[F04 Event] Christmas Extravaganza 2018

[Mishiro 0]

Somehow, when her friend Arabelle was around... everything always seemed to devolve into chaos. The little purple-haired girl and her guild leader were now yelling at each other - though she could understand that it was mostly a joke - and then she turned and was now yelling at a red-faced Roman for not contacting her earlier... and then there were those very inappropriate remarks from Jinx and the young girl perched at Stryder's shoulders whom she could only assumed was called Fae and... Mishiro pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. This guild, if you could call it one, didn't seem like much of a guild. A "close" group of friends, perhaps. They weren't as formal as Roman's, and the members obviously did not see their guild leaders as superiors. It had its own advantages and disadvantages, but she could easily tell that this was the type of guild Arabelle would prefer. Her small friend did not like acting formal, nor following orders.

Once the conversation lulled, Mishiro would approach Stryder with her hand held out formally. Stryder, Stryder... Pinball had mentioned him. Which meant that this was his old guild, the one he'd distanced himself from. But Arabelle never mentioned being guildmates with him... "Stryder. Nice to meet you. I am sorry for my friend and any trouble she might have caused," she said with an amused smile. Arabelle was... difficult to cooperate with, in that she followed her whims at almost all times, so how Stryder had managed to invite her to a guild and make her follow orders was a mystery to Mishiro. Arabelle refused Roman's guild invite... so why this group in particular? When offered to her, she grasped his hand and shook it firmly. "And please, don't worry about it. Her remark from earlier wouldn't change my first impression of you in any way." 

And her first impression... Mishiro's first impression of him was from that day. Hestia with her 'Wanted' posters and her recruitment, and the boy in the blue hood with his bitter words. When he was his guildmates, he seemed... different. Happier. She wasn't going to bring that up, obviously. Everyone had smiles on their faces. Now was not the time to ruin the mood. Perhaps... she should, too. 

She remembered that PM and the crowd that had dispersed earlier.

No, doing it completely was impossible. Mishiro's gaze met Arabelle's, and she subtly gestured to a secluded area between two event stalls that were not receiving as many customers as they had hoped. She still needed to learn what happened earlier, but while the other girl was busy... "Jinx, I had no idea you and Arabelle were guildmates," Mishiro spoke to the timid shielder at Stryder's side. For now, she was going to disregard those inappropriate comments from all three with their guild leader and his... bed. She could only hope it was all an inside joke. "It certainly is a small world. She's unpredictable, but I believe you can trust her. Are the both of you getting along well?"

Lastly, she turned to Roman, who had been sending her questioning glances ever since Arabelle's introduction of her. She already likes someone, so she's off-limits! Honestly. Any other day and her friend would throw her under the bus just for laughs. "I don't have anyone I like that way, so rest assured, Aniki. You don't have to beat anyone up. I mean, isn't that the common trope for 'big brother' figures in literature...?"

"Don't make fun of me, Shiro," Roman's hand went to the back of his head - a nervous habit - and he laughed uneasily. "Seriously."

Mishiro froze. Because it was a regular topic between the two of them, Arabelle teased her about that a lot but--

"I'm not that protective. What do you take me as?!"

She gave another small, amused smile.

[ooc: tag @Stryder @Arabelle @Jinx]

[Arabelle 0]

:As they were talking, some random girl walked up and called her a cutie. Arabelle blinked, confused, then looked at Jinx, Fae, and Mishiro. Nah, the blonde couldn't have been talking to them. Because it was true! Yes, Arabelle was the cutest! She gave her cutest smile and instantly appreciated the pretty blonde-haired stranger for having a good eye. Only few could appreciate true art! "Thank you, lady! I think you're pretty, too!" She had to know this nice lady's name. She quickly glanced back at the pink-haired scout with a smug smile. You're getting competition. Praise me too, Claude! Then she skipped forward and stuck her hand out. "I'm Arabelle. What's your name?"

Then, after having finished her introductions, she noticed Mishiro giving her a look. Arabelle tilted her head to the side. Her friend did swing both ways, so... was she jealous? She didn't understand until the girl gestured to a secluded area, between two event stalls. She understood fully. But she still wanted to tease her friend. Something along the lines of: "What, are we gonna make out? Shiro-chan, I had no idea you felt that way! Oh my~, why am I always so popular..." But she didn't get to. Because... because...

"Ever since you let me stay at yours, I haven't really needed it. Your bed is super warm after all so I haven't needed to wear it when I sleep."

"You're so lucky you got to sleep with mister Stryder! Fae wanted to do that too! Can Fae have a turn sometime?  It sounds like lots of fun! Laying in a warm bed, just the two of you, it all sounds like a blast!" 

