Peace and Quiet [Open]

She walked alone through the courtyard, a convenience store bag slung over her shoulder. Her eyes never trained away from her feet, and if anyone bothered to take one glance at her, she glared and scared them off. Didn't anyone know that there were people who didn't want to talk? Dark hair was tied into two low pigtails in front, dangling over her shoulder, and her hand clenched onto the strap of her bag tightly. Once she was satisfied with where she was, she got off her feet and plopped down onto the flower bed, taking a break.

Tabitha turned her head up towards the sky, wincing at the bright light. Goddamn, why was the cafeteria full today? Students normally ate in their dorms - since she was pretty sure a quarter of the school population could decently cook - and there they were, swarming through like animals who haven't found a good meal for days. So hungry... Letting out a sigh, her hand reached into her bag, pulling out a box of chocolate Pocky. She couldn't cook very well, and honestly? Her roommates could be the most annoying people at times and if she had the choice, she would rather not talk to any of them. Might as well take whatever she could afford.

Long, slender fingers reached into the box, grabbing one of the biscuits and placing it in her mouth. There was a satisfying crack! as it snapped in half, her hand holding out the other piece as she quickly finished the other one. Behind her, she could've sworn she heard footsteps, and clenching her eyes closed, Tabitha let out an annoyed groan, turning back to see who decided to intrude in her own personal space.

"What do you want?"

Not having too make any friends yet Ella always had too eat alone hidden in the shadows. The initiate never had to do this before she was always at the top on popularity at former schools here it was completely different. She was probably lower then dirt at this school, being alone sucked - she was used too have girls from all sides flock over too here but no one did it here! It was strange. So this had forced Ella too become slightly nicer too strangers in attempt to gain popularity. It was lunch time and making friends at lunch wasn't the easiest task. Everyone had already claimed tables with their friends and ignored you when you tried too speak with them or get to know them. Although she didn't like eating at the cafeteria anyways - not when you didn't have any friends because then when you find yourself sitting alone a group of people will have to sit next too you and you'd feel completely awkward while you just sat there and watch.

So there was one place too turn. Over these last few days the brunette had discovered that the courtyard was the least busiest at lunch time, meaning no one would come around too discover her eating in the grass by herself. Unwrapping her hand made turkey sandwich Ella was just about too take a bite until something had interested her. Someone else was eating in the courtyard too. The brunette had only stared at her from a distance her eyes narrowing as she looked with slight disgust. She hated how low she was for trying too make friends with someone that looked like... that. In Ella's eyes Tabitha looked like a slob, messy hair, bags under her eyes, hardly any make up. She wasn't worth too have as a friend but the initiate was completely desperate for socialization and popularity. Slowly getting up from the grass Ella had approached her stride being confident and perky, her presence wouldn't be that hard too detect she was beautiful after all probably everyone would notice her right away.

Ella had stopped just about when Tabitha had pulled something out of the bag, she was quickly able too read the label 'Pocky' it had reminded the newer student of her younger sister - Callie. She always had a love for those strange chocolate dipped sticks. But of corse since sisters were sisters and younger sisters were typically brats she never wanted too share any of it but that was fine since Ella had never really wanted too try any. She continued her approach about to say something but was rudely interrupted by Tabitha. The brunette only blinked blankly trying too seem cute and innocent a small grin coming too her lips. "...." At first she didn't say anything she had only glanced towards the pocky box and then her eyes shifted back towards Tabitha. "Sorry too disturb" Ella had said with a soft mellow tone her smile widening. "I was just curious of what you had in your mouth." The brunette had said pointing at the sticks, "You're not too greedy too share are you?"

This girl screamed complete fucking proud, jealous, possessive, and outright snobby. That stupid smile made her want to vomit all over the intruder's feet - what the hell was this? Flattery? Flirting? Immediately, her eyes narrowed, and there was a flash of anger flickering through her dark gaze. Dirty blond hair that looked treated at least five different times and false eyelashes and the annoying shade of blue eyes. What did this girl go through? Seven different sessions of plastic surgery? Her face was dressed up in all sorts of makeup that it looked completely hideous. There as nothing attractive about this person. At all. And here she was, fucking demanding her for her only salvage of food?

Tabitha let out an annoyed huff, and without another word, her hand flew up towards blondie and smacked her - hard - right in the cheek. Shaking her wrist, she rubbed her fingers together, feeling caked layers of make up splattered all over it. Disgusting. Who cares if that sort of behavior was out of line? It's not like any prefect was going to come over to her right at this second. After all, all of them were probably having the times of their lives in the cafeteria or in their own dorms. Because who wouldn't kill to be friends with the all powerful administrators of the houses just so they could kiss ass and get out of trouble 24/7? Collapsing back onto her knees, she rubbed her hand on her convenience bag, glaring at the corner of her eyes. "Who the hell do you think you are? The queen?"

