Puyo Puyo: Frozen Hearts
By TheBlackKid
Chapter 1 – Primp Party Planning
Hello-! The name's Amitie! I'm a student of the Primp Magic School in the peaceful Primp Town! My dream is to become a wonderful magician. I'm not that great at studying, and maybe a bit clumsy, but I'm always the cheerful one. Nice to meet you!
And, uh…I'm actually glad you're here. I could really use someone to talk to right about now. I-It's not bad or anything. I-In fact, it's a really good thing. F-For me, that is.
Y-You see, Christmas is coming up soon. About a week from now. And, well…th-there's something I want to do on that day. Something really big. So big, in fact, that I might even call it the most mature thing I've ever done.
But I'm too nervous to do it. Whenever I think about doing it, I get all jittery inside. And my face becomes just as red as my friend Ringo's hair. It's such a huge and mature step for someone like me.
But I really want to do this! I need to do this! I need to release this deep feeling from my soul! I've been holding it in for so long and now it's DYING to come out! I refuse to ignore it much longer! It must be freed!
…
S-So…you're probably wondering what it is that I want to do on Christmas, are you? Well…since you came and listened to my problem, I guess it's only fair that I tell you.
S-So…h-here goes…
…
Y-You see…I-I…w-well, I…
…
Aw, geez. This is harder than I thought.
I…
I…
I…
…
…I-I WANT TO CONFESS MY LOVE TO SIG!
*pant*
*pant*
*pant*
*whine* That was so hard. And if I can't tell it to you guys, then how am I going to tell Sig? Maybe this was a bad idea.
"Amitie…Amitie…"
"H-Huh?! Wh-What?!"
"Amitie. Were you listening?" Ms. Accord asked me.
"Huh? Well…I…uh…well…n-no. I-I wasn't. S-Sorry, Ms. Accord."
"Amitie…"
"Why so shocked, Ms. Accord? She does this all the time. The only difference is that she's isn't sleep talking this time." Klug said.
"I-I…well…uh…" It's true. That does happen a lot.
"Klug. Please don't pick on Amitie." Ms. Accord said.
"I'm not picking on her. I'm just making a point."
"One that no one really cares about." Raffina said.
"Well of course, you would say that. *snicker*"
"And what's THAT supposed to mean, huh?!" Raffina got angry (as usual) as she stood up from her desk over Klug.
"Oh, I think you know. Although, I wouldn't be surprised if you don't. With that monkey brain of yours.Kyahahahaha!"
"Grr…Why you little…"
The two then started to yell at each other while using obscenities to insult each other.
"Aw, geez…" Ms. Accord said with a facepalm.
"There they go again, meow." Popoi added.
While that was going on, I took out my phone and looked at the date it read.
December 17th. Christmas is next Tuesday. Which means I only have a week to do this. But how does one do such a thing as this? Confess their love for someone? To one of their best friends, even? *whine* All of this is really really hard!
"Amitie…"
"H-Huh?!"
"You were spacing out again." Ms. Accord said.
"O-Oh. S-Sorry."
"You've been doing that a lot recently. As in more than usual. Is something upsetting you?"
"Uh…n-no. I'm fine. J-Just a bit sleepy, that's all."
Ms. Accord stared at me for a second. I wasn't sure if she believed me or not (most likely, she didn't), but that look of hers was only making me uncomfortable.
"Okay. If you say so, Amitie." She finally said.
*phew* Thank goodness.
"So. Back to our discussion. Who will be doing what for the party?"
Oh, yeah. I forgot. The school's having a Christmas party next week and we were in the middle of planning for it. I'm not even sure what to do for it. Maybe a gift for everyone. If I can afford it, I mean.
"First up, the food. Who would provide for that?"
After a short while of no responses, Lidelle slowly raised her hand with her shyness being shown right through her.
"Lidelle? You want to do it?"
"Y-Yes, teacher. I-I think I can do it." Lidelle stuttered.
"*giggle* I know you can. After all, that cake you made for Halloween was delicious."
"W-Well, I…"
"Wait, YOU made that, Lidelle?" Klug asked in shock.
"Y-Yeah. I-I did. S-Sorry if you didn't like it. I p-probably didn't do it right."
"Lidelle. I'm asking because that cake was delicious. One of the best I've ever had."
"For once, I have to agree with Klug." Raffina chimed in. "That cake was so good, I thought my personal chef made it. But now knowing that it was you, it puts him at a closer point of getting fired."
"Th-Thank you, Raffina. I-I guess." Lidelle said. Not knowing what else to say to that.
"Okay, then. Next is the location. Anyone got any ideas?" Ms. Accord asked.
"Well, I suppose I'll be the host of it yet again. Think of it as an early Christmas present. Oh, La-Ti-Da!"
"Woohoo." Klug said in a sarcastic tone.
"You don't have to come, you know. In fact, it would be great if you didn't show up at all."
"I want to go, just not at that snobby mansion of yours. Ms. Accord, don't we have any other options?"
"I'm afraid not, Klug." Ms. Accord answered. "Raffina's house is the only place big enough to fit us and the other guest."
"Plus, there's a heater, meow." Popoi added.
"Popoi, please don't use up the heat again like you did last year." Raffina said.
"Can't we at least take a vote on it?" Klug asked.
"Grr…Fine, you little whiner. Who here wants to have the party at my house?"
"I'm okay with it, meow."
"M-Me too." Lidelle added.
"I…don't really have a problem with it." I said.
"And what about you, Sig?" Raffina asked.
We all looked over at Sig…who was fast asleep with his head over the back of the chair.
"Sig…"
"Zzz…"
"Sig…"
"Zzz…"
"SIG!"
