Fin Another Door PV Raizel

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❂《 ⌜ March 17, 2024 ▎ Before Curfew ⌟

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This room was once a place of comfort but now, it brought nothing but horrible memories. Memories of failures more than she could count, of loses more than wins and those words of her grandmother that had become more prominent in her mind.

I doubt you have enough magic capabilities in you to handle it nor be competent enough for it.

If she were a pureblood then I do believe that she has a future for greatness.

The grip on her satchel’s strap grew tighter as those words echoed in her mind, playing like a broken record as she stared down on the door that she was so eager to open before every after class. She hated the fact that perhaps her grandmother was right. What had she accomplished during her time in duelling? Absolutely nothing. It’s frustrating yet she knows that she has to keep going, to prove her wrong. But she can’t drag the whole team with her, not when they tolerated her poor performance during duels. Thus, her, finally letting go of the sports despite not wanting to.

Until she knows she has grown stronger, especially when it comes to her spellcasting, then it’ll be for the best to stay away from it, find new things to do, try other ways to accomplish her goals. Since then, her usual routine of going to the Duelling Club had faded from her life. It was strange how her feet brought her here, how she stopped there as if something was urging her to take a quick look around again, like it was enticing her to come back. Raizel shook her head at the thought of coming back. No, not now at least. Still, since she’s here already, it wouldn’t hurt to take a look around for a bit, maybe even train for a couple of minutes.

Someone was already there when she entered, someone that she knows and hadn’t seen much ever since they had this short practice in this very room. Dealla Prince or Dee as what she had preferred to be called. Strong duellist, an amazing spellcaster, as far as Raizel could remember. She got a taste of her spell’s strength during their practice here when she was this eager wannabe duellist. The Gryffindor wondered if Dee saw her during the time she had watched her duel before, heck, does she even remember her at all?

The older student was still as strong as ever based on what she saw. That blast from her spell, Confringo was it? She had seen it in action, she took hits from it before, both from a certain Hufflepuff who had somehow become her favorite person to bother whenever she got tangled up in duelling situations. Raizel stepped inside, not a word was spoken just yet as she doesn’t want to disturb the practicing Ravenclaw, only stopping just a couple of distance from where she is. Dee still remains to be one of the people she looks up to when it comes to duelling, her admiration from the first time they met each other was still there and Dee did give her one of the tips that she still follows till this day: Speed is your friend.

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⌜ Another Door ⌟ | ⌜ WC: 536/200 ⌟
««««« Dialogue | #800000

INVENTORY

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Note: Pre-Graduation stats: Sta 6 | Eva 7 | Str 3 | Wis 8 | Arc 8 | Acc 8

For someone actively practicing witchcraft and wizardry, Dee was usually rather unwilling to believe in superstition and anything supernatural that didn't fall into the category of spell she could learn with her wand or potion she could brew. Yet she could swear she could usually feel a prickle when someone was watching her - which perhaps contributed to her uncanny dodging abilities - and it was no different this time, either. With the hair at the back of her neck rising, Dee paused, then turned to confront the silent watcher.

She blinked when she saw the brunette girl, standing a short distance away, then lowered her wand with a slightly derisive smile, although the expression was aimed more at herself than the Gryffindor. What was she doing - wallowing about how duelling had lost its magic, but then coming here on a Sunday night and practicing? It was a little pathetic, and she imagined that was visible to anyone paying attention, too. "Well, if it isn't little Miss Masochist," she greeted Raizel with a wink and a grin to take away from the sting of the comment. In all fairness - when they had met, she had offered the girl a practice match, fully expecting her to turn it down and surrender the practice dummy that had been Dee's real target. Instead, she had agreed, and proceeded to let Dee pummel her with several knockback jinxes. Had taken them like a champ, too, but it had made the former duelling captain severely doubt the Gryffindor's sanity.

Dee rolled her shoulders, than gestured at Raizel to come closer. "How's duelling been treating you? Are you here to volunteer to be a practice target again?" She jabbed her thumb over her shoulder at the dummy she had just aimed at. "I learned a few new spells, if you're interested."

@Raizel Voltrouz

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❂《 ⌜ March 17, 2024 ▎ Before Curfew ⌟

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It was no surprise that Dee would notice her even if she goes as quiet as possible and stares at her when Raizel was watching her cast that Confringo was probably a big give away that she was around. What she wasn’t expecting was that comment. ‘Little Miss Masochist.’ Okay, well, maybe she deserves that for she is the same person who keeps asking older people to duel with her before. Oh, she wasn’t afraid to get hurt, it’s part of the experience after all and she is desperate to get that experience, to get better and finally gain progress in her duelling career but sadly, there was no progress, not one bit.

