"Come on, Olive, I need more information!" Carnelian skidded around the corner, hand on her ear, "What layer are they on?!"
"Just one moment," Olive stated calmly through the comm, "The data is currently insufficient to make that judgement."
"They literally detonated a bomb in the middle of a mall and somehow you don't have enough data?!" Carnelian dodged around a large group of Serpentine, sliding her body against the railing that stood between the massive drop to the bottom and her, "What more does he need to do to get your more data, blow someone up?!"
"If I was there, I could deduce his trajectory faster," Olive responded back, "I am working through a potential 716 routes he could be taking. It is very difficult for me to determine so when he is wildly varying with your pursuit."
"Some girl behind the computer you're being today, Olive!" Carnelian shot her head up, trying to look for her target in the crowd. As the crowd of people thickened, she gave a long growl of anger and then wildly leapt over the railing and flung herself into the line of traffic.
Focusing hard, a beautiful amber-colored dragon burst forth underneath Carnelian. She immediately stood up on top of it, running up the length of its neck and standing on top of its head. The dragon rapidly began to rotate in the air, Carnelian staying on its head by slotting her feet underneath some of its scales. She rapidly ascended and descended layers, scanning the crowd for the person she was chasing. Hovercars around them honked at her as her dragon rapidly flew in and out of between them.
"Found him," Olive declared, "He's on layer 106, I believe he is heading for an elevator to head to ground level. I suggest interception."
"Don't need to tell me twice!" Carnelian thrust one arm forward, pointing towards the spot to go. Her dragon immediately gave a mighty crack of its wings, sending her soaring forward. She was currently on layer 99 or so, so rather than attempt to fly upwards, she instead zeroed her focus in. Amongst all the flashing building signs, walkways of people on the layers and the various cars, she pinpointed the large elevator of discs that carried people up and down. She smirked and leaned down, patting her dragon's head and taking a runner's stance.
Her dragon's speed continued to increase as she shot through the air. The lights around her blurred somewhat as she did, meaning her sights were only set on the elevator. When she was close enough to do so, she leapt off her dragon. The elemental beast vanished as she fell through the air, carried forward by the momentum of her beast. As soon as she was falling fast enough to hear the wind by her ears, she spun around and charged a Rhotatae disc in her hands. She charged the disc with flames in her hands, holding it until the disc was burning right in her face. When the released it, the jet of flame shot her backwards through the air, hurtling her towards the elevator.
Her foot hit the cylindrical surface with a small crunch. Carnelian smirked and flattened herself up against it, rapidly sliding down the surface. She couldn't see the person inside, but if it was truly the person she was after, they wouldn't be doing running for long. As she approached the ground, thrust her hands out and ice poured from her hands. A massive slide formed which she rapidly froze into multiple loops. Her feet slid along them with impeccable balance, removing her momentum until she finally reached the ground. She slid off her slide right in front of the exit, shaking her head to clear the dizziness.
"Whew!" Carnelian shook her head, "Thanks for the touch, Olive! Are they in there?"
"From my analysis of language, thanking someone for a 'touch' is a phrase I suggest reevaluation of," Olive responded in the comm, "But yes they are indeed ins-"
Suddenly, the elevator burst apart. Glass shards went everywhere as two harpoons shot straight from the elevator. Carnelian watched someone zip straight of the elevator, holding onto handles that rapidly pulled her along by the harpoons speared into a nearby building. Carnelian's fists tightened as she quickly began running along the street.
"You didn't tell me he had… those!" Carnelian panted, "That's not fair!"
"I have told you all that I have in my possession, Carnelian," Olive paused, "I did not know they had movement gear. His destination appears to be changing to head towards Skales Park."
"Great!" Carnelian huffed, throwing her arms forward. Ice poured from them, freezing a path along the ground for her to speed along. As she went, she held her left arm backwards, pouring out fire to melt it behind her. Above her, the target thrust their arms forward, throwing harpoons out to drag them along like hookshoots. Carnelian scoffed as she kept at it, speeding past people who looked on in shock as she did.
"Carnelian, I have an incoming message from Forte," Olive attempted to speak, "She says it is urgent."