"H-Huh? What? What are we doing?" Sig asked as he jumped up a little and looked around the classroom.
"We're planning the Christmas party and deciding on whether or not to have it at Raffina's house." I said.
"Oh."
…
…
"Will there be…"
"No, Sig. There won't be any bugs." Raffina said sternly.
"Oh."
…
…
"Can I…"
"No. You can't bring your own."
"Oh." Sig sounded sad that time.
"Look, do you agree or not?" Raffina was starting to lose patience.
"I guess. If Ami's okay with it."
*meep*
"I-I…w-well…o-of course I'm okay with it, silly. I get to spend Christmas with my friends. Wh-Why wouldn't I be okay with it?"
I then looked away from Sig (and everyone else) and stared at my desk. Knowing that my cheeks were bright red at this point.
"Y-Yeah…th-that's it." I said weakly.
…
"O…kay then. You lose, Klug! So either suck it up or don't show up at all! Oh, La-Ti-Da!" Raffina gloated at him.
"*sigh* Whatever."
"Anyway…" Ms. Accord took the lead of the conversation again. "The last thing is the decorations. Who will take charge of that?"
"Amitie will do it." Raffina said.
"Eh?! Wh-Why me?!" I asked.
"We all have to take a part, Amitie." Ms. Accord said.
"I thought you, of all people, would now that." Klug added.
"Y-Yeah…b-but…I-I'm kinda busy this week. I-I don't think I can do all the decorations in time."
"Ammy. Do you think you can get Arle and Ringo to help you?" Lidelle suggested.
"W-Well…"
Normally, that would sound like a good idea. But, in this case…not so much. Arle and Ringo know about my feelings for Sig. And said that they'll help me become brave enough to confess to him on Christmas.
With what, I have no idea.
But I can't really tell everyone here what I'm doing. So now, I really don't have a choice but to take the job.
"…O-Okay. I-I'll do it." I gave in.
"And if you really need any more help, meow, you could ask Si-" Popoi was going to suggest that Sig could help me, but then we all looked at Sig again. And saw that he had fallen back asleep in the same position he was last time.
"Never mind, meow."
To be honest, I'm glad Sig won't help me. Him being around while we make these decorations, with his cute, unamused face looking at me from time to time…I'd definitely won't make it through.
*SCHOOL BELL RINGS*
"Oh my. Class is over already. Does everyone understand their part of the job?" Ms. Accord asked.
"Yes, Ms. Accord." Four of us replied.
"Zzz…"
"Someone please wake Sig up, meow." Popoi said.
"I-I'll do it." I said.
"Thank you, Amitie. Now goodbye for now, kiddies. Have a safe break and see you at the party."
As everyone started packing up their stuff, I went over to Sig's desk and tried to wake him up.
And when I say "try", I really did try.
I struggled to move my body because I kept staring at Sig's sleeping face. I felt myself blushing deeply and sweating extensively. I also felt my heart beating really really fast and my body shaking with nerves. At this point, I was deeply lost inside that sleeping face of my best friend and crush.
*whine* He's so cute! Why does he have to be so cute?!
I then tried once more to wake him up. I reached out my arm towards his right shoulder at a really slow pace. Inching closer by only a few centimeters. I was…almost nearly halfway there…when…
"SIG!"
"GAH!" I shouted from total shock.
"H-Huh? Wh-What?" Sig asked with a look of dazed and confusion.
"Your sister's outside waiting for you. Hurry up." Raffina said.
"Oh. Okay."
Sig got up from his desk and grabbed his bag as he started heading for the door leading to the hallway.
"See ya, Ammy. See ya, uh…Wuffina."
"It's Raffina!" Raffina yelled.
Sig then waved at both of us before he went to meet up with his sister.
"*sigh* Geez. When is he going to get my name right?" Raffina said to herself.
"*whine* Raffina! Why'd you had to do that?!" I complained.
"Hey, don't look at me. You were taking too long and I want to go home."
"whine* And I was so close, too."
"No, you weren't."
"Well, to me, it was!"
"*sigh*Seriously, Amitie. Just tell him already."
"I really want to, Raffina. But…but I'm so nervous. What if something bad happens?"
By the way, Raffina also knows about my crush on Sig. And I didn't necessarily tell her "in a normal way", if that makes any sense. What I'm trying to say is…it was emotionally brutal.
For me, that is.
"Well, this is Sig we're talking about. At worse, he'll just say something like "I don't get it" and you'll have to explain it to him." Raffina said.
"Y-Yeah. Th-That does sound like something Sig would say."
As much as I don't like to accept it.
"Well, anyway…I'm going home now. You'll have those decorations done before the party, right?"
"Uh…y-yeah. S-Sure. I'll get right on it."
"Alright, then. See ya at the party." Raffina said as she started leaving the classroom and heading home.
"Okay. See ya."
…
*sigh*
"And so the countdown begins." I said to myself as I was packing my stuff. As I was putting on my coat, my phone had started ringing and I answered it after it scared me a little.
Great. Raffina shouting in my ear still has me on edge.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Ammy! Finally, you pick up the phone!"
"Mom. I was in class. I couldn't answer the phone even if I wanted to."
"Wait, what do you mean "even if you wanted to"?" Mom sounded insulted.
"I-It's nothing. Do you need something, Mom?"
"Oh, yeah. Just wanna tell ya that I'm going to be home late tonight."
"Again?"
"Sorry, Ammy. Akuma's working me to the ground with this book. He seriously needs to relax."
"If you're going to talk about me, then can you not do it when I'm standing next to you, KUMA!" I heard Akuma's voice in the background.
"Aw, crap."
