<blockquote><div><cite>Mindy wrote:</cite><span style="font-style: italic">~Y-you mean it’s not weird for predators to spit up who they’ve eaten? I thought that predators here kept their food down until it was finished. ~<br/><br/>~Are you sure it wouldn’t look bad? You just mentioned that anyone trying to eat you can be fined by the Sogluyem.~</span></div></blockquote><br/><span style="font-style: italic">~It's more common than you'd think, actually,~</span>Soma says.<span style="font-style: italic">~Some preds like to bring their meals back up for an extra taste or three before they finish the job. It happens by accident, too- a lot of street brawls end like ours, with friends in each other's stomachs. Most of them spit up once whatever ate their friend is digested.~</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">~Besides, it's not like you're going to do it in the middle of the hallway,~</span>she adds, just in case that crazy thought<span style="font-style: italic">had</span>crossed her amateur pred friend's mind.<span style="font-style: italic">~If you can't afford a room, then go and do it by one of the slave posts; nobody ever pays attention to those. If  anyone </span>does<span style="font-style: italic"> ask, I'll just say you were borrowing me. Okay?~</span><br/><br/><blockquote><div><cite>Mindy wrote:</cite><span style="font-style: italic">~Soma, you mentioned that you entered yourself as Jess’ property. If the Sogluyem bring this rule back, couldn’t they potentially confiscate you? ~</span></div></blockquote><br/><span style="font-style: italic">~Confiscate me? Not likely,~</span>Soma replies.<span style="font-style: italic">~They'd have to catch me interfering with a match first, and I know better.~</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">~These rules only cover the events,~</span>Yuki elaborates.<span style="font-style: italic">~If you're worried about causing trouble outside of the pit, read the visitor rules. Really, though, they're just as bad..~</span><br/><br/><blockquote><div><cite>Mindy wrote:</cite><span style="font-style: italic">~Jess, did you see any new names on the roster?~</span></div></blockquote><br/><span style="font-style: italic">~You mean like new contestants? Oh yeah, the roster's full of 'em,~</span>Jess answers.<span style="font-style: italic">~It's totally packed down here, too. This whole tournament thing really has people going!~</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">~Speaking of going, shouldn't you be downstairs getting ready to "cheer" Jess?~</span>Yuki asks.<br/><br/>A vaguely head-shaped bulge appears under Mindy's skin as her last conscious occupant sits bolt upright with a cry of alarm.<span style="font-style: italic">~Oh jeez, you're right! Mindy, how close are you to downing those quickies?~</span><br/><br/><blockquote><div><cite>Mindy wrote:</cite><span style="font-style: italic">~I’m about to take the quickies, Soma. Are you ready?~</span></div></blockquote><br/><span style="font-style: italic">~Just about... oof.~</span>A series of kicks and jabs from within shake Mindy's belly as Soma braces herself for the impending tumult.<span style="font-style: italic">~ Okay, I'm set. Go for it.~</span><br/><br/><br/><br/><blockquote><div><cite>Geno wrote:</cite>"<span style="font-style: italic">Hold on! Why would a murderer like you care about the Pact at all? I'm the one who will be killing you in the name of the Pact, here. Are you trying to make a mockery of me!?</span>"</div></blockquote><br/>"<span style="font-style: italic">...</span>" Shara responds. For a moment, the redheaded mage is left speechless, stunned by Geno's own invocation of the Pact. It seems as if she, too, might be re-assessing her opponent...<br/><br/>But only for a moment.<br/><br/>"<span style="font-style: italic">HA!</span>" Shara barks back, with a laugh as bitter and arrogant as any Geno's every heard. "<span style="font-style: italic">YOU, a Pact warrior? What kind of imbecile do you take me for? No Pact-abiding citizen would walk the streets in such a hideous form displaying that shameless bulge...</span>" She points accusingly to the dome of Geno's stomach where the remains of the courtyard harpy are still gurgling away. "<span style="font-style: italic">In fact, I doubt your tainted dragon mind could even comprehend the Guardian's Pact if it were written out before yoouuu...</span>"<br/><br/>Shara's voice wavers as the wrapped man grabs her cloak's collar and, with a casual wave to Geno, begins towing his companion in the direction of the staircases. Shara continues to point at Geno as she stumbles along, shouting accusations all the while.<br/><br/>"<span style="font-style: italic">This isn't over, dragon! I Shara Dumont, swear to vanquish you for the good of the Pact nation! In the name of Rub-</span>"<br/><br/>Whatever name Shara was about to invoke is cut short as she and her companion vanish from sight into the stadium above.<br/><br/><br/><br/><blockquote><div><cite>Alyssa wrote:</cite><span style="font-style: italic">~Five of us gathered at the registrar without speaking is likely to raise suspicions... or, they might try to fine us for loitering.~</span></div></blockquote><br/>Alyssa is right in her concern: sure enough, the desk attendant is watching with some curiosity (and possibly a bit of annoyance) as five nearly mute acquaintances pass the rules amongst themselves, apparently speaking through meaningful glances. Noticing Alyssa's attention, she perks up.<br/><br/>"Is there anything else I can help you with?" she asks, her eyes flitting between her potential customers and the abandoned novella resting spine-up at her side. It's not difficult to guess which she'd rather be paying attention to right now.