Disclaimer: Still don't own anything. *Mushu voice* I live! So sorry for the delay, school's systemically sucking me dry. I'll try to update with some sort of reasonable timing, but no promises. Mysterious Guest, not quite what you were looking for, hopefully it works.
Although the fairytale realms had fair weather the majority of the time, enchanted areas excluded, there were still days when the sky was overcast and rain expected any minute, such as today. Happily enough, there was plenty to do indoors, in this case, the group had decided to go checkout the fairytale mall.
"Travis, you did give Ling Ling the correct directions, right? Or at least directions?" Astoria asked side-eying him, "I know we're early, but so is she usually." At this the rest of the gang tuned into the conversation from where they'd been talking amongst themselves while waiting for Ling Ling.
"Ye—yeah, I mean…I think so, there was a lot going on; it might have slipped my mind." Travis stuttered, blushing furiously and looked around once more, "I'm sure she'll find her way h—THERE!" He interrupted himself, pointing out the incoming teen.
"Hello!" Ling Ling waved and jogged over once she spotted the group, "I would have been here earlier but the directions were circuitous; luckily I left earlier than needed." She smiled before noticing the sly looks the group was aiming at Travis, "Is something going on?"
"No no, nothing," Astoria assured, shooting knock-it-off looks at the others, "Trust me, you don't want to get involved; instead, lets go this show on the road." Guiding Ling Ling toward the doors with the others in tow, she ran over the plan, "We're thinking of exploring with the six of us, get the lay of the land, then splitting up according to where people want to go. Sound good?"
"Wait, I thought we were going shopping, not on a mission." Joy laughed, "C'mon, we're going to see the florist shop." And with that she dragged the Rapunzel away, protests falling on uncaring ears.
Exchanging amused looks, Hawk and Travis turned to suggest splitting up to the remaining girls, only to find Rose and Ling Ling already headed off in the opposite direction; Ling Ling peppering the blonde with questions whilst the other promised her, "the Cinderella shopping experience, all you ever need to know!"
"I love you man, but how did this happen?"
In the meantime, Rose and Ling Ling had stopped their quest outside of a boutique, "Feast your eyes Ling Ling! Before you here is the basis of style, the backbone of fashion: SHOES!"
"I see the store, and I see its shoes; but I do not understand your excitement." Ling Ling stated, head cocked to one side as she tried to puzzle out Rose's reaction. "Perhaps you can enlighten me as to what makes it so special?" She offered.
"Oh, Ling Ling; have you come to the right person! COME ON!" Rose squealed and this time, the two both ran forward.
/Several hours later/
"Okay, I know they're capable warriors, or well…. They can handle most things, but is anyone else starting to think the mall ate them?!" Even Joy turned to stare at Travis, "Well, maybe ate is the wrong word." He mumbled, "Just something had to have happened, it's closing time!"
Joy glanced around at the deserted mall and darkening sky beyond, "Rose IS a Cinderella, and Ling Ling's new to all this; they're just having a good time." Astoria closed her mouth from where she'd been about to respond, confusion evident. "I've gone shopping with Rose before," Joy giggled, "It took FOREVER."
"Yoo-hoo! Sorry, we're late." The girls ran up to the group, surprisingly burden free, "Just had to finish enlightening Ling Ling; leave no store unexplored!" Rose cheered.
Ling Ling nodded gravely, "I did not know, or every dream that there was so much to this 'shopping.' Rose has impressive stamina and was a wonderful teacher, very thorough."
"Okay! We can gawk later; right now we need to get out of here before this turns into a horror story." Hawk clapped his hands together, "Not that I'm averse to that, but I think Astoria's about to fall asleep; leaving the bookstore was hard for her." And with that he started steering the Rapunzel toward the exit, the rest trailing after and exchanging stories.
They exited the mall and the next second the enchanted gates slammed shut, locking with an ominous rattle and the building beyond clicked into darkness.