Thaola rolls her eyes at Ikaris' pouty look. She'd cut off Ruina because she knew the werewolf's temper. If it kept growing, well, you better just duck and hope you aren't the target and don't get in the way. Thaola had only seen Ruina's temper a few times, as the werewolf was much like her cousin and was incredible at staying calm and collected. It was hard to rile the princess up, so that's how the werelioness knew that something was going on between Amber and Ruina. More than just the rumors.

"Seriously? That's so boring." Ruina simply shrugs, it wasn't her idea or choice. "And I hate portraits. I have yet to see any portraits, or any paintings for that matter, that capture the actual essence of life in a person's eyes. I doubt anyone could ever capture my liveliness in a painting too, since I'm spunkier than most." Thaola half grins,"Yeah. You should see the portraits. They're freaking creepy as shit. I went in there once and I never want to go back." Ruina rolls her eyes, sure they were creepy, but most portraits were. "Your answer has so little aspiration to it that it made me sad and mad. Smad. Congratulations." Ruina rolls her eyes again,"I don't want anything named or built after me. I don't particularly care." Part of that sharp answer was because of her temper, but also because the werewolf really didn't want anything.

"Gross." Ruina raises an eyebrow, gross? Which part? She could agree the rumor. But the other part...? It wasn't like she was looking to actually sleep with Enzo. "I mean, not that it would be gross if.... I mean the thought of... you're not gross, Ruina. The, uh, vulgarity of the rumor, that's um, that's gross." Ruina flashes a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes,"Thanks. I guess." She was pissed, yes, but Ikaris wasn't trying to piss her off more. So she actually wasn't anymore pissed about what he said. She understood what he was trying to say. It was a low blow, the rumor, and Ruina planned on getting the werefox back.

Both girls note the excitement in Ikaris' eyes. He was probably the one who loved violence the most. Or maybe it was just because like the rest of the group, he was just tired of Amber's antics. Whatever it was, Ruina planned on giving the werefox a lesson she wouldn't forget. Regardless of if she got in trouble or not. The werewolf figured as long as she didn't land any fatal blows, the coach wouldn't tell on her. And not many would back Amber up if she tried tattling to the head mistress. Not to mention, it was Combat in Action. A class where you literally attacked each other.

"Thaola's not wrong, Amber will probably go running to her parents. But Ruina's right too, Iprihan can't, and won't, make any kind of move against Truhan. If there's one thing I know though, between Amber and her mother, there's strings being pulled behind the scenes. They'll play 'lookey, lookey over here' that makes you look one way, while they're plotting the downfall you don't see coming in the other direction. Amber wants love, her mother wants power. It's just a matter of what they'll do to get it."

Ruina half grimaces,"This is true. But I have already sent word to my father. He is prepared for anything. And trust me, between my father, mother, and siblings, Iprihan won't be able to divert their attention that easily." There was of course the issue of the disappearing citizens, but Iprihan could be considered a threat too. Mainly because of the relationship between Enzo and Amber. Enzo was the heir to Ritha. And while Ritha and Truhan weren't exactly enemies, they weren't exactly allies either. If Iprihan turned Ritha on Truhan. Then Truhan would have issues. The two biggest kingdoms on the continent fighting? That was a major war waiting to happen. Something no doubt Amber and her mother wanted.

"Look, regardless, teach her a lesson. Give her a reason to think about making a play at you. I know from experience. I know what it's like to be caught in her torment, but I also know what it's like to come out on top in her games. Why else do you think that, no matter what I say or do, she doesn't make moves against me? Friend to friend, don't pull those punches." Ruina's eyes gleam coldly,"I don't plan on coming out on bottom, Ikaris. I don't care what she thinks the motive is, if she thinks I'm really trying to steal Enzo or not--" She wasn't. "I'm not coming out on bottom." Ruina then allows her hand to change into her wolf paw, before she flicks out her claws. They were sharp,"I don't plan on pulling a punch. I'll play dirty if I have to."

Thaola frowns at that. Only for her green eyes to flicker to Ikaris. "Amber can cry, she can plot, she can whine, but that's as far as her tantrum can go. The longer the fox gets away with her rumors, the bolder she'll get." Ruina agrees, allowing her paw to disappear into a hand again. Thaola holds Ikaris' gaze as he continues. "I know I'm usually the first to preach violence in, like, every situation. But this one needs just a little sprinkle of it. Trust me." Thaola sighs,"I do trust you." Her gaze flickers to Ruina briefly,"I trust both of you without a single doubt in my mind."

Ruina mutters,"But...?" Thaola answers,"But, if you manage to only piss Amber off more and she doesn't stop. What happens when she finally gets Ritha under her control? Or I guess her parent's control?" Which was Amber's control because apparently her parents would do anything for the werefox. "Ritha and Truhan are the biggest kingdoms on the continent. If they turn against each other, allies will be called in. It will turn into a major war." Ruina's lips thin,"It's a chance I'm willing to take. Amber's all bark and no bite. And if I have to, I'll convince my parents to talk to Ritha. Give them something they can't refuse. Something better than Iprihan could ever offer them." Thaola sighs, shaking her head.

She glances between Ikaris and Ruina, directing her words to both of them. "You know that I'll have your back no matter what. With no hesitation. If you want me to jump in there and help beat Amber, I will without a protest. You know that." Thaola was just worried about her friends. If Amber went to her parents and got them to turn Ritha on Truhan. Everyone would be hurt. Ruina and Tarron would be called home to fight. No doubt Ritha would call home Enzo and Ikaris. Amber would return home to Iprihan. And Thaola? She'd return to Truhan, of course, and she would fight. But, war meant death and she knew how Ruina and Tarron were. The two werewolves would be on the front line.

"Yeah. You should see the portraits. They're freaking creepy as shit. I went in there once and I never want to go back." Ikaris shuddered at the thought. “Hell. No. I believe your account, therefore I’m never entering.” Ikaris stated firmly. If there’s one thing worse than chickens, it just might be portraits. It’s not okay that some look like they’re staring into your soul. "I don't want anything named or built after me. I don't particularly care.” Ikaris took on a bit higher pitched, childish tone in response to Ruina. “I get it, you don’t care. Meh.” The last part was definitely a childish noise of mockery, but that’s to be expected from someone who mentally resorts back to acting like a seven year old from time to time.

“Thanks. I guess." Ikaris gave a half smile back. “Yep.” That’s about as articulated as he would respond after his fumble with words. Girls can take things the wrong way, correction, anyone can take what Ikaris says the wrong way. More often than not what may sound harsh or rude is something Ikaris spoke with the best of intentions. So if his message isn’t received right, usually he tries to clarify or elaborate his meaning before any offense is taken.

"This is true. But I have already sent word to my father. He is prepared for anything. And trust me, between my father, mother, and siblings, Iprihan won't be able to divert their attention that easily." Ikaris nodded, in confidence that Truhan could handle itself. Against Iprihan. Ikaris’ loyalty resides with his kingdom, but that doesn’t mean any ill will between Ritha and Truhan would be easy for him to stomach. He knew Amber is in constant contact with her parents. But Enzo? As far as Ikaris knew there hasn’t really been a communication barrier since the last time he visited Ritha weeks ago. Not a letter, nothing. So Ritha’s doings, for now, go unnoticed by the prince.

