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Description
One Last Dream: Spectator Entry

Innocent Sin: Part 1

_______________________________________________________________

Life is not always fair.  It can punish the innocent and reward the wicked.  Some have it easy whereas others must face hardships to no end.  The rich become richer while the poor become poorer.  It is cruel and spurs inequality beyond measure, especially when one is at the wrong place at the wrong time.

_______________________________________________________________

It was an innocent mistake.  It wasn't supposed to happen like this.  I was trying to help.  Why did everything go wrong?

I did everything I supposed to do, so why is everything falling apart?  Why?  Why? Why?!

This was never supposed to happen.  It wasn't supposed to end like this...

_______________________________________________________________

A mixed feeling of misery, relief, and guilt were flooding through Karoline as she helped Erian walk to the hospital.  Misery from the fact she lost so easily and quickly, along with the fact she had to take the back seat in the events to come.  Relief since she wouldn't have to worry about becoming the Queen of the Dimension of Dreams.  Royalty never mixed well with her for some reason.  Finally, guilt now that Erian will be forced to continue fighting in the tournament and how the blow she had dealt to Erian seemed to be affecting her.

It was a slow walk to the hospital, but at least her newfound friend didn't take it personally.  That, and injury didn't seem to be anything permanent.

"How you hangin' in there, Wraps?  You doin' alright?"  Karoline asked with a hint of guilt.

"I will survive, Ms. Karoline.  There is no need to worry, I will recover from my injury."  Erian responded, picking up Karoline's guilt.  "Though, I must thank you."

"Thank me? For what, Wraps?"  Confusion lacing in Karoline's voice and face.

"For reminding me something that someone I know told me and getting my act together.  I would likely have given up if you had not."  She explained, instantly regretting the last sentence with its wording.

However, the blind priestess had nothing to worry about as the taller blind girl gave a sincere smile and said, "It's no trouble, Wraps.  I wasn't about to let Akuma talk to you like that, and someone had to put that prick in his place.  Besides, what are friends for?"

"Friends?" A hint of confusion was laden in Erian's voice.  "But we just met."

"Just 'cause we just met doesn't mean we can't be.  You looked like you needed one anyway."  The younger's devil may care grin returning to her face once again as she helped Erian walk through the hospital door.  "We blind girls gotta stick together after all."

A small smile crept onto Erian's face as she listened to Karoline's simple answer.  How she could be so trusting to someone she just met was surprising, but rather touching all the same.  Perhaps this place won't be so bad while she was here now that she had a friend here.

"And remember, if Akuma or anyone starts to talk crap to you or decides to give you trouble, don't hesitate to ask.  I'll make sure they know not to mess with any friend of mine."  Karoline proclaimed as she pumped her free fist into the air with a mischievous glint in her eyes.  "Now, let's get you a bed and have the doc to have a look at ya'."

Yeah, it definitely wouldn't be so bad.

_______________________________________________________________

"She does not appear to have any permanent damage to her spine from your fight."  Fiver said with disinterest as he wrote on his clipboard.  "She will be fine after drinking the medicine I've given her and a good night's sleep.  Now if you'll excuse me, there are other patients that need my attention."  Not even looking up from his clipboard as he went to check upon one of the more seriously injured patients.

"Not much tender loving care from that doc, that's for sure.  All he needs is a cane, a limp, and an addiction to pain medication and we've got ourselves Doctor House."  Karoline muttered as she did 'watched' Fiver walk off.

"Who is this 'House' you speak of?"  Erian asked, not understanding the reference.

"I'm guessing you've never heard of television before, or at least bothered with one.  I doubt you'd get the reference if you didn't get it from the get go."  Karoline shrugged as she explained.

"Anyway, you think you can last the night without me, Wraps?"  Karoline asked in a concerned tone.

"I shall be alright staying the night here, Ms. Karoline.  The concern is appreciated though."  The injured blind girl replied.

"If you're sure."  The music lover's tone still hesitant to leave the other alone. "I'll be sure to drop by tomorrow with some real food from the cafe.  Believe me, hospital food isn't exactly something you'd serve at a five star restaurant, if you catch my drift."

"Thank you, Ms. Karoline, for everything."  Giving a respectful bow in her bed to show her thanks to her new friend.

"No trouble, Wraps, it's what friends do.  I'll catch ya' in the mornin'."  She said as she got up and walked toward the door.  She may have lost the tournament in the first round, but she made some friends and helped one of them out of a rut.  Food and drink were provided and entertainment came free.  It was like an all expense paid trip, if it weren't for the fact that she had the strange feeling she had to do something about the world first.

The uplifting mood that Karoline had hoped to leave the hospital with was quickly dashed away by someone bumping into her.

"Hey! Watch where you're going, moron!"  Yelling at the one who dared interrupt her thoughts.

The unfortunate soul that incurred her wrath was a certain feline-like man with a set of daggers on his belt and an unlit cigarette hanging from his mouth.  Much to the man's dismay, the two had bumped into each other at an earlier time and didn't exactly leave on a high note when they parted.

