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“What the hell are you doing here?”
“Nice to see you too, Pipsqueak.”
Leona smirked down at the now Sophomore, who was glaring up at him.
“Leona, you’re supposed to be doing your internship, aren’t you?” Kaitlyn asked as Grim jumped onto her shoulder. “Or did your lazy ass just walk out and decide to annoy me?”
Leona just sighed and picked her up, holding her in front of him like a child.
“...What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Kaitlyn asked as her glare deepened.
“Do you remember the Cloudcalling Festival Kate told you about last year?’ Leona asked, ignoring the previous question.
“The one where you, Kalim, Vil, and Lilia completely ditched her, Jack, and Grim after the tournament? Yeah, what about it?”
“It’s happening again tomorrow, and as one of the Princes, I have to go.”
“What does this have to do with me?”
“Considering I took Kate last year, it’s only fair to take you this year. Besides, that damn lizard isn’t here to stop me.
“And do I get any say in this?”
“No.”
With that, he slung her over his shoulder while holding Grim under his other arm.
“Bwah!” the monster cried out as he struggled a bit. “Why’re you takin’ me too?!?”
“Why not?” Leona shrugged. “I’ll just send Kate a text later so she doesn’t freak out when she gets back from wherever she is.”
“She’s in Octavinelle,” Kaitlyn replied, resigning to her fate as luggage. “She won’t be back for a while. Anyways, who else are you taking with you?”
“You’ll see.”
***
“Leona?” Jack greeted with a head tilt as the trio entered Savanaclaw. “What-?”
“Where’s Ruggie?” Leona cut him off.
Jack blinked before pointing to one of the hammocks, in which the hyena was sleeping soundly. Giving a nod to Jack, Leona made his way over to the hammock and kicked it a little. This caused Ruggie to jolt awake, a sleepy smile appearing on his face when he noticed who was there.
“Leona?” he muttered. “Did you abandon your internship just to see me-?”
“Of course I didn’t, you idiot,” Leona scoffed fondly. “You’re comin’ with me to the Cloudcalling Festival this year to compete.”
This made Ruggie snap fully awake as he fell out of the hammock before quickly standing.
“W-What?!?” Ruggie spluttered. “B-But can I even compete?!? Your family will recognize me!”
“Exactly,” Leona grinned, sharp teeth glinting. “Seeing you fight will surely clear any doubts they have about us.”
Ruggie’s face turned red, and he turned away, grumbling.
“Fine,” he huffed. “But you need three more people.”
“Jack’s one of them,” Leona replied, the wolf’s ears pricking up when he heard his name.
“Really?” Jack asked, tail drooping. “But I totally screwed up last year thanks to the heat.”
“But now you know what to expect,” Leona pointed out. “Besides, Pipsqueak here is comin’ along for moral support.”
“Not by choice,” Kaitlyn stated. “He literally just kidnapped us.”
“Anyway,” Leona said, rolling his eyes. “We need to head to Heartslabyul for the last two participants.”
***
“You want me to let Ace and Deuce go with you to participate in the Cloudcalling Festival?”
The five of them were in Heartslabyul’s Lounge, Leona finally setting Kaitlyn and Grim down.
“Do I need to repeat myself, Riddle?” Leona asked, raising a brow. “You’re not their mother, so stop being so overprotective of them.”
Riddle bristled at this, roughly setting his teacup down.
“I am not overprotective of them!” Riddle denied. “It’s just…is it a good idea to let them participate? It’s all hand-to-hand combat, right? Deuce, I can see, but Ace…”
“Ace is tricky,” Kaitlyn pointed out, gaining Riddle’s attention. ‘He can probably come up with strategies to help them win.”
The white-haired boy blinked at this before sighing and glaring at Leona.
“If they come back harmed in any way-” he threatened.
“Yeah, yeah, it’s ‘Off With My Head’,” Leona rolled his eyes. “Not overprotective, my ass. I’ll make sure your precious card soldiers are returned to you safe and sound.”
Riddle acknowledged that with a hum as he took a sip of his tea.
“Very well,” he nodded. “They’re out in the garden. Have a safe trip.”
***
“We’re here,” Leona announced when the group exited from the portal.