"I don't plan on coming out on bottom, Ikaris. I don't care what she thinks the motive is, if she thinks I'm really trying to steal Enzo or not– I'm not coming out on bottom." Ikaris’ smile reflected his support. “I know you’re not.” It’s not hard to tell that not only is Ruina more equipped as a fighter, but she actually knows how to fight well. Just as easy as it is to tell Ruina would be the victor, it’s just as easy to tell how easily Amber will be defeated. Of course she knew enough to defend herself to a certain extent, but Amber did not like any extreme forms of physical fighting. Because intensity leads to marks, marks lead to scars, and everyone knows how obsessive she is about keeping her appearance flawless. “I don't plan on pulling a punch. I'll play dirty if I have to." With a chuckle, Ikaris flashed a satisfied grin. “I’ll seriously pay you to play dirty.” It might as well be entertainment, and it would be entertainment worth paying for.

"I do trust you." And that’s all Ikaris needed to hear out loud. "I trust both of you without a single doubt in my mind." Ikaris moved his orbs from Thaola to Ruina, since they seemed to have the same thing on their mind, with Ruina being the one to voice it. “But…?” Just as it came out, the wereeagle’s attention was back on Thaola. "But, if you manage to only piss Amber off more and she doesn't stop. What happens when she finally gets Ritha under her control? Or I guess her parent's control? Ritha and Truhan are the biggest kingdoms on the continent. If they turn against each other, allies will be called in. It will turn into a major war." Ikaris’ gaze moved around the room at the mere word ‘war’. The last thing needed was for one wrong pair of ears to hear that word, and start up those kinds of rumors. That would spread like wildfire. "It's a chance I'm willing to take. Amber's all bark and no bite. And if I have to, I'll convince my parents to talk to Ritha. Give them something they can't refuse. Something better than Iprihan could ever offer them."

Ikaris hesitated for a second before speaking quietly. “War would be the worst case scenario, and something even Ritha wouldn't contemplate unless there is something really worth Saxon having. The guy has a taste for wealth, but he’s not stupid. War is expensive, which versus lives lost, is something I’ve noticed higher up royals focus on. After all, there’s no point in winning a war if you can’t afford to keep your kingdom running. Not to mention the potential for civil unrest. No doubt most resources would be focused on military assets in the case of a war, and if the lower classes are depleted of aids and resources, then that’s not great either. I can only imagine how lower classes will respond to an emergency tax in a war too.” Ikaris shook his head, but his heart sympathized for the poverty stricken individuals in every kingdom. They would suffer the worst, that’s just how it works.

So Ikaris’ question is; what does Iprihan have that Ritha wants? And that would not only be Ritha securing a second kingdom under their grasp in the arrangement, but seizing the agricultural export assets. Iprihan has plenty of land and makes plenty of revenue from their surplus of what they yield from their crops. The land alone means Ritha would be able to push for expansion, and if they have the greatest pull over agricultural resources, then it is a nice hold of power to fall back on due to the generation of wealth it will produce for the larger kingdom. Plus, expanding into Iprihan and turning places into designated crop spaces, or even homes, would also kick start a high labor demand. Therefore, the lower class get a chance to live better off from something that guarantees pay, etching the people’s loyalties into Ritha even deeper. And that goes for the people in Iprihan and Ritha. And while, essentially, Iprihan would be yielding some of its kingdom’s power to appease the current King and Queen of Ritha, the joint hold of kingdoms alone would make Iprihan a bigger player on the continent. Ritha isn’t interested in going to war against Truhan, but they will not give up their opportunity to better their kingdom.

“You know that I'll have your back no matter what. With no hesitation. If you want me to jump in there and help beat Amber, I will without a protest. You know that." Ikaris kept quiet, looking between Thaola and Ruina. He figured those words were more directed at the werewolf, but he took some comfort in them as well. Getting up silently, Ikaris walked to the other side of the room to pick through a few of the art supplies. Picking out gold and red paint and a small brush, he walked back to the table the girls were sitting at. The wereeagle brought his own sketchpad, which was practically empty, but on a new page is where he started to use the paint he had to make a simple piece. In gold he drew a larger circle, and with the red, a simple dot on the outside. “This is our circle of friendship,” Ikaris said, pointing to his perfect circle. “And that ugly little red dot is Amber.” He spoke again, almost scowling at the dot. “No matter what the evil little dot does, it won’t break the circle, right? Because if the dot breaks it, through war, or something else, then it wins. And I refuse to be beaten by a dot.” Ikaris said, hoping his message was being received. If Ritha and Truhan ever did go to war, he was scared that could very well mean the end of their friend group. Ikaris couldn’t stand on one side and fight knowing his friends are on the other. His loyalty runs too deep. Enzo would do everything in his power to begin with to make sure that wouldn’t be a reality. He already had plans with trying to strengthen Ritha’s and Truhan’s relations once he’s King, so he would do everything he could to maintain their current standing so it doesn’t worsen by the time he begins his reign.

"Hell. No. I believe your account, therefore I'm never entering." This time Ruina couldn't help but smile slightly. If Ruina had had a choice, she would have never entered the building either. Seeing the portraits of her great-great-great grandparents, or whatever, was not pleasant. Especially the first one. The first King and Queen of Truhan. Oh, those had been creepy. "I get it, you don't care. Meh." Ruina's teeth bares and she snarls at him. No matter who it was, she didn't like to get mocked. There was no hint of playfulness in the snarl. But after a few seconds, Ruina realizes what she did and grimaces. "Sorry."

"Yup." Great. She knew Ikaris could switch emotions quickly and could go from ranting to nothing. But still. Just yup. Ruina didn't know how she felt about the topic of the rumor. The rumor itself pissed her off. But the topic? Her sleeping with Enzo? What the hell? There was no way Ruina liked Enzo that much, or Enzo liked Ruina that much. They were friends and there was no way their relationship would ever go further. Right?

"I know you're not." Ruina knew that she could easily beat Amber in a physical fight. And a verbal one. The only reason she wasn't winning now was because of Amber's so called friends. People just as rude and snobby as the werefox. They kept the rumors going. And while Ruina knew she had more wereanimals on her side, not a lot of people could stand Amber, there were just enough of Amber's supporters that the rumors just kept on floating. Even if they knew it wasn't true in any way. Perhaps if she gave Amber a scar or two, the werefox would finally get the hint. "I'll seriously pay you to play dirty." Ruina flashes a sharp smile,"If it comes down to it. I will."

Thank the All Father it didn't seem like anyone else was listening to them. Even if their voices were lowered, if anyone else heard anything of what they were discussing. The whole school would know by lunch. The idea of a possible war between the two largest kingdoms of Ioana? All because of a spat between Iprihan's werefox princess and Truhan's werewolf princess? Everyone would love that, regardless of the reason behind the spat. The idea of war itself? Not so much. War was tolling and hurt both kingdoms. No matter who came out on top, both sides would be hurt.

"War would be the worst case scenario, and something even Ritha wouldn't contemplate unless there is something really worth Saxon having. The guy has a taste for wealth, but he's not stupid. War is expensive, which versus lives lost, is something I've noticed higher up royals focus on. After all, there's no point in winning a war if you can't afford to keep your kingdom running. Not to mention the potential for civil unrest. No doubt most resources would be focused on military assets in the case of a war, and if the lower classes are depleted of aids and resources, then that's not great either. I can only imagine how lower classes will respond to an emergency tax in a war too."