"Tell her I'm chasing someone that's zipping around like a cartoon and I'm not in the mood for it!" Carnelian shouted. With one massive flourish of speed, Carnelian shot out from between two buildings and emerged right into the middle of the entrance to a large park. Well, large for this city, at least. All around, people milled about, and then rapidly ran away as they saw Carnelian speeding in on a massive slide of ice. Carnelian gave one large flip forward and landed on the ground, throwing her arms out like a dancer sticking the landing. She looked around for a few moments, and a few people even clapped for her. She threw back her hair and chuckled.
"Thank you, thank you!" Carnelian's fists lit up with fire, "Oliv, where is that guy?!"
"I believe by now we have established they are, indeed, a girl," Olive informed her, "The center of the park." Carnelian looked around for a few moments, seeing what park this was. Statues of Serpentine were everywhere. The center of it was a massive statue of the great Snake King, Skales. Seeing this, her eyes widened.
"The center of… CRAP!" Carnelian gasped, "Oh no no no no! Come on, you didn't tell me it was this park!"
Carnelian rushed her way through the statues and into the center. When she slid to a stop, she was in the middle of a large area where small stands were set up, with people selling various bits of food and trinkets in memorial of all the Serpentine here (even if most of them weren't Serpentine). Carnelian looked around rapidly, seeing if she could spot her. When she didn't, for a moment she relaxed. People milled about everywhere sitting at tables, laughing, eating. It was a peaceful sight Carnelian could take in. That was the moment that something snapped into the back of her head, causing her to crumple to the ground in pain.
"FINALLY!" Carnelian turned her head to see a young girl with flowing black hair grinning down at her. The girl had large gauntlets over both arms with harpoons on the end, "Gosh, you guys are so annoying!"
Carnelian slowly growled, trying to light her fists on fire. The moment that the girl saw this, she turned and raised her right arm. The harpoon shot out and struck an empty stand, scattering digital pamphlets in all directions and splintering apart the metal itself. All around the park area, people quickly gasped in shock and fled. The girl reached down and speared the other harpoon into the back of Carnelian's shirt, hoisting her up into the air by it.
"I don't think I have to tell you what this means," The girl gestured to the crowds in front of them, "Still, I'm impressed you tracked me all the way from that shipping warehouse. Awh well, doesn't matter to me," The girl chuckled, "You aren't going to be following me further than that."
Carnelian tried to struggle against the grip. The girl simply raised the other harpoon up to her neck. Carnelian stopped moving as the threat on her life was clearer than ever. For a moment, the girl thought of her options. Then he looked around the area and saw the various people around and let out a tssk.
"Guess you did lead me to a good place to get me seen, though…" The girl shrugged, "Well, we can fix that. All we need to-"
"...I'm sorry, but I don't quite think I heard that," A voice sounded off in the park, "I think I want to hear that one again."
Carnelian went white in the face. The girl turned to see someone walking forward to stand directly in front of her. The girl had stunning white hair, flowing down her head. She wore a deep black and green gi, with a beautiful golden Ouroboros design stitched into a hole in the center of her chest and back. She brushed her hair back as she stepped forward, taking a long look at the sight in front of her.
"Who are you?" The girl pointed one of the harpoons forward, "Don't test me right now!"
"You don't know who I am?" The other girl blinked. She opened her palm, causing it to charge up with green power. The moment the girl holding Carnelian saw this, she took a step back. Harumi slowly closed her palm, crossing her arms and turning her attention to Carnelian.
"Wait… a girl with white hair, in a black suit, and green power…?" The girl holding Carn hostage took a step back, "Then, you must be…"
"Carn," Harumi sighed, "Do you want to tell me why you're being held hostage?"
"I'm… not being held hostage, I'm being held up so you don't attack her," Carnelian chuckled, "Totally different."
"You're… the Green Ninja…" The girl slowly chuckled, "H-Heh, wow, you're not as impressive as your pictures. Or on that dumb stage! That means…" The girl's eyes widened, "You must be Carnelian, aren't you?!"
"The one and only!" Carnelian declared. Harumi slowly reached up to rub her temple.
"Then… heh, that means I got a good prisoner!" The girl began to back up, "Well, s-stay back you! You want your girl here to get it, then, well, I'll do it!"
"Really?" Harumi raised an eyebrow.
"Y-Yeah, of course really!" The girl spat, "Why you asking?!"
"Because," Harumi charged up power in her hands, "I don't have any patience for people that would hurt others rather than face their own reality."
"...What?" The girl asked.