"*giggle* Sounds like you're in trouble, Mom. I'll see you later tonight then."
"*sigh* Fine."
"Merry Christmas, Akuma."
"Merry Christmas to you too, Amitie. MA, KUMA, KUMAAAA!"
I hung up the phone and placed it in my pocket. Then I looked around the classroom to see that I was the only one left.
"*sigh* Well, I better go meet up with Arle and Ringo. Hopefully, at least one of their ideas work and I'm able to confess my love for Sig on Christmas."
I then grabbed my backpack and started heading out of the classroom, into the hallway, and eventually out of the school building. Into the snowy streets of Primp Town.
Chapter 2 – Decorating Your Feelings
It had recently started snowing here in Primp. It's my favorite kind of weather. How it covers up the buildings and streets like a giant white blanket, the multiple snowflakes that often land on your nose and tongue…
…And the best part, no school! Which leaves more time to play!
But…I can't really play right now. Not with my thoughts confessing to Sig and making decorations for the party swarming around my mind.
And it's really starting to hurt.
Speaking of which, I should hurry up and meet with Arle and Ringo right now. They're probably waiting for me.
That is…if they're not busy with "something else".
You'll see what I mean.
I started heading towards our usual meeting spot for days like today: the park. We come here every day to play with each other. Whether it be on the playground, playing tag, a game or two of Puyo, or in this case, the snow.
I entered the park and after a minute or two of looking, I found Arle and Ringo sitting on a bench. I was about to walk up to them and say hi…
…But then I saw what they were doing. And got slightly annoyed.
"*sigh* Here we go." I said under my breath.
"Isn't the snow today pretty, Ringo?" Arle asked.
"Yeah. It really is pretty. And the sparkles in the ground make it even prettier." Ringo said.
"Aren't they just snowflakes?"
"Yeah, but every snowflake is different. Making the sparkles more original and pretty."
"I see…"
"But of course…they're not as pretty as you, Arle."
"*cutely moan* Ringo!" Arle grabbed onto Ringo and held her into a hug.
"*giggle* Someone's been clingy recently." Ringo said.
"I can't help it. This is the first time I get to spend Christmas with my girlfriend, after all."
"Yeah, that's true. I feel the same way and I don't regret it, either."
"Ringo…"
"Arle…"
They both started to bring their faces together for a kiss on each other's lips. After about 10 seconds of watching them kiss, I started losing interest. So I went and got their attention…
"Hey. Arle. Ringo."
"GAH!"
…and it apparently scared them both.
"A-Amitie?! H-How long were you standing there?!" Ringo asked.
"The entire time."
"Th-The entire time?!" Ringo started blushing out of embarrassment.
"G-Geez, Amitie! A-A heads up would've been nice!" Arle whined while blushing as much as Ringo.
"Sorry. I just didn't think I would come here to find you guys "having a moment" as some might call it."
"Hey…" They both sounded insulted.
Yeah, it's true. Arle and Ringo are dating. And it's kinda my fault that this happened. You see, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas decorations were already being put up around town. And at some point, we noticed that Arle and Ringo were standing under a mistletoe. I kept teasing them that now they had to kiss, and they eventually did.
Then they both started acting weird around each other about three weeks after that. Turns out, they had gained feelings for each other. And it wasn't until about two days ago when they confessed their love. And told me the same day.
In the end, I blame myself for teasing them in the first place. But I'm also really happy that I was able to bring two lonely hearts together and form a bound of unbreakable love.
Hopefully, they can do the same thing for me.
"Anyway, I need you guy's help with something." I said.
"Don't worry. We know, Amitie." Ringo said. "We've been coming up with ideas to help you confess your love for Sig."
"Just because we're a couple, doesn't mean we forgot about you." Arle added. "Right, Carby?"
Carbuncle then popped out of Arle's coat hood and sat on her lap.
"Gu!" He said.
I don't really understand what Carbuncle says most of the time, but Arle does. Probably because they've been with each other for so long.
"Thanks, guys. But it's actually something else."
"Something else?" They both asked.
"My school is throwing a Christmas party next week and I'm in charge of making decorations. At first, I tried to get out of it. Since I was busy with my love problem. But now, I'm stuck with it. So I need your help."
"I see. This is quite the predicament." Ringo said with her finger on her chin.
"A what?"
"It means that we have a problem, Amitie."
"R-Right. O-Of course. I-I knew that." I said while rubbing the back of my head.
"Really?"
"Yes, really!"
"Well, we can still do both. We'll just have to manage our time on each." Arle said.
"Yeah, I guess."
"So which should we do first?"
"Let's get some on the decorations done first. We can go to the store and then go to my house afterward."
"Fine by me. Ready, Love?" Arle turned to Ringo and asked.
"*giggle* Ready when you are, Cutie."
Both got up from the bench and gave each other a quick kiss on the lips before walking with me to the store.
"Guys, really?" I asked. Questioning if what they just said and did was necessary at that point in time.
"Oh, come on, Amitie. Think about it. By this time next week, this could be you and Sig." Ringo said.
"M-M-Me?! A-A-And Sig?!" The thought of having that happen made me blush extremely hard.
"*giggle* I think she likes the idea, Ringo." Arle teased.
"*giggle* Yeah, clearly." Ringo teased with her.
"M-M-M…Meanies." Was all I could say at this point.
We got to the store a short time later and went straight to the party supply aisle to pick out what exactly what we need. Ms. Accord wasn't exactly clear on what the decorations should look like. So, I'm just going to assume that they have to be Christmas-themed.
"So what should we get? The usual snowflakes and Christmas trees and stuff?" Ringo asked.
"Yeah, I suppose. I don't think there's a guideline for these." I said.