This. This. Disgusting-- 

Arabelle whirled around and turned to Stryder. Her purple bangs cast a shadow over her dangerously glinting eyes and she smiled, though admittedly, it looked more like a grimace. She took a step forward. And another. And another. Until she was right in front of him and she leaned forward. The girls could wait until later. For now, there was one person at the center of it-- "Stryder..."  Her little, gloved hand clenched into a fist, exactly how Mishiro does when she was sparring, and she tilted her head up at him innocently. "You know, when you said your guild was close, I had no idea--"

"Yeah, close! Close is good!" And there was an arm between them separating the smol, angry girl and Stryder. Who Claude was keeping away from who was a mystery. Arabelle stepped back, surprised. Only to find that Claude and Stryder were standing side-by-side. She calmed down instantly and brought a hand to her cheek. Oh, my... Was this - was this what they called a love-  -! "I mean." The scout paused to collect his thoughts. Clearly, he hadn't thought this through. "It's better than my guild. They'd have an argument over every small decision. So it's nice that you guys agree with each other at least. Ahahaha..." 

Cricket noises.

God, this was awkward. Was Claude always this terribly awkward?! She was already feeling the secondhand embarrassment from here! Wordlessly, Arabelle turned tail and grabbed Mishiro's hand, leading the girl to the secluded spot she'd pointed out earlier. "Let's go. You want to talk, right?"

Meanwhile...

"Disaster averted," Claude sighed in relief and dropped his arm, stepping away from Stryder. "No, I don't talk like that. But she runs away when she finds a situation too awkward. I have no idea what she would've done if she stayed... she's one terrifying woman when she's mad. Well, if that was all a misunderstanding, I'm sure you can resolve it with her when she comes back later."

[ooc: tag @Stryder @Mishiro @Fae @Jinx @Ruby]

Edited December 22, 2018 by Arabelle

[Stryder 0]

She had it for awhile? Guess that meant she was using it before he took her in. The young girl... she really wa ssomething else. He was a little upset that he hadn't known about this though, it was super cute! His main weakness! He smiled at her, patting her head a little more, kindly and gently.

"Ah, that explains why i never fonud out about this adorable costume" He said to her with a smile. He made sure to keep his voice a little lower, and softer while talking to her directly, as to not risk hurting her or making her freak out. If he had to carry her out of here... He didn't even want to imagine what kind of bullshit would come at him from everyone around him... Though... She mentioned that she was sleepign in his bed. Sky internally screamed, and face palmed, both internally, both intesnely.

Oh Alisea... i'm going to be having some words with you later for the hell your about to bring down on me... Intentionally or not

Fae seemed quite happy with what he had said, she was bouncing around happy and joyful! Though the next part, which had sprouted from what Jinx had said, made him VERY uncomfortable. SHE WANTED TO SLEEP WITH HIM? IT SOUNDED FUN! His blush was intense, and there was no way to hide it. He turned his head away, though by accident turned it in Jinx's direction, and if you had a direct look under his hood, you could see the red cheeks. He was so embarrassed. Fae had just... UGH

""Fae, while it sounds like fun,, i wouldn't know. She's been sleeping at my house for the last week - , but we haven't been sleeping together! In EITHER way! She has my bed i'm out on the couch.... So can people please take there heads out of the gutter!" He said to the surrounding people. Then he heard the last part of what Fae said. "Please tell me this isn't happening right now..." He said VERY quitetly, no one could hear it at all, just under his breath. To anyone it would sound like 'wsss'. 

Finally, a sane one seemed to walk up to him. He accepted the hand, not recognising them from Hestia's recruitment. "Nice to meet you, finally someone who isn't trying to put me into an early grave. And don't worry about her, i'v gotten good at handing it. And thanks, its good to know she hasn't ruined my reputation... yet" . Then, THEN it happened.

"NO, I DON'T DO THAT WITH ANYONE! NO ONE! I DON'T EVEN SLEEP IN MY OWN BED RIGHT NOW!!!" Sky started saying, rambling as he attempted to dig himself out of the hole EVERYONE around him was digging him into, staring directly into Arabelle. He was so.... out of this. He loooked at... someone else, Claude. He had put an arm between Sky and Belle, which... very much helped him. He looked at the guy, breathing a sigh of relief as Arabelle dragged a random girl towards an secluded spot. For what, he had no idea... He started talking about stuff, like how she just finds something akward and walks off. He really... didn't know what to say.

"I'v got this one on my shoulders making comments, the cat next to me dully talking outloud, and Arabelle, the one taking it MUCH out of context..."

- 

@Jinx @Fae @Mishiro @Arabelle

.