The Gryffindor chuckled sheepishly at that remark, scratching the back of her head. That’s quite a greeting for someone that you probably haven’t seen in a while or had a talk like this ever since their first meeting but it’s better than no greetings at all and at least that told her that Dee does remember her along with her insanity. Who, in their right mind, would even agree on being a target practice for an older year student?

Her next question however, made her pause to think of how to respond to her. After being so enthusiastic about it during their first meeting, won’t it be a shame if she tells her that she had quit it? That it didn’t work out for her? Yes but Dee is a smart girl. Even without telling her she would know, especially when her smile was forced as she replied. “It was great.” It was at first, until she found out the hard way that she wasn’t cut out for it, that it was draining more of her faltering sanity.

“Well, if you need another target practice, then sure why not.” That was more so to change the topic as she isn’t sure if she is ready to talk about it and new spells always fascinates her, even if it means making herself a target. At least this time, she has somewhat of a goal, and that’s to measure how far she was from the duellists that she aspired to be. Dee was one of her role models, along with Bea and Lea. She is still hoping that maybe she could be like them although that hope of hers is slowly diminishing until there is nothing left. She dropped her things on the side, her satchel and positioned herself just before the older Ravenclaw.

“As always, give me your best shot.” Raizel said as she prepared for the worst thing that could happen. If she isn’t able to avoid the spell, then the best thing she could do is brace herself for the impact of whatever spell it was. Her expression was blank, perhaps a bit of exhaustion present due to her constant misfortune as she stood there. If this was her during the first year, she would be grinning and eager to challenge herself against Dee. She still likes a good challenge, a thrilling activity. It’s the only thing that’s keeping her alive but that enthusiastic girl from before is already gone. She only wears the mask of her former self.

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««««« Dialogue | #800000

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You could say many things about Dee - really, many things had been said about her, some more flattering, some less - but few would call her sensitive, or intuitive when it came to other people's emotions. But all her teasing aside, she hadn't really expected Raizel to volunteer as a guinea pig once again, and the words with which she accepted Dee's mocking offer were enough to tip even this specific former duelling captain off that something was not right. She'd wanted banter, teasing, something to break the oppressive silence around her. Instead she'd gotten Raizel, offering herself up like a lamb for slaughter.

Frowning, Dealla let her wand sink, scrutinising the second year with sharp blue eyes. The Gryffindor seemed braced for impact, muscles tense, as if she just expected Dee to start firing spells at her. Aside from the fact that Dee hadn't actually been serious, Raizel would never dodge any spells with her muscles locked up like that, but it seemed like the wrong moment to point that out. "There are more than enough dummies around this time," Dealla observed, an eyebrow raised. "And I don't actually think you enjoy pain that much."

She paused, considering whether she should dance around it - be friendly, sit down with the girl, offer some chocolate - but she'd never been the type for those things. More likely to offer sarcasm than comfort, Dee was the type for biting honesty rather than honeyed words. So rather than mince her words, she decided to go ahead with her favourite, tried and true approach: Waltzing ahead with all the subtlety of an Erumpent explosion. "There's something wrong. You might as well come out with it, especially if your alternative idea is to volunteer for a beating. And don't bother trying to lie to me, or I will actually blow you up."

@Raizel Voltrouz

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❂《 ⌜ March 17, 2024 ▎ Before Curfew ⌟

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The Gryffindor let out a grin and then a chuckle. “No, not really but I have gotten used to it considering what I do as a pastime.” She said as she recalled those countless times she had challenged people for duels back when she was just starting out her duelling career. Almost everyday she would march here, to the duelling club, asking anyone for a duel just so she could get the hang of it, gain experience, and get better. Her pain tolerance might’ve gotten higher but she can’t say the same for her duelling skills which was disappointing. She eased up since the older girl does have a point. There are plenty of dummies around to practice on.

She thought she would be part of the duelling team till graduation but no. She didn’t even make it past the second stage, quitting when she only participated in two official duels. Those two duels however, was enough to make her realize how awful she was at it and she can’t keep dragging her team down with her incompetence. A hard decision that was… giving up her favorite sport. Not to mention, it somehow felt like her grandmother was right all along. She can never be great at it.

Dee pointing out that something is wrong was surprising. Was it that obvious? Did she let it show on her face? Either way, the older Ravenclaw is onto something and she can’t even deny that since that’ll risk her being blown up by her. But when did risks scare Raizel though? She wouldn’t have done those duelling sprees if she was. She thought about it, her gaze shifting from the older student and then to the ground.

‘Nothing is wrong, I’m fine.’ she wanted to say that, she had said that a couple of times by now if anyone asked so it should be easy to say it this time as well… right? Even without that threat of being blown up by a powerful student, she couldn’t for some reasons, maybe not to Dee. “What gave that out?” Raizel asked with a chuckle. “It’s not really that big of a deal though. Not even worth talking about.” she shrugged.

