... Th-That would be my objective observation.

ALKIN: Hm.

SCENE II

ALKIN: The scene that you set up for the bride is rather...

BLANCHE: Expected?

ALKIN: So you have noticed.

BLANCHE: Perhaps. To be perfectly honest, when we were requested to imagine the tragedy that might have befallen the bride I was quite at a loss.

ALKIN: Is that so?

BLANCHE: Yes, it seemed to be rather unusual to be stuck in such a position as she was. Supposing that her lover had gone missing, should she not have organized a search party for his retrieval? Or perhaps even consulted a divinator of his fate. Supposing that the incident had taken place around 600 years ago, as it seems to be the case, the practice of using such magical means would have been still widespread. Surely, she could have handled the financial strain as well given her wealth and yet she didn't.

Instead, she simply continued to wait for his arrival without taking any motion herself... It is simply incomprehensible to me.

ALKIN: These sorts of stories rarely do make use of logic and reason.

BLANCHE: Yes, that is so. Yet, the more I thought about it the more it seemed to me that her fate must have borne a lot of resentment in the end. She was left to forever wonder what became of his whereabouts and even disappeared herself soon after. I imagine the circumstances couldn't have been peaceful at all.

ALKIN: Thus, the reason for a wrathful and resentful bride?

BLANCHE: Indeed. Having wasted her life in pursuit of a single man who might not even have been faithful to her... What a foolhardy notion. I could never abide by something like that.

ALKIN: ... Love is indeed a game of chance more often than not. If one is not careful they might lose themselves in the process.

BLANCHE: What a pitiful sight that might be.

ALKIN: ...

SCENE III

ALKIN: Your hat.

BLANCHE: Yes? Is there something odd with it?

ALKIN: No. I was merely thinking that Hatterson did a splendid job, after all.

BLANCHE: Indeed. He seems to be quite skilled in this regard. I shall have to properly thank him once the festivities are over.

ALKIN: You shall have plenty of time during the Halloween party after.

BLANCHE: Party?

ALKIN: Yes, the Headmistress has decided that in order to reward your efforts, such an activity might be best suited.

Is something the matter?

BLANCHE: No... I was merely contemplating how unusual it seemed.

ALKIN: Is that so? Morgainne has led me to believe that the Rose Kingdom holds this holiday in great prestige.

BLANCHE: I suppose that is true... But I have never been accustomed to such traditions.

ALKIN: Is that so?

BLANCHE: ... Our father is an important state official, thus we have been raised along to make sure we protect that sort of image. It is always required of us to act in the most dignified manner as model members of the hare subspecies.

ALKIN: ... Hm, I have heard rumours.

BLANCHE: Our father... he gave his all to removing the stain to our name. We are expected to follow in his footsteps. The Halloween celebrations that take place in the Rose Kingdom are... too rowdy. They're simply... unsuitable for the sort of upbringing we received.

ALKIN: Then - on Halloween?

BLANCHE: We studied or attended concerts. There might also be the occasional gala or father would insist us to attend.

ALKIN: So no festivities?

BLANCHE: Of course not... Though...

ALKIN: ?

BLANCHE: There had been one year that I had snuck out of the house to observe the festivities in the town plaza. It was truly wonderful. I had never imagined such wonderful sights could be so near to our house. Our father did not permit us to speak of them.

I had meant to only stay there for a moment, but I was so bewitched I lost track of time. By the time I had arrived home, my father was already waiting in the living room, with the lights on and reading the newspaper.

ALKIN: Hm, so you were scolded.

BLANCHE: ... That would have not been his style. He merely continued to read the newspaper in silence as I went to throw out the caramel apple I had purchased. I simply had no appetite for it any longer.

ALKIN: ...

BLANCHE: ... Please do not look so concerned. The silent treatment had only lasted for a week that time, so all in all I believe my father had not been that upset.

But I didn't dare to venture out anymore after that.

ALKIN: ... I see. Dion.

BLANCHE: Yes?

ALKIN: Trick or Treat?

BLANCHE: Um?

ALKIN: Trick or Treat?

BLANCHE: Um, I would pick treat but unfortunately I have no-

ALKIN: Here.

BLANCHE: ... Candy?

ALKIN: It is customary on this holiday, is it not?

BLANCHE: Yes, but you're not the one supposed to-

ALKIN: I shall continue my observation of the festivities then. There are still the others that I worry about.

BLANCHE: ... I understand. Thank you.

[door closes]