New Years Cheers (Coco)

There was nothing better than a festival in the mind of the slayer and after having a lot of fun with Imai during the Halloween one, Vitria was more than happy to visit this one too. The whole of the Ace Of Spades was lit up for the occasion and she was looking forward to having some fun. The place was absolutely buzzing with crowds of people all over the place but there didn’t seem to be a single one that was unhappy. No, everyone seemed to be in the spirit of things which naturally made her feel good too. She’d always been fond of this time of year and although she was lovely and warm thanks to her winter outfit, the young woman couldn’t help but be warmed by the smiling people’s faces too.

She hadn’t seen much of Imai lately and assumed he was busy so the hybrid had decided to ask her new friend to come along with her instead, a young mage named Coco, who she’d gone on a job with recently. It had turned out to be more stressful than the white haired woman had planned but Coco had proven herself to be quite the mage and Vitria knew that she’d grow into a great one. She had faith in her young guild mate and knew that the rest of Sabertooth did too. The guild had been so welcoming to Vitria when she had joined and wanted to do everything in her power to make sure that it was the same for the portal mage.

Knowing that it might be a little claustrophobic for Coco, with there being so many people and all, Vitria had gently taken the girl’s hand in hers to help keep her calm, if she felt nervous. The Belian wanted the evening to go as smoothly as possible and hoped that Coco would have some fun. There were so many different games and booths hanging around that there was something for pretty much everyone. The white haired woman had to admit that she was instantly drawn to the food stalls but for now at least, she managed to focus on her young friend, wanting to treat her for doing so well in their job together.

“Well, here we are, the new year festival.” The slayer chuckled, turning to look at her guild mate. “I thought that we’d just have a look around and have some fun. That sound good to you?”

(410 Words)

Coco walked with Vitria to this festival the City of Spades was hosting. She had cone to like her as she helped her complete her first job with the guild that went South very quickly. However Today there was no work to be done she was asking to come to a festival with her and she had never been to one outside of her small town that she used to live in. So she decided to give it a try though she was extremely nervous she did however hold her hand gripping it not sure what you expect from a big city like this. Though she was positively surprised as they got there. Her eyes lit up like the lights and the stars around her as she looked around and complete shock and awe.

She was speechless. The lights, the stalls, the games, the delicious looking and smelling foods. It was so incredible and almost to much for her. In a daze she let her hand go looking around walking forward abit adjusting a little to her environment. This was nothing like the festivals her small town use to have. There was so much more here and so much more for her to do and try but she didn't even know what it started she wanted to. She was overloaded in the best way as she had a big smile on her face not without even realizing it looking at how rapidly at all the different stalls and games that are available to her. She looked back at Vitria running but standing infront of her. She had to just pick one.

Let try that one!

She said grabbing her hand and tugging her in a direction. There was a game nearby that was a shooting gallery from what she could see. She didn't know the rules but there was a giant stuffed Penguin plushie that she absolutely wanted. She was a little short to see over but then looked up at her guildmate Vitria. She was already lost in the amusement and the light of the festival not even five minutes in and enjoying herself as much as anyone else.

How do we play this, I wanna win that penguin!

WC: 371
TWC: 781

A laugh left Vitria’s lips as Coco pulled at her hand and she happily let the young girl lead the way. She was rather glad that her guild mate didn’t seem that nervous in the end and was more than satisfied with Coco choosing what they did. In truth, there were quite a few of the attractions that were new to the slayer too, as celebrations in Bellum worked a little differently. Oh, she knew most of the basic ones but there was still quite a lot for her to learn about Fiore. Every day she was learning something new, a thought that delighted her. Her early days among the guild had been so enjoyable and Vitria was so glad that they’d chosen Sabertooth as her guild.

The game that Coco led her towards was one that she knew, having a gun-like spell herself and the white haired woman had no problem with explaining it. “It’s quite easy. All you have to do is take the gun and fire it towards one of the targets over there that are moving. If you hit one then you win a prize or at least that’s how I think it works.”