Thaola and Ruina exchange a grimace. They knew all about war. They'd been in a few. It was incredibly tiring on the people, the warriors, and the land. It was something Ruina was hoping to avoid. But that relied solely on Amber. Ruina wanted no war. She wanted Amber to quit her antics. If there was a war, it would be solely on the werefox. Truhan would not start it. But they would not simply sit around and allow a bratty princess to order an attack. Even if it were her parents giving the order, everyone would know it was Amber who wanted it to happen. Would Truhan fall in a war? Well, with citizens disappearing there was no telling how powerful Truhan was anymore.

What could Truhan possibly offer Ritha that Iprihan did not have that the wereleopard king would want? While Iprihan had the largest land mass, they were the smallest kingdom. Over 90% of their land was Maratane Plains. The Maratane Plains were wild, extremely flat grasslands with savage beasts roaming the area. Making the Plains completely untouchable lest anyone who dare enter be slayed by the savage beasts within. But Iprihan had the best agricultural stock. While Truhan only had fish and sea things. While their sea artifacts sold for a lot and they did bring in plenty of money from the fish. Truhan had nothing to offer. Why would Ritha want fish?

And, once again, while Ritha and Truhan were not enemies nor allies. No doubt, Ritha would take the chance to gain more land and become bigger and more powerful than Truhan. Ruina knew this, because it was what her parents would do if they had the chance. But perhaps Truhan could offer an alliance? The two most powerful kingdoms allied together? Who could stop them? Ruina knew kings loved power. That would be a lot of power. But would it be enough to break the bond between Iprihan and Ritha? At least enough to where Amber could not make her parents have Ritha attack Truhan?

Grey and green eyes follow Ikaris as he walks over to get some art supplies. Both of the girls had gotten distracted, so their art project was only half completed. When Ikaris returned, the girls watch as the wereeagle paints a golden circle and then a random red dot off to the side. Ikaris gestures to the circle,"This is our circle of friendship." A small smile flickers across both girls face. The wereeagle, as well as the girls, turn their attention to the dot. "And that ugly little red dot is Amber." A scowl also crosses the girls face, though there was some amusement in their eyes. "No matter what the evil little dot does, it won't break the circle, right? Because if the dot breaks it, through war, or something else, then it wins. And I refuse to be beaten by a dot."

Sad smiles cross the girls face. They understood exactly what Ikaris was saying, and they were thinking the exact same thing. But if Amber pushed Iprihan into Ritha, and Ritha against Truhan. Well, the werewolves of Truhan would not simply cower and hide. They were warriors, they would fight. And their loyalty to their kingdom would have Tarron, Ruina, and Thaola on the front lines. But if any of them came face to face with Enzo and/or Ikaris in the middle of a battle. Well, none would be able to attack. How could they? The friendship they had built here at school proved to be just as strong as the Truhan's loyalty to their kingdom. Ruina clenches her jaw, perhaps Enzo could keep Amber in line. She hated telling, but if it kept war out of the war, then she would howl it to the moon and back.

Ikaris, deadpanned, watched Ruina bare her teeth and snarl at him. Anyone else… and he would have mocked a snarl back in challenge. However, he did not want Ruina’s current angry vibe to be redirected to him, so he didn’t do what would have not ended well for him. "Sorry." Was she really? Ikaris didn’t want to find out though. “It’s cool, I’m pretty used to being greeted like that by some people. So hostile behavior doesn’t really bother me.” Ikaris raised his shoulders up in a small shrug before dropping them. Even if he’s not liked by everyone, which he’s pretty sure most people adore him -because what’s not to like?- at the end of the day he still has himself. And a mirror. So boom, he can have self-love pep talks in the mirror.

"If it comes down to it. I will." Nothing short of evil intent crept into his smile at Ruina’s response. If it didn’t come down to that on its own, Ikaris was not above finding a way to make sure it happened. He knew how he would react to the fight, but honestly, Ikaris didn’t know how Enzo would. Would the wereleopard express favoritism in Ruina being the victor? Would he silently watch with a face of neutrality? Surely most people would expect Enzo to support Amber, during and after. But would he? The prince treats Amber like a burden of responsibility anyway, so maybe he would kind of be there for Amber. Enzo treats her like that primarily because he’s the one that even inducted her into the friend group, and it’s something he has yet to forgive himself for. The group's problems revolve around the person Enzo had a fleeting, childhood crush on. And look at everything that one crush has cost him so far? So it’s no surprise that what he thinks he may feel for Ruina is daunting.

Ikaris took their smiles as their understanding. Which was good, because he would feel stupid if he had to thoroughly explain what he meant. If it came down to it of course Ikaris would follow Enzo into battle, and regardless of who it was against, Enzo would lead his people into it because he would never let the people of his own kingdom do something he himself wasn’t willing to. If either of the boys encountered the Truhan’s amid a war though, they would never be able to harm them. Ikaris would die by his own hand before he ever laid one on his friends, and Enzo would only turn his focus elsewhere. Enzo will never let anything get that far though. Amber is his mess, and regardless of what it takes, he said he’ll fix it if she kept pursuing him. And he will, it just may not be in a way that he will find fulfillment with. Sometimes for others to win someone has to lose, and should it come down to it, he’ll take on the losing hand. For his friends, and for peace.

If Amber getting her way ultimately means striking down a war, and it gets her to stop dragging everyone else into their problems, then Enzo would submit to the arrangement. Everyone wins if he plays obedient; his friends and the other kingdoms of the continent win with his loss. Who would he be if he were to watch chaos break out because of his own wants? That’s not fair to everyone around him. It would kill him everyday, choosing Amber, but it’d be worth it to the prince. He would always remember the hallway conversation he had with Ruina though, where he shared how bleak his view was on love. “Maybe our generation will be the exception.” The werewolf had told him, and that was the most hopeful he had ever been about it. And he would hope in Ruina’s case that she was a part of the exception, even if he never did get to be that.

“We should all get matching tattoos sometime, that’d be sick.” Ikaris said, but that’s about as artsy as he would ever get. Ruina has a tattoo, Ikaris desires cool tattoos, so why not get matching friendship tattoos? He wouldn’t know what they would get, but the idea is out there. It wasn’t too much longer after his suggestion that class ended, and Ikaris stayed at the table as he watched Amber get her things together to leave. “Fingers crossed I keep a cap on my temper in my next class,” he smiled to the Truhan’s before standing up, “I’ll see you lovelies later.” The wereeagle winked with a smirk as his gaze moved from Ruina to Thaola, and afterwards, the bird made his exit. He had his next class with both Enzo and Amber, but he was hesitant to bring up the conversation he had just had in art. Plus, Ikaris hates getting hit with Enzo’s expression that’s completely devoid of emotion when he is carefully thinking things over. Ikaris can never tell if Enzo’s angry, happy, or even sad with that face, which gets the bird to ramble, which honestly amuses Enzo. Straight faces are fun for the prince to pull, but he really does go strictly neutral when taking in certain information.

