The mood in the room had grown tense. Felichs. Solis. Malu. One who desired to save their ailing mother. One whose guilt ran so deep, now wanting to write the wrongs of his past. And one who wanted to avenge her parents' deaths. Three different roads, that before this week. would've never crossed each other. But now, as these competitors stand face to face with each other, they could feel that only one of them would be standing at the end. Especially after a letter was dropped in their room.

It read:

"Pahaha! What is Tournouá Tou Ménos? Is Ménos even real? Who is this Tournament and why do they have such a beautiful aura? Questions…yes, yes so many questions, but still no answers. Well, fret not, because they'll all be shared with each one of you real soon. Although I'm pretty sure most of you have already come to some well-thought-out conclusions. For the few who haven't yet put the pieces together, or maybe just one who hasn't, in a few weeks you'll have all your answers. By the way, I hope you're all enjoying your stay in Fortuna, and do remember no violence. It's not tolerated here and you will be facing punishment via your state. Speaking of states, that does bring me to my other point for this letter. You will NOT be traveling the five states. Tried as I could, but sadly some plans just don't fall through. But worry not because we'll still be heading out of Perdita and making our way to the state of emptiness, Inanis. If you're unfamiliar with the state don't worry it's honestly not much of a state anymore since these wretched wars. Actually, my poor, poor friend here, lost his home and family due to these wars. Anywho, Tournoá Tou Ménos begins in three weeks' time, but we'll be leaving in two weeks to make sure you all get twenty-four before the start time to prepare. Haven't a nice day and remember you're all here because of how special you are or could be…besides you, you wretched dog."

Malum dry-fired three more shots at the letter before walking past Felichs.

"Aye, puta, you stare long enough pervert!?"

"I wasn't-Ughhh, never mind no point in tryna say something. Not like she'll listen anyways."

"WAHAHA! Yuh two 'mind me of me and my ol lady."

"I didn't know you're married?"

"Yeah, thanks to this damn war though, she passed away a few years ago. And 'fore y'all get all sappy on me, she passed away happily in my arms."

"I'm sorry…I hope you're ok mi amor…"

"Me too...Maybe I made a mistake coming here..."

"Now I thought I said no getting all teary-eyed on me? Whatta 'bout y'all two? Anyone special in y'all lives?"

"Mi vieja. She wanted to come with me, but it's too many people to look out for."

"Oh ho, gotcha yuhself a lil lady too eh? Well, I feel yuh pain. Always 'member keep yuh wife happy, so yuh'll live a lil longer and yuh belly'll get a lil bigger."

"Thank you-"

"Chinga tu madre! What the fuck was that?!"

Felichs already started running out of the room. Solis and Malum followed after. What came next was a sight nobody could have expected.

"Yo that is sick…" said Participant A as he threw up a little.

"What the hell is she doing??" Chimed Participant B as she stumbled backward.

"Should..should somebody step in to stop her?" Participant C said as his legs shook uncontrollably.

It was a sickening sight that sat before the participants. A lady, if you could even call her that, hunched over a man's lifeless body while strangling him. Multiple stab wounds decorated the man's body, topped off with a pool of blood. Blood that the creature was licking up while she continued to grip his neck harder and harder, her nails digging into his neck. Many of the bystanders struggled to watch on, while others were holding each other screaming at the top of their lungs. Only a few seemed unfazed by this gruesome sight. Felichs. Solis. Malum. And five others scattered amongst the crowd.

"You! I know you! I could never forget that brightly-colored outfit. And that look on your face…I've known it all too well. It screams "Take my life before I take it myself!" Felichs thought to themself as they stared down the pink-haired individual.

"Where is she…I'll start with her and then the rest!" The pink-haired individual muttered.

Felichs began to walk towards him when suddenly Tournament's voice appeared.

"Servus my dear…what in the Goddess's name are you doing?!" Tournament scolded as they grabbed her by the neck.

The lady wiped the blood from her mouth, stood up, and took a bow before answering.