"I'm not fucking sharing my food with someone who doesn't even have the audacity to introduce herself first." Her eyes traveled around quickly, searching for someone else to dump this wreck on. As another student came into view just in front of them, Tabitha cocked her head to their direction. "If you want a second chance, go beg for someone else's company." Her fingers reached for another Pocky, plopping it into her mouth.

Sitting alone in Courtyard, her legs being tickled by the grass, and staring up at the clouds was the young timebender. Her brown eyes flickered across the sky, trying to name the images she saw in the giant, white billows. It was peaceful out in the open. Especially after the hectic crowd in the cafeteria. No one had warned the girl about the lack of personal space she would experience. Poor Kyou had to discover the horror on her own.

After escaping the chaos, she found herself flopped in the grass near the flower bed. She had managed to grab a small bread roll before getting swept away in the mass of students. Her stomach grumbled slightly. She moaned in response. She had the skills to cook, but she lacked the ingredients. More so, the money to buy ingredients.

Kyou rose, heading towards the cafeteria building once more, praying the activity had died down in the time she spent rolling in the grass. The brunette took sluggish steps down the pathway. She sighed, the hunger now consuming her thoughts. Kyou paused, glancing at a confrontation happening in the flowerbed. Two young girls stood, seemingly having a normal conversation. That's when, in a flash, a hand whipped across one of the girl's face. The initiate's eyes widened and her jaw dropped. Did she just... Her immediate response was to rush to the dirty blonde's side. The girl tentatively approached the pair, her brown eyes filled with concern.

"U-um.. I just uh.. One question. Did she deserve it?" was all that Kyou could manage.

The air was intense from that point on.

She only stared in response too what had just happened. Her cheek was becoming red and swollen, and this bitch's smack stung like hell. Her head had throbbed with anger, what the hell was he problem was she insane??!? She must be. No one would ever smack Ella Duclos, what a stupid manic. A small smile had crept onto Ella's face but it was twisted her eyes were filled with anger her face was throbbing. "Bitch..." She had muttered lowly but it was loud enough for Tabitha too hear it. So far Ella had only been making enemies not friends, she didn't understand why. Could they see through her fake personality and see her real one? If that was the case she didn't care. "You stupid bitch!!!" Ella had pulled strongly on Tabitha's ugly thin black hair. She wasn't even sure why the hell she just ended up smacking her over something so stupid she wanted too learn her name? Fine she'll tell her. The brunette had let go of the ugly hair strands of it still caught in her hands. "My name is Ella Duclos." She said with a confident grin. "Remember my name you fucking bitch, it'll ruin you're pathetic life."

Ella didn't even notice that there was a bystander watching. Her eyebrow rose at her question, what kind of question was that? Did she deserve it what a idiot. "She smacked me! of corse she deserved it!"

Adrenaline flared throughout her body, and Tabitha knew that this newbie was only going to get her into more trouble than she was worth. As soon as a twisted smile etched itself across the other girl's face, she quickly closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, before focusing her mind on creating the illusion. They wouldn't be able to see through it, and as soon as Ella's hand had shot out to grab her hair, Tabitha moved away, her mirage taking her place as she stood like a ghost, spectating everything. To her, the other girl looked stupid, tugging on thin air like a little kid swinging his sword around and playing make-believe. In everyone else's eyes, her dark hair was being tugged on viciously and she was supposedly struggling to shake the initiate off.

How humorous. Plucking another piece of Pocky out of the box, Tabitha continued to snack on her delicacy, watching the scene with an amused air. Once Ella had let go of her dummy's hair, she waved the illusion off with a dismissive hand, and with a false bored and mocking tone, she asked with the same dulcet innocent voice the other girl had used on her before, "Oh, what did you say your name was? I don't think I heard you properly." As if to emphasize her point, she held her hand to her ear, as if she needed to emphasize the fact that she was definitely too quiet. "Get off your high horse. The world isn't your throne."

Dark eyes glanced over to the newcomer, and the corners of her mouth twitched into a tiny smirk. "Up to you to decide on that one. All I wanted to do was eat my only decent meal."

Kyou watched the events unfold with wide, brown eyes. She had assumed the dirty blonde had been attacked, but by the looks of her reaction, she was no longer adamant on her assumption. Her eyes flickered from one girl to the other as they continued their banter. The brunette couldn't lie, she agreed with the darker haired girl. She despised anyone who thought they were better than anyone else, especially the rich and spoiled. The teenager held a quizzical look as she tried to come up with a neutral response.