“You made it to art?” Enzo’s voice cut over a few others as Ikaris walked out of the classroom. “Duh.” Ikaris replied with a smile, gesturing to his sketch pad. “Well, did anything interesting happen?” Enzo asked, but by ‘interesting’ he meant “did Amber do anything?”. “Umm, not really. I drew a circle though. And a dot. Have I earned your praise?” Ikaris spoke, his fluid lie turning into an opportunity to have his ego fed. Enzo rolled his eyes with a patient sigh. “Praise be,” the wereleopard mumbled, “race you to class?” Enzo asked with a smile, and Ikaris smiled back… before shoving Enzo sideways and then taking off running. “Asshole!” The wereleopard shouted to his cackling friend, but now he had to pick up everything he dropped from the shove. “Stupid bird.” Enzo grumbled as he bent down to grab his things for his next class. He would get Ikaris back later though, and he has yet to decide how, but petty is as petty does.

Ruina actually felt really bad for snapping at Ikaris. It was his nature, and he usually never really meant any harm. Yet another reason why Ruina tried to be alone whenever she was in a terrible, terrible mood. "It's cool, I'm pretty used to being greeted like that by some people. So hostile behavior doesn't really bother me." Ruina shakes her head,"That is still not okay for me to lose my temper at you. You did nothing wrong." It was all Amber's fault. She'd pissed off the werewolf.

Ruina, nor Thaola, missed Ikaris' smile turn slightly evil. Which neither said anything about. They were thinking the same thing, all of them. Amber needed a lesson, the werefox needed to be put in her place, and she needed to learn to quit being a bitch. Ruina would do whatever it took to remind the werefox of it, especially if she was the target of all of Amber's little antics. The werewolf did know that she'd eventually have to tell Enzo about the new rumor Amber had started. But would she warn him about her intentions for CIA? Ruina didn't have the same third hour as Enzo, but the whole group had forth, lunch, and fifth hour together. Two hours to tell Enzo.... Or not.

How would the wereleopard react? Sure, Ruina knew that Enzo was no fan of Amber. But, what if he tried to defend her? What if he thought it would only make it worse and jump in and defend her? Ruina sighs, she'd have to do it. Amber wouldn't learn any other way. Ruina had tried. She'd tried to put the werefox in her place verbally. Many times. At the dance, any time a rumor was brought up around the werewolf, and just now in art. What else was left to do?

War. War with Ritha? The idea made the girl's stomachs turn. Which was odd. They were warriors of Truhan. They had seen plenty of blood and wounds, they had seen it all. They had scars and they had plenty of terrible wounds themselves. But, the idea of war with Ritha turned their stomachs. Perhaps it was more of the idea of having to fight against their friends, Enzo and Ikaris. Even if none of the Truhan's would truly lift a claw against the wereleopard and wereeagle, their fellow warriors would. None of the other Truhan warriors had a bond with Enzo and Ikaris like Tarron, Ruina, and Thaola did. The idea that one of their fellow warriors could seriously injury either one?

Ruina also felt bad for all of this. Although Ruina was Amber's target, Enzo was also a target. Everything that Amber did no doubt made Enzo realize more and more that there was no hope for him. Talking to him in the hall a few nights before the dance, and then hanging out with him over the weekend after the dance. Well, Ruina had realized a lot more about Enzo. She felt just as protective over the wereleopard as she would her family, Tarron, and Thaola. Hell, she even felt that fierce protectiveness about Ikaris. The two had been close friends, someone she knew she could count on. By fighting back against Amber, it was no doubt making it worse for Enzo. Directly, indirectly, in anyway.

"We should all get matching tattoos sometime, that'd be sick." Ruina chuckles slightly. She had one on her left ribs. No one had ever fully seen it except for the artist who'd put it on. She talked about it once or twice, and it had been partly visible at the dance since her dress had revealed her ribs. She had no idea why'd she gotten the tattoo, it had been a spur of the moment. "Hmm. Tattoos are painful. Well, in some places they are." Thaola adds,"And what kind of tattoo would we get? What do we have in common?" Ruina's eyes light up,"A wildcard."

Thaola frowns,"Wildcard?" Ruina nods,"Like a normal deck card, but instead of like a queen, jack, or king on it. Maybe we put out wereanimals on there. With the words wildcard." Thaola tips her head, imagining it,"That would look cool." Ruina glances at her sketchbook,"Maybe I could sketch something out." And then the bell rang. "Maybe later."

"Fingers crossed I keep a cap on my temper in my next class." Ikaris, Enzo, and Amber all had the same class next hour. Tarron had ordinary zoology, while the girls had mythical zoology. "I'll see you lovelies later." Thaola winks back,"See you." While Ruina waves slightly, a smile flashing across her face,"Bye." For a moment, the girls just sit there, watching the wereeagle and the others leave. Part of Ruina hoped Ikaris kept the conversation from art to himself, but a part of her wished he'd tell Enzo. She just hoped that when Enzo did find out, he wouldn't flip out to bad.

Finally the girls get up and head off to their next class. Besides Combat, mythical zoology was their favorite class. They enjoyed learning about the animals and occasionally, the teacher actually managed to get some of the mythical creatures and bring them in. Usually only the calm ones who didn't attack everything in sight. But sometimes they got to take field trips as well. It was always a fun class. They hardly ever used a book, they did do papers just for the grades. But they were never that bad. Tests were pretty simple. Overall, mythical zoology was a fun and easy class.

However, that day, Ruina was distracted. Whereas, the werewolf usually answered as much as she could and loved to be a part of discussion. She sat back and kind of stared of. Hardly talked and if she did, it was when the teacher asked her a question. The teacher in question noticed that Ruina seemed a little off, but didn't want to say anything out loud. She'd heard the rumors too, yes, even as a teacher. How could she not, she lived on campus and often was walking around. All the teachers knew the rumors. They floated around and with students constantly gossiping about it, well, it spread to the teachers pretty fast.

"That is still not okay for me to lose my temper at you. You did nothing wrong." Ikaris’ lips upturned into a smaller grin. “I forgive you puppy, don’t sweat it. It was a snarl not a slap, but if it had been a slap… we’d be brawling on the floor right now.” That grin morphed into more of a small smirk, but that was to express there were no hard feelings.

"Hmm. Tattoos are painful. Well, in some places they are." Ikaris smiled excitedly, “I like pain!” In a weird sense he did. He’s definitely the guy whose first reaction to getting stabbed would be to laugh, but then his stabber better run. "And what kind of tattoo would we get? What do we have in common?" Again, a childish excitement lit up his blue orbs. “Good looks!” He pitched. "A wildcard." Tilting his head at Ruina, he waited for the elaboration. "Wildcard?" Ikaris had the same question on his mind, so he leaned forward in interest to hear what Ruina would respond with. "Like a normal deck card, but instead of like a queen, jack, or king on it. Maybe we put our wereanimals on there. With the words wildcard." Ikaris didn’t have to think it over for longer than a second before his hand energetically drummed on the table. “I love it!” He exclaimed. "That would look cool." Nodding vigorously in agreement to Thaola, Ikaris added more of his own input. “It almost will make us like a gang, you know, but a cool one. The Wildcards. No one can ever join our cool kid club unless they get the tattoo either, not that I’m interested in adopting strays, but the tattoo will be required.” Meaning Amber won’t get one, ha! Ikaris highly doubted there would be anyone else then the core 5 of the group ever anyway too.