A man came up beside the pair of mages and had a go himself, firing like a maniac and not even getting close to hitting the target. He didn’t look too pleased either and accused the owner of the game being rigged, before walking off in a bit of a huff. Vitria sighed at the display and added to her young friend. “I’m afraid that you always get a few bad sports like him who try to ruin things but don’t let him get you down.”

Assuming that Coco would let her, Vitria would lift her guild mate up and place her on the display so that she could actually have a go herself, before handing her the toy pistol that the man had left behind. She’d then move behind Coco and whisper in her ear. “Now, all you have to do is raise the gun with both hands and aim for one of the targets. Once you’re ready, pull the trigger and we’ll see how you do. It looks like you have six tries so don’t worry if you miss the first time. If you can hit the target then you’ll get your penguin.” If the youngster needed Vitria to hold her steady then she’d do so, just in case the sound of the gun going off surprised Coco. It might have been a toy but it could still make quite a lot of noise.

(434 Words)
(1215 TWC)

She looked up watched the man leave as she explained the game he gave a smile especially when she was lifted up so she could participate standing there now that she was above the stand she could see. That little tent of nervousness came back she only had six bullets to hit the targets and win that giant Penguin. Was that in mind though she aimed the gun and fired missing the 1st one going wide. She puffed her cheeks wasting four more bullets rapid firing at the targets in a small tantrum, not like the man ilbut in a cute child like sorta way. She then remembered what Vitria said and tried to steady herself. However she still missed. It was her last short now and she was tense. She didn't want to screw this up. She shook a bit but the felt Vitria steady and help her. Reminiscent of the comfort she felt on the day of her arrival she took a deep breath as she helped aim and guide her. She focused hard shoting and she nailed it. The target was knocked over as she hopped down after putting the gun back and was handed a giant black emperor penguin stuffed animal. She spun on her feet holding it up to her as it can up to just above her chest.

Vitria look we did it we won the Penguin!"

She said shaking it a bit at her before moving it aside showing her smiling face. This was the first prize she had ever won, and she won it with her Guild mate. She smiled but knew carrying around this big penguin all night would be cumbersome. Maybe she put it away for now and retrieve it when needed. She focused hard as then on the ground a blue orb appeared and it open to a smaller portal on the ceiling above the bed she was given. The small rush of wind made a slight show but she reached down putting the big plushie on her bed before coming out and the portal shutting. She smiled grabbing Vitrias hand looking at her.

What should we do now! You can pick this time!

She said wanting to give Vitria a turn to do something she wanted. She would enjoy no matter where they went and was already so excited about winning the penguin that nothing could dampen this moment. Giving her hand a squeeze she waited for her to guide them.

WC: 414
TWC: 1,629

“Great Job!” Vitria replied cheerfully as Coco won the penguin that she so badly wanted, ruffling the girl’s hair fondly as she did so. She was a little worried that her guild mate would keep missing the target and get upset, so was delighted when that didn’t end up happening in the end. Coco had done herself and Vitria proud, clearly having taken the slayer's words to heart. The penguin was a lovely prize and the white haired woman couldn’t help but chuckle as Coco cuddled it in such a sweet way. The young girl was adorable and Vitria couldn’t help but think of her as a younger sister, someone that she wanted to protect. The Belian had her own family back home, of course but she honestly felt like the members of Sabertooth were her real one now. She had more in common with them then she did her own flesh and blood.

Once Coco had performed her little trick with her magic to send the penguin home, Vitria would take her guild mate’s offered hand and start to explore the festival. There was an awful lot that they could do and even Vitria was a little overwhelmed by the selection. After Coco’s success with the shooting gallery, the slayer was eager to have a go at one of the games herself and so eventually let her newest friend over to one which was similar to a whack a mole one. There were nine holes on the device, which at the moment, were completely empty but Vitria knew that once the attraction was switched on, that would change pretty fast.