Harumi thrust her hands together, charging up a Rhotatae disc and firing it straight towards the girl. The girl yelped and threw her weight to the side to dodge. Harumi opened her palm to show a coin, then flipped it into the air and caught it. When the girl turned to look, Harumi was pointed sideways at her, coin in hand. Just as she raised the harpoon to attack, Harumi charged green power right up in her hand right up against the coin. Harumi let it lose, and with a flash of wind, the coin had cut right through the gauntlet and shattered it apart. A massive sparking trail of green shot through and lingered through the air, sizzling with the release of power. The girl turned to look at Carnelian, then Harumi, in shock.
Carnelian grabbed the gauntlet, yanking herself off of it and rolling onto the ground. Before the girl could react, the Rhotatae disc came flying from behind, slicing right through the thing. The gauntlet broke apart, falling onto the ground. The girl, now left defenseless, watched as Harumi walked up and put her hands on her hips.
"Now then," Harumi shook her head, "Do you want to tell me why you were threatening to hurt my girlfriend?"
"I-I…" The girl bit her lip in fear. Harumi took a moment to think, then turned and offered her hand to Carnelian. As the girl cowered on the ground, Carnelian launched herself up and wrapped her arms around Harumi, much to her shock.
"That was amazing, babe!" Carnelian grinned, "Where'd you even learn to pull that off?!"
"...N-Nowhere!" Harumi suddenly blushed, feeling her confidence shatter as Carnelian hugged her.
"Really?" Carnelian leaned back, "Could've sworn I've seen that move somewhere…"
"W-What were you doing, chasing her like this?" Harumi shook her head to deflect the conversation, "This is really far from where you were training!"
"Oh, you know, Olive said she had something, I go to investigate, find out she's stealing some super high tech gear, all that fun stuff!"
As the two girls embraced each other, the thief slowly stood up, trying to back away from them. Once she had gotten to her feet, she turned to run right into the park. She made it about ten feet before someone reached out and grabbed her arm, causing her to jerk backwards and yelp as she fell onto her butt once more. When she turned to see who, an old man was smiling at her.
"H-Hey!" The girl gasped out, "Let me go!"
"Is that all of them?" The man turned to Harumi, not even looking at his capture.
"Yeah, she was the only one I was hunting," Carnelian smiled from around Harumi's shoulder, "You're good, Ren!"
The girl watched in shock as the 'man' slowly began to shift and turn until he had assumed the form of none other than the purple haired, stern faced and strong bodied Ren, Master of Form. Ren yanked the girl forward, throwing her onto the ground. The thief looked down as Ren slowly pointed one of her hand sat the girl, a Rhotatae disc in her palm.
"Carnelian," Ren growled, "Next time you chase someone, you call it in with us. Do you understand?"
"I did call it in!" Carnelian smirked smugly, "To Olive! If she didn't tell you, that's her fault!"
"We did have our comms turned off," Harumi turned to Ren, "Since it was supposed to just be a nice date between friends!" Harumi frowned towards Carnelian.
"Ahaha…." Carnelian grimace, "I uh… I don't have much to say to that. But hey! We got the girl, right! We're all good!"
Ren sighed, grasping the thief's arm and pulling her upright, "I'll contact the authorities. It should be long before they come to deal with you."
The thief grimaced and tugged on the handcuffs on her wrists. Even this far into Ninjago's future, the use of good old fashioned handcuffs were still as simple and practical as ever. Harumi, Ren and Carnelian watched as the police hovercar drove off, a young man with his father's bushy moustache driving them off. Once they had faded into the distance, Carnelian turned around and smiled happily towards her friends.
"Soooo… how was it going?" Carnelian asked, "Before uh… you know, I crashed it."
"It was quite peaceful," Ren informed her, "Relaxing, even. I hardly get time to just relax, what with work and all."
"Yeeahhh, I saw that newest dress line, you look amazing, Ren!" Carnelian chuckled, "Though I still say you're way too stern for a model."
"Best to know how to act than to risk failing at what comes naturally," Ren nodded her head.
"Well…" Harumi paused, "Since Carn is here now… do you two wanna go somewhere?" Harumi turned to the park behind them, most of the crowd gone now, "I don't think it's worth hanging around here."
"Hrmm… I'm not opposed to spending a day out together," Ren smiled gently, "Only if you take off that suit, Harumi."