Marine biology is not among either of the boys’ favorite classes. Enzo, being a hater of all things that dwell in the water -and water itself-, in particular didn’t like it. He lost a bet with Ikaris last year though, and while the pretenses of the bet evade the prince now, it earned him taking this horrible class. In all reality it’s not that bad, but just the thought of open, deep water unnerved him. More likely because below the surface of water lies a vast unknown, and being in the water itself, who's to know what lurks beneath you? You don’t. Not always. The fear alone is crippling to the wereleopard, but everyone has their flaws. He can’t comfortably cross bridges, he won’t get close to shores, and he certainly would have a heart wrenching panic attack if he found himself in the middle of a larger body of water. Hell, he hardly knew how to swim. It’s a fear and disadvantage, so it’s knowledge strictly limited to the group, Amber, and his parents. It’s not a pretty side to him either, not in his eyes. He hates to be afraid, and he hates others to see him afraid. He hates being weak.

The one thing that did begin to catch Enzo’s attention in class were the looks he was getting. The beautifully minded prince, instinctively, thought perhaps he had pencil smudges on his face, or his hair was in a state of disarray, maybe his shirt was inside out? These thoughts didn’t come from insecurity, but some of the looks he was getting were those of scrutiny. So was his appearance offensive today? After doing a once over of himself in his seat, he determined his appearance was fine. Snickers, whispers he couldn’t quite catch, and a few pitiful looks to Amber all had Enzo’s thoughts churning. What did Amber do? The werefox was diligently working away on her assignment when Enzo looked over to her. Hm. Maybe he was reading too much into other people’s behavior. “Am I paranoid, or are people talking about me?” Enzo whispered to Ikaris. The wereeagle looked up from his work to glance towards Enzo, and he shrugged. “Not everything's about you Enzo.” Ikaris said a little more seriously than Enzo was used to his friend being. Liar. Ikaris was lying, or avoiding the truth, but either way Enzo didn’t like it.

The prince, above all classes other than perhaps Combat in Action, loved his fourth period class. Study and History of Combat. The study of combat included crafting their own weapons, unique and fit to the individual. to be able to fully study their making. The class examined and broke down techniques used in most forms of combat; hand-to-hand, swordplay, knife throwing, and more. Enzo loved being a demonstrator of the beauty of wielding swords, and the discipline of archery. The prince is graceful with a sword, because it’s like dancing to him. While a part of studying techniques involved demonstrating, Enzo usually was always willing to aid any of his peers when it came to footwork, offensive or defensive sword moves, or how to never miss a shot with a bow. It’s a passion he indulges in with a burning intensity. The history and various forms of combat also appealed to the prince. But swordplay in particular had a deeply rooted calling to the prince.

~

“Get up.” Barked the King of Ritha to his eleven year old son. With a light tremble, again, the prince rose to his feet, sword in hand, ready to face his opponent. The older boy waited for Enzo to lunge forward, to which the other boy deflects, their blades sparking. Before Enzo could counter, the boy's blade flashed to the side and Enzo hardly dodged in time, earning a slice to the side of his neck. Before the other boys blade raises again, the wereleopard feints left, twists in midair, and uses the force he conjured in his move to strike down at the boy for their blades to clash again. The ferocity of Enzo’s counter led to the slight buckle of the other boys leg, and feinting a slash at the boys face, Enzo’s leg gracefully extended outward to sweep the boys faltering leg out in a half spin motion. As the boy fell to his knee, Enzo angled his sword at the boys throat, barely touching beneath his chin. Heavy breaths and beaded with sweat, the young prince reigned victorious in his match today. Not without its cost of marks though. Allowing the boy to stand, his rich hazel eyes met the prince’s before he bowed in respect. “Better today, Your Highness.” The boy said simply, complimenting the royal on his tactics, but there was almost a quick glint of resentment in the other boys eyes before he left the courtyard. “Do you know why I push you so hard, son?” The King asked with a coldness to his tone, hardly expressing any pride in his son's success. “What is the worth of a King that can’t defend himself, his home, and his kingdom? The answer is worthless, father. I do not wish to be a worthless King.” Enzo spoke firmly. “Then do better.” The King stated, turning to leave his son to reflect on his flaws, both in technique and along his body from the spar.

~

Combat captivated the prince because it was bred into him to be better, to do better, or risk being nothing. His heart grew enough with the desire to defend the people he called his friends, and those friends he would defend with his life. In a war or more.

As soon as his current class ended, Enzo didn’t wait for Ikaris before the prince bounded out of the classroom to beat everyone else to the classroom for fourth period. Letting his things hit his usual spot with a soft ‘thud’, his eyes moved to the display of swords on the leftmost side of the room. Resting in all of its glory on a distant table was Enzo’s typical slender yet lethal, gold hilted sword. As students filed in, begrudgingly, the prince abandoned the sight of his blade as he sat down. Amber was sitting elsewhere, but at least per usual Ikaris was at the prince’s side. If the swords were out, it more than likely meant today was a day they would run through simulating a duel, but with no real contact for the sake of “safety in a classroom setting”. Boo. Maybe this week in Combat in Action he can push for a real duel with swords. Enzo is a relentless opponent though, with a frightening intensity to every swing and shift on his feet. Not to mention, as done with him, he will strike at each weak point his opponent carries, and then verbally point out their fault. So while great in the art, it can be quite difficult to be paired with him.

"I forgive you puppy, don't sweat it. It was a snarl not a slap, but if it had been a slap... we'd be brawling on the floor right now." Ruina rolls her eyes but smiles back. Who would honestly win in a fight between the werewolf and the wereeagle? She knew that the likelihood of them fighting was little to none, but it did make her curious about who would win. Not that she voiced her curiosity.

"I like pain!" Thaola raises an eyebrow while Ruina simply nods. She'd heard someone say 'Pain is your friend; it is your ally. Pain tells you when you have been seriously wounded. And you know what the best thing about pain is? It tells you you're not dead yet.' Pain was hell, yes, but it told you that you were still alive. Something else she'd heard was in a battle, if you felt it or heard it, you're not dead. And while Ruina liked pain, she didn't particular want to go around and be attacked.

"Good looks!" Ruina and Thaola exchange a glance, that they could not deny. The boys were pretty handsome, and the girls weren't so bad themselves. Even Amber, but the werefox was an ugly kind of beautiful. The kind of beautiful that only meant harm. For Ruina and Thaola, that was not an attractive kind of beautiful. "I love it!" Ruina nods, it wasn't a bad idea. The whole group was just a deck of wildcards. While their behavior could typically be guessed, there were moments when they did something completely random. Something off the charts.

"It almost will make us like a gang, you know, but a cool one. The Wildcards. No one can ever join our cool kid club unless they get the tattoo either, not that I'm interested in adopting strays, but the tattoo will be required." Ruina laughs slightly,"I'll draw something up later for all of us." Except Amber. "We'll see if we can find someone to give us a tattoo." They were on a school campus, was there a chance someone there could give them a tattoo? Possibly.

