Crowds of supportive girls sat in rows of benches. The gym doors open to let cool air to trickle in as sun shimmered across black patted flooring. White tape was neatly taped to outline the court on witch the match would take place. As another all girls school sat across the other side of the room.

Haruka sat on the lone bench for the fencing team . Facing across the court and diagonal to the crowd of fan girls she strapped her boots on. Her suit was the classic white with black jacket to show the chalk marks. For the schools still did not use the electronic suits to keep track the black will keep track of the chalk colors. She used spica colors to symbol the school she chose a light blue the other school would be a yellow.

As she stood the uniform on the back had Spica's school symbol on it as well. Her coach came over having her sword in hand. It was a épée meaning all was fair for a hit. Taking its twisted rose vine like handle she held it tightly in hand the Shield that guarded her hand was to look as though a blooming rose.

As she stood she smiled and waved at the crowd a few girls giggled a few looked away blushing but one face she did not see yet was that porcelain dolls. Looking at the clock 5 more minutes...tick tock she thought little Alice better hope down the rabbits hole soon.

Whereas the white rabbit would be exclaiming, "I'm late, I'm late!" right about now, Alice merely glided along leisurely like a phantom even without a Cheshire cat or Caterpillar to halt her, arms folded across her chest. The twin tails of a silken white bow that held to the back of a knee-high white dress fluttered behind her as she walked. A fancy dark gray sleeveless vest held tight to her chest, the topmost button left open purposely as to allow for being able to breath while defining her figure all the while. It wasn't so much a corset as it was more of an expensive equestrian vest. The gap of snowy skin that was left exposed said unbuttoned button wasn't too indecent; if she was caught wandering around like that in the daylight hours, she would surely get called to a long detention to receive many harsh verbal lashings from the head nun herself. Not that she couldn't charm herself out of such a situation, but she didn't want to even have to think of the possibility of having to spend more than a couple of minutes in the boring, dreary office being chewed out by a strict elderly woman. A pair of black heeled riding boots and thigh-high white socks finished off her outfit. All in all, she appeared more as if she was preparing to go riding a horse - albeit, in a dress - rather than attend a match. She would've worn her uniform, as would have been proper, but the material was heavy and she would rather like to feel the approaching autumn chill through a thinner fabric.

She let her mind wandered to the peculiar wolf she had encountered. An interesting character, that Haruka Kumori was. Perhaps a bit malicious though nothing less than a true predator. Alice found her intriguing to say the least. She wasn't sure why she had decided to show up in the end. A pull from the intrigue she summed it up to; she didn't really wish to be in the public eye too much, whether it simply be a face in the audience. When she freed herself from the blizzard of her thoughts, she was suddenly standing in front of the gymnasium. She had to blink for a moment before assuming her analytical position and entering. She slipped in much like a spider itself; silent and with grace with no attention drawn to the figure whatsoever. The silver bell around her neck couldn't keep from jingling quietly as she moved, although it was almost fully muffled by the fabric of her dress. Even with her snowy appearance being a dead give-away, she knew how to blend in to a crowd almost too well.

Frosted eyes soon located the crimson haired predator. Resting her sharp chin on the back of a folded hand, she let her icy orbs focus on her, analyzing all through the shield of her metaphorical ice.

Ah there was her little rabbit. Nodding a head of acknowledgement and a playful wink as she lifted her head. Another girl came up holding Haruka's helmet blushing as she held it out to the taller girl. Amused and rather happy to see Alice had chosen to come she figured shed please the little deer that brought her helmet taking it into her free hand she leaned over whispered a few sweet words and lay a kiss on the smaller school girls cheek. Which in turn had the small her blushing more and retreating back to her seat to tell friends of what just happened.

Giving one last look with a rather naughty smirk placed across her lips to Alice she let her face soon be hidden by the mask as the match began she took her stance. The match started and much like a odd yet beautiful dance Haruka moved heal toe, heal toe. Back and forward the two girls made there moved with much force and grace. And suddenly Haruka lunged forward the sword in hand touching the other girls chest.

" Point!"

Was yelled by the referee. This went on for a while both making points yet in the end Spica had won. A helmet was slide away from winners head crimson hair flipped crystals of sweat from her face as she smiled and held her sword of in honor to the school, and in honor of her self for winning a grin was placed upon her face if not simply to look nice for the photos that were taken. Soon after school girls praised her and photos where taken. Haruka slipped away finding the frozen girl in the crowd she took the girls frosty hand and slipped out of the building.