"W-What?" Harumi looked down, blushing, "...But, I like it…"
"And I know for a fact you weren't wearing that before we ate," Ren snapped her fingers. Carnelian darted over and yanked the top of the gi off Harumi's body, revealing that she had, indeed, been wearing a deep green camisole and a pair of jeans beforehand. Ren sighed as she took hold of the gi, folding it up.
"You don't need to bring this with you," Ren informed her, "Where were you even hiding it?"
"Uh… well I, might have come here earlier and stashed it here in case I needed it?" Harumi admitted. Both Ren and Carnelian sighed.
"Yeah, okay, she needs more non-ninja time," Carnelian paused, "Hrmm… Well. Depends on what you all think."
"I'd be more inclined towards a simple meal and perhaps a movie," Ren tossed back.
"Well what about something like a batting cage? Don't they have those? Or… hrmm, nah, video games aren't that fun," Carn shrugged, "Not for friends."
"How about… we just take some time and go shopping?" Harumi asked gently, "I don't, usually dress up a lot and… I'm not good at knowing what looks good on me."
"If that's the case," Ren paused, "Mizuko may be willing to join us. She said she was helping Raiden with something. If we get lucky, we can catch her before she leaves."
"Well, then let's get going," Harumi smiled, "Uh… can we avoid the malls? I don't really want to be around a lot of people right now."
"Uh… yeah, we should," Carnelian grimaced, "And uh, why don't we go to the east side of the stores? The mall on the north side… might have been, uh, well… hehe…" Ren just sighed.
"I know a few places we can go in peace to," Ren nodded, "If you follow me, I will take us there."
"Ooohhh, what's that? You don't want to get recognized?" Carnelian smirked, wrapping one of her arms around Harumi. Despite how long the two had been together, the action never failed to elicit a blush from Harumi.
"The only reason you perceive me as Ren is because I am allowing you to," Ren countered, "I use form to appear as another in public. I would prefer not to have to deal with onlookers."
"Says the girl that's best friends with the Green Ninja," Carnelian chuckled.
"C-Carn…" Harumi blushed out. Carnelian leaned in for a small kiss, which was enough to make Harumi shut up once more. Ren just chuckled at the display and waved for them to take one of the elevators that weren't destroyed thanks to Carnlian's reckless pursuit.
The three ascended almost thirty layers before they exited, putting them still rather low down on the city's maximum height. Ren guided the two along a large crowd, skirting in and around people as she brought them towards a rather large building in the distance. As they walked, Carnelian traded a hug for taking hold of Harumi's hand, which didn't help her blush. For now, the three walked along, not taking in too much as they just made their way along.
"I've been meaning to ask, Carnelian," Ren turned to look towards her, "How has the Noodle House been? I believe your parents were looking to expand."
"Oh, same old, same old," Carnelian sighed, "They keep wanting me to pull more shifts, but I just don't think it's for me. I'm more suited for being out here, you know? Like her!" Carnelian tugged her hug up on Harumi a bit closer.
"Y-you know that I'm technically, unemployed, right?" Harumi chuckled, "I uhm… I don't really make money like I'm sure your mom wants you to."
"Mom knows my thirst for adventure can't be quenched," Carnelian leaned in to plant another kiss on Harumi's cheek, "Just like I know you can't help but want to be around me."
"T-That's what, being in a relationship means, Carn…" Harumi chuckled awkwardly.
"Hrmm… your cavalier attitude may suit you, but in time you'll find it will do you anything but harm," Ren informed her, "As much as I lamented doing so, I had to find some career to suit my own talents. Work is an essential part of life, Carnelian."
"You're the responsible one, and besides, you don't say that to Harumi!" Carnelian protested, "Why only to me?"
"Because, I know that Harumi has chosen her life's path and is committed to it," Ren turned her head forward, "You simply seem content to breeze through life as you wish. If your goal is to become someone like Harumi, a protector and someone to defend the people, then you must make that goal clear. Am I wrong?"
"...I hate how mature you are," Carnelian sighed, "Come on, Harumi, back me up here!"
"Well…" Harumi shook her head, "I mean, you could do to maybe, decide what you want? You keep going back to help your parents but, then you want to leave and come and fight crime."
"The whole world is against me today!" Carnelian threw her head back dramatically, "Come on! I literally chased someone across town for at least twenty minutes and she tore my shirt!" She turned to the now half sliced open back of her shirt, "I can at least get off a little bit today, can't I?"