 

[Jinx 0]

Jinx smirked softly at Mishiro, she did like the other girl and even laughed a little at the girls comment about Arabelle. "I wouldn't know too well, but...She's super nice to me. Helped me up during a fight when i tripped over when i first met her, so, i like her" Her confession to Mishrio about the purple haired girl was genuine, as she had absolutely no idea how much distain the other girl had for her. "She's always fun to talk to, never...a dull moment" 

After speaking to Mishiro, her mind was allowed to focus back on her guild...as well as the girl using Stryder as a horse. Although, she had no idea how much disaster she'd caused with only a single sentence. 

Jinx blinked...What..the hell just happened? The girl on the boys back and started speaking, and it caused a soft blush on the girls face...Wait, sleep together?! That...wasn't what she had said at all. Stryder had been lending her his bed, nothing more. Why...? She frowned, what was happening...was...this all her fault? A wave of sadness crashed into her, she was being a burden again wasn't she? Making Stryders life harder than it needed to be. Arabelle had walked off, dragging Mishiro away with her and the boy, Roman, stood by Stryder. If she had been aware, she'd of seen he was protecting her guild leader. But instead, Alisea completely misread the conversation and watched as the girls left. Were they...splitting up for a bit? Was this, normal conversational behaviour? Leave the heads of the two guilds alone to talk, while the members went to socialise together?

Unaware she'd been the cause of her guild-leaders pain and suffering, the girl turned her head to him and pointed to where Arabelle and Mishiro had gone "Don't worry, i'll go and join them. You have fun talking with Roman, he's super nice" And with that smile, the girl walked through the snow following the footsteps of Arabelle and Mishiro, completely ignorant to the firestorm she'd created with a single comment. 

[Mishiro 0]

So Arabelle got along well with her guildmates. That was nice to hear. Mishiro smiled softly as the shielder continued talking, with obvious admiration for her purple-haired friend in her eyes. Well, if Arabelle didn't somehow influence that timid, innocent girl to start acting that way, it was all well and good. "Well... keep getting along with her. Don't ask for love advice, though. She'll tease you to no end." She only did that once, during a moment of weakness on a Valentine's Day.

Then... her friend must have done something. Stryder had turned a bright red and was speaking very defensively. Arabelle was in front of him. She looked mad, did it have something to do with the inappropriate comments earlier? Oh, she was probably getting mad on her guildmates' behalf. One would be concerned if they were given enough evidence of an alleged cheating case. Even more so, with Arabelle and her odd obsession with love and relationships. The reason behind that... still remains a mystery to Mishiro. Then Roman interfered - much to Stryder's relief - and the girl seemed to calm down. By just a bit. Arabelle turned away and marched forward, grabbing Mishiro's hand. "Ah, Arabelle..." She wasn't sure what to feel about being used as an excuse to walk out of a situation the little, purple-haired girl had obviously caused. If there were misunderstandings, it was best to--

"Let's go. You want to talk, right?"

Mishiro let herself be pulled along. The girl took them to the secluded area she'd pointed out earlier and let go of her hand. She unconsciously rubbed her hand against her wrist and watched Arabelle carefully. "He was a part of your guild. He told me that himself. That much I can say about our meeting from before." Mishiro paused and glanced back at the group of people they'd left earlier. Roman, talking to Stryder. That was a nice sight to see. She figured those two would get along over their mutual struggles with Arabelle's antics. Yet another way her small friend brought people together. At this point, Mishiro almost suspected she was doing it intentionally. "I saw the PM you sent to Claude. Read it over his shoulder before he could hide it, actually. Really, Arabelle? 'Join the party?' There's a limit to how far your jokes could go, you know." She crossed her arms and shook her head with a tired sigh. Well, she understood that it was harmless, but... "I do hope you meant something else by that. So? What happened? Can you confirm that it was really him?"

--

With that little bundle of trouble gone - along with Mira, well it was only natural as that girl hated being alone and tried to avoid it at all times - it was now much, much more peaceful. Stryder, Arabelle's guild leader, now mumbled things Claude didn't understand since he wasn't paying enough attention, but given the context, the boy in the blue hood was probably complaining. "Hey, if you managed to invite someone like her into your guild, it wouldn't be that hard dealing with it. Just tell her the truth," Claude reassured with a chuckle. No, seriously. When he'd invited her, all he got was a flat "No." And she'd also called his other guildmates "grumpy, old farts" "How did you invite her?"

The timid little shielder that Mira saved the other day looked up at them. Now he could understand why she'd been so concerned. She was literally oblivious to everything that happened. And-- Roman?! How did she learn his real name? The scout stared, dumbfounded, as the girl innocently pattered along the streets, going the same way the two close friends had gone.