"I-I-I-I'm sorry m-m-my lord…this f-f-filthy creature attacked me. I was sh-sh-showing him to his room when he gr-gr-GRABBED me by my neck and covered my mouth. H-h-he held a knife up and said that gets a th-th-thrill out of killing weak people. After that, my m-m-mind went blank. I di-di-didn't mean to soil the house's peace, b-b-but I had no other choice, my lord."

Tournament pulled the lady in and rubbed her head. "Don't be sorry my dear." They said to her before turning around. "I've mentioned this before, there'll be no violence in this sanctuary. This is a place of peace. With that said." Tournament turned back and struck the lady before continuing. "While I'm glad you're ok, these kinds of actions are unnecessary and definitely unacceptable. Violence solved with violence will never lead to anything."

"ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS?! SHE WAS ATTACKED BY THAT FILTHY COCHINO AND YOU THINK SHE SHOULDN'T DEFEND HERSELF?!" Malum yelled as she quickly made her way towards Tournament, gun in hand. "I TOLD YOU I WAS COMING FOR YOUR HEAD! MAYBE I SHOULD JUST TAKE IT NOW!"

"Pahaha, once again you can't control yourself, eh? If you had me finish instead of speaking, you wretched dog, you would've heard how to deal with this." Tournament responded as they pulled a flower off the wall.

Suddenly the house began to shake violently and a large cloud of smoke covered the room. Six individuals appeared before the participants. Each was covered from head to toe in the same white cloaks and different colored masks that Felichs had seen before. This time was different though as a menacing aura could be felt from all of them.

"Ooouu, is it time to play? I wanna play! I wanna have fun with every one of them!" Cheered a young boy holding a stuffed animal.

"And to think…I was just eating too…now I have no appetite…" a lady gagged.

"Poor fool…" Solid remarked kneeling over the lifeless body. "Should I?"

"Why would you? There's no need to save the idiot. Just let me fill him with a few explosives and watch the bastard explode into pieces!" Cackled a clearly twisted individual.

"Must you always be such an irritant?" Groaned Rose. "I'm surrounded by idiots and a glutton…"

The last individual said not a word as they glared at Felichs.

"As you can all see before you stand the best way to handle any situation. We are not only the council of Perdita but also the council of Emovere!"

"C-council of Emovere? Since when did the ENTIRE country of Emovere have a council?!"

"Yeah, all of Emovere." Rose responded.

"And as the council, our word…is absolute." Tournament added.

"Hmm…while this sounds…like the better option…I agree with the grasshopper…a victim should be allowed…to defend themselves…no matter the rules…set in place…"

"Oh? So, what would be the point of rules if we're always going to move the goalpost? Do you not come from a state that tried this and is now on the brink of destruction? Could I not easily say this man was a victim himself? A victim of his own mind. A mind that the goddess created. Why would she make him this way? Why would any higher power make their creations with this kind of sick mindset? And then you say she's a victim yet she's barely human. I mean what human would drink their victim's blood? So, if we judge her as a monster would she have the same right of being able to attack someone who attacked her? Do we not label animals who attack humans as evil? When they were simply protecting themselves? If we're going to play this game of moving the goal post then I guess we'll also remove innocent until proven guilty. But then that means you should be back in that cell…does it not?"

"You make..a good point…but I'd like to challenge it…if I may. We've never had..innocent until proven guilty…it's always been…guilty even after…proof of innocence…we live in a world…where many harbor…evil thoughts of those…even if the person…hasn't given them…a reason to do so. So, why…why can't we…the guilty ones…move things from time to time…to help our cause....They say I killed them…but I know the truth…will you…listen to my story…"

"You make a fine point, but the rules will stand regardless of opinion. Anybody who breaks the rules from here on out will be removed from Tournouá Tou Menos AND sent back home as a wanted criminal. Do I make myself clear?" Tournament stated before directing Servus #11836 to pick up the body.

"Why do you fear me? I felt as if we were so alike. I can tell you too have faced wrongful judgment. " The white haired man muttered to himself as his soulless red eyes stared on at Felichs.

