Circe's Manor THE NEXT

[AmbushCat]

(FL-Kaoru)
*gleeful smile* You vs. me, Nozomi. Let's see you keep up! *lunges partway out of the water, slapping the ball back the way it came*

[Ookalf]

Indeed! *Nozomi likewise jumps out of the water in order to kick the ball back to Kaoru.*

...Is that even legal?

[AmbushCat]

*Kaoru is able to bump the ball before it hits her, but needs Abby's help to keep the ball in the air before the reploid-girl can smash it back over.*

Drew: *scratching the back of her head* Maddy, I didn't think it was possible to kick the volleyball in a pool game before...

[Ookalf]

Then you've never played with a ninja before! *Nozomi intercepts the ball and bounces it into the air a couple of times before knocking it back over the net.*

[AmbushCat]

(FL-Kaoru)
Ha. I'm ready this time! *jumps out of the water much like Nozomi did, spiking the ball*

[Ookalf]

*Nozomi goes after the ball once more... only to fumble, and allow it to fall in the water...*

[AmbushCat]

(FL-Kaoru)
*settles back, catching her breath a little* And that... makes it 4-3 in our favor. *nods politely* Nice try, Nozomi-san.

[Ookalf]

*Nozomi nods.* Thank you...

[AmbushCat]

(FL-Kaoru)
*The reploid-girl nods, lines visible in her pupils, then turns to Madison; but before she can speak, Claire walks into the swimming area. A plastic bag, holding a black swimsuit and a paperback book inside it, is in her hand, and the maid herself has on a dark blue/green robe over pajamas of the same color.*

Claire: *pauses* ...Oh, my. Did I interrupt a game, or something?

Abby: I thought you went to bed...

Claire: *shakes her head* Some difficulty sleeping, I'm afraid. I thought a bit of time here would help me. Can you tell me how soon you'll be done, please?

[Ookalf]

It should be just one or two more rounds. Is that OK?

[AmbushCat]

Claire: 1-2 more rounds...?

Drew: She means the score's 4-3, Edith. We're playing up to 5.

Claire: I see. *bows* I'll wait outside, then. *turns and walks out of the room*

Abby: May as well get a move on. Where's the ball?

[Ookalf]

I've got it! *Delilah holds up the ball.*

[AmbushCat]

Abby: Alright. Guys go on ahead and serve if you're ready. I don't mind skipping the serve this time. *looks at the others* Right?

*The rest of the team looks at each other questioningly before finally shrugging.*

[Ookalf]

*Delilah nods and serves up the ball!*

[AmbushCat]

*Drew is in position to bump the ball at Abby, who aims at the far corner but hits it towards the middle of the opposition's field instead.*