"I don't think slapping strangers is the nicest way to ask them to leave," she started, a tight smile on her face as she looked at Tabitha. I doubt she's one of the nicest people in the world anyways. "but pulling on another girl's hair like that is going waaay overboard." Her smiled faded. Perhaps she have stuck to the cafeteria. The initiate let out a long, dragged on sigh, and shook her head.

"I'm Kyou. Maybe we could forget this happened and start from the beginning?" she suggested, trying her best not to offend the younger students.

She was only trying too be friendly.

Although this could end up as a win instead of a loss it was obvious why Tabitha had no friends and ate alone she hated people and people hated her. She didn't feel bad at all, people like herself can rot into nothing she would care less. Ella's eyes slightly narrowed when she realized it was only an illusion, she didn't exactly know what this girl's power was or what her deal was but she didn't want too be apart of it. Ella had let out a scoff flipping her hair as she narrowed her eyes at Kyou. What did she know she only watched the smack go down, nothing else she didn't understand this situation at all. Although now she took a closer glance the newer student was pretty cute maybe she could take advantage and win her first friend. Ella had stood closer next too Kyou and narrowed her eyes at Tabitha hesitant too say sorry to such a slob.

Although since Ella was desperate for friends she had too do it, she needed someone else too speak with. "Sorry. My name is Ella Duclos." Ella had forced a smile on her face but it was painful, although it was a good smile she had beautiful pearly white teeth. In her mind she was simply rolling her eyes at what she was doing man was she pathetic. "I hope we can be friendsss! <3" The brunette had said in a corny manner as if she didn't mean at all.

What part of going up to some random stranger you didn't know the name of and demanding for their food was friendly? Tabitha grumbled under her breath, crossing her arms across her chest, another piece of Pocky hanging between closed lips. She was half-tempted to slap some sense into the other girl again, half-tempted to do so just for her enjoyment. There was no way that anyone liked Ella in any possible manner. A complete brat, spoiled, acting like she's the queen of all, and kiss-ass. She only acted the way she did because she wanted other people to give her stuff and she looked so fucking desperate that the younger student had to hold back a snicker as she watched her act like an obedient dog towards Kyou. Good gods, this was starting to get old and made her want to gag.

Tabitha rolled her eyes, snapping the chocolate biscuit in half. "Tabitha." Her answer was short, curt, and straight to the point. She should've stuck to asking her roommates to cook for her. Most people were idiots here, and this was coming from the fact that Jules could regenerate all her injuries, Jane could come back from the dead, and D'Angelo could teleport wherever the hell he wanted to go. Those three even wound up hosting an illegal party in their dorm with who knows where they got the money and stole horses and nearly got each other killed. At least the other Autumns were somewhat decent enough that she didn't mind being stuck in the same room as them. "Part of the Autumn house."

She didn't want to say anymore, and she was very tempted to kick Ella. No apology? Thanks. Holding herself back, one more Pocky made its way into her mouth. How many did she have left? Her eyes traveled towards the box, and to her dismay, there were only three left. Still hungry...

She could not believe her eyes. Right before her, Ella's entire personality switched from bratty to... friendly? Is she bipolar? Kyou wondered, staring at the girl in disbelief. She stifled a small laugh. Deciding to humour the blonde, she held out her hand, a tight smiled fixed on her face. Giving Tabitha a side glance, her eyebrows raised as if saying "Is this girl serious?". "Heh. It's a real pleasure," she said, attempting to avoid the sarcasm rising in her voice.

Turning to the darker-haired girl, she noticed a small, red box reading 'Pocky' in her hand. The thin cookie hung loose her mouth. The brunette's stomach growled loudly, followed by a dramatic sigh from her mouth. Her gaze turned to across the campus, seeing the cafeteria building in the distance. Grabbing the back of her neck, she looked at the two awkwardly. "I was going to get some food from the cafe. Care to join me?" Hopefully one of them, preferably Tabitha, would accept her offer. Maybe together they could push their way through the masses and snatch a table before lunch was over. She knew it was too much to ask for, seeing as one girl was oddly oscillating and the other came off rather apathetic. Neither of them fit Kyou's usual friend type. But any friends was better than none? Perhaps her opinions would change over time.

She didnt understand at all why she was doing this but she became lonely ever since she came too Beata since nobody had tried too speak with her. The blonde had flipped her hair back a confident smjle coming too her lips that was smeared with a pretty light red. "Everyone wants to be my friend." Ella had said with a small laugh before she turned too look over at Kyou. She had already ate her lunch a turkey sandwhich which she made herself and Ella had always considered herself talented at everything. Cooking, Sports, Socializing she considered herself number 1 in everything. She was going too refuse say that she had already ate but the brunette had saw this as a chance too get closer with the two of them and form their own little groupie. The brunette had been in a posture that looked like she was thinking before she had slowly nodded showing interest in having lunch at the cafe. "I mean I guess I could join." Ella had said with a small smirk as she pulled out a expensive wallet showing a wad of cash right in Tabithas and Kyous eyes. "And dont worry I can cover for us all." The brunette said with a grin.