A blizzard engulfed Felichs as the man walked closer and closer toward him. His hair was as white as his snow. Red eyes that, if opened, would show nothing but a hollow body. One that had long lost its soul. Skin as pale as a night-walker that yearns for the blood of its victims. All of this was covered in darkness as his attire consisted of only black clothing. One might notice him in passing, but if you did, his slow, almost methodical way of conversing with others would stick out. As he approached Felichs he softly gripped their shoulder and whispered in their ear:

"Don't let them…lead you astray…I can tell you also…have someone you care for…"

"It's odd, you know, you don't seem like the type to want to draw attention. So, why speak up?"

"It's not that I…don't want to be seen…more so…I choose when and where…to be seen…only IF...I find it necessary…"

"So, what? You tryna be a hero or somethin'?" Challenged Felichs.

"A hero? No, no…to be a hero…you have to be…pure-hearted…"

"I could challenge that, but I honestly don't care enough either. Nor do I feel it makes much of a difference. That's actually where you and I could see eye to eye. I also don't do it unless I feel it's necessary, or I guess, I should say positively benefits me.". 

"You're interesting…you remind me so much…of the one…you all call…Tournament…"

"We're alike? Tch, you could put us in the same outfit, mask and all, and we'd still be completely different. I'm nothing like that creep." Felichs whispered as they noticed Tournament and Servus carrying the body up the stairs. "Speaking of, just where do you think you're going?"

They decided to follow in pursuit, making sure to keep their distance. They continued up the stairs and down a long, dark hallway lined with pictures too dark to see.

Felichs immediately jumped behind a bookshelf.

"I figured you would follow me."

"Shit, shit, shit! How did they see me?!" Felichs panicked as they reached for their knife.

"Yuh said yuh'd brang me my brotha…now where's he at!?"

"Yes, yes, well you see, there's been a bit of a complication."

"And thatta be what exactly?"

"Well, I'm not fully in charge of the decision. I wanted to return him to you, but sadly I was out-voted by my colleagues from earlier."

"These the same putas who are keeping Viento from me?"

"Actually, no. It seems he's simply found an actual friend. You know, one more loyal than the wretched dog who constantly abandons and only looks out for herself."

"I'm sick and tired of your damn games, give me my brother back, then give me your head afterward!"

"Now I could've sworn I said no violence in this house did I not? No matter, I've also grown tired of your childish ways, and honestly your presence is making me sick."

"Now, now…I believe this is…what one refers to…as the pot which calls the kettle black…You continue to…peak my interest…such an odd one…you don't like violence…yet this girl…she makes you so…angry. Your eyes…they have that same look…that I had…those many years ago…"

"Pahaha, I guess you're right. I don't need to dirty my hands with a dog. Felichs my dear, you want your answers? Take care of that filth!"

"There are many other ways to get the answers I seek. Besides, even though she's an irritant, you have an issue with her, not me, so I'm not dirtying my hands for someone else's cause"

"Hmm, well, no matter, I said no violence anyways. I'm glad to see at least one person respects the rules set in place. With that said, I know someone who doesn't particularly care for rules."

"It seems that even the goddess…can be cruel…" grumbled the white-haired man

The smoke appeared but only one individual this time. He had bright, blonde hair with orange at its ends. A white mask with a yellow mark on it that, like his hair, resembled an explosion. He too adorned a white cloak capped off with fingerless gloves. His skin was just as pale as the white-haired individual. Maybe they were relatives. He seemed to be infatuated with explosives as even his orange nails had a similar marking that his mask had.

"BOOM! I told them you'd come around to it V! I'm so glad you've finally seen the light! Screw these damn rules! You have your chosen one, so let's just kill the rest of these idiots and get this show started already!"

"V…why does that sound so familiar?"

"Welllll, it's the twenty-second letter in the alphabet, duuuh yuh idiot!"

Felichs was about to respond before the white-haired man intervened.

"The Tristis incident…they were responsible…for the deaths…of one hundred…citizens of Sollicitus. I didn't think…for a second…the host of this tournament…would be so…famous…!"

"I'm flattered you know me so well, but don't underhand yourself, my dear. I hear you're pretty famous too…Mori of the Vermillion Eyes. That's a name that rang through Sollicitus."