Soon they found each other behind the building hidden away from prying eyes Haruka spoke clearly but quietly. " Be a sweet and watch out for me."

Lowering she picked up a gym bag that had been hiding. Unzipping it there lay a few articles of clothing. Soon the jacket riddled with chalk marks were removed and so was an undershirt, nothing but bandages where left hiding every inch of her torso. Throwing on a black tank top she stood .

Iced eyes narrowed a bit, not in irritation, but in amusement, at the crimson haired girl's actions. How she interacted with the mousy girl, too, amused the spider. Such easy prey some girls were. Although Alice merely preyed for the satisfaction of breaking the foolish teeny toy hearts in the end. It was sadistic, but she got no satisfaction out of weak declarations or petty schoolgirl romances; no, it was the face of a broken-hearted girl whom had cocooned herself so tightly in the projection of a mere few sugary words and caresses that she loved throughout her predatory games. Yet she had fallen in love herself in the end, contradicting her own ways. She wondered why this predator chose to prey. What was the reason for her predatory drive, why she enjoyed being a wolf, as was her motif.

She couldn't think too much longer, for the match soon started. It seemed as if the match was in Haruka's favor the whole way through, excluding the points the opponent had made. Spica had taken this victory. Alice didn't have much time to react before her hand was soon taken and she was lead outside of the building. A swirl of white silk flurried like snow after her. At the quiet order that was given, Alice let out a soft sound of amusement and crossed her arms across her chest coolly, leaning up against the wall and keeping her gaze obediently on the surrounding area. Not to say that her eyes didn't wander to the wolf once or twice. She was a bit intrigued by the bandages, but decided it not proper to ask. At least not now. Once the girl had finished, she spoke:

"A wonderful match, miss Kumori. Although it appears as if it was in your favor the whole time." A smirk flashed briefly across her frosty lips. She never really paid attention much to the art of fencing, but it was kind of like a dance in itself, she could conclude, except instead of cooperating, both were opposed. It was as aggressive as it was graceful, yet it did have a sort of elegance to it.

A smirk held to her lips as she slipped a long red shirt on it ended just above her knees. " That match was easy,I knew my opponent moves well, but- thank you for noticing. "

Soon the white pants fell and soon was replaced by black tight pants. Ripped across the legs a red fabric was sowed in to cover what would be bare skin. Soon with a black jacket was placed on across shoulders it only was as low as the top of Haruka's torso. Sliding red cloves on she twirled on her heal to bring her face to face with Alice.

She boldly stepped close and held the others chin playfully. " So, how shall I thank you for coming to my match Ms Himeno. "

She grinned playfully as eyes stayed narrowed in a teasing flirtatious way. " I was thinking I'd take you out to a ice cream parlor. "

The gloved thumb was glided over cool lips " Though that might sound to much like a date. "

Her grin soon closed to become a smirk.

"There is no need to thank me, miss Kumori." The widow spun her words with her usual monotonous tone, yet there was an edge of playfulness to them that reflected briefly through the frost of her ghostly blue eyes.

So bold this predator was. Flirtatious, of course, as well, although Alice was never phased by flirtations of others; it was just part of the game of playing with a fellow predator. She wondered how long this wolf could entertain her for. Though a spider, even a poisonous one, must always exercise consciousness when playing with a wolf - both were known mischief-makers, yet it was a wolf who did lead little red riding hood astray.

"Besides," she continued with a hint of a smirk herself, "there would be so many little flowers that would give anything to even hear those words from someone like you."

The ghost of a smirk that had been playing at the edge of her snowy lips blossomed into a slightly more obvious one as she glossed off her playful words by stepping closer to the crimson haired predator and reaching up with an icy hand to briefly caress her cheek. She let the cool touch trickle down the side of the wolf's neck before letting it fall away.

" careful "

The word left her huskily as she felt cold fingers trickle down her neck. This girl was indeed a perfect match to bad she already have a love...though ..best that idea stay secret, if thought about she might just let it slip. Besides there was still much Haruka could do with out crossing that bridge. As the hand left Haruka leaned in lips where only a thread or so apart from one another. " I dont hold back often. "

Pulling away she turned away from the girl raising hands playfully in a retreat. " If there is no need to thank you then why not we go out to just simply get to know one another. After all "

Her gaze was thrown over her shoulder " You dont seem like the type to get out much you might just have fun "

A wink was given as arms were dropped. Haruka could truly be the playful boyfriend type when she felt like it.