Claude quickly turned to Stryder and the little kid on his shoulders. "Don't call me that. The player name's Claude. I have no idea where she got that, maybe Mishiro dropped it by accident. Tell her that too, alright? I don't think she's aware that it's actually my real name."

[ooc: tag @Arabelle @Jinx @Stryder]

Edited December 24, 2018 by Mishiro

[Arabelle 0]

"Oh. That. My friends told me sometime earlier... I think. Well, whatever. I still knew. But it wasn't really worth mentioning cause when I joined, he'd already left. So I didn't get to talk to him much as a guildmate, but like I told you earlier. He helped me with my profession quest," Arabelle explained. Yep. It wasn't valuable information. Not at all. What was Mishiro planning to do with all that, anyway? Somehow justify that guy's crimes? No. A murder was a murder. Motives, or anything else, didn't change that. Well, unless you were playing detective; and unless you were a certain person she chose to make exceptions for. The latter was definitely biased, but wasn't everything? She figured Mishiro wouldn't be so worried about that guy if they'd never mended their friendship.

And. That PM. She'd read it? That was meant for Claude. He was used to the more heartless side of her. Oh, now she was mad. F*ck.

"Hey, Shiro-chan. Honestly. Me or him?" Arabelle tucked her hands behind her back and smiled teasingly at her best friend. "No, just kidding. You can't answer that. Because~, on your 'friendship ranking,' he's on the same level as me and Claude. Or maybe even higher. So what's the big deal? You didn't say anything about me calling Claude an incompetent scout even if it would've clearly affected him in some way. But then you're here, getting all triggered over that 'join the party' remark without even knowing the context yet. What's the deal, Shiro-chan? Do you looove him, or something? That's bad, you know? I mean, it would totally be a forbidden love and those never end well!" 

Okay, she didn't want to end her friendship with Mishiro. Time to stop.

"No, don't answer that. There was a context." Arabelle giggled and took a step back. "Okay, so it was him. He was pushed off a roof by some other scout and got arrested. They were tying him up and stuff. And well, it caused a commotion. I mean, duh. But guess what made it really funny!" She held up two fingers. "The Laughing Coffin. Yes, right here! In this safe zone. In this event. Well, there was technically only one dude who was dressed in full-on edgy PK guild stuff. But I suspect the other dude is involved with that murder guild, too. I mean, they got along well, and he also covered his face with a helmet. Well, anyway. Guess what they did, Shiro-chan! Guess what they did!" She stepped forward and stood on her tiptoes, whispering close to the other girl's ear. "They demanded his release. The. Laughing. Coffin. Demanded. That. Murderer's. Release."

"Do you get what I'm saying, Shiro-chan?" She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around her friend. "You said he told you his story. Disregarding the question of honesty, how much did he tell you? Information can easily be manipulated to deceive the receiver, you know? Do you get me? I don't trust him. So, don't worry about him anymore. He's in the police's hands now."

[ooc: @Mishiro @Jinx]

[Vigilon 0]

If there was one thing Vigilon didn't realize until a bit later, it was that there was something going on in the fourth floor. Veriost was asleep on Vigilon's shoulder as usual, not noticing what Vigilon had realized the moment he had stepped into the settlement of Snowfrost. The holidays were in town. "Why did I not see this coming? I should have seen this coming!" Well, at least he had a hat to make him appear festive enough...hopefully. He saw a few familiar faces up ahead, so he quickened his pace. Of course, he had no idea what he would be getting himself into...

 

Simple sightseeing and strolling was definitely not enough for Kanari_Kakaze. She managed to get herself a dress-styled coat, with colors and design that would have it appear to be holiday apparel, like some sort of elf costume. She even got herself tights and gloves that worked with it, too...but no way was she gonna wear that silly hat with a bell attached to it. She saw everyone in their normal social interactions, and of course, she wanted to disrupt it in a fun way. She was going to start up her usual mischief. She smiled as she looked to one group of players in particular, and she started on a snowball. It was about five inches in radius, not a typical size for a snowball, but...if she could swing a two-handed scythe, she could throw a snowball this big. She aimed for one of the players( @Stryder), but when she threw it, a player who was heading over ended up getting caught in the crossfire and getting hit by the big snowball instead. "Wait, what the- Alex! Can't you watch where you're walking so I could get the jump on unsuspecting players with a five-inch snowball?"