Turning to Coco, she’d nod her head towards the machine and explain it, picking up the mallet as she did so. “Have you ever seen one of these before? When the machine starts working, you’ll get monsters that pop up from the holes and the aim is to hit as many of them as you can before time runs out. They don’t hang around long and will drop back down after a few seconds. It’s a real test of reflexes and I admit that the last time I tried one of these, I broke the machine by accident.” A laugh escaped her at that point. “I got a little too into it and that’s what happened.”

Still grinning, she’d then ask the girl. “Would you like to try this one or should I instead? It’s up to you, Coco.”

(410 Words)
(2039 TWC)

Coco Watched how the game work and listend to Vitria carefully on how to play, she did want to try it. To her this Whack a Mole game was kinda like playing tag...except you were tagging these moles with a mallet instead. She climbed up standing on the seat and grabbed the mallet and got ready, she was gonna Whack all of these moles. However that didn't go as she had originally planned. It started and nothing happened for a second, she was so focused that when the first one appeared it starled her and she missed it as she swung, She swung fast and furiously as the moles kept popping up but as hard she tried but missed every...single...mole. This game was way harder then the one where the targets didn't move and you had time to process everything. By the end of the game she panted a little bit seeing her score was a zero. Huffing and puffing she looked back at Vitria. She was a little defeated however there was still a smile on her face as she still had fun with the game.

This game, was alot harder. Those pesky moles kept leaving before I could get them. You can take a turn now Vitria, Whack these Moles!

She said handing her the mallet and hoping down from the chair. She landed on the ground doing a small spin as she dif and moved over to Vitrias side. She then got ready to watch Vitria go, almost as excited as when she played the game. She had to get at least one mole which means she would be very impressed with her ans that she would have done better then her. While she still had fun with this game she enjoyed the other one much more and he really wanted to watch her friend now try to keep up with these pesky moles. As the count down started Coco Looked a Vitria smiling cheering her on.

You got this Vitria, shows these pesky moles what you got!

WC: 342
TWC: 2,381

It was unlucky that Coco wasn’t able to hit any of the moles and Vitria briefly worried for a moment that she’d take it badly but happily, that didn’t seem to be the case. Her young guild mate seemed to enjoy the challenge and although she didn’t hit a single mole, had got pretty close on more than one occasion. Vitria was sure that her young friend would get the hang of it sooner or later and maybe if they come across another machine like it one day then Coco would have a second chance at bashing the annoying moles. As it was, it seemed that Vitria would have to be the one who’d be giving the moles a beating today.

“I’ll do my best.” The slayer replied with a smile, taking the mallet in hand and turning towards the machine as it counted down.

When it reached zero, the moles would start to pop up and Vitria would soon be cracking them on the head with the mallet. Her senses were incredibly keen and it was like her mallet seemed to instinctively travel to where it needed to be. Mole after mole would be struck and the number on the board kept going up. She missed the odd one now and again but for the most part, Vitria hit whatever she was aiming for. As time wore on, her hits became rather more strong too and some of the moles looked a little worse for wear by the end of it. Still, she did well enough to earn herself a prize, a cuddly toy that almost looked like the baby of the one that Coco had one earlier, a penguin chick.

Smiling at the toy for a second, she’d then turn and hand it to Coco. “Here, you can have this, a baby to go along with the mama penguin that you won earlier.”

The game had been fun but judging by the fact that it was smoking a little, Vitria realised that perhaps she’d got a little too into it again. She just didn’t seem to know her own strength and as she chuckled, the slayer once more offered her hand to her young guild mate. “Looks like it’s your turn again to pick something out for us, Coco, I’m game for anything.” That was certainly true and was pretty much her life’s motto at this stage. She just hoped that Coco was enjoying herself as much as she was.