"Sorry, 'bout that.  You al-?  Ah crap."  Quickly going from a polite demeanor to one of annoyance and exasperation.

"What do you mean, 'ah cra-'.  Oh, it's you."  Irritation and and hint of anger rising in her voice.  "So what the hell are you doin' here, Snaggletooth?"

Not wanting to give her the pleasure, he pretended to play off the insult like it didn't affect him that much.  "Two things.  First of all, I'm here to see someone who I ended up putting in here.  And second, my name is Katten, not whatever the hell you keep deciding to call me."

Deciding not to pursue the first answer to avoid a touchy subject, she opted for pursuing the second.  "Then get rid of your cancer sticks if you don't want me to.  I can practically smell them on you and you haven't even lit one yet.  If you're gonna pick a poison, choose one that doesn't affect others."  Answering Katten haughtily.

"If you don't want me to smoke around you then just say so."  Putting the cigarette that was hanging from his mouth into his pocket.  "No need to ask like your panties are in a knot."

"Then be more considerate of others!"  Karoline continued her unrelenting verbal assault.  "Nobody wants to smell tobacco, not to mention there's second-hand smoking.  I'd rather keep my lungs clean rather than black, thank you very much."  Giving an affirmative huff as she finished her sentence.

"What the hell is your problem?"  Katten said as he started to lose his patience with Karoline.  "I smoke one cigarette and even act as much a gentleman to you despite how you've treated me, and you still act like a bitch.  What's your beef with me?"

"I told ya'; It's your damn tobacco!  My sense of smell is a lot stronger considering I'm blind, not to mention I'm not about to let Wraps inhale any of that crap."

"Fine.  Fine.  I won't smoke around you, 'Wraps', or anyone else without asking.  You happy?"  Irritation still laden in his voice.

"Quite."  Crossing her arms across her chest and grinning like a fox.

"Seriously, that's it?"  The quick change of behavior from Karoline had caught Katten by surprise, causing him to stare at her in confusion.

"Yep!"  Karoline nodded like an excited child.  "Now let's get out of here and head to the cafe.  The smell of medicine is starting to get to me."  She said as she marching out of the hospital in a childish manner.

Katten could only stare at the strange behavior of the girl.  One moment she was angry, the next she was acting like a child.  Just what the heck was up with her?  'Ah well, I could go for a drink anyway.'  He thought as he followed Karoline to the cafe.

Description
One Last Dream: Spectator Entry

Innocent Sin: Part 1

_______________________________________________________________

Life is not always fair.  It can punish the innocent and reward the wicked.  Some have it easy whereas others must face hardships to no end.  The rich become richer while the poor become poorer.  It is cruel and spurs inequality beyond measure, especially when one is at the wrong place at the wrong time.

_______________________________________________________________

It was an innocent mistake.  It wasn't supposed to happen like this.  I was trying to help.  Why did everything go wrong?

I did everything I supposed to do, so why is everything falling apart?  Why?  Why? Why?!

This was never supposed to happen.  It wasn't supposed to end like this...

_______________________________________________________________

A mixed feeling of misery, relief, and guilt were flooding through Karoline as she helped Erian walk to the hospital.  Misery from the fact she lost so easily and quickly, along with the fact she had to take the back seat in the events to come.  Relief since she wouldn't have to worry about becoming the Queen of the Dimension of Dreams.  Royalty never mixed well with her for some reason.  Finally, guilt now that Erian will be forced to continue fighting in the tournament and how the blow she had dealt to Erian seemed to be affecting her.

It was a slow walk to the hospital, but at least her newfound friend didn't take it personally.  That, and injury didn't seem to be anything permanent.

"How you hangin' in there, Wraps?  You doin' alright?"  Karoline asked with a hint of guilt.

"I will survive, Ms. Karoline.  There is no need to worry, I will recover from my injury."  Erian responded, picking up Karoline's guilt.  "Though, I must thank you."

"Thank me? For what, Wraps?"  Confusion lacing in Karoline's voice and face.

"For reminding me something that someone I know told me and getting my act together.  I would likely have given up if you had not."  She explained, instantly regretting the last sentence with its wording.

However, the blind priestess had nothing to worry about as the taller blind girl gave a sincere smile and said, "It's no trouble, Wraps.  I wasn't about to let Akuma talk to you like that, and someone had to put that prick in his place.  Besides, what are friends for?"

"Friends?" A hint of confusion was laden in Erian's voice.  "But we just met."

"Just 'cause we just met doesn't mean we can't be.  You looked like you needed one anyway."  The younger's devil may care grin returning to her face once again as she helped Erian walk through the hospital door.  "We blind girls gotta stick together after all."

A small smile crept onto Erian's face as she listened to Karoline's simple answer.  How she could be so trusting to someone she just met was surprising, but rather touching all the same.  Perhaps this place won't be so bad while she was here now that she had a friend here.

