Plan 1: Tournament Semis

[This journal entry is not public to students, it is an internal dialogue Garnet had before the Codex semifinal against Renobe. Goal is to give insight into her psyche]
 
This night feels especially tiresome - I'm annoyed. You'll listen to me right, Noir?
 
Arianna is my last hope that genuine kindness exists on this empty planet. She has this... warmth, like Zeilar. People like her need to be protected.
 
Out of all the combatants, Arianna had to face Renobe. How unlucky. I was expecting Arianna to easily win, but she didn't... Strange.
 
Hold Person? Really? Paralysis was her tactic? She couldn't bear to have an exchange of power? I've seen Arianna handle MULTIPLE Red Caps twice her size. Arianna is twice the mage Renobe is. Renobe decided to paralyze her, humiliate her, and air their dirty laundry for the student body to hear. How could she do that to her? She made her beg for her to stop. That's even worse.
 
*Sigh* I feel bad for Renobe, truly. Athalor messed up her Gala too. I can't fault her though for wanting revenge. We could have bonded over a funny prank on Athalor, maybe? But her frustration is misdirected. Arianna left the Gala to help someone in danger, and she didn't even kiss Athalor herself.
 
Arianna wasn't Renobe's only victim - she used that same crap against Kraius. He is an incredible wizard, a kind soul, and works harder than all of us to reach his goals. He was all up all night trying to prepare for his battle. His mind and guided intention had him within inches of beating her. It took her several Hold Person spells to delay him. She didn't deserve that win either.
 
She embarrassed two of my closest friends with her elementary, boring tactics.
 
My father [political leader in Garnet's story] taught me that you can win a war before a sword is drawn, and a negotiator will fold a foe quicker than a fighter. I can help Renobe through this misunderstanding, but that information has a price. If she still wants to fight, then I'll show her no mercy. If she wishes to withhold me from acting, I will withhold her from thinking.
 
Oona, you will see purpose this tournament.
 
A sleepless night challenges the mind in a different way - I've learned more about this every day. Your focus is jumbled, thoughts get so loud. Do you have a strong mind, Renobe? I'd like to know.
 
If you can keep your sanity, you won't have any problems. You could even win over me, maybe. You'd prove to be worth my time, worth Arianna's time. It'll be the battle of the minds. If paralysis is the only trick up your sleeve, then you will lose. But let's be honest, if you don't let your opponent fight back then is it even a battle? We can play that game too, right Oona?
 
I don't think my friends would agree with this plan, but I've saved a lot of energy keeping complicated matters to myself. The ends justify the means. That will show her to not mess with my friends.
 
I hope Kraius and Arianna enjoy the show.