(412 Words)
(2793 TWC)

Coco smiled At how good she was at the game these pesky moles didn't stand a chance against her. As she watched in Pyramid is meant as she played the game with far more skill than she did she became a happier when she was handed a small soft toy from her. It looked like a little version of the big penguins she won earlier.  She gave him a big tight squeeze for a moment before looking up at her and giving a warm childlike smile.

Thanks, now mama penguin won't be lonely!

As she said this she did the same trick as she did earlier opening a small portal leading to our room right next to the mama Penguin as a small rush of wind went through she would reach inside placing the small Penguin right up against the big Penguin. Taking a small moment to look at them both and just be happy she was here right now and that she actually had things again possessions that she could call her own.  As she shut the portal making a slight spectical she reached up as she was told she could decide what to do next.  She smiled nodding looking around briefly.  There was so much to do.

As they walked briefly she finally decided on what to do, or rather her stomach did.  There was something wonderful smelling at a food stalal nearby.  A smile spread on her face as she looked up at Vitria.

Let's get a snack!

She spoke happily as she started to drag Vitria over to a food stall.  The man behind the stall was cooking various things on skewers.  Everything from meat to veggie skewers. Looked up at the man as he looked at her asking what she wanted with a hardy smile.

Two skewers please, I want....that one!  Vitria pick anyone you want my treat!

She said reaching into her reach bag pulling out some money, taking almost took a bit long as she counted the money, though she got there handing the man the amount plus a bit extra for a tip.  The man smiled and thanked her as she took her skewer l.  It was alot of juicy, delicious smelling meats.  As soon as Vitria had hers she walked to a nearby table sitting down.  As she sat across from her friend she took a bite.  Her eyes lit up.  The flavor was like nothing she had experienced before.  It was so good! She took another bite before looking at Vitria.

How is yours, this festival is so much fun!  

She meant it, she never imagined joining Sabertooth would be so much fun.  It was alot of work doing jobs, and sometimes it was scary like during the hijacking.  But over all this was so much fun not just the festival but the guild to.  A small pang of survivors guilt washed over her as she was only here because of the monster...though all guilt left as she took another bite and the flavor brought her back, she probably could spend the whole time sampling food if she wanted.  However there was more to do.  As she ate she looked up at Vitria.

Big Sis,  why did you join Sabertooth?

She spoke without really thinking about it, she was genuinely curious why Vitria was a member of the guild.  But she called her big sis...out of instict... however it was genuine as she could only be because she felt safe with her big sis Vitria.

WC: 586
TWC: 3,369

The slayer certainly didn’t complain when Coco decided for the pair of them to visit one of the many food stalls that were all over the place. Vitria had a monstrous appetite at the best of times and she smiled fondly as she thought back to her introduction to the guild. That had been the first time that she’d met Imai and the attraction between them had been forged then and there. Never had she taken to someone as quickly as him but it didn’t frighten her or anything like that. They were good friends and perhaps a little more. The start of her journey as a Sabertooth mage.

She watched with a smile as her young guild mate happily paid for the skewers, noting just how comfortable that the young girl seemed to be with things at the moment. Coco had been so frightened when Vitria had first met her and the slayer had been worried that she’d struggle to cope with all the changes in her guild mates life and yet seeing her as she did today, the white haired girl couldn’t help but smile. Her friend was going to be alright and one day, would be ready to face anyone that tried to make her miserable.

Taking the offered seat across from the girl, Vitria’s eyes would almost light up when she took a bite of the glorious meat that was on the skewer. It tasted so good and the slayer wasted no time in sampling as much as she could. A dragon's appetite indeed but the white haired woman would make sure to savour every bite, making the most of each one. “It tastes wonderful. In fact it might even be better than the chicken wings that that guild makes.” That was quite the compliment, as Vitria must have wolfed down at least a dozen of those wings on her first day.