"You're impossible," Ren sighed, but in turn she was smiling slightly.
The three girls made their way across the layers. Looking down through the glass walkways would show the dozens of others beneath them, with people milling about on almost all of them. Serpentine and humans roamed around, chatting and moving in groups like Harumi, rushing off to work, or simply wandering around the city. Barely, just barely, one could see the sky above all the layers above them. The buildings rose up to try to touch it, their signs, flashing colors, and people moving around and between them making the sight of the sky harder to grasp. This far down, it was hard to tell it was even daytime.
Harumi took her time to look around the city as they walked. Her life was in this city. She knew that she could go other places, see other things, but Ninjago City had been her home since she had truly begun her transition into the Green Ninja. The Monastery was dear to her, but the connection she felt to this place was immeasurable. It was her city, and the place she would always work to protect. No matter what happened to her, she'd ensure it was a place she kept close to her heart.
"We've arrived," Ren declared after the three descended one later. The shop they were walking up to looked almost like something on a normal streetcorner. The exterior was a deep brown, with windows that were frosted over and filled with various plants. The entire front of the building had small signs and boards up with notes on dals and sales. The building itself didn't seem to have anyone inside, but the doors were open, with a warm light inside. Ren smiled and stepped indoors.
"Pear?" Ren called out softly, dropping her power to show her true face, "Are you in today?"
"Hrmmm? Oh! Ren!" A slightly older woman, wearing a pretty set of purple set of robes stepped forward, brushing back her deep white hair, "How are you today? And… oh, you have friends!"
"Indeed," Ren nodded her head, "Harumi, Carnelian, this is Pear. I met her during an audition for a local spotlight. I've been frequenting her shop ever since."
"Harumi…? As in, the Green Ninja?" Pear stepped forward and squinted, then let out an audible gasp, "Oh, it really is you! Oh my, well, welcome to Pear Imports!"
"Imports?" Carnelian moved over to a large display of dresses, "Is that just a name, or?"
"Pear is a nickname that she was given when she first started out in the industry," Ren explained, "She imports all her designs from all over Ninjago. She's a rather talented seamstress. I have found her designs are as varied as they are unique. I've worn several of her pieces on my own personal shoots."
"You're far too kind to an old woman like me," Pear chuckled, "Please, feel free to look around! I just restocked the other day, there should be plenty to choose from! And if you see a pattern you would like in another color, I can make it and deliver it to you."
"Thank you, ma'am," Harumi bowed her head. Ren and Carnelian gave her a small look before Carnelian rolled her eyes and took hold of Harumi's arm to drag her off into the store.
Ren smiled a bit to Pear and moved off to look into the rest of the store. The store itself wasn't very large; small enough to fit inside of a small section at a mall. The walls were lined with dresses on stands to show off the designs, while the store was sectioned off with small tables that carried many other designs. The right half seemed to be for girls, and the left half for guys. Carnelian dragged Harumi off into the right half and rolled her eyes.
"You don't have to bow, you know," Carnelian chuckled as she thumped Harumi's shoulder, "She was just saying hi."
"I…. don't want to come off as someone that's, you know. Up in her own head?" Harumi bit her lip, "And, erm… you know I don't do well with new people."
"Odd, since you save them all the time," Carnelian looked around, "Well, let's put that aside for now. Come on, what'cha looking for? Something cute? Something simple? Something… not so simple~?"
"C-Carn!" Harumi gasped, "I-I just want some more casual wear. Something to just wear around…" She paused, "Maybe, something I can put my suit under…"
"Nah, you gotta stop wearing that thing all the time," Carnelian shook her head, "It's not good for you. Plus, you look way prettier out of it."
Harumi was left once more stunned out of words, and Carnelian capitalized on this by dragging her through the tables. Ren had moved to chat more with Pear, and from the snippets of conversation that Harumi heard, they were talking about their plans for a new dress. Carliean quickly forced her not to pay attention by holding up a deep blue drawstring shirt with splashes of purple and cyan coming from the bottom left, like a splash of paint coming up from the side.
"What about this?" Carelian asked, "You'd look cute in it! I mean, I think anyways."
"I dunno…" Harumi paused, "I don't think blue looks good on me."
"Mhmh… alright! But you can't pick anything green today!" Carnelian shook her head, "Find at least one thing!"