Alice produced a single chuckle at the playful warning. Neither did she, if really provoked to play. She might be a figure of grace and poise, but restraint wasn't always her virtue.

She pondered over the proposal. True, it wasn't often she got out. Her environment right now was just Astrea and Astrea itself, excluding the Himeno manor. Though getting to know this fellow predator, hmm. Usually predators just wished to play and be off on their solitary ways, not acquaint each other with formalities. An interesting soul, this wolf was.

"You might have my consent, miss Kumori." The snowy spider had unconsciously fallen into her usual position. She did want to know about this wolf more, she would admit. Maybe not too sincerely, but she did wish to know how she worked and went about her predatory nature. So far her encounters with predators had been nothing but physical, how would a more social one go? The slight smirk on her lips softened a little but didn't fade entirely as icy eyes watched the intriguing girl.

Excitement for this was indeed shown by Haruka she wasn't like most predators, when she was happy or having fun she wouldn't hide it, shed just use it to her advantage. Allowing her self to turn back she did a little back track, after all shed have to fetch her playmate. Allowing her gloved hands extend she took gasp of porcelain ones.

She took a slow lead so that they almost walked togeather as they made there way through the three sister schools brick pathways, Haruka had allowed it to be silent after all she knew what type of character Alice was already, and that was the quite type, which usually meant they were a bit shy, but she routed that in this case. Silence went on until they reached the gate turning her let her hands slip from the others. " Let me call us a ride,that or we could take the train. "

Flipping out her phone she looked to the other with a raised eye brow. " which would you be more comfortable with my deer? "

She was as of now playing the part of the perfect boyfriend it was the one role of which seemed to work best as she gave the other a sweet confident smile. Though...if anyone that really knew her saw this...they may have trouble...with telling it apart from one of her rolls or was it really a glimpse of what they hadn't seen for years...happiness? Ah probably not.

Alice enjoyed the silence as she walked with the wolf. She confined herself to her thoughts, strolling along the metaphorical threads of her silken web. It was holding the wolf well for now, yet she could still sever the delicate silk whenever she pleased. Whether she fell or not too was entirely up to where she had to cut the threads. Suddenly, a question was asked, pulling the widow from her thoughts. It appeared as if they had already reached the front gates.

"If it is not too much trouble, miss Kumori, may you call a ride?"

She didn't want to burden her, yet after mingling with a crowd of people once already today, she didn't feel too open about doing it again. Spiders rarely ever made an appearance in the public eye, and if they did, it was best to slip away unnoticed before attention was called to them. Not to say that crowds made her anxious, she just wasn't used to so many people condensed in one place. Which was uncanny, however, since whenever the Himeno manor would host a ball or gathering, there would be nothing but people. Mostly wealthy men and their wives; rarely ever persons of her age. Maybe that was it.

The smile that the wolf gave Alice made a small note of. It seemed of sincerity, yet one couldn't always draw to a perfect conclusion when dealing with a predator. She offered a very slight rare raise of a corner of her lips in return as she waited for a course of action.

Nodding she dialed a number. " Yes , at Astraea , alright..thank you. "

She hung up sliding her phone back into her pocket. " unless they get lost they will be here in 3 "

She stretched her back and a thunderstorm of pops and cracks entered the air. Smiling in satisfaction she looked back to her guest. " So,Ms Himeno I do hope you like Ice cream."

She moved slightly closer to the girl as they waited she looked out to the hill watching for any sign of a vehicle, soon enough something shined in her eyes a taxi made its way up and parked honking twice as to announce its presence. Placing a hand across Alices back right between the girls shoulder blades pushing lightly she made sure a knuckle applied pressure to the spine, not one of discomfort one to test something. Haruka was determine to find a few need to know spots. Besides if she got a reaction at all it would be entertaining. Pushing the other lightly forward they walked to the taxi she opened the door for Alice as slide ger hand away. " Ladies first. "

The widow offered a nod. She almost wanted to chuckle a little when the other cracked her back. It reminded her briefly of her pink haired partner; the tomboy had done similar a few times. Brushing the thought out of her mind, she gave a graceful wave of an ivory hand. "I suppose you are in luck that I do."