 

Vigilon was suddenly struck by a large snowball nailing him on the head from the side. "GAUGH!!!" He fell headfirst into the snow from the side, this being caused by the sudden impact. When he got up halfway, and looked over to the voice who called out to him over him walking right into the crossfire. "Urgh...Amelia, I'm just going to say that I'm not surprised that you threw a five inch snowball. Of course you'd try that." He picked up his hat and put it back on his head, then he stopped Veriost from blasting Kanari with her frost breath by grabbing her in midair, and using the other hand to keep her maw closed. Kanari came closer, a smile on her face, as Veriost growled...apparently in anticipation. Vigilon removed his hand from the small white frost dragon's maw, and she tried to back her head away from Kanari's hand, which was getting much closer to her maw. Kanari tapped the snout area of the maw with one finger. "Boop." Veriost glared at Vigilon as if to say, "You let her do this to me. You know I hate it when she does that." Vigilon looked back to the players that Kanari was previously trying to get the jump on with a surprise snowball fight. "Heh...sorry about my uh...mischievous friend...anyway, how are you guys doing?" He had yet to notice who one of the players was, of course.

@Arabelle @Mishiro @Jinx @Ruby @Fae

 

Kanari_Kakaze:

Spoiler

Please note that she is wearing something similar to a festive elf costume, excluding the hat, of course.

 

 

Vigilon's attire for the event:

Spoiler

 

[Hydravion 0]

Hydra smiled as they got a kiss from Ruby and it was quite nice to see that She herself were quite good with each other, "Blah!" Akito said from on top of Hydra's shoulder. As he did so Hydra smiled and laughed a bit, "Does Akito want a kiss too, Or does my Green haired friend want a big hug?" Hydra said patting Akito on his head before looking even more disgusting by what Hydra just said as Hydra got out another laugh. As Ruby then came close whispering into her ear and if she was ready to go and find her, "Ooh Sure will do Dear, Just hold up a few minutes," She said low as the Akito tapped on Hydra's head, "I could hear that you know," he said as Hydra got out a giggle to Akito. He looked at Ruby walked away, "I like her, She is beautiful," Akito said while Ruby left to talk to others. And Now it was just Akito and Hydra alone again and it was quite nice to see the kids have their fun. Hydra looked around to see with who she could speak of the people she knew, Looking around she had a few options and she tapped Akito on the head, "who do you want to talk to Akito?  She asked the kid on her shoulders. He looked up and watched as smaller groups and bigger groups where around "Your Son, Brown hair boy," He said to Hydra and Hydra laughed a bit, "Well I know who you mean but he is not my son Akito Just a student," She said patting the kid on the head before walking to the person he was meant.

Walking up to @Dustin From behind Akito gave away by yelling too Emi who was still standing here with Eito, "Hiy Hiy Emi!" He said cheerfully. The Red-haired girl looked up at Akito with a smile, "It Christmas Akito-kun, so what do you say?" Emi said to Akito, "Mawy Chwistmas," Eito said before Akito could even answer it. Hydra got a bit a laugh before introducing herself, "Hello all, I'm Hydravion Or Hydra, but to this kids AND also for Dustin here I'm Miss Aris, Yep Dustin was one of my students just like some other kid around here," She said with a smile, "Nice to meet you all and Hallo again dear," Hydra said before giving @Ruby a kiss on the cheek as then all the three kids standing here said, "Blah!" at the same time. Before Hydra laughed again.

@Stryder @Arabelle @Mishiro @Jinx@Fae

Eito Turned to Dustin tug him at the arm, "U miss Aris-san Student, My friend Maro too," He said pointing at a Kid that was standing with Hazado and Neo. Akito sat upright and gave a smile to everyone here, "I'm Akito, and Merry Christmas is what you meant to say Eito-kun, SO Merry Christmas you all," Before the green long hair leaned again on Hydra's head. "Me said that Akito, Mewy Chwistmas!" Eito said before looking back at Dustin waiting for his response. "He likes Christmas so they I got him to the place today, Seems you already know a few of the children here, But just for safety that is Emi with red hair and the boy is Eito, They are not really brothers but Emi took it upon herself to take care of Eito as a big sister," She then points to two kids talking with a few others, "Those two are Kimiko the girl with the scarf and the blond guy is Maro, He is the oldest and also a Student of my," Hydra said before smiling again.

________________

Kimiko took the cookie from Neo and she smiled, "Thank you Miss Neo-san. Um... Miss Neo-san if you don't mind can you tell me, can't you really not talk if so, I will get you medicine to make sure you can talk again because it must be hard to not talk." Kimiko said eating the cookie Neo gave her. But Maro looked at the cookie and placed it into his inventory, "Sorry I'm Not so hungry but thank you Miss Neo-san, So Mister Hazado-san, You say you truly love Neo because you think it would real feelings and not just what you feel for the game avatar?" He said before getting kicked again by Kimiko, "We are all ourself Maro, That is what happened so our Avatars are all just our real-life faces and bodies." Kimiko said to Maro before smiling again, "Ooh Yeah sorry forgot again, Sorry, Just it was always wondering me when people fall in love and all. Miss Aris-san did teach me outside of the real world so it gives it away a bit as she was my teacher before and of my older sister as well Makuri." He said speaking of his sister as he looked a bit sad now thinking about it.