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⌜ Another Door ⌟ | ⌜ WC: 367/200 ⌟
««««« Dialogue | #800000

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Dee pursed her lips, watching the kid with blue eyes that were somewhere between thoughtful and suspicious. The chuckle seemed real enough, but it seemed to echo oddly - an undertone that didn't quite ring true. She couldn't put her finger on hit but something... something about this felt familiar. Something about the tension in Raizel's shoulders. That tilt to her chin. It felt like... it felt like standing in an empty duelling club, casting knockback jinxes until her arms were shaking. Both fearing and waiting for the moment one would backfire on her. Raizel felt brittle in a way that Dee recognised all too well.

What gave that out, the Gryffindor asked, and Dee made no effort to hide her eyeroll. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe the fact that you look like I'm about to lead you to the chopping block," she mimed a slashing motion with her wand, "and you don't look nearly as excited about it as last time." Which would have been concerning in its own right, but in a very different way than Raizel's expression right now. During their first encounter, the girl had been excited enough that Dee had imagine she was seeing sparks coming off of her. She'd taken three Flipendos to the chest and called it thrilling. There was none of that spark now.

Dee snorted. "Didn't I tell you I'd blow you up if you lied to me? Get ready to dodge, then." The little Z shape was coming to her naturally at this point, but this time the incantation was accompanied by a grin. "Confringo."

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I don't remember my old stats sorry But I don't think it would have changed the outcome.
Dee casts Confringo! WDC 17
Wis: [d20: 16] + 15 = 30
Acc: [d20: 14] + 20 = 34
Eva: [d20: 19] + 8 = 27

With needle-sharp precision, Dee's spell struck... approximately a meter from Raizel's feet, exactly where she'd aimed, rather than going for the girl directly, as she didn't expect the Gryffindor would have been able to dodge in time. The explosion wasn't large but impressive enough, splinters flying, and Dee's grin widened. "That's an upgrade from Flipendo, don't you think? So..." She levelled her wand at Raizel again. "Care to tell me why you don't have stars in your eyes right now at the thought of some day learning this spell?"

@Raizel Voltrouz

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❂《 ⌜ March 17, 2024 ▎ Before Curfew ⌟

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There was another chuckle from her and then turning into a brief laughter, finding the older girl’s response… a bit hilarious. Perhaps a little morbid but still hilarious in its own way. It was disappointing to know that she had lost the spark in those brown eyes of hers though, even more so when the Ravenclaw took notice of it. The moment that Dee had told her she had new spells to try, First Year her would be jumping for joy. She would've stood there with that excitement in her eyes and while she would still offer herself up as a target practice to have a closer look, it would've been for the thrill of it and for the hope of learning it herself in the future. It wasn't the case this time around. “Excitement aside, I’m still interested in them.” She responded. “In anycase, I’m fine.” She insisted as always but she knew she couldn't keep this act for too long. Not when she's facing Dealla Prince.

It ended as early as it started with the Ravenclaw seeing through her lies. Just as what she was expecting. She let out a nervous grin just as she saw Dee raise her wand, its tip pointed at her with the older girl ready to unleash the consequence of her choices. She drew a symbol that wasn't much of a stranger to Raizel all thanks to her unique encounters with it before and of course, with that knowledge comes the memory of how much it would hurt if she just stands there and does nothing. There was no point in trying. This was the same person that shot her with three Flipendos that didn't miss her. No matter how she tried to avoid those spells, how she urged her legs to dodge, she would still get hit by them. While she knew how pointless it was, she had still made an effort to avoid it.

And then there was pain.

One minute she was trying to take a step back and try to avoid the incoming spell, the next she was looking at the floor catching her breath and bearing the pain from that explosive attack. “As powerful as ever…” she uttered with another chuckle escaping her. That one didn't change, she still finds herself laughing at the ridiculous situation she finds herself in. But lately, those laughter weren't for her trying to fight the fear building up but rather for how pathetic she was, a way to mock herself. Dee's power and duelling skills, the spell she had just used and possibly more under her sleeve… she wished she could have the same. As mentioned before, Dealla Prince was one of her ideal duellists, ideal witch. Smart, strong, sassy and pretty cool. Who wouldn't wish to be like her? She was her goal, a person to chase after, to be like her and she tried by working on her own spellcasting and other essentials to be just as good as her, not just in terms of duelling. But instead of getting closer to that ideal image of a powerful witch, she had strayed farther than what she had anticipated. How? She doesn't know. How her hard work turned into nothing… that too she doesn't know.