“Wow, you weren’t kidding about it being hot,” Ace commented, squinting. “I think my eyes are about to burn out of my skull.”
“It’s so hot,” Deuce agreed, fanning himself. “We have to fight in this weather?”
“I was wondering when you were going to arrive.”
The group turned to see Ashanti approach them, a smile on her face.
“Your Highness,” Leona greeted, bowing before his sister-in-law. “I didn’t realize that you were coming to greet us.”
The others quickly scrambled to bow as well, Ashanti letting out a laugh as she ordered them to stand.
“Don’t bow to me,” she laughed. “You know I hate that. Are these the ones who will be competing this year?”
Her eyes roamed over the group, eyes widening when they fell on Ruggie.
“Ruggie!” she exclaimed, running forward and enveloping the hyena in a hug. “You’re competing?!? Oh, I’m so excited to see how well my future brother-in-law is going to fight!”
“Y-Your what?” Ruggie managed to get out.
“Let go of him, Ashanti,” Leona sighed. “You’re squeezing the life out of him.”
“Sorry, sorry,” she giggled, letting the hyena go before turning to the rest of the group. “I only managed to see you all briefly during my visit to Night Raven College last year, so let me reintroduce myself. My name is Ashanti, wife to the Crown Prince Farena and mother to Cheka. Nice to meet you again.”
“U-Um…nice to meet you again,” Deuce blinked in surprise. “I’m Deuce Spade.”
“Ace Trappola.”
“Jack Howl.”
“Grim.”
“Kaitlyn.”
“Wait, Kaitlyn?” Ashanti blinked before recognition filled her face. “Oh, you’re one of the students of Ramshackle Dorm, correct? How come your friend isn’t here?”
“Oh, Kate?” Kaitlyn replied. “Well, she came last year and Leona thought it’d be a good idea to bring me this time.”
“Well, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” Ashanti beamed. “You’ll enjoy the tournament, trust me. Powerful people all over the world come to watch and support the tournament, which helps with the blessings of rain.”
“Your Highness!”
The group turned to see an older man in blue and purple clothing with a feather in his hair running towards them.
“Now, now, Neji,” Ashanti chuckled as the man stopped to catch his breath. “You’re getting too old to be running like that. Whatever is the matter?”
“Prince Farena is looking for you,” Neji replied. “The Al-Asim family has arrived.” He then turned his gaze to Leona, letting out a sigh. “Which means you have to have to great them too, Leona.”
“I know,” Leona sighed. “Neji, can you guide the others to the hotel I reserved and get them ready for the tournament? Explain the rules and whatever?”
“Always so short with me,” Neji chuckled, before turning towards the group. “I’m Prince Leona’s advisor, Neji. Pleasure to meet you all. Now, if you would just follow me.”
The man turned and began to walk off, the others scrambling after him as Ashanti and Leona watched them go.
“Was is smart for you to bring Ruggie with you?” Ashanti asked with a small frown. “Farena’s still a little hesitant on the relationship between you two.”
“I know,” Leona smirked. “He’s sure to change his tune afterwards, trust me.”
***
“So the tournament tomorrow, which is called Bead Brawl, is to help bless the land with rain?” Kaitlyn asked as Neji placed clothing on the table in front of them. “And those outfits are called Liongarbs?”
“Correct,” Neji replied, sorting the clothing. “Leona told me that you and Grim will just be watching, but I still went ahead and decided to make something for you two. For you, a dashiki made by the finest silks of the Sunset Savannah, and for Grim, a headband made from the beads we use for the bead brawl.”
“Oh,” Kaitlyn blinked. “Thank you.”
The three of them were situated around a table in the living room of the large hotel suite Leona had reserved for them. After Neji had explained the purpose of the Bead Brawl to the ones competing, he had sent them off to their rooms, warning them that if they were fatigued tomorrow, Leona would not let them hear the end of it. This left Kaitlyn and Grim to talk with the older man until Leona arrived.
“Oi, what are you still doing here, old man?” Leona asked as he entered the suite, yawning. “You should have gone back to the palace a while ago.”
“And leave your young friend here alone?” Neji smirked. “You know me better than that, Leona.”