"Well, that's good. I'm not that great when it comes to neatly decorating stuff." Arle said.
"Aw come on, Arle. There are other tomboys out there who are good at art and stuff." Ringo said.
"But I'm not a tomboy." Arle sounded insulted.
"You kinda are." We both replied.
Arle hates being called a tomboy, even though she has every characteristic of one. She doesn't like or care for manners, she doesn't wear cute clothes and such, and she likes to get dirty. Like REAL dirty. As in going into deep dark caves and coming out a complete mess. It's weird how she keeps denying the fact that she is a tomboy. The fact that she keeps calling Schezo a pervert is kinda hypocritical.
Even though he kinda is one.
"Can't you two just drop the tomboy thing already?" Arle asked.
"We will once you admit to it." I answered.
"But there's nothing to admit. Right, Carby?"
"Guuu…" Carbuncle said.
"Carby? Don't tell me you think that, too!"
…
…
Carbuncle then went back into Arle's coat hood and didn't say anything else.
"Aw, come on!" Arle whined.
"It's okay, Arle. I still love you and your tomboy-ish personality." Ringo said while giving her a hug.
"B-But I'm not…*sigh* ah, forget it." Arle finally gave up.
After deciding on what decorations and supplies to get, I had told Arle and Ringo that Mom was going to be home late and that I had to get my own dinner. They offered to spend the night and help me cook something up. So now we were picking out stuff to cook tonight. We decided on chicken and noodles and had already gotten the meat. So we were heading to the pasta aisle to get the noodles.
That's when we ran into a little commotion.
"What?! What do you mean you don't have any?!"
"I mean what I just said three times already. We. Don't. Have. Any. Go and see if that crazy store you go to has it. Cause we sell normal things here." The store employee then walked off from the girl to get back to work.
"*sigh* Now what am I going to do?"
"Hey, Misuki." I said, getting the girl's attention.
"Hey, Ammy! Didn't think I'd run into you here." We both gave a quick hug as we haven't really seen each other in a while.
"You know…I still find it unfair that you let Amitie give you a nickname, but not me." Arle said.
"Just let it go, Arle." Ringo said to her.
Misuki is what I call Witch, a witch who came from Arle's world who's practicing to become the greatest potion-maker ever. She's just like me, with my dream being to becoming a wonderful magician. So far, though…neither one of us are having much luck. But we became best friends because of that reason. Kind of a depressing reason to become friends, but it works out for both of us.
"So what were you yelling about just now?" I asked.
"I'm making a special holiday potion to sell at my shop and I'm missing one last ingredient. I was hoping this place would have it. But apparently, they don't."
"What's the potion?" Ringo asked.
"Well, it's based on one of those Christmas you hear a lot. What was it again? 12 Days of Christmas, or something like that? Anyway, the one I'm missing is a set of 5 gold rings. And no one here sells it! Can you believe that?!"
"Yes." We all answered with no hesitation.
"What?!"
"Witch. There is no way in hell you're going to find 5 gold rings anywhere in this town." Arle said.
"Or in this world, to be precise. They just don't exist." Ringo added.
"Sorry, Misuki." I said.
"*sigh* Great. Now I wasted my time making that potion." Misuki pouted.
"Wait, you already made it?"
"Yeah, but it's useless now. I'll probably make it into a sports drink or something and sell it like that."
"Please don't." The three of us said.
"Hey…" Misuki got insulted.
*Dearest customers. The store will be closing in 30 minutes. Please hurry and make your final selections.*
"Huh? They're closing already?"
"It is the holidays, Misuki. Everyone's closing early to spend time with their families." I said.
"Oh, yeah. That." Misuki sound depressed. And I know why. She had a grandmother that died long ago back in her world and she came here after saying goodbye to her grave. She doesn't really have any other family to go to for the holidays. Hence the fact that she's been getting close to Mom and me.
"You know, Misuki. You can always spend the holidays with us. You're always welcome at our house."
"Really? You and Melody won't mind?"
"Mom won't care. She'll probably just use her days off to sleep."
"Oh, yeah." Misuki, Arle, and Ringo said with a sweatdrop.
"Well, I'll you up on that offer, Ammy. Thank you so much!" Misuki cheered.
"Now of course. You've gotta help me out with something."
"What, you mean with your crush on that Sig boy?"
"D-Don't say it out loud like that!" I shouted with a faint blush on my cheeks. "A-And it's not just that. I have to make decorations for the party my school's throwing on Christmas."
"Oh. I see. Sure, I'll help you, Ammy."
"Great. The more help the better."
"Yeah. Especially with Arle's tomboy-ish mindset." Ringo added.
"I swear, I am going to punch you." Arle sounded annoyed.
"Sorry. I just had to get one more in."
"*whine* You're mean, Ringo."
"Okay. I'm sorry." Ringo said as she wrapped herself around Arle in a tight enclosed hug.
"Oh, I can't stay mad at you, Ringo." Arle said before kissing her on the lips.
Misuki and I just stood there and watched the whole thing.
"So those two are dating, huh?" Misuki asked.
"Yeah, they are. And I'm kinda the reason, too."
"Interesting."
We then continue to stare at the couple as they were still hugging each other. Lost in their own little world.
W-Wow. Th-That…c-could be me…a-and Sig? Now I really want to confess. I just hope…
…I can get the courage to do it in time.
Chapter 3 – A Practice Confession
Before heading for my house, we stopped at Misuki's shop so that she can pack clothes and stuff for the time she'll be spending with us. She wanted to bring a couple potions with her, but I immediately turned it down. The last time Misuki brought a potion over, it blew a hole through the roof. And yet, it was supposed to make your skin smooth or something similar to that. I'm not that knowledgeable with beauty stuff.