@Hazado @Neopolitan

[Ruby 0]

Ruby had giggled and said out to her as she took the hand and said to her "My name is Ruby, its a pleasure to meet you." @Arabelle she had smiled. However looking back at the crowd that she had joined it had seemed to be one huge cluster-f as Arabelle had been a little difficult, then a child had spoke very strange then another being a little insecure about things. Ruby had blinked a few times then thought to herself "Man... what has Stryder got himself into? I know I don't know him that well, but I never played him to be a ladies man to this extent or just able to find himself in situations like this." however her thoughts had been broken to @Hydravion kissing her on the cheek, a chuckled left Ruby's mouth as the kids said out "Blah!" "Hello my love, are you enjoying the event today? Don't worry I won't actually kiss you till after the event." she had giggled "You can come over tonight if you want."

[Fae 0]

Fae stopped giggling and smiling when Arabelle went up to Stryd and said something vague to him about his guild being close. Fae didn't know any of what was going, but she knew it wasn't good based on Stryd's reaction to it and Fae's comment. He was raising his voice, and telling Fae they hadn't slept together in either way. Either way? "Huh? You can sleep together in two different ways? Fae wants to try both now! Fae had just meant cuddling together and stuff, but this second one sounds fun too!" Fae said, now more curious than before about it all. Everyone seemed to be leaving mister Stryd and the other guild leader she didn't know, so Fae got ready to hop off his shoulders if she needed to. "Everyone is leaving, do you want Fae to leave too? Fae doesn't know what to do." Fae asked, looking down at him now. Then Vigilon and another girl showed up, so Fae instead got back into a comfortable position on Stryd's shoulders, waving at the both of them. "Hi mister Vigilon! Fae is happy to see you again!" Fae waved, her big smile back on her face.

@Stryder @Vigilon

[Hikoru 0]

((OOC: This is really late in the story-wise of things but I needed to do it))

Hikoru listened to @Huginn, nodding as the young player asked him to be an apprentice under him. He promised to essentially be a spy, and things of that caliber. He nodded, then sent a friend request. "Here, accept this. I'll be in contac-" He was cut off by the sounds of a struggle nearby. He looked over to see Hestia and a cloaked figure taking down a person. He drew closer and saw that it was Pinball, with an orange cursor. A confused look was on his face. What happened? Pinball seemed like such a good kid. Why did he go orange? He saw the two figures carry him off, and he decided to follow. He looked at Huginn. "Like, I said, I'll be in contact, but for now, things have changed." He spoke, then opened up his inventory and changed all of his items, his blue cloak being donned on as he ran past the store, looking at any items he could buy. He looked but decided against buying anything. If he did, he wouldn't have the lead that he does now, and he could lose the three of them. He nodded towards everyone, then made haste to follow Hestia, Pinball and the cloaked figure.

-Hikoru left the thread post-haste

[Hidden 1]

As she talked with Mina, her eyes glanced over at the cloaked man reading her note and then taking Pinball and leaving. Her hand would run through her own hair as she internally sighed a breath of relief. It wouldn't be long until she would be found out. Elucia was merely a facade, and a flawed one at that. Several people already knew the name, and knew her true identity. Also, the fact that she wasn't able to receive messages, or be tracked. It didn't make any sense. Her eyes cast about the area until they met one person. Her eyes opened wide as she caught sight of her love. She hadn't seen him in many days in fear that they would capture him with the hopes of catching her. With no word or warning, she had vanished from him. It was odd to see him out of the house. He stopped playing quite some time ago, but here he was. She smiled to @tricolor_mina and said, "I am sorry, but I too must leave you. Someone arrived that I must go see" She left the girl there, understanding that the girl's feelings would be hurt. She didn't care though, the only two people that mattered to her were Sey and herself. 

She walked up to him, her hand would gingerly touch his arm as she whispered her next words. "Hey... Casper" Her voice would quaver. She was afraid that he would be angry. If he had been out, he must have seen that she was Aincrad's most wanted criminal. If he wanted, her could expose her for who she really was. Hestia was still here, and while they wouldn't be able to catch her... they could break her. If Sey turned on her, she wouldn't know what to do. Her heart wouldn't be able to take it... Sey was the only person that had ever loved her. 

