THE MOMENT
"Thank you for meeting with me," Melody said as she sat in front of Ruby's desk. Ruby smiled and nodded. "I'm sure you guessed; but, I'd like to talk about your arrangement for the Marciegeddon match."
"Of Course," Ruby nodded. She maintained a calm exterior; but, inside she was giddy with excitement. She couldn't help but share with her best friend.
[Melody's here! - Ruby] She sent Minerva a Whisper.
[She's looked better. - Ruby]
"Although, with only a week to go, I don't think it would be appropriate for either of us to make any major changes to the bet," Ruby said. Melody nodded in agreement.
[What's she want? - Mnrva]
[Not sure yet. - Ruby] she replied.
"I'm not looking to make any changes; on the contrary, I'd like to finalize everything," Melody said.
"We've already done that ...," Ruby said. She tilted her head and Whispered to Minerva.
[She might've cracked. - Ruby] Melody nodded, then shook her head.
"We've finalized the bet; however..." Melody took a moment to sigh and steel her courage. "...I've examined my quandry from every angle. I can't win," Melody said. "Ms. Sharp would want me to accept the loss with dignity and move on."
[Something's wrong. -Ruby]
[Find Tim. Now. -Ruby]
"Would Ms. Sharp want you to give up without trying?" Ruby asked. This wasn't the plan at all. The Chrome Court decreed that Melody was supposed to win the match and keep Sharp Development. Melody sighed again as a small black portal opened on her lap. A black cat with a red patch of fur atop its head walked out of the portal and sat on Melody's lap while she petted it.
[Got 'im. - Mnrva]
[On the way. - Mnrva]
[NO! - Ruby] Her eyes widened for a brief moment in surprise as she tried to stop them from showing up.
[Janet's here. - Ruby]
"I hope you don't mind," Melody said. "I asked Janet to keep the minutes of this important meeting. You're welcome to bring your own Muerte if you'd feel more comfortable." Ruby gave a flat smile and shook her head.
"Not at all. But, I don't think that'll be necessary."
"Ms. Sharp was the most ambitious woman I knew. But, even she knew how to recognize a no-win situation; much like the one I've got myself into. If either of our companies is going to retain any credibility going forward, I need to accept defeat gracefully."
"But, you haven't been defeated yet!" Ruby blurted. Melody shook her head.
"A minor formality. But, Sharp Development is nothing, if not efficient," Melody leaned forward and placed a white node on Ruby's desk.
"You've won the bet. As of this moment, I am no longer the head of Sharp Development. The company and all its assets, including the Nexus Academy, belong to Chroma Corp. to do with as you see fit."
[Gather the Court. - Ruby] She sent the Whisper to Minerva.
[Are you serious? - Mnrva] Ruby felt genuine confusion in Minerva's reply.
[Completely. - Ruby]
"I plan to make a formal announcement at the match next week, if you'll allow it," Melody said as she stood. Janet hopped off her lap and into a black portal on the ground.
"Of course,..." Ruby nodded.
"Thank you, Ruby." Melody nodded. "You're nicer than your mother," she said. Then, Melody sank into a black hole and disappeared.
[All clear. - Ruby] she sent the Whisper to Minerva then waited for a moment. A black portal opened in her office, then Minerva and Tim walked out of it.
"Why are we gathering the Court again so soon?" Tim asked. Ruby shook her head.
"We need to wake my mother," Ruby said.
"Are you sure? Chroma isn't a fan of being disturbed...," Tim warned her, but Ruby nodded with conviction.
"Melody threw the match before we could. It's the only move left...," Ruby said. She held up the white node to show them. "...we've just been zugzwanged."