When we got to my house, we changed out of the sweaters and coats we were wearing and got into something more comfortable before we made dinner. And by "we", I mean Arle. Ringo and I don't know how to cook, and we've banned Misuki from ever using a stove ever again (another potion incident).
So as of right now, Arle was making dinner while Ringo, Misuki and I were messing around with the party supplies we bought and Carbuncle was asleep on my couch.
Not sure why. Pretty sure he didn't do much today.
"So what exactly do they want for these decorations, Ammy?" Misuki asked me.
"Hmm…not sure. Ms. Accord wasn't really specific with the details."
"As usual." Ringo added.
"I was just going to wing it and see if they like it."
"Yeah. That sounds like the only option." Misuki said.
"Dinner should be done in about an hour, guys." Arle said as she joined us in the living room.
"Great! That should be enough time to help Amitie with her love life." Ringo said.
"It's not my entire love life, Ringo." I felt insulted.
"Well, you know what I mean."
"*sigh* So, does anyone have any ideas?"
"Well…" Arle spoke up. "I was thinking that maybe you could practice a little with someone."
"Huh? You mean like a practice confession?" Misuki asked.
"Yeah, kinda like that. I, uh…kinda did it myself before confessing my love for you, Ringo." Arle then started blushing a little.
"Y-You did?" Ringo asked, also blushing at this point.
Arle shook her head because of the fact that she was too embarrassed to say anything.
"Arle…That's so sweet!" Ringo cheered as she grabbed Arle into a hug and repeatedly kissed her.
"*giggle* I'm so glad I've made you happy, Ringo."
"Uh…guys? We're still here." I said.
Arle and Ringo realized this, and let go of each other as quickly as they can due to the embarrassment.
"R-Right. O-Of course." Ringo said.
"S-Sorry, Amitie." Arle said.
"So anyway, how would this practice confession work?"
"Oh, it's easy. In order to build up confidence, you use something like a decoy to practice on. You keep on saying "I love you" to it until you feel like you're ready for the real deal." Arle explained.
"I see. That sounds simple enough. But…I don't really have a decoy to practice on."
"Not to worry, Amitie! You're best friend, Arle Nadja has got you covered!" Arle boosted with one eye winking and a thumbs up.
This cannot be good…
Arle then went over to the couch where Carbuncle was asleep and tried to wake him up.
"Carby. Hey, Carby."
"Gu?" Carbuncle woke up a little dazed.
"I need your help with something." Arle then whispered something in Carbuncle's ear.
"Gu, gu, guu!"
We then saw that the red gem that's on Carbuncle's head started to glow. Then a magic circle had spawned in the center of all of us and out from the bright light came someone I didn't think I would see.
Like, at all.
"Huh? What? Where am I? What just happened?"
"Hey, Nasu Grave." Arle greeted him.
"Arle?"
"We kinda need your help for something. It'll be really quick, I swear."
"Uh…what?" I asked in complete shock and confusion.
You see, along with Arle, Misuki, and others like Draco, Schezo, Rulue, and Satan, a bunch of odd people came here from the other world. Ones like Suketoudara, a fish with arms and legs that loves to dance, Zoh Daimaoh, an elephant with a bit of a short fuse, Skeleton T, a skeleton that loves to drink tea (not sure how that's possible),
And then there's Nasu Grave, a talking eggplant who says he's not edible, but he looks edible. I actually thought at one point that he was going to eat the whole town because he didn't know what a primp was.
But now, looking back at it, that sounds really ridiculous.
"What's this quick something?" Nasu Grave asked.
"We just need you to stand there while Amitie here says "I love you" a couple times." Arle said.
…
…
"Uh…what?"
"That's what I said." I added.
"Oh, come on, Nasu Grave." Misuki said. "You've always said how you wanted more attention. All you have to do is stand there like a decoy and you'll get some."
"D-Decoy?! I may want attention, but I'm not that desperate!"
"Really? Cause you've always seemed desperate to me."
"I'M NOT DESPERATE!"
"No. Guys, this is ridiculous." I said. "I'm not going to sit here and say "I love you" to an eggplant. No offense."
"It's okay. I've heard it before."
Ah, geez. Poor guy.
"Well, that was a bust. Anyone else got any ideas?" Arle asked.
"Wait, you're not going to send me back?! The forest is really far from here!" Nasu Grave complained.
"*ugh* Fine! You know you complain a lot, right?"
Before Nasu Grave could respond to that, the same magic circle from before respawned and it sent him back to where ever he was before.
"So like I said, any ideas?" Arle asked again.
"Hmm…well, we could ask Risukuma." Ringo suggested.
"Who?" Misuki asked.
"He's the guy with the advice booth near the outskirts of town."
"Wait, you mean that squirrel…bear…man…thing…WHAT IS HE?!"
"No one really knows." The rest of us said.
"But he can give advice to pretty much everything. And he's especially an expert on love. He'll definitely help you out, Amitie."
"Yeah, I guess. I could try that. Great idea, Ringo." I said.
"That's my girlfriend for ya! Always so smart!" Arle cheered as she hugged Ringo for the…actually, I've lost count.
"*giggle* Arle…"
"Guys. Come on." I was starting to get annoyed again.
"*tired moan* I'm so tired. I could just sleep past Christmas." A new voice was heard.
"Hey, Mom."
"Hi, Melody." The three guests said.
"Oh hey, everyone. Spending the night?"
"Yeah, they are. And I've told Misuki that it was okay for her to stay here for the holidays." I said.
"Oh. Well, that's fine. I'm just gonna lay down here real quick…"
"W-Wait, Melody! Th-that's where…" Arle tried to warn her, but it was too late.