@Sey

[Sey 0]

It appears he wasn't alone in terms of his social circle. For there was one factor he didn't consider. A familiar face that was similar to his calling him with the nickname that he could only recognize from her and her alone. It was that one, the one she introduced to him during the Valentine's day boss. "Lucie..." He would reply to her greeting with a whisper, looking to the side to see her on his arm. Well one can do better than that, surely! Sey was worried sick about her, seeing all of those flier just hanging around for her life. As a result of this, what could he do but... But... Well, hug her. He didn't even hesitate to wrap his other arm around her quickly after she brought herself to him. She was safe, his girl was safe and not being held captive by the psycho that the people were looking for. Sey was just happy to see her again, right in his embrace.

"I'm glad you're all right. I worried for you, you know..." His words were soft as he would attempt to keep his hug firm. It was not often that he did it with such intensity, but the thought of losing her was damning enough to change his perspective. They had to talk, surely. But for now, he wanted to show his gratitude and love to her while he still could! If he lost her on the next day because of the alert, he'd definitely be a wreck.

@Hidden

[Hidden 1]

She waited for anger, for the resentment but it never came. Before he would even look, he would know it was her. He whispered back Lucie, which confused her at first but she understood that it was a play off of her pseudonym. Lucia would have been better in her opinion but.... He would wrap his arms around her, embracing her with the same warmth that she was familiar with. Her eyes would close and head would rest on his chest. It was all she could do to prevent tears to come to her eyes. While she was normally strong and as cold as steel, when she was with Sey that facade almost melted away. Reality hit her. It had been hard the last few weeks. After releasing Adrian, the entire world had been directed against her. She had been framed a monster and nobody would take her word. There were few that ignored Hestia's words of warning, but many others took them as a call to action. There was a wolf among the sheep, and that wolf had to be hunted. She had kept herself away from people... the only person she talked to was a murderous child that seen the light of day different than the rest of them. 

"I'm sorry... I didn't want you getting hurt..." Still whispering she would quietly tell him. "We can't talk about it here... they are still hunting me." she would tell him. To prevent herself form silling everything, she would loosen the hug until it was broken and then flash a smile up to him. She knew she was in danger from being out here, but now that she was with Sey it didn't matter. As long as Domarus or Aereth didn't spill on her facade, than she would be fine. 

@Sey

[Sey 0]

It was Christmas time, right? Then it was time to be happy, and she was right to suggest that maybe they shouldn't talk about it. "Shhhhhhhhhhh. It's all right." Sey would explain to her, rubbing his hand down her back to soothe the poor thing, he would then let get as she did before nodding his head to her suggestion. "Just for this day at least. It is Christmas after all." And with that, he would look down to her into her eyes, seeing the afterimage of the girl he first fell in love with in the orbs of her eyes. Ah... There she was. "And because it's Christmas, we can stick around together again. Let's enjoy ourselves on this merry day." That was a declaration anyone could get behind. To think he just came here for some presents and the raffle before walking out. But nope, he was spotted by her out of all people and now had so much warmth in him. There was no way his mood can be ruined as long as things are this way.

 

@Hidden

[Hidden 1]

He would tell her that it was all right and that they should enjoy themselves. She would nod to him. She had to tell him one more thing though. She could speak it aloud as it did happen to Elucia. "If you seen a cloaked man pulling out another orange player on your way in, that guy wants to talk to me. The APD I believe is trying to keep a record of all orange players and then taking them to lock them up" Smiling, she would shake her head. "It doesn't matter much" Pointing over to Benny she would ask, "Did you talk to Benny and join the raffle? He had some pretty good stuff" She wasn't really interested in much, but understood she could sell an item for a pretty penny if she received it. She looked back up to Sey. She wanted to know what was going on up in his head. There was no way he wasn't mad, confused, or disappointed.  She glanced over to Hestia. She had been looking non-stop for several days, and so had so many other players. It was funny almost for them to not know that what they were looking for laid right in front of them. They expected her to stay away? They would have to try a little harder. 

@Sey

[Sey 0]

"Noted." Sey would reply, nodding his head with a smile. The last part about jailing the orange players seemed a bit weird, but he'll gladly talk to Hestia about that. No way was he going to do that, he was not going to jail his own girlfriend. But then they went for the more lighthearted question, Benny. That, Sey would reply with a confident nod before replying. "I bought myself a crate. I plan to get myself another slot to help improve my build. The more I can maximize my damage, the better. The raffle is free too, so why not?" And with that, he would then tilt his head to the side when it came to her. "Hey Elucia, is there anything you wanted? I'll help you out if you want." Having loads of money felt great. It was being put to good use, no matter what he did with it. Providing was one more thing to do.