Eventually the teacher quit asking Ruina questions and many glances were being thrown the werewolf's direction. Thaola hits Ruina's foot with her own,"Hey. You're drawing attention." Ruina's eyes focus,"Sorry. Just distracted." Thaola leans towards Ruina,"What is going on with you?" Ruina frowns,"What do you mean?" Thaola fires back,"Ever since the dance something has been up with you. You've been secretive, you never told Tarron or I why you and Amber fought at the dance and why you two are fighting now." Ruina opens her mouth but the werelioness continues over her,"You dodged every question we threw at you. And don't think we haven't noticed you and Enzo hanging out more."

Ruina rolls her eyes,"There is nothing going on between me and Enzo--" Right? "We talked during the dance and found out we had a lot in common." Well, they didn't just talk during the dance. They'd talked a few nights before in the hall. "And with Amber gone we just started to kind of drift close. Amber's just a jealous bitch who thinks I'm trying to steal her man." Her man didn't even love her. Thaola raises her eyebrow,"Are you?" Ruina shoots the werelioness an incredulous look. Thaola shrugs,"I knew the answer before the dance. But now?" Ruina shakes her head,"No! I'm not trying to steal Enzo!" If she was, would it be hard? Enzo didn't like Amber very much, and it seemed the wereleopard liked to hang around Ruina. And Ruina liked to hang around him.

Thaola muses,"Then do you have a crush on him?" Ruina protests,"No!" Maybe. Thaola sighs,"Well, you better figure out whatever you are thinking out before next hour. You'll be getting more looks and no doubt you'll be confronted by one of the boys." Tarron no doubt would, Ikaris already knew most of it, and Enzo... Well, she wasn't sure about Enzo.

Study and History of Combat. A class Tarron and Ruina enjoyed, and Thaola decently enjoyed it. Whereas in CIA they solely just fought and sparred. In this class they learned all about the different types of combat used across the continent by wereanimals and humans alike. They also got to craft weapons that they got to keep. The only thing Ruina loved to do more then swordsmanship was archery. The werewolf was great at archery. It was one thing she never actually talked about. But she did love shooting. Of course she was better at swordplay but her skill with a bow was pretty damn good as well.

However the Truhan's never solely relied on weapons. While they had grown up training with just about every weapon they could get their claws on, they also spent just as much time fighting without weapons. They knew they wouldn't always be able to rely on weapons and had learned the best way to do hand to hand combat. Some martial arts. All three were lean, muscled killing machines. None had ever had any interest in anything else. They loved to learn how to weild weapons and they loved to train. The three had been in charge of training whenever they were back in Truhan. The twins had also helped hone the three's skills.

They fought to defend their home and their people. Truhan was home to many, many canine based wereanimals. And while they were more beach/sea based, only a part of their people actually went on ships and did things on ships. The three had learned to control a ship and how to stay balanced on one and not be thrown around. A few fighting moves had been learned as well. They had to learn. If anyone else ever came from a different continent for war, Truhan would be the first to meet them in battle on the ocean. They had to have sealegs, as they were called.

It seemed to take forever, but thankfully, third hour finally ended. Ruina was a little more focused, but the look in her eye suggested seriousness. More seriousness then even Thaola had seen. The werelioness knew that something was going on, and it did bother her that the werewolf wouldn't tell her. They always told each other everything. But Thaola doesn't push as the girls head out, aiming for their next class.

Tarron was the first one of the Truhan's to enter the classroom, his grey-blue eyes scanning the room as he heads to the table. The tables were big enough to fit five. He usually sat with Ruina and Thaola who usually sat with Ikaris and Enzo. Well, when they were sitting. The teacher often had them doing other things. All of the three blades that the Truhan's had made were resting in the display as with everyone elses. However, they preferred to use their own blades. All made of pure silver, except for the hilt. The werewolves were careful not to cut themselves with it and hardly used it to train with other werewolves. The silver was painful for them but not overly deadly.

Finally Thaola and Ruina enter, they were almost late, most all the other students were already inside. Thaola leads the way over, Ruina behind her. More alertness had come to Ruina's eyes but they were still partly clouded with distraction. "Hey." Thaola greets as she sits down. Tarron frowns at his cousin as she takes a seat,"What's wrong with you?" Ruina forces a smile,"Nothing." And then it was time for class, thank goodness, she didn't want Tarron to push or anyone else to ask questions.

"I'll draw something up later for all of us. We'll see if we can find someone to give us a tattoo." Scarily, without a second of delay, Ikaris responded. “I think a know a guy.” Ikaris knew a girl, whose brother had a friend, and that friend did tattoos for people. For a price, of course, but Ikaris knew for sure Enzo has deep pockets! Ikaris is that one person who knows, or has connections, to a lot of different people to accomplish a lot of different things. Contrary to what one may believe, he does have a life outside of his main friends. So typically, if one were to ever be looking for something they weren’t sure they’d be able to find, Ikaris might know a guy.

Enzo was completely certain at this point people were talking about him. From what he could gather from a few conversations, it involved him, Ruina, and Amber. Recently, that hasn’t been much of a surprise. But these people were acting like vultures engorging on whatever new juicy rumor had come out. “You’re breaking our best friend code by not tel-” Enzo began to speak in a lower tone to Ikaris, only to be cut off by a string of words. “Rumor has it you and Ruina slept together over the weekend behind Amber’s back, well, Amber got the rumor started. I knew in art class but I didn’t want to say anything, I’m sorry!” Now, those words spilled so fast out of Ikaris’ mouth that Enzo wasn’t quite sure Ikaris was even speaking a real language.

“I hear Amber, rumor, now what did me and Ruina do?” Enzo questioned, raising a brow with an inquisitive head tilt. Ikaris looked around before his hands made a… suggestive gesture, while he mouthed “you two did it”. A look of horror painted over the wereleopard’s face before he closed his eyes and shook his head. “Seriously? No.” Enzo opened his eyes just to turn his head towards Amber. Bitch. “Well obviously I know you didn’t, and so do a lot of people, but it’s big enough gossip to get people to focus on the rumor.” Ikaris said, hesitating before speaking again. “Ruina and Thaola know as well, since you know, they were in art too. Your crush isn’t too happy about it.” Ikaris said, with a pull of a smile at the word “crush” he used. Enzo narrowed his eyes, uttered a “shut up”, and flipped open his notebook to thumb through the pages. The wereleopard does not like art, but he can sketch with great detail. Only of what he wants though. Within his notebook are side notes, sketches of dueling scenes, and footnotes remarking on the duelers stances. As well as sketches of weapon designs, the breakdown of a proper stance with a bow, and overall just everything that has to do with combat. Just about every page is filled, but Enzo has completely broken down the art of combat into a science.

Although he was only thumbing through pages as he thought over the rumor. It bothered him, yes, but making a big deal out of it on his part would suggest he’s guilty, and that would fan the flames. Enzo could admit to himself that he did like Ruina, a little more than a friend should like another friend, but he was unsure how deep that liking ran. It was there, and he wouldn’t fight that very small, positive sensation in his life. How could he ignore it anyway? As hopeless as he is about finding love and fulfilling happiness, the thoughts even a small crush provides is almost comforting. The wereleopard was more than hesitant to ever let that fact be known beyond him, and Ikaris though. Amber definitely ruined things like crushes, relationships, and love for Enzo. So what he did feel towards Ruina conflicted him deeply.