"But, why not green?" Harumi asked in shock.
"Because you already basically only wear green, and you'd look better in other colors too!" Carnelian paused, "Look, if it makes you feel better, you can help pick one out for me too! And it doesn't even have to be red or amber or whatever."
Harumi slowly nodded her head, descending into the store. With Carnelian's restriction, she was forced to avert her eyes from anything green she saw. Normally, she'd default to that and just find what she wanted from it. Now, she was having to go through everything. There was a bit of anxiety in what she was grabbing, knowing Carnelian was looking over her shoulder the entire time. Harumi had to think carefully whenever she picked something.
"What about, this?" Harumi asked slightly nervously, holding up a red shirt with large, puffy sleeves that had patterns of orange moving across it in a diamond structure, "If you found something green, we could match…?"
"Hrrmmm…" Carnelian shook her head, "You don't sound too sure of it. Pick something you like! Not something you think will please me!"
"But, I'm still asking you?" Harumi asked. Carnelian just rolled her eyes. After a moment, she grinned and lifted something up from the table. The shirt she had held up to her body was a deep purple, with the right sleeve being split open and linking back at the wrist to drape down the side. She held up a skirt that matched it, with a slant that covered most of her left leg but little of the right.
"See, something like this!" Carnelian chuckled, "You know I'd look good in this! Find something that screams you!"
"T-That's a lot, even for you, Carn!" Harumi blushed, her mind already flaring up with images of Carelian wearing something like that, "Y-You know your mother would never let you leave the house in that!"
"Oh, mom is plenty used to me wearing whatever I want, as long as it covers up the minimum then she won't care," Carnelian put it down, "But I was just using that as an example. Find something that you think would be cute for you."
Harumi threw herself into the task of finding something, partially just to make herself get over the way her mind was trying to betray her. If Carnelian was giving her advice, then it was not to worry about finding something nice, but something she wanted. And that only made the search a lot harder on her! She went across table to table, finding something she would want. And finding herself becoming more anxious as she continued forward, still not able to find something!
"Woah, Ren!" Carnelian called out while Harumi had her face buried in a deep gray shirt with a strange knot in the front. Harumi lowered the shirt down, only for her eyes to widen.
Ren stood in front of them all, wearing what Harumi could only describe as a beautiful ballroom gown. The dress was various shades of pink and purple, the two mingling together and spreading down around the dress in small ripples. The gradient they created normally would look odd, but the colors blended together too perfectly to truly complain. Ren also had on long, evening gloves that went to her elbows, the deep purple of them matching the bottom of the dress to tie the look together. Her hair was currently brushed to hang over one of her eyes, giving her an almost shy, beautiful princess look. She clasped her hands together and put on a warm smile as she looked at them.
"How do I look?" Ren asked sweetly.
"Great!" Carnelian gasped, "Like, wow, you look adorable!"
"Y-Yeah!" Harumi added, still a bit stunned, "What's the, uhm, dress for?"
"Well…" Ren leaned her head back, letting her power of form drop so her hair returned to it's normal slicked back style, "My next shoot is letting us bring in one outfit to model. I commissioned Pear here to help make something for me. I normally don't go for this sort of look, but her work is too great to pass up."
"You flatter me too much," Pear stood behind the counter, chuckling as she did, "It's some of my best work, I think. I'm just thankful you think it's good enough to show everyone."
"Your work has always been top notch," Ren informed her, "If it's finished, I'll take it with me today to get it prepped."
"Hrmm…" Pear leaned forward, "I think I'd like to take the sides in a bit more, if that's alright with you. I'll have it delivered to you tomorrow. I also still think you'd look nice with some jewelry to go with it."
"I don't use such things," Ren shook her head, "I believe beauty doesn't rely upon things we already see as 'needing' it. One draws out the clothes' inner beauty, not the other way around."
"Am I the only one that feels like I'm talking to someone far older than she really is?" Pear smirked. Ren blinked in surprise.
"All the time," Carnelian put a hand on her hip, "Speaking of clothes, did you find anything, Harumi?"
"Erm…" Harumi smiled awkwardly, "One thing, I think."
"Well, show us!" Carnelian smirked.