[Stryder 0]

"Alright, Stay safe" He said to the young girl as she walked off, watchin the kitty cat trounce through the snow. He turned his attention back to... Roman? He asked him a few questions, like how he got her into the guild, telling the truth, and also teling him to call him Cluade, as that was his player name. It made sense why he wanted to be called Claude, he didn't wnat people to know his real name either. 

"I saved her life when she was being ambushed by three wolves, then got dragged into doing the Warg quest, then i took her to dinner. It kinda just happened during all of this" He said to him. It was more or less all of that. "Sure thing, i'l let Jinx know, though i can't promise it will change what she says. She donesn't understand games to well, so i don't reallly think she knows the difference" He explained to him.

He was unaware that a Snowball was even about to be thrown at him! But he did see someone get smacked across the head by.... A HUGE snowball. Like, in real life might knock you out size. He watched as the one hit would walk over to them, and apologize for his friends actions, asking how they were doing. He recognised him, and the dragon.

"Well Well Well, long time no see Boar Bait! How ya been!" He says to him with a smile, warm and jokingly of course. He hoped that Vigilon didn't take to much offense to the name he had given him, but it was so suited for when they had first met. 

He then heard what Fae said. He instantly groaned, realizing what he had just done. 

God... damn.... it.... A...l...isea....

"No, the other one is just boring" He said, hoping to help get her off that train of thought. "Your welcome to stay Fae! I think a few people are just getting something to eat, or finding some of there friends" He said to her, smiling as he looked up at her face. 

It was then that his mind raced to the scene from earlier. That was Pinball... He hadn't had a chance to go after him as he was looking after Fae and Jinx.... Now, he had someone here who MIGHT be able to look after them... He knew this might be his only chance to go after him. But also... he had to wait just a little while longer. He needed everything ready for when he went there and got him... It wasn't going to be easy.

@Vigilon @Fae @Jinx @Mishiro

[Frank 0]

Frank silently walked himself through the bustling settlement of Snowfrost. The snow falling from the sky was light, and strangely, not as cold as one might expect. The town was lit by what seemed to be strand after strand of Christmas lights, and they each cast different colors onto the snow, the buildings, and out into the night. Wreaths hung from the doors, and garland from the roof-tops.

The kids, and some of the adults, playfully threw snowballs at one another. Frank could see across the street, someone he didn't know had been pelted by a particularly large snowball, but soon those involved were laughing more then they were hurting. Frank had heard the raffle was going to be towards the center of town, with the market vendors, and so he made his way onward.

Walking his way into the center of town, Frank drifted off to the side where he then stood quietly taking in the extremely large, extremely decorated Christmas tree. His eyes began to lose focus as he drifted into his memories, memories of hot chocolate with the family, the kids on Christmas morning, memories of his wife and her beautiful smile.

[Dazia 0]

Dazia was originally intending to explore the fourth floor for a bit, but once again, she would have to do something else. The entire settlement was now lit up and festive. "Just what are lights doing in the time frame this game was set in? It makes no sense!" If there was one who she thought might like a Christmas event, it was Yinangi. So she decided to message her.

Quote

To: Yinangi

Subject: Event

So, it turns out that there may be a Christmas event going on in the fourth floor. I thought you'd like to know.

-Dazia

After she sent the message, she would walk around and see what would be happening. She wouldn't be wearing anything festive, for she just wasn't in the mood to wear red, white, and/or green. She saw some things happen as she walked around the settlement. About half an hour later, she saw someone standing near a building, With all the lights around, it wouldn't be easy to find a patch of shadows like that. In fact, the lights made the area bright enough to see his silhouette. Maybe he should hide under an unlit tree, should it be around. The cowl of the light armor she wore was off, but she might put it on over her head later. She began to approach the person, noticing that he was a player with an orange cursor. Was he hiding from any NPC guards? He was about six feet tall. She crossed her arms. "Do realize that I can see you." He must have been looking in another direction, for he almost completely jumped. "Gah! ...G-get back, I don't want any trouble." Oh, brother. "Do I look like I want trouble? Besides, I'm not sure that this would be the best hiding place for you, that is, if you were hiding." The player's back was against the structure, but Dazia wasn't close enough to be infiltrating his personal space. Strange. "So? Is that all you're going to say? If not, please, leave me be!" "First, I'd like to know why your cursor is orange. You've obviously done something." "I killed someone before he had a chance to kill an old friend of mine. Will you leave now?" "No need to cower. I'm not a guard, cop, or spy in any way." "I'm not gonna stand here any longer getting interrogated by a woman! I'm leaving!" He bolted for it, and ran off to another area of the town, probably another hiding place. "What a coward..." Honestly, she expected caution and wariness rather than cowardly behavior from an orange player in a safe zone.