“Definitely an upgrade.” She agreed. Those Flipendos she took were nothing compared to this. Still, she had to remain standing and that is what she did. The next question thrown at her was enough to make her smile but not that of a happy one. “What do you mean? I’m still looking forward to learning it.” The Gryffindor said as she stood up straight, acting as if that Confringo didn't hurt at all when it did, like a lot. “Who wouldn't be excited to get a spell as powerful as that?” Her words were more meant to convince herself rather than the person before her.

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««««« Dialogue | #800000

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Note: Sorry Dee, tatsu said she should lie more.

Dee's eyes widened, shocked, when Raizel just continued to stand there, not even moving to dodge. She hadn't hit the Gryffindor, she was sure of it and her aim had been true, but she'd expected her to at least take half a step backwards before the explosion struck the floor near her. That must have hurt like a bitch, but Raizel hadn't even made a sound. "What is wrong with you?" she demanded even as she started forward to check on the young duellist, her wand still raised half-threateningly.

But whatever she'd expected to see or hear when she came to a halt in front of Rai, it hadn't been the dry chuckle, accompanied by flat words. Dee stopped short, stricken. "This isn't funny," she said, after a long pause of trying to find the right words. The situation felt surreal. She brushed a strand of hair from her face, feeling helpless. "Flipendo is one thing, but taking a Confringo to the chest could seriously hurt you. You're meant to dodge when I point my wand at you. Did your instincts just completely abandon you?"

With her heartbeat finally calming, Dee shook her head, then took Raizel by the shoulder to spin her around, checking for damage. There were some superficial cuts, mostly in her clothes, some had hit skin, but she was extra glad now she'd chosen to aim a semi-safe distance away. Overall, it didn't seem too bad, but she was still shaken enough to raise her wand once again. "Reparifors," she cast, watching the cuts close with a critical eye, then turned back to Raizel herself, eyes narrowing. Her wand was still pointed at the girl, so she just raised it a little more, nudging the point at the Gryffindor's neck. "What happened to you?" she demanded. Now that her worry had been assuaged, she could feel anger slowly flood her body, but it left as quick as it came with the next realisation. "You seem... hopeless."

The words struck her because they rang true, an observation astute enough to be unusual for Dee, who usually only spared enough attention for herself and those closest to her, everyone else passing by in her periphery. It was different, because looking at Raizel, she recognised something in herself; the reason she was here on a Sunday night instead of hanging out with her friends in the first place. Even though she really didn't want to be here at all, even though everything about this place made her feel wrong in her skin, trapped and panicked and fighting for air. "Why are you here? Right now, I mean," she asked, her voice soft, eyes searching. "And stop lying, you're terrible at it, and I'll make you regret it."

@Raizel Voltrouz

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❂《 ⌜ March 17, 2024 ▎ Before Curfew ⌟

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What is wrong with you?

She wanted to know the answer to that as well.

This isn’t funny.

It wasn’t, yet all she could do was laugh and smile at her own misfortunes, knowing full well that was the only thing she could do. To bear it and grin. Even as Dee healed her all she could do was let out a soft chuckle. “I did try to dodge.” Raizel said to her. “I was just… slow to react.” She continued, checking herself as well and boy was she glad for that healing spell that Dee has. They do prove to be useful in certain situations.

You seem… hopeless.

There was a pause as she searched for what to answer, to ponder whether to come clean or not, to keep lying to herself that she’s alright and in turn, to lie to Dee. She opened her mouth to speak but no words came after. Instead, she gritted her teeth, the smile that she used to mask everything just breaking in that instant, replaced by one filled with frustration and despair. When she looked back up, a sad smile formed on her face. “It’s because I am.” She finally admitted with a shaky voice before letting out a mocking laughter. There was no merit to continue lying, especially when Dee already pointed out how bad of a liar she was which was kind of true as well as wouldn’t want to be at the end of what Dee will do to her if she continues to lie on her face and fail at it.

“Wouldn’t you feel the same way when you feel like you are stuck in one place? Despite how hard you are trying… you are not going anywhere?” Raizel sighed, sitting down on the floor. Of course, she wouldn’t understand because unlike her, Dee was already on top. She had already gotten somewhere. She was already amazing and her? She couldn’t even win a single duel. That kind of speaks for where she was at right now, at the bottom compared to others who continue to excel.

“To be honest, I don’t know why I still ended up here when I already quit duelling.” Raizel told her with a wince. It still felt awful how she ended up quitting something that she had loved but with how things were going, it was the only option she had. Maybe finding another hobby would be good for her but what else is there for her to do when it’ll have the same ending as this one. “But I guess I still have to keep at it if I want to reach my goals.” Exhausting but what else does she have?

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««««« Dialogue | #800000

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