The corners of her mouth twitched into a smirk as she rolled her eyes before she dropped down, cross-legged from where she was standing. No way she was coming if that meant sitting with blondie for another five minutes, at the most. That girl was absolutely disgusting, her face layered with caked dressing of layer as though it were a wedding cake fancied up so much that it looked horrendous. Whatever her name was, Tabitha only saw her as a complete eyesore who couldn't back down. "I don't need your money," she replied at last, a disgruntled tone underlining the depths of her voice. As Ella shoved the giant stash of money right up to her face, she cocked her side to the side, pushing away her hand, her lips pulling into a scowl.

"You make it sound like there are consequences if I disagree to this, blondie," After a few moments, she briskly rose to her feet, her eyes painted onto Kyou, as though she were judging the older girl. Grabbing another Pocky, she bit it in half, the crumbs falling to the floor as it destroyed itself into tiny grains of sand. One finger twirled a lock of her pigtail, her other arm allowing the elbow to rest on it as her gaze hardened. "I'd go - if I didn't have to use her money. I don't want to pay off some debt to a toad."

Waving the final piece of the thin biscuit in the air at shoulder-level, Tabitha took a step forward to the paved courtyard road in front of the flowerbed, straightening her posture. "I wouldn't mind going with just Kyou, though." Everyone wants to be Ella's friend, huh? She definitely didn't know how other people worked. What friend tries to bribe someone into their friendship?

Ella sure was... confident, if one could call it that. Kyou studied the dirty blonde with curios brown eyes. She was unable to tell if Ella's thoughts were serious, or if she was naïve enough to believe what she said.

And she's rich too.

Kyou held back the rising bile in her throat. She despised the overly privileged, especially those born into money. The brunette had yet to meet a selfless, caring child of money, a fact she almost prides herself on. Her expression grew cold as she stared at the cash. Thankfully, as if her prayers were answered in the form of a 14 year old, Tabitha refused to accept her 'generous gift'. Pulling out her small purse and jingling it, she let a small smile return to her face. "I'm not ready for debts just yet either. I have enough, it's okay," she spoke, trying to keep her voice calm and content. She didn't have the confidence or the mindset to insult Ella as openly as the dark-haired autumn did. Perhaps she could have the girl express her true emotions without any trace of their original owner.

Letting out an awkward laugh, the initiate glanced at the cafeteria once more. "I guess we should start walking now?" she asked, unsure if Tabitha was comfortable enough to stick with Ella for any longer. She herself was unsure if she could handle more of the younger girl's bragging.

A toad...?

As in the hideous disgusting creature that was slimy and green and smelly..? The creature that had lived in a disgusting swamp for most of it's life and only peaked too the surface too hunt for food? D-did she really just call her that..? Ella's smile had wavered as the autumn blanked on thinking of what too say or a comeback. She'd been called alot of things, things far worse then a toad but being compared too something so hideous.. her fists had gently clenched biting on her lip as she had turned too face Tabitha. "A toad huh..? Well at least I'm not a slimy snake like you are." The autumn had snapped back her eyes narrowing, if they didn't want her here then fine but they should at least show some respect.

Flipping her hair back Ella's gaze looked over too Kyou giving the newer student a pleased smile. "Oh please! who needs her.. all you need is me cutie." Ella had said with a small spark in her eyes.

Tabitha shrugged off her insults, rolling her eyes again. A snake suited her perfectly - it was in her gift to deceive others - a dual expression or identity. Maybe the other girl was just too dumb to realize that. She had used a mirage right in front of her face. Did she have to scream it into her ears or something? The snake was the same deceptive creature used in the stories of the Bible, tricking Adam and Eve into eating the fruit and throwing them out of paradise; it was a symbol of fertility, creativity, guardianship, cunning, and vengeance. Her finger stopped twirling with the strand of hair, keeping it coiled between her hand like a boa constricting the trees above, waiting to leap onto its unsuspecting prey below. When she spoke, her voice bit like fangs into flesh, "A snake is more than meets the eye. While on the other hand, a toad is fucking hideous and often related to witchcraft. Or a symbol of rebirth. She read into symbols too much. Way too much. "Maybe this means you need to be reincarnated into someone who isn't a groveling bitch?"

Her gaze wandered over to Kyou, and she closed her eyes, letting out a small sigh. "I don't mind going still, I guess." She narrowed her eyes as they traveled back towards Blondie, a small 'tch' sound leaving her throat. "As long as we can find the toad some sorry scrap to bother."