The lion just waved his hand, in which Neji stood, bowed, and made for the exit.
“All of the clothing is there for them tomorrow,” he stated. “Don’t forget that-”
“Yeah, yeah, that I have to watch over the tournament with my family,” Leona cut him off. “I know.”
Neji grinned at him before he left.
“Leona, you think we’re gonna win again this year?” Grim asked, tail swishing.
“Let’s hope so, fuzzball,” came the reply. “I’m not in the mood to train more people than I have to.”
***
“Now that we’re here, I’m getting a bit nervous,” Deuce frowned, making sure his lion mask was on correctly. “And it doesn’t help that Leona isn’t with us.”
“He’ll be watching, so we can’t let him down,” Jack said determindely. “Right, Ace?”
“H-Huh?” Ace blinked, forcing himself to look away from Deuce. “What did you say?”
Kaitlyn chuckled a little at this before looking around at the arena. A large, circular, wooden platform stood in front of them, groups of other Liongarb wearing participants scattered around it. Stands circled them, filled with audience members excitedly chatting away. There was a cleared area in the middle that showed four thrones; Farena sitting on the largest one while Ashanti sat on the one to his left. On his right sat Leona, who Kaitlyn could tell was staring at them, even with how far away he was. The smallest throne held Cheka, the lion cub excitedly bouncing in his seat and tugging at Leona’s arm every one in a while.
Scanning the stands again, Kaitlyn blanched when she saw a large crowd made up of around fourty children, eleven adults, and many, many people who looked to be circling the crowd, as if protecting them. Near the middle, she managed to make out Kalim and Jamil, the two of them sitting near an older looking man and woman. Kalim noticed her and grinned, whispering something in Jamil’s ear before pointing at her. Jamil’s attention turned to her and he gave her a small wave, Kaitlyn giving one back.
“Kaitlyn, who are you waving at?” Ruggie asked, pulling on his gloves.
“Oh, Kalim and Jamil,” she replied. “Guess they’re here to watch too, and see us in these outfits.”
Ruggie chuckled at this and looked around at the others. His Liongarb was decorated with shades of black and brown, the shawl around his waist being a dark beige color. He had tried to pull the cropped top down to cover his stomach, but Leona had stopped him, saying that he looked good that way. That had caused him to stutter and march away from him, dragging Jack along to train with him. Jack’s Liongarb was decorated with shades of green and gray, his shawl being a deep, deep green color. He looked to be a bit uncomfortable in his outfit, but the feeling soon went away when he began training with Ruggie. Deuce’s Liongarb was decorated with shades of blue and brown, his shawl blue, while Ace’s was decorated with shades of red and brown, his shawl red. Both of them could barely look away from each other, both turning red and stuttering when trying to speak. Even now, Ace could barely look away from his boyfriend, even if Kaitlyn was snapping her fingers in front of him. Kaitlyn, for her part, was dressed in a dashiki that was decorated with many shades of pink and purple, a dark pink belt wrapped around her waist. Pink and purple beaded necklaces decorated her neck, while a pink and purple headband was situated around her forehead. She wore black sandles, which kicked up some of the dirt when she moved forward to fix Grim’s dark blue and green beaded headband.
“I guess we might as well give them a show,” Ruggie snickered as he noticed Farena stand. “Oh, looks like it’s almost time. You and Grim will cheer us on, right?”
“Of course,” Kaitlyn grinned. “Go give ‘em hell.”
***
The Bead Brawl ended with NRC being victorious, but only by a smidgen. Deuce had won the first fight, Ace cheering his boyfriend on the loudest, before almost immediately losing the second fight. They were able to gain victories in the last two fights, Jack winning in less than three minutes, and Ruggie using his nimbleness to avoid the opponent until the very end, where he was easily able to snatch the other’s beads.
“Amazing job, guys!” Kaitlyn cheered as the cheering in the stands began to simmer down. “I knew we’d win!”
“I’m still pissed that I lost so quickly,” Ace pouted, folding his arms. “I guess this is what I get for trying to show off.”
“Aw, c’mon babe,” Deuce chuckled, kissing Ace’s cheek. “Not everyone can be a great fighter like me~.”