*muffled noises*
"GAH! WHAT THE HELL?!" Mom shouted as she jumped up from the couch.
"Gu, gu, gu! Gu, gu, gu! Gu! Gu! GU!"
"Oh. Sorry, Carbuncle. I didn't see you there. *yawn*"
"Wow, Melody. Are you that tired?" Ringo asked.
"Yeah. Akuma got me working double time to finish that book. It's done now. It just needs editing."
"Luckily, she's off until the day after Christmas. So she won't have to worry about it for a couple days." I explained.
"And now, I'm going to sleep."
"You don't want any dinner, Melody?" Arle asked.
"I'm good. Because for the next day or two, I'm going to be knocked the f…"
"MOM!" I shouted.
"Fine. I get it. Going to bed now." Mom finally went to her room and closed the door behind her.
"*sigh* Geez, that woman."
"You know, in a way, it's kinda funny." Misuki said.
"Shut up, Misuki."
Chapter 4 – Advice From a Squirrelbear
So the next morning, the four of us made our way to the outskirts of town, usually where those multiple signs that point to nowhere or mean absolutely nothing, to find Risukuma and ask him for help.
Me personally, I don't know Risukuma as much as Ringo does other than the fact that they came from the same world. All I really know is that he's a…squirrel…bear…person…thing (seriously, what is he?) that likes to do experiments. Often times, these experiments cause explosions. So in a way, he's just like Misuki.
"*shiver* It's freezing out here! I think it got colder than yesterday!"
"That's what happens during the winter, Witch. You just gotta get used to it." Arle said to her.
"Get used to it?" Misuki whined. But then went silent for a moment and then grew a smile soon after. "Or, I could just…"
"No."
"You don't even know what it is!"
"I don't care. No."
"*whine* Killjoy!"
"*sigh* You're really something else, Witch."
"You know, in a way, it's kinda funny." I said.
"Shut up, Amitie."
"Let's see…he should be around here somewhere…" Ringo said as she looked around the area.
"Hey, Ringo. Can Risukuma really help me out?"
"Not to worry, Amitie. Ris will definitely help you out. To be honest, he helped me out when I was struggling to understand my feelings for Arle."
"He did?" Not only I asked that, but Arle did as well.
"Yeah. It was a huge struggle for me, as I wasn't sure if people would accept me for being in love with another girl. But then Ris convinced me that it didn't matter who you loved, you just have to love them with all your heart. And that's how I gained the courage to confess my love for you, Arle."
"R…Ringo…" Arle sounded like she was about to cry. But then she hugged Ringo as tight as she could and cried into her coat so no one could hear.
I'll be honest…seeing that almost made me start crying.
"S-Sorry you guys had to see that." Arle said with a faint blush.
"It's okay, Arle. Really it is." I said.
"Yeah, I think it's great that you found someone to love." Misuki added. "And if anyone disagrees, you can just kick them in the…"
"Hey…"
"What? I was going to say butt."
"No, you weren't."
"Well, okay. I wasn't. But I meant what I said."
"*sniff* Th-Thanks, you guys." Arle said.
"There he is!" Ringo shouted as we finally found Risukuma after another 15 minutes of searching.
He was at his booth, as usual. Giving advice to people to help with their problems. This time, he was talking to Suketoudara. And they look like they were deep into their conversation.
"Hmm…I see. So this Seriri girl sees you as a friend, but you want it to be more than that?"
"Yeah, yeah! That's it! I keep moving and grooving into her heart to make her notice, but she just doesn't get it! I feel like I'm flopping for air at times! Is there something I not doing right?"
"Hmm…well, first off…tell me what she's like."
"Well…she's rather shy. But she's the most beautiful girl in the world. Her greenish blue eyes, her long, blue hair, her scaly tail…"
"Scaly tail?"
"Well, she is a mermaid."
"I see. Now it's starting to make sense."
"Hey, Ris." Ringo said.
"Hey, Suketoudara." Arle and Misuki said.
"Ah. Ringo. Good to see you." Risukuma greeted us.
"Fiiish! Arle! I've heard the good news! Congrats on your new catch!" Suketoudara said.
"Uh…thanks, Suketoudara. But I wouldn't exactly call Ringo a "catch". At least, not in that way."
"So, what can I do for you girls?" Risukuma asked.
"It's Amitie. She needs some love advice." Ringo said.
"I see. Well, what seems to be troubling you, young Amitie?"
"W-Well…" I was a bit nervous about telling someone about my feelings for Sig. Arle, Ringo, and Misuki were kinda sorta easy. And Raffina forced the truth right out of me. Other than that, no one else knows. But then again…if I don't, I won't get any help. So I don't really have a choice.
"Y-You see, I kinda…well, no. I have this huge crush on one of my classmates and I want to confess to him on Christmas Day. But…I'm too scared to do so. It's to the point where I get nervous while talking to him. I don't think he notices, either. I just want him to know how I feel. What should I do?"
"Hmm…yes. This is very interesting." Risukuma said as he thought to himself.
"What do you think, Ris?" Ringo asked.
"Well, seeing as how you're at that age…you could try flirting."
"Fl-Flirting?!" I started blushing.
"It's said and believed that if a girl flirts a bit to the boy she loves, the boy will start to feel an excited feeling and become interested in you. I've actually had this tested out in a recent experiment. And the positive results made it clear that it was a perfect success."
"Of course! Why didn't we think of that?!" Arle asked.
"Girls are experts on flirting! You just need to do a couple of times and he'll notice in no time, Amitie!" Ringo said.
"B-But…"
"We'll even help you out a little, Ammy! I can whip us the cutest outfit for you to wear! It can even be Christmas-themed!" Misuki said.