At least she was pretty sure she liked ice cream. It had been a while, actually, since she had last had it. Soon the taxi had arrived. Though before the spider could act, a hand suddenly contacted her back, pressing on an area. Snowy lips parted ever so slightly yet no sound issued out nor did her expression change. That satisfaction wouldn't be given. Finally, a chuckle managed to escape at the other's words, and the spider slid elegantly in to the taxi seat after thanking her, moving over as to allow the girl to have plenty of room to get in herself.

It felt kind of strange to be going off-campus with another predator, but not unwelcomed. While not one for social outings or hanging out, if the opportunity to acquaint oneself with a fellow predator presented itself, it was beneficial to take it, no matter what the form it took. Most predatory beings were more loners, although, it didn't hurt to become a bit familiar about the ones whom you shared territory with, even if that territory included a different sister school, for there was no rivalry school barrier for prey. Besides, what was a little acquaintanceship between predatory girls? It never hurt to familiarize yourself, even if just a little, with your competition, or perhaps, partner in predation.

Getting into the taxi she told the diver where to go as she closed the door.

* Skip *

Getting to the cafe the taxi slowed to a stop letting both girls out. As they stepped up to the cafe it was ..a little...different. The sign on the door said ice cream in the new way . Another sign said dry ice ice cream only here. There were neon blue lights as you walked in black leather couches and a lot of glass decor met their eyes. Going up to the mixing station as they called it she looked at the unique flavors , such as sea sault and cotton candy as well as coconut and lychee . The mixings of flavors were odd but creative.

" I'll have your lychee and coconut. "

Looking back at the snowy girl she smiled " And shell have the strawberry white chocolate and honey. "

Winking back to the spider she watched as a cold foster smoke drifted over the glass bar table as the ice cream was made they it was swirled into a actual ice glass and handed to Haruka her gloved hands took both the ice cups in hand and she grabbed two spoons. " Ta da "

There was a reason why she wore gloves today she smirked but soon glided her eyes to her poker and looked back at Alice " there's a pair just for you if its to cold. "

The cafe certainly was an interesting one. Neon and glass enfolded almost everywhere one were to look. It was as colorful as it was vibrantly artistic. Alice found the decor quite interesting. A mix between a modern flare and a neon retro sort of feel. The snowy widow felt a bit old fashioned and out of place here, like she was a noblewoman from the eighteenth century - perhaps even an elegant character from an old black and white television show come to life - walking into a more modern backdrop. Something about that thought made her want to chuckle as she stepped up with the girl to the mixing station. She felt so suspended in time now; like the world was changing so fast before she even had a chance to react. Or at least that was how one would feel if they never got out much to see the world.

She waited beside the girl as she ordered, flashing a slight smirk when she was addressed. Her head tilted slightly like a curious cat as she observed how the ice cream was made and how it looked. How peculiar. Ah, she really didn't get out often. The next words elicited a soft sound of amusement from the widow.

"Thank you, my dear, although I am sure I will be fine." Her words came out almost playfully, whether she wished them to or not. It wasn't like she was invulnerable to the cold, but being of a cool temperature herself, the cold didn't bother her much as heat did.

She chuckled nodding as she gave the ice cream to Alice. She guided the other to a table as sat down crossing her legs neatly watching the other as she sat, she took a spoon to the frosty treat. Picking up a spoon full of the sweet treat she let it enter her lips pulling the spoon slowly from them ' I wonder if this is how she tastes.' she thought as her tongue glided between now cooled lips. Her gaze left her icy cup over to the other girl a bit of a eye roll happened not meaning to be rude, rather amused. " Are we going to get to know our ice cream before we eat it ? Because if so I just insulted mine "

Smirking she thought Alice liked ice cream yet maybe that was a tad bit of a fib " They do have other treats, I can get you a strawberry cake or chocolate moose. "

She sweetly added to her playful comment. Taking another spoon full she continued to enjoy her treat as she looked at her company, she actually was looking forward to seeing what happened was this Alices first time having Ice cream, though she said she liked the cold treat now Haruka wasn't sure. And if she did why wait to taste it.





Sorry for the power play .. Figure Alice would take a moment before eating . Sorry .