“You keep telling yourself that, Deucey.”
“GUYS!”
The group startled and turned to see Kalim running towards them, dragging Jamil behind him.
“That was just as amazing as last year!” Kalim gushed, eyes sparkling. “Wasn’t it, Jamil?!?”
“Better than last year, considering you didn’t drive off into the sunset like last time,” Jamil huffed. “You almost gave me a heart attack when I couldn’t find you.”
“I said I was sorry!” Kalim pouted. “I was just too caught up with the others!”
“Calm down, Snake,” Leona huffed, approaching them. “I’m not taking him away from you this time.” He then turned towards the group, giving them a smirk. “Well done. Although Spikey did make me nervous at first. I thought I wouldn’t be able to get out of my duties, but I’m glad my frosh and hyena were able to give us the wins we needed.”
“I-I was distracted by Deuce’s outfit!” Ace stated loudly, causing his face to flame up. “I-I mean…”
The others stared at him silently, Deuce’s face flaring up as well.
“It’s okay, Ace,” Ruggie chuckled, giving Leona a small glare. “I understand completely.”
Leona just smirked as he stared at Ruggie, the hyena squirming a little.
“Well, why don’t we celebrate the win?” Kalim broke in, clapping his hands. “There’s a great place nearby we should go-”
“Leona!”
The group turned to see Farena stalking towards them, a group of soldiers behind him.
“Why are there soldiers following your brother?” Jack asked, raising a brow. “Grim, did you anger the Crown Prince?”
“Mrwah?!?” Grim asked, offended. “How could I?!? I was with Kaitlyn the entire time!”
“It’s the parade,” Leona scoffed, tail flicking as he looked around. “They’re here to drag us into the celebratory parade.”
“A parade?” Kalim perked up. “Sounds like fun!”
“Hell no,” Leona scowled, perking up when his eyes landed on a bus. “I am not participating in some lame parade. Let’s get out of here.”
With that, he grabbed Ruggie’s hand and bolted towards the bus, leaving the group in stunned silence.
“Leona, don’t run away from this like last year!” Farena yelled. “It’s your duty!”
“Hurry up, you idiots!” Leona shouted at the others. “Or else I really will leave you behind!”
This caused the others to spring into action. Ace quickly grabbed Deuce’s hand and ran towards the bus, Jack dragging Kaitlyn and Grim along while Kalim and Jamil followed behind.
“K-Kalim!” Jamil exclaimed. “W-We can’t just run away from the Royal Guard! Your parents-!”
“Aw, c’mon Jamil!” Kalim grinned as they clambered onto the bus. “I felt bad leaving you behind last year, so I’m taking you with me this year! I’m sure my parents won’t mind!”
As soon as they boarded, the doors closed and Leona sped off, leaving his brother and Royal Guard in the dust.
“Wait a minute, since when could you drive?!?” Kaitlyn asked as she and Jack bounced up and down in their seat.
“For a while, Pipsqueak,” Leona replied, glancing over at Ruggie, who was staring out the window as the scenery passed by. “Once we’re far away from the city, we’ll be able to head back to the school, and I’ll be able to go back to my internship.”
“You really hate parades that much?” Jack asked, tilting his head.
“Yes,” came the short reply. “Besides, I’d rather not parade my future husband around for others to gawk at.”
“And you call Riddle overprotective,” Ruggie muttered under his breath, before his ears perked up. “Hey guys, look.”
The others peered outside to see clouds beginning to form, the sky darkening as droplets began to hit the ground.
“Huh,” Deuce blinked. “I guess the Bead Brawl does help it rain.”
“Just like last year,” Leona chuckled, before noticing something in the mirror. “Everybody better hold on. It looks like they found the jeeps.”
Almost as one, everyone else turned to see small shapes chasing them across the savannah.
“Uh, Leona, are you really sure this was a good idea?” Ace asked. “I’d rather not spend my time locked up in your dungeons.”
“What the hell are you talking about, Spikey?” Leona asked, raising a brow. “They’re not going to catch us, and even if they did, they wouldn’t lock us in a dungeon.”
“Leona, how much further until the closest mirror to the school?” Jamil asked.
“Just a few minutes down that ravine.”