"Great idea, Witch!" Arle cheered.
"B-But guys…"
"Hey, hey, hey! Maybe you can throw in a couple dance moves while you're at it! Now goes wrong when you're dancing for love!" Suketoudara added.
"Even better!" Arle and Misuki cheered.
"You're not helping!" I shouted.
"Well, it looks like we got our next idea. Thanks for the advice, guys." Ringo said.
"Anytime, Ringo." Risukuma said.
"Hope your quest for love reaches its final fever, baby!" Suketoudara said.
"Come on, Amitie! Let's go prepare!" Arle yelled as she grabbed my hand and started pulling me back to town in excitement.
"Get really real…" I whined.
Chapter 5 – Public Flirtation
So then. The next day, at the nearby mall…
"NO WAY! I'M NOT COMING OUT!"
"Aw, come on, Amitie. You're not even giving it a chance." Ringo said.
"GIVE IT A CHANCE?! YOU GUYS HAD ME COME TO THE MALL AND WEAR THIS RIDICULOUS OUTFIT!"
"We're wearing it too, you know." Arle said.
"How are you guys not embarrassed?!"
"Come on, Ammy. Don't you want Sig to love you the way you love him?" Misuki asked.
…
"Y…Yeah…" I replied after thinking about it.
"Then quit being a baby and get out here already."
"*whine* Fine."
I finally stepped out one of the stalls in the restroom and came out to meet with everyone else. This particular outfit that I find so embarrassing is this red and white sweater-like dress with a hood in the back and a pair of mostly white and some red shorts. It had a gold heart and a red heart connected to a part of the hood. I also wore red gloves with white hearts on the outside, and red & white boots that were similar to my normal red ones. But with hearts on the top. Also, for some reason, my Red Puyo Hat decided to turn itself into a Red Puyo Santa Hat.
It made the outfit match better, but I still hated the fact that I was wearing it in the first place. In public, no less.
"See, Amitie? You look totally cute in that." Arle said. Her outfit was similar to mine, but it had stars in the same places instead of hearts.
"Yeah, so true. You look super cute in that, Amitie." Ringo said. Her's was kinda different from mine. The sweater and boots were white, she had on a red and white skirt, and there were apples on the spots where I had hearts and Arle had stars on.
"Ohhohoho! All thanks to me, of course! Another special trait I learned from my grandmother!" Misuki's was a mix of all of ours combined. The sweater was white and she had a red and white skirt on, but her boots were red and white and there was a mix of hearts and stars in the places we had our stuff on.
"B-But guys…why are we wearing these at the mall?!" I asked, still feeling embarrassed.
"Because." Ringo answered. "Today, people are getting their last-minute gifts for Christmas, right?"
"Yeah…"
"So, we just to look around the mall and find Sig. once we do, you can start flirting with him."
"Wait, what?! You mean we're actually going to WALK AROUND in these things?!"
"Duh." All three girls said.
"No! No! No, no, no! No! HELL NO! NO! I'M NOT DOING IT!" I was blushing so much, my face could match this ridiculous outfit.
"Amitie…" Arle said.
"No! Look, guys! I know you've been trying really hard to help me out, but this…I can't do this! I can't have Sig see me in this! It's too embarrassing!"
"Don't you think we know that, Ammy? That's why we're wearing them too." Misuki said.
"H-Huh? R-Really?"
"Yeah." Arle said. "The fact that we're standing in the middle of the mall in these outfits, the possibility of our panties being shown to everyone here increased greatly. We're doing this to help you out, Amitie. To have your Christmas wish come true."
Geez. Now I feel like a jerk. The fact that they feel just as embarrassed as me in these outfits, yet they're doing it for me. It's so sweet! I really do have the best friends in the world!
"G-Guys. I-I'm sorry. I should be more confident in these ideas. A-And well…these outfits are kinda cute."
"Yeah! And the view is nice, too!"
"*shriek*" Arle and Misuki screamed as they held down their skirts. Oddly, Ringo didn't do it as well.
"Wh-Who said that?!" Misuki asked.
"*sigh* I know who did." Ringo said with an annoyed look on her face. "Ecolo!"
"Right here, Ringie! *giggle*" Ecolo said as he appeared right in front of us.
"Did you really look at our panties?"
"No. I just wanted to see you react to it."
"Jerk!" Arle and Misuki shouted.
"Figures." Ringo said with a facepalm. "What are you even doing here, Ecolo?"
"Getting a gift." Ecolo said in a teasing way.
"For who? And with what money? Pretty sure you don't have any. You better not steal anyone's gifts."
"Do you really think I would do that?"
"Knowing you…yes."
"Aw. You're mean, Ringo. Santa's not gonna like that." Ecolo said the last part in a teasing way.
"Santa doesn't…w-would you just knock it off already?!" Ringo started blushing.
Was she about to say that Santa doesn't exist?!
"Hey! Ecolo!" We heard a new voice calling out to Ecolo. When we saw who it was, it kinda shocked us a bit.
"Huh? Peruvis?"
"Guys? Wow…what's with the ridiculous outfits?" Peruvis asked.
"I-It's not ridiculous! A bit embarrassing, yes. But not ridiculous!" Arle yelled.
"Right…"
Peruvis is a girl that recently moved to Primp on her own. And is…quite different from most of us. For one, she has a single black horn coming out of the right side of her head. But unlike Lidelle, who hides both of her horns underneath her hair, Peruvis keeps it out and exposed from her light-purple hair.
At one point, I saw that she had these weird purple markings on her arms and legs. And one can be barely seen on her forehead. I asked her what they were for, but she says she doesn't like to talk about it.