Harumi nervously walked over to one of the display stands. The dress was clearly styled after a sundress. The colors were a soft baby blue and green, mingling together to almost look like a sky and grass forming across the diagonal of the dress. It had no sleeves, instead relying on small straps. The dress flared out so that a large amount of fabric was surrounding most of her legs. Harumi looked at it for a moment, then muttered.
"I know you said no green but… I like this one," Harumi looked up, "I mean, if you like it, that is."
"Hrmm… why don't you try it on, then?" Ren asked, "You can never know if you truly enjoy something until you try it on, after all," She gestured to a changing room in the back, with Pear moved to unlock.
A few minutes later, Harumi stood in front of them, wearing the new dress. On hre, it looked far more innocent and adorable than anything else. Harumi was looking slightly down, and her arms were pulled back behind her. She looked far less sure of herself than normal, and was blushing rather heavily. The dress itself didn't hug her tightly, or highly anything. It was warm, cute and almost… innocent.
"How, erm, does this look?" Harumi asked.
"I think you look great in it," Carnelian smirked, "Just makes me want to kiss you by seeing you in it."
"It's a flattering look for you, Harumi," Ren nodded her head, "You pull off those looks far better than I do."
"Thank you, girls," Harumi blushed, then turned to Pear, "I, think I'd like to buy this."
A few minutes of transactions later, Harumi walked out of the store holding a small bag with the dress firmly inside. Carnelian had changed her torn up shirt for the cute sleeved one, with the skirt for the bottom half in a bag, along with a few other shirts Carnelian had said were a surprise. Ren walked away empty handed, with a promise of a dress soon enough.
"I'd say that was a success!" Carnelian hefted up her large bag.
"Yeah, I think so," Harumi smiled to Ren, "Thank you for showing us this place. I'll be sure to come here when I can."
"Think nothing of it," Ren pointed out, "I'm just showing you a place that I enjoy," A beep from Carnelian's Borg Watch was enough to make Ren stop and look over.
"Speaking of a place that we enjoy," Carnelian smirked, "Looks like Mizuko had the day off. She's at the Simulation Dome. Said she's happy to meet us there."
"The SimDome?" Harumi blinked, "What's she doing there?"
"No idea, but knowing her, it's nothing normal or worth asking about," Carnelian rolled her eyes, let's get going. It's a long walk."
The Simulation Dome, as it was, was just as the name suggested. A large dome planted at the top of the layers shone with blue light, with the panels along its exterior broadcasting various short clips of the fun and activities to be had inside. The walk there was almost a half hour, and by the time they arrived, a decent sized crowd had already formed. As the three walked inside, Harumi instantly pressed closer to Carnelian around the crowds, with Carnelian wrapping a hand around her.
The entire place was themed to be a large indoor amusement park. The entire space was filled with rooms that were capable of simulating an entire natural environment of one's choosing. Stations all around had employees eagerly explaining the pre-set options for them, or directing them to places they could pick their own and build from scratch. Ren made her way up to one of those counters.
"Our friend has rented out a room here," Ren explained, "May you check that she is available for visitors?"
Once it was confirmed that Mizuko was there and she had indicated guests were coming, Harumi and her two friends were led to a single room among a massive row of them on floor 5. The door was currently colored green, showing someone was indie, with a panel showing Mizuko Walker was currently using it. The three put on small bracelets, which were said to interface with their nerves in order to make the sensation of whatever was around them be perceived to be happening. The employee gave them a quick rundown of the rules, none of which they needed. After they were gone, Harumi turned to look at the door and grimaced.
"So… what sort of thing has Mizuko cooked up this time?" Harumi asked nervously.
"Let's find out," Carnelian grinned, opening the door up and stepping inside.
The three opened the door to a beautiful tropical beach. The sun was shining, the sound of seagulls were in the air, and cannonfire was in the distance. The moment they entered, the three ducked as a massive cannonball was sent hurtling towards them, hitting the ground in front of them and blasting up a cloud of sand in its wake. Carnelian and Harumi took fighting stances, while Ren looked around for where Mizuko was.
"HAH!" Mizuko's voice rang out, "Score one for me! You're going down, robots!"
The three turned to see MIzuko standing in the middle of a volleyball court. She was in a swimsuit, which currently was shining with just how hard she was wearing. Said court wasn't normal, however; it was instead torn up and filled with cannonballs. In the ocean all around the beach, several pirate ships were docked, all of which were firing at her. Mizuko's opponents were none other than a squad of ten robots, each of which were colored green and spread out like an actual formation. Mizuko huffed and turned to see another cannonball flying towards her.