The question posed to her was a little unexpected but after thinking about it for a few moments, the slayer would answer. “I want to become stronger so that I can defend my home from those who want to harm it. There are some nasty people out there who wish to burn my country, Bellum, to the ground and I want to stop it. I knew that in order to get tougher, I had to join a group of mages and learn from them. I know that with Sabertooth’s help, I’ll be able to get to where I need to be but while I’m training, I’m going to make the most of every moment that I spend here.”

(434 Words)
(3803 TWC)

Coco listened intently though she never had heard of this Bellum place before.  She thought hard as she took a bite of her meat skewer but nothing.  She would have to try to remember it later.  But one things was certain to Coco,  Bellum was Vitria's home and she cared about it very much.  Which she could empathize with.  She loved both her old home and her new home.  While it may be to late for her old home, This Bellum place was still around despite her never hearing about it before.  She finished up her meat skewer and smiled at Vitria.

Well um if you want my help defending this Bellum place, um I'll help you.  If bad guys are threatening your home then I  already don't like them, they sound really mean.

She said as she finished her skewer.  She had no idea that she just offered to help with a conflict between two diffrent countries.  But that hardly mattered to her, she just wanted to help her big sister out.  But that was enough serious talk, or so she thought. She wanted to find something for them to do that would be fun.  They were at a festival after all.  As she looked around she saw something that made the eyes like plates,  she pointed behind Vitria.  

Big Sis Vitria...what is that..."

Her voice held a child like awe as she pointed at what was a ride at this fetival, one that that had colorful lights and fun sounding music.  People were riding around in circles on very beautiful horses on poles that bobbed up and down as people rode them.  She of course was pointing at a carousel. She didn't know what this time was but it looked enchanting and like so much fun. She knew immediately that she wanted to try whatever this was. She turned her gaze back at Vitria.

Big Sis, can we go ride that thing over there please!

She said pointing at the carousel. She could already seem them on it, she didn't realize how excited she was to ride the ride. In her head she was playing it off cool, though any look at her body should a kid who was ready to bounce off a wall. However she was still in enough control to consider her guildmate..She would wait for Vitria, but internally was hoping she said yes.

WC: 400
TWC:4,203

A smile crossed the face of the slayer once more as Coco offered to help her with the battle with Pergrande. It was an incredibly sweet gesture although Vitria couldn’t help but feel a little guilty that she’d kind of ruined the nice vibe by mentioning it. Today was supposed to be about having fun and letting their hair down, not to discuss the problems of her country. Still, the hybrid would take a bite from her skewer and reply. “You’re going to have to get training then too if that’s what you want to do. It’ll be a big fight and we’ll both have to be ready.” She didn’t doubt that her young friend meant what she said but Vitria wasn’t sure if the girl was quite ready yet and honestly, she didn’t know if she herself was either. Defending your homeland was a noble goal but it took so much courage and strength to do so. She needed more time to sort things out inside.

As she was finishing her skewer, savouring the meat, Coco would motion towards one of the rides, causing the white haired woman to look around too. It was a carousel by the looks of it and Vitria couldn’t help but briefly shiver. Dragon slayers and motion didn’t always work well and the Sabertooth mage wondered for a moment about whether she should agree to go on it or not. The last thing that she wanted to do was hurl and that could well happen. Yet, the look on Coco’s face was impossible to say no to and she ended up replying with a chuckle. “It’s a carousel, a fun ride but one that can mess with your stomach if you’re not careful. I’ll go on there with you but I’ll have to take a safety measure first.”

Uttering a few words, the mage would cast a healing spell on herself, resulting in a gentle stream of water to wrap around her body, soothing any aches and pains that she might have but more importantly, making her immune from motion sickness for a while. After casting her spell, she’d explain what she’d done to Coco. “My magic makes me a little bit queasy when I’m on a vehicle, you see, so I have to use a spell so that I don’t end up bringing up my breakfast.” A downside to her abilities for sure but the benefits it gave her in return was well worth it.

Standing up, she’d offer a hand once more to her friend with a smile, ready to go. “Lead the way then, Coco.”

(434 Words)
(4637 TWC)