[Jaskiest]

Hi all, I'm so so sorry for leaving you guys hanging with this kit. Exams came around much quicker and much more stressfully than I'd anticipated so I kind of just dropped everything, forgetting about this competition entirely.

I'll be doing one final round for those of you who are still interested, lasting until June 5th.
For this round, I want you guys to write a story centred around a song that is significant to this kit (or if that wouldn't work for your world-building, a song that you think represents the kit). 1000 word limit but please don't feel you have to write that much! You can substitute 200 words for an illustration.

As always I'm open to extensions, but be aware that judging will probably be delayed if competition is extended past June 11th as I have more exams to deal with.

Thank you all for your patience!

[Coco Bunny]

Round 3
Username: Coco Bunny
Name: Tuli
Gender: Male
Related to siblings IC or OOC: OOC
Link to round 2 form: Here
-----------------
Prompt:
High Hopes - P!ATD

Now, Tuli wasn't sure what had possessed him to want to do this. But, he did. For some, bizarre reason that Alec could not understand. Tuli was training to become a professional and famous dancer. He was supported, of course. His guardian - though he had long since left home to make his own legacy - was always happy to hear from him, always happy to push him to do more dance. Alec was the best Tuli could have ever hoped for, being there through thick and thin. But he couldn't help think back to his mother. She was... The best kalon Tuli had ever known. There was no contest for that. She was odd, that was sure, but she'd always taught him that, though it was an uphill battle for those like her, and it was a little complicated, to always embrace it and never, ever change.

It was no wonder that Tuli gravitated towards High Hopes, a song he'd heard on the radio one day, while sipping coffee in a cafe downtown after a long depression episode. The lyrics had flooded through his ears, giving him a strange feeling, one he'd not felt for many years. Something like what he'd felt when he'd first walked into the classroom. If he was honest, it nearly made him cry.

The song was significant to the kit because, when even Alec couldn't bring him up, it kept him hanging on, and pushing just that little bit further. After all, he's got one more run, surely? And why shouldn't he use that to shoot for the stars with every single thing he has, right?



[270 words]
[200 words changed for a pic!]

[Jaskiest]

Round 3 ends tomorrow at 9pm GMT - make sure to get a form in before then.
Please PM me if you’ll need an extension!

[NightFlame22]

ＭＡＬＥ ✦ ＲＯＵＮＤ： ＯＮＥ［ＴＷＯ［ＴＨＲＥＥ］✦ ＯＯＣ
ＧＯ ＴＨＥ ＤＩＳＴＡＮＣＥ ✦ ＤＡＶＩＤ ＺＩＰＰＥＬ

“You chose what?!”

Igneus shrank back at his mother’s outburst, his fur bristling as he prepared to defend himself. “D… dragon taming…” He sighed and met her gaze, his expression hardening some. “I’m no good at potions. You and Dad both know this. I figured you didn’t want me ruining the family name.”

“So you choose something that’s not even related to us in the slightest?! As if that’s any better!” She growled and paced around the dining room, tail lashing from side to side. “Maurice, you’ve been quiet this whole time… say something!”

His father blinked a little in surprise at his wife’s harsh tone. “I admit I’m disappointed, but perhaps he has a point. You know he’s never taken a liking to potions. Would you rather him be miserable for the rest of his life?”

She snarled and pinned her ears back. “If he even has a life at all! You know what happens to those students!”

Realizing they weren’t really including him in the conversation anymore, Igneus crept away to his room, the sounds of his parents’ arguing echoing through the hallway. He shut the door, trying to drown out their voices so he could sleep.


✦ ✦ ✦

The next morning, Igneus stood apprehensively in front of the heavy wooden doors that led to the lecture hall. He was about to encounter the dreaded Professor Portem, the strictest instructor in all of the academy. After the rough night before, Igneus felt reluctant to subject himself to another critique on his character. Still, if he was to be taken seriously as a dragon tamer, he would have to show no fear of anything. Keeping that in mind, he grit his teeth and shoved open the door.

Igneus found a seat in the corner, staying up front so he could pay attention but avoiding sitting in direct line of sight of the chalkboard. The class settled with a hush as a burly green kalon with dark stripes entered. The professor had a powerful aura around him, although Igneus couldn’t tell if it was the way he carried himself or just the fact that he had very visible scars from his nose to his stub tail. His hawk-like yellow eyes scanned everyone in the room, but as he noticed Igneus, he stopped. And sneered.

“You’re the Nocturne boy, eh? Bit of a shrimp, ain’t ya?” Igneus felt his cheeks burn as giggles came from the rest of the class. “You think you’re gonna be a dragon tamer?”