"And remember, if Akuma or anyone starts to talk crap to you or decides to give you trouble, don't hesitate to ask.  I'll make sure they know not to mess with any friend of mine."  Karoline proclaimed as she pumped her free fist into the air with a mischievous glint in her eyes.  "Now, let's get you a bed and have the doc to have a look at ya'."

Yeah, it definitely wouldn't be so bad.

_______________________________________________________________

"She does not appear to have any permanent damage to her spine from your fight."  Fiver said with disinterest as he wrote on his clipboard.  "She will be fine after drinking the medicine I've given her and a good night's sleep.  Now if you'll excuse me, there are other patients that need my attention."  Not even looking up from his clipboard as he went to check upon one of the more seriously injured patients.

"Not much tender loving care from that doc, that's for sure.  All he needs is a cane, a limp, and an addiction to pain medication and we've got ourselves Doctor House."  Karoline muttered as she did 'watched' Fiver walk off.

"Who is this 'House' you speak of?"  Erian asked, not understanding the reference.

"I'm guessing you've never heard of television before, or at least bothered with one.  I doubt you'd get the reference if you didn't get it from the get go."  Karoline shrugged as she explained.

"Anyway, you think you can last the night without me, Wraps?"  Karoline asked in a concerned tone.

"I shall be alright staying the night here, Ms. Karoline.  The concern is appreciated though."  The injured blind girl replied.

"If you're sure."  The music lover's tone still hesitant to leave the other alone. "I'll be sure to drop by tomorrow with some real food from the cafe.  Believe me, hospital food isn't exactly something you'd serve at a five star restaurant, if you catch my drift."

"Thank you, Ms. Karoline, for everything."  Giving a respectful bow in her bed to show her thanks to her new friend.

"No trouble, Wraps, it's what friends do.  I'll catch ya' in the mornin'."  She said as she got up and walked toward the door.  She may have lost the tournament in the first round, but she made some friends and helped one of them out of a rut.  Food and drink were provided and entertainment came free.  It was like an all expense paid trip, if it weren't for the fact that she had the strange feeling she had to do something about the world first.

The uplifting mood that Karoline had hoped to leave the hospital with was quickly dashed away by someone bumping into her.

"Hey! Watch where you're going, moron!"  Yelling at the one who dared interrupt her thoughts.

The unfortunate soul that incurred her wrath was a certain feline-like man with a set of daggers on his belt and an unlit cigarette hanging from his mouth.  Much to the man's dismay, the two had bumped into each other at an earlier time and didn't exactly leave on a high note when they parted.

"Sorry, 'bout that.  You al-?  Ah crap."  Quickly going from a polite demeanor to one of annoyance and exasperation.

"What do you mean, 'ah cra-'.  Oh, it's you."  Irritation and and hint of anger rising in her voice.  "So what the hell are you doin' here, Snaggletooth?"

Not wanting to give her the pleasure, he pretended to play off the insult like it didn't affect him that much.  "Two things.  First of all, I'm here to see someone who I ended up putting in here.  And second, my name is Katten, not whatever the hell you keep deciding to call me."

Deciding not to pursue the first answer to avoid a touchy subject, she opted for pursuing the second.  "Then get rid of your cancer sticks if you don't want me to.  I can practically smell them on you and you haven't even lit one yet.  If you're gonna pick a poison, choose one that doesn't affect others."  Answering Katten haughtily.

"If you don't want me to smoke around you then just say so."  Putting the cigarette that was hanging from his mouth into his pocket.  "No need to ask like your panties are in a knot."

"Then be more considerate of others!"  Karoline continued her unrelenting verbal assault.  "Nobody wants to smell tobacco, not to mention there's second-hand smoking.  I'd rather keep my lungs clean rather than black, thank you very much."  Giving an affirmative huff as she finished her sentence.

"What the hell is your problem?"  Katten said as he started to lose his patience with Karoline.  "I smoke one cigarette and even act as much a gentleman to you despite how you've treated me, and you still act like a bitch.  What's your beef with me?"

"I told ya'; It's your damn tobacco!  My sense of smell is a lot stronger considering I'm blind, not to mention I'm not about to let Wraps inhale any of that crap."

"Fine.  Fine.  I won't smoke around you, 'Wraps', or anyone else without asking.  You happy?"  Irritation still laden in his voice.

"Quite."  Crossing her arms across her chest and grinning like a fox.

"Seriously, that's it?"  The quick change of behavior from Karoline had caught Katten by surprise, causing him to stare at her in confusion.

"Yep!"  Karoline nodded like an excited child.  "Now let's get out of here and head to the cafe.  The smell of medicine is starting to get to me."  She said as she marching out of the hospital in a childish manner.

Katten could only stare at the strange behavior of the girl.  One moment she was angry, the next she was acting like a child.  Just what the heck was up with her?  'Ah well, I could go for a drink anyway.'  He thought as he followed Karoline to the cafe.