“What ravi-ah!”
The others screamed as Leona took a sharp turn, causing the bus to careen down a steep ravine. The rain began to pick up, and Leona turned the wipers on full force, grinning as he accelerated. The ravine finally leveled out, and he skidded to a stop in front of a worn-down-looking hut.
“We’re here!” Leona called out, looking in the review mirror at everyone.
Ruggie had been practically thrown out of his seat, the hyena somehow ending up in Leona's lap as he hugged the lion tightly in fear. Jack was pressed up against the window, holding Kaitlyn tightly while the girl was practically squeezing the life out of Grim. Jamil was clutching onto the bus seat in front of him with a death grip, Kailm’s arms hugging him tightly around his waist. Ace and Deuce had fallen on top of each other in the middle aisle, hugging each other tightly in fear.
“I’m never letting you drive me again!” Kaitlyn shrieked, untangling herself from Jack’s grip. “I almost just died!”
“You’re fine,” Leona said, standing up as he held Ruggie. “We made it all in one piece, didn’t we?”
“Leona, I’m going to kill you,” Jamil muttered, loosening his grip on the bus seat. “Where even are we?”
“This hut’s my hideaway from when I was a kid,” Leona replied, opening the bus doors. “Haven’t been here since starting NRC. I used to head here through the mirror in my room, but sometimes I’d ride my bike here instead. The mirror should be working, so we can head off safely.”
The others didn’t say a word as they silently made their way off the bus, still shaking a little from the events prior. Leona reluctantly set Ruggie down as he opened the door, revealing a little living area that was covered in dust. A small bookshelf that held only a few books and board games was situated next to a dust-covered armchair. There was a small cupboard that was most likely filled with out-of-date food, a water cooler by its side, the water looking murky. The last thing they noticed was two mirrors: one with a frame that had a lion on it, while the other had a raven.
“Damn, I need to clean this place,” Leona huffed, flinching a little when Deuce sneezed. “Anyway, it won’t be long until they find out where we are. Everyone through the mirror, quickly.”
“You better make sure you explain everything to your parents when we get back to your place,” Jamil warned Kalim.
Kalim just nodded and beamed at him as the two of them walked through the mirror, hand in hand. Ace and Deuce were next, Ace leading Deuce through the mirror determinedly. Kaitlyn just gave Leona a wave as she, Jack, and Grim left as well, leaving Ruggie and Leona behind.
“Tell Cheka I’m sorry I didn’t get to see him during my visit,” Ruggie smiled at his boyfriend. “I guess I’ll see you during summer break.”
“Don’t forget to use the money I’m giving you to take care of yourself,” Leona reminded him, kissing him on the forehead. “And don’t run Savanaclaw into the ground.”
“When would I ever?” Ruggie chuckled.
With that, the hyena left, Leona taking one last look around the hut before heading through the mirror with the lion on the frame.
Time to face the music…
***
“Wait, so he left me, Jack, and Grim behind last year, but didn’t this year? Wow, I guess I know who his favorite Ramshackle student is.”
As soon as the group had arrived in the Hall of Mirrors, they were face to face with Riddle and Kate. Riddle gave Ace and Deuce a once-over before nodding to himself with a hum when he noticed them to be unharmed. Kate had sighed and dragged Kaitlyn away to Ramshackle, in which she began to bombard her friend with questions.
“I really had no choice, going,” Kaitlyn huffed. “He just came, picked me up, and carried me away.”
Kate snorted at this as she took a sip of tea.
“Yeah, sounds like him,” she replied. “So, how was it? Last year Leona had to cut in due to Vil injuring himself, and he used my name as his alias. Thought that was hilarious.”
Kaitlyn chuckled at this and explained the events of the visit, Kate nodding along as she sipped her tea. The sound of Kaitlyn’s phone going off cut into their conversation, and the girl pulled it out to see a message from Malleus, Kate moving so she could see the message as well. She opened it to see it was a picture of her at the Bead Brawl, cheering for Jack.
Kingscholar sent me this picture. That outfit looks lovely on you, Kaitlyn.
Kaitlyn’s face burst into flames while Kate cackled.
“Leona…” Kaitlyn hissed. “You damn lion…”