Igneus nodded swiftly, but his voice trembled slightly as he answered. “Yes, sir.”

“I give ya a week. Probably less.” With that, Professor Portem strutted up to the board and began the first lesson.


✦ ✦ ✦

“...so yeah. Things aren’t going great.” Igneus sighed and poked idly at his lunch.

Theo shook his head in disbelief. “Yikes, man. That sounds awful.” He frowned and patted Igneus on the shoulder. “But hey! It’s the first day. Maybe things will get better after this?”

“I dunno, Theo…” Igneus put his head in his paws. “Between my parents and my professor, it feels like the whole world’s against me.” He felt a pang in his heart as he recalled the chilly silence he’d experienced that morning. “And it certainly doesn’t help that literally everyone in my class knows more than I do. They all grew up learning this stuff… I couldn’t even learn potions.”

“Well, I can’t speak for everyone in the world, but I’m right here with ya.” Theo tapped his paw on the table as he thought for a moment. “Okay, I’ve got an idea… come with me!”

“Can’t you just tell me what it is?” Igneus sighed exasperatedly as he watched Theo run off, then let out a little chuckle. “Didn’t think so.” He followed his friend through the corridors until they both ended up in front of the library.

Theo grinned excitedly, bouncing up and down a little. “I could help you study! Sure, it’s not the same as the real experience… but I bet if we check out all the books we can, you’ll at least know more than you did!”

Igneus smiled a little and nodded. “Thanks, Theo. You’re the best.” He gave his friend a light punch in the shoulder, then stepped inside to start the most intense study session of his life.


✦ ✦ ✦

The stars twinkled overhead as Igneus finally plodded to the front door. He stepped inside and practically collapsed under the weight of all the books he was carrying. He resigned to just fall asleep there that night, but suddenly his bag was lifted off of him and he was wrapped in a warm hug.

“You were out late… we were worried about you.” His mother sighed softly as she finally let him go.

“Sorry mom… I was out studying with Theo.” Igneus looked for any anger in her expression, but he found none.

She smiled a bit. “Seems you really are taking this seriously. I suppose I should have known; you never were one to commit yourself lightly.” Her voice was soft as she spoke. “I’m sorry about yesterday. Your father and I were shocked, but that’s no excuse for my behavior.” She shook her head a bit, then brightened again. “But hey, I’ve got something I think you’ll like.” It was only as she moved that Igneus realized she had been holding a paw behind her back. In it was a small golden chain with a pearly white dragon’s tooth pendant.

Igneus couldn’t believe his eyes. “Mom… where did you find this?” He didn’t dare touch it… not yet.

“I went looking through some old things your grandpa left behind. We think this belongs to some great-great-great aunt of mine.” She carefully fastened the chain around his neck. “She never had a child… but perhaps you’ll end up like her.”

Igneus beamed and hugged his mother tightly. “I’ll do my best to make you proud, Mom…”

She chuckled and kissed the top of his head. “Oh, Igneus… you already have.”


（９９９／１０００）

[Jaskiest]

About 2 hours left for any last-minute entries or extension requests!

[sobble]

aAA... i forgot this wasn’t in est and won’t be home for awhile... is it possible to extend this to midnight EST? even nine will do... that’s 6-9 hours :”0

[Jaskiest]

aAA... i forgot this wasn’t in est and won’t be home for awhile... is it possible to extend this to midnight EST? even nine will do... that’s 6-9 hours :”0

Sure! This will now close at 9am BST (8am GMT / 4am EST) since that's the earliest I'll be awake to close it.

[sobble]

thankyou so much ;0;

[Jaskiest]

Bit late but this competition is now closed! I’ll get it judged ASAP.

[Jaskiest]

Sorry again for the late response!
I loved reading both of the finished forms and the worlds you guys created -- this competition has been quite a journey and I'm sure you guys are eager to hear the results.

This kit will be going to NightFlame22!
I loved the magical world you created for this kit - I'm a huge sucker for Harry Potter so the idea of a magical school definitely appealed for me, but what really hooked me in was how you took this idea and completely made it your own with Igneus being expected to follow in the path of his family but instead following his heart as a dragon-tamer. I'm so happy his family ended up being supportive and I can't wait to see how he continues to develop as a dragon tamer!

But this wasn't an easy decision to make - Coco Bunny, the name 'Tuli' is absolutely adorable and I really enjoyed reading about how he grew up alongside Alec. (I'm also very grateful to you for introducing me to the song High Hopes - it's amazing!) The art you made in your form is super cute! I wish you all the best in future competitions :)

Again, sorry for making you guys wait so long for the results on this kit; I think the round-based competition style was a little ambitious and I'll probably stick to shorter comps for future re-adopts!