What are the odds she would even feel the same though? In the time he has known Ruina, he didn’t quite consider himself someone she would ever be interested in. And again, the issue of rejection or unrequited feelings come into play. If he said something, and the feeling's not mutual, that could very well wreck their friendship with awkwardness. Enzo would much rather pretend to be a platonic friend then risk losing the friendship. Amber would no doubt be an issue should Enzo completely break their arrangement to shoot his shot with Ruina, and it wouldn’t be fair to Ruina to have her enduring anymore of Amber. All of these thoughts were tiring if he’s being honest. Everything’s tiring; Amber in general, fights with Amber, rumors, feelings, the present, the future… no wonder he desires napping so much.

Enzo hadn't noticed Tarron’s existence until his eyes flickered upward at a body being seated. His arm on the table curled towards the wereleopard as if in a guarded stance, while his other hand used the pencil to stroke over pre-drawn sketches. Like cats in general, the wereleopard communicates through body language. And right now, he was expressing he wasn’t in a great mood, not a bad one, just not a great one. Ikaris flashed a smile at the werewolf as he drummed his fingers against the table. The wereeagle, for once, had nothing to say at the moment. Ikaris noticed the girls enter, and he also smiled in greeting to them. “Hey." Thaola received a “Hi” from Ikaris while Enzo only slightly raised a hand in greeting to acknowledge them. "What's wrong with you?” Enzo’s golden gaze shifted on and up in Tarron’s direction before his eyes traveled and stayed on Ruina. "Nothing.” Enzo notes the distraction and the level of force that went into the smile, but a person who does the same thing is bound to notice it on another’s face.

Enzo observed Ruina for a moment longer before his gaze and attention went back to his notebook. Would bringing up the rumor even be worth it? And even if it was, what exactly was he supposed to say that could remedy the situation? A sigh escaped the wereleopard as he thought that over. “Verlice,” the mellow voice of the teacher called from the front of the room, “the four principles of sword-fighting are?” Without a beat of hesitation, Enzo responded. “Timing, distance, perception, and technique.” The teacher gave a nod of satisfaction at the answer before they turned back to the board and began to speak. In this class, he knew every answer. He could probably teach most of the class, so why stick around to learn all of the things he already knows?

While Enzo enjoys school for the purpose of being able to be around his social circle, lately he’s been contemplating reworking his schedule for next year so he graduates early. Admittedly thinking about it always makes him feel selfish, but he just wants to avoid Amber and everything else that sucks about being in a school setting. Besides, if he graduated early his coronation date would move closer. And if he could be crowned while Amber is still in school, then he can void the arrangement himself, and he’ll tell Iprihan to politely piss off. That is the absolute easiest way to rid himself of Amber without her being able to undermine him. But if he took that route, there would go his option of being close to Ruina with him being out of the school picture. Stay or go. Was a crush that would most likely go nowhere be worth staying for? The fact that he was even asking that question told him he was thinking with his heart rather than his head… and while he was taught that was a dangerous way to think, he couldn't help but like the feeling.

"I think I know a guy." Thaola and Ruina exchange a grin,"Sweet!" That made that part easier, hopefully, as long as said guy was okay with giving them tattoos. Ruina wasn't even sure if she sketch something out, or at least something that everyone would like. She hoped so, she wasn't much of an artist, she did it mainly for fun and there were definitely others who did art much better than her. Perhaps she should find someone who'd be willing to sketch something out for them? Or maybe her rough draft would be enough for the group and easy enough for the tattoo artist to do.

Ruina couldn't help but wonder how marine biology was going for Enzo and Ikaris. No doubt Ikaris already told Enzo about the rumor, or maybe he didn't. The werewolf supposed she would find out next hour depending on how Enzo acted around her. Would he be just as mad about the rumor as she was? Would he think the same thing she was thinking? She knew Amber was bent on revenge, but honestly she just didn't really care. She didn't like being the target, and she was willing to show Amber that she wasn't such an easy target. But how would that affect Enzo? Would Amber take her anger out on the wereleopard? Would he be forced into something else he didn't want to do?

She hated that although this fight seemed to be between just her and Amber, it could and probably would affect Enzo. No one deserved to be treated how Amber treated him. Sure she was obsessed with him and basically worshiped him. But not in the good way at all. She was clingy and annoying and tried to do whatever it took to keep him close to her. Even though she knew that Enzo did not love her. What could Iprihan offer Ritha that was good enough to keep Enzo in a relationship with Amber? Sure he'd told Ruina that he would eventually break it off, but surely something was keeping him in the relationship now.

Perhaps there was a way to get Enzo out of his loveless relationship and get Ritha away from Iprihan. If Truhan offered Ritha an alliance, perhaps even a union of some sort, would that be enough to get Ritha away from Iprihan? And if it was, that could give Enzo the option to break it off sooner then he was thinking, right? And would Iprihan really be dumb enough to try to attack both Ritha and Truhan if an alliance was made? Ruina knew what kings loved more than anything. Power. An alliance with the other most powerful kingdom on the continent would give him more power. But would it be enough?

And then the werewolf's thoughts flashed back to Enzo. She liked him, she couldn't deny that any longer. She liked him as a friend and she liked him as someone more than a friend. But she'd never go as far as having him cheat, even if it was on Amber. The rumor was false and she wished she could truly prove it. And not to mention, she didn't think Enzo felt the same way. Even if he did and they confessed it to each other, there was Amber. The werefox was so obsessed with Enzo that she would be incredibly pissed. But in all honesty, what could she do?

Tarron notes Enzo's posture. Hmm, he wasn't in a good mood. And then Ruina came in with a posture that suggested the same thing. What was up? The elder werewolf hadn't heard the rumor yet, he had missed it. So what was up with the four of them? Even the two mischief makers were more serious then usual. If that was the right word for it. Tarron returns Ikaris smile with a brief one of his own. Eyes fixated on Ruina who was trying her best to pretend to be focused and alert but was failing quite terribly. Something was going on and the werewolf was bugged by it. Which concerned her cousin. Nothing bothered Ruina. She had a go with the flow type personality. Which of course like everyone else's could flare just as quick as a snap of the fingers.

Ruina felt Enzo's gaze on her and her grey eyes flicker towards his amber eyes. And in that split second she studied them. Did they always have those flecks of jade green around his irises? And then her gaze flickers away again just as quick. She didn't want to be caught staring. Especially if Amber was looking over, that'd only piss her off more and give her more reasons to stir up rumors. Especially the one she'd started last hour about the wereleopard and werewolf sleeping together while Amber had returned home to visit her parents. "Verlice." This time Ruina didn't look over, she didn't care what the teacher was talking about, she knew it all. Yet another thing she learned in her lessons and while actually fighting and training. "The four principles of sword-fighting are?"

"Timing, distance, perception, and technique."

Not bad. Though no doubt Enzo had been taught and experienced it all as well. Very few of the wereanimals in the class hadn't learned about sword-fighting or knew it from experience. Most all of them came from royal families around the continent and many came from families who fought for their kingdom. It was just a necessity to know in their world. At least this was better than some of the other classes the school offered. She had heard of the other classes. Cooking, bleh, and some other actual princess based things. How to curtsy, how to be a queen, how to be proper and how to act when married. Things for girls who were actually princesses and not warrior princesses like Ruina.