Also…
"Wow, you weren't kidding when you said these looked ridiculous. Is this some new stereotypical teen girl trend or something?"
"Wait, how is it stereotypical?" Misuki asked.
"Well, it's clearly…"
*POW*
"Ow!"
"Nobody cares." Peruvis said.
"Why you little…"
…She has this white ghosty-thingy named Phoenix that comes out of her back sometimes. The two tend to argue a lot. Which makes me wonder why they're fused together like that in the first place. But, like with the purple markings, she doesn't like to talk about it.
"So, what are you doing with Ecolo? Ringo asked.
"Well, I was busy looking for a present that I could send to a friend of mine back in my hometown when we ran into this drooling blob-thing. He kept bugging me about finding a gift for "someone he knows". I personally didn't care, but Phoenix wouldn't shut up about it."
"Hey, where's your Christmas spirit? You were seriously going to let someone struggle for finding a gift for "someone he knows"? Phoenix asked.
"I'm willing to help people if it doesn't cut into my own time. And besides, his story seemed odd. Much like him as a whole."
"Hey…" Ecolo got insulted.
"And another thing. You've got some nerve ditching me like that! I had to pay for this diamond pearl necklace with my own money!"
"You got it?! Yahoo! My plan worked! *giggle*" Ecolo cheered as he took the diamond pearl necklace out from Peruvis' hands.
"So that was your angle, huh?" Ringo asked.
"Yep! You were right about me not having any money. So I found the closest poor sap I could find and used one of those sad stories you hear during those Christmas movies that play non-stop. I just can't believe someone ACTUALLY fell for it! *giggle*"
"Yeah, I was shocked, too." Phoenix added.
"YOU MEAN YOU KNEW IT WAS A TRICK?! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME?!" Peruvis shouted as she was boiling with rage.
"I was waiting for you to figure it out. But apparently, you were too much of a dunce to do so."
"Why you little…"
"Aw, that was fun. Welp gotta get going. See ya later, Ringo! *giggle*" Ecolo said before he disappeared from our sights through means of space-time.
"Ugh. This sucks." Peruvis whined as she fell into a nearby bench in a mix of shame and anger.
"It's okay, Peruvis." Ringo said. "Ecolo just does what he wants without thinking of how it affects people. I have to deal with it a lot."
"Thanks, Ringo. But no offense, it doesn't really solve the fact that I don't have any more money. That necklace was expensive as hell."
"Who does Ecolo want to give a diamond pearl necklace to, anyway?" Arle asked.
"That's a good question." Ringo said.
*SOUND OF A GIRLY RINGTONE*
"Hello? Yeah, I'm here. I'm in the west wing. I pretty much just got scammed out of my money by a drooling blob and don't have anything left to buy gifts. Yes, I know it makes no sense, but it happened. Just get over here, please. Okay, bye."
"Who was that?" I asked Peruvis.
"A friend of mine. He's actually my childhood friend. We've known each other since we were 3-years-old. Didn't think we would move to the same town on our own at some point."
"Oh, wow. A childhood friend? That's nice. Can we meet him?" Ringo asked.
"Sure, why not? Oh, here he comes now. Looks like he brought his little sister with him, too."
W-Wait. His sister? The only boy I can think of who has a little sister here is…
"Hey! Sig! Over here!"
"WHAT?!" The four of us shouted in pure shock.
"Hey, Peruvis." Sig said as he walked up to us.
"Peridi!" With him was his little sister, Chu. She's a lot like her brother, but the only difference is that she's terrible with names. As in, she can't remember them. So she calls us variants that are sometimes not even close to the real name. It's an annoying trait of hers, but we've managed to deal with it.
"Hey, Amytee. Hey, Aruru. Hey, Apple. Hey, Broom."
"It's Amitie."
"It's Arle."
"It's Ringo."
"It's Witch."
Well…managing to deal with it.
"Wait, so hold on. Sig…you and Peruvis are…childhood friends?" I asked.
"Yeah. Knew each since we were 3. She's a good friend. Bad neighbor, though."
They're neighbors, too?!
"Hey! How am I a bad neighbor?!" Peruvis asked.
"You sneak into our house in the morning and wake us up with that load guitar of yours."
"You two would sleep all day if I don't do that."
"There are other ways."
"Yeah, true. But my way's more fun."
"Not for us." Both Sig and Chu whined.
H-He…he even whined. He never whines when he's with other people. It's like he's a whole new person when he's with Peruvis. These two…they're perfect for each other.
I…
I…
I don't stand a chance…
"So how did you get scammed by a…drooling blob-thing?" Sig asked.
"It's a long story. Right now, I need something to eat. Buy me some food?" Peruvis begged.
"I guess."
"Yes! Free food!" Peruvis cheered. "You guys want some, too?"
"Sure! I can go for some free food!" Misuki cheered.
"Witch. Buy your own food." Arle said.
"What?!"
"I'll come along, too. I'm getting kinda hungry, myself." Ringo said.
"Coming too, Ammy?"
…
"Ammy?"
"Uh…a-actually, guys. I-I'm just gonna go home."
"Go home? Why? What's wrong?" Arle asked.
"I-I just…need to be alone for a while. You guys go on ahead. I'll see you later. It was nice to see you, Sig, Chu, and Peruvis." I then started walking away from the group.
"Ammy, wait." I heard Sig call out for me, but I ignored him. And instead started running towards the nearest exit.
While running, I felt tears escaping from my eyes. And this hard pain in my heart. It felt horrible. Literally, the most pain I've ever felt in my entire life.
This pain. It felt like…
…a frozen heart.
*CONTINUED IN PART 2*