She'd fought hard against any of those classes. Demanding that she be put in other classes. She wasn't going to learn how to cook, she knew, or how to curtsy, she also knew that. She had been trained to be a queen in case something had happened, but she highly doubted she'd ever see the throne. She wasn't all prim and proper because she was a warrior, she fought in wars, she got down and dirty and sweaty and did men's work. She wasn't a prim and proper princess, she didn't need the classes and she sure as hell weren't going to take them. She probably would have dropped out before she ever would have taken one of those classes.

Ruina lets out a sigh, she was ready for CIA. She was going to teach the werefox a lesson. No doubt some would take it as a sign the rumor was true. Saying anything along the lines of, she wouldn't be so willing to beat Amber if it was true. Which was wrong. The rumor was false and the only reason Ruina wanted to beat Amber was so the werefox would leave her alone and quit trying to spread rumors. Once again Ruina's eyes dart towards Enzo's for a brief second then away again. Did Ikaris tell him about the rumor? And if so, did the wereeagle inform Enzo about what Ruina planned to do in CIA? And the thoughts of would Enzo defend Amber crossed her mind.

Enzo has never had an issue with eye contact, well, not until that moment he had held Ruina’s gaze. While it wasn’t something that could be seen externally, for a second he was confident he felt a much stronger beat of his heart, and a slight hitch to his breath. That was fucking scary! When he did look down, he waited to feel whether or not he was having a damn heart attack. He’s too young for those, right? Maybe the stress he’s been under might induce one… and yet, the moment seemed short lived and as he focused on his notebook, and he learned in fact that he was not dying. So his mind drifted to the moment again, and it was in that mental replay he understood the cause. Ruina. It’s been that long since Enzo has ever had a genuine crush on someone, that the feeling was above foreign, it was terrifying. Almost a good kind of terrifying though, like an adrenaline rush.

After the moment with the teacher though, he couldn’t decide whether he wanted to attempt glancing at Ruina again, or whether he should keep his head down. So, ultimately, he took the safer option by keeping his focus elsewhere. Most of the class he spent absentmindedly sketching and jotting down a few notes. Amid his sea of thoughts, the wereleopard made a realization for himself. Maybe he’s only stuck it out this far with Amber because he knew what to expect, because she was a safe option. Rejection and not being wanted is something he’s never had with Amber, and he doubted he would ever feel that from her. No matter what he did, she wanted him. That didn’t mean he loved her, but it gave him a sense of firm security. What if he never found that with anyone else? Being wanted, adored even, are things the wereleopard wishes he had the courage to grasp for. Is that why he had a crush on Amber to begin with so long ago? Because he never had the courage to try and fail with someone else, but Amber always wanted and adored him. It was flattering back then, and he was so desperate he settled. But now… Enzo wanted more than settling. Maybe, one day, he’ll find the courage to try.

Of course Ikaris was almost squeamish in the setting during class, which really just means he was very fidgety. The thought of telling Enzo about what would be coming in CIA didn’t cross the wereeagle, only because he knew he wouldn’t tell Enzo anyway. Selfishly, he didn’t want to risk Enzo interfering and trying to prevent what was going to happen with Amber. So it’ll be a surprise! Who doesn’t like surprises? Trick question; everyone loves surprises! They just don’t always know it if you were to ask Ikaris. Tarron seemed to be the only one completely out of the loop, but wouldn’t it also be funny for Tarron to get to witness the Ruina v. Amber showdown as a surprise? ‘Surprise!’ Ikaris will yell to Enzo, and Tarron if he’s still unaware by the time it goes down.

By the time class ended, Ikaris went from fidgety to absolutely beaming with joy in seconds… anticipating what was coming. The sudden radiation of wistfulness from Ikaris made Enzo a little uneasy as they both got up, but Enzo chose to disregard it. Ikaris’ happiness right before entering a class he’s allowed to be violent in shouldn’t be surprising. Letting his gaze flicker to Ruina briefly, he gave a small smile before following Ikaris out of the classroom. They were all headed to the next class anyway, so it’s not like much of a goodbye was necessary. “What do you think my type is?” Enzo asked Ikaris curiously, earning a puzzled look from the wereeagle as they walked before he replied. “Tall, wannabe edgy, low key full of attitude, sass of a scorned gir-” Enzo cut Ikaris off. “I meant what do you think my type is as in with women I would like. Not as in… wait, is that really how you see me? Is that how everyone sees me?” Enzo asked, mostly because some of the things Ikaris listed sounded borderline derogatory. “Of course not, I see you as my best friend. Who just so happens to be a tall, wannabe edgy, low key-” Again Ikaris was cut off, but this time with a back hand from Enzo. “Nevermind.” The wereleopard muttered.

He was only asking because he was starting to think his type was blonde hair, grey eyes, taller than average… and Ruina. Truth be told Enzo just considered Amber his type. Short, mouthy red heads. But maybe he didn’t really have a type at all. Could it be he pines after people he trusts? People with infectious personalities? Ruina was both of those to Enzo. But what Ikaris listed about Enzo almost made him feel insecure. Did Ruina think he was a wannabe edge lord? Was that even attractive? Enzo didn’t even know he was wannabe edgy. Was his best trait just being tall? Why was he worrying so much about what made him attractive? Fuck questions. Oh, well there’s the attitude.

When the pair made it, Ikaris began watching the door, waiting for something or someone Enzo decided. When Amber walked in, redoing her hair as she entered, a quiet high pitched noise escaped Ikaris, and Enzo gave the wereeagle a very critical gaze. “What the hell was that? And why?” Enzo asked sharply. One, because the wereleopard absolutely hates high pitched noises. And two, why make it when Amber comes in? The grin on Ikaris’ face was villainous, but with an undertone of excitement. “That was the sound of my soul’s happiness. At least we know I have a soul now though, I was starting to get worried it didn’t exist,” Ikaris said with a chuckle, “and why, you ask, dear friend? Because… I feel the air prickling with the anticipation of someone’s soon to be demise.” Ikaris said, and the tone Ikaris took on was very unnerving for Enzo. “Foreshadowing…” The wereeagle whispered while wiggling his fingers at Enzo, and at that point Ikaris effectively disturbed him. “I will pay you to stop freaking me out. Just stop.” Enzo pleaded, with Ikaris returning a quiet cackle.

Amber, obviously, didn’t know what was coming in this class. She is renowned for voicing when someone is going too far with her to the coach when it comes to combat, and usually it doesn’t take long before Amber reaches that point. Most people just go easy on her anyway because of her whininess and constant tattling when someone gets, in her opinion, “too rough”. A gentle push is too far too Amber honestly though. Today though, she was hoping to be paired with Enzo, just so they were forced to talk. Because Amber always has plenty to say, and if they were paired, he would be forced to listen. The werefox snuck a glance in Enzo’s direction, but instead of Enzo’s attention, it was Ikaris who made alarming eye contact. There was something devious glinting in his eyes, and reflecting in his smile. Amber turned away after a few seconds, waiting for the coach to call out their pairs. Please be Enzo, please be Enzo, please be Enzo.