"I'm there!" Mizuko shouted, jumping into the air to grab the cannonball. With a whip of her body, she sent the cannonball hurtling towards the nindroids. Two of them were struck and vanished on impact, which the others quickly rushed in and tried to lob it back to her. Mizuko, however, was ready, and in turn whipped her body around to send it hurtling towards them eve faster. Two more were blasted from existence as it landed. Above her, a scoreboard hoving in the air incremented her by four points. The robots currently had 4.
"H-Hah!" Mizuko laughed, "You haven't even seen my true power yet! Just you wait, I'll crush you!"
"Mizuko?" Ren stepped forward, putting herself in the master of water's sight.
"Huh?" Mizuko turned. Just as she did, another cannonball was shot to the robots, who lobbed it over at her. Mizuko didn't have time to react as it hit her, erasing her from existence. A moment later, she blipped back on the field, looking up to see their scores were tied. She let out a long growl and clutched her head.
"Gaahhhh! You distracted me!" Mizuko shouted, "Now I'm never going to beat them!"
"Beat who, the robots?" Carnelian crossed her arms, "What's this all about?"
"Oh!" Mizuko hopped off the court, causing it to completely freeze in time, "It's a bet I have going with Umbra!"
"...What?" Carnelian blinked.
"See, we were playing a game yesterday about volleyball, and I won cause I beat the computer faster than he did. And he said stuff like 'oh, you could never beat robots in real life, you just know the patterns!' So I was all like 'Uhhh, no! I could totally beat them!' And so we made a bet that we'd come here and both tally up our scores and see who won! Loser has to buy the winner a trip to an actual beach! I wanted to win!"
"And… what's with the cannonballs?" Harumi asked nervously.
"Oh! I just wanted to make this more fun for me," Mizuko beamed, "It's a simulation, so you can do crazy things!"
"Right," Carnelian nodded, "Well, we're here. You want to come with us?"
"Yeah, sure!" Mizuko paused, "Okay! If Umbra asked, I totally won this game, right? Right?" With all three of them just giving her blinks of approval, Mizuko happily beamed and turned the simulation off by tapping her wrist band. She dropped it down a small chute, then walked to the corner of the room and grabbed a pullover she threw around her shoulders. Apparently, she'd worn the swimsuit here. With the pullover giving her a modicum of modesty, she waved her hand.
"So!" Mizuko spun around on one foot, "Where are we heading? Evil doers? Crime fighters? Some insurmountable obstacles that our parents left us come back to try to destroy us?!"
"...We just were gonna hang out," Carnelian replied.
"Sure!" Mizuko beamed, looking down at herself, "Ah, I should probably go get changed then! Here, just tell me where to go, I'll meet you there!"
"Well… I figured we could go to that nice cafe on layer 157?" Ren posited, "Get a drink and discuss some plans. It's not far from here."
"Sure, I'll see you there!" Mizuko bounced backwards, "Be there in twenty!"
"But isn't your house-" Harumi was cut off as Mizuko leapt up into the air and off the floor they were on. Water from a small fountain on the wall shot out and formed a cushion that she landed on, avoiding the impact. Mizuko padded her way out of the building swiftly as Harumi finished, "-On the other side of town?"
"Don't question it," Carnelian sighed, "Let's go to that cafe. Thought we were going to go here but, guess not!"
"Don't judge her too harshly," Ren informed them, "She's just, a bit energetic. She got her father's liveliness, from what I understand."
"Well, then, why not head on to the cafe?" Harumi asked.
There wasn't much reason to stay in the dome. Why Mizuko hadn't thought of this, they weren't sure. But there was no use in complaining about it. It was only a small walk over from the dome to the cafe, given that they were only one layer above. Said 'cafe' was themed to be a small cornerside affair, with warm woods, large glass windows, simple metal tables, and even with special lights inside the cafe to simulate being inside of a sunlight afternoon. Looking outside the window, though, betrayed the massive amount of cars and people that flooded the area, betraying the illusion. Still, as they entered Cafe Blanche, the three girls looked around for a table, only to blink as someone called out.
"Hey!" Mizuko called out. The girl had changed into a white undershirt and red sports jacket overtop, with what almost looked like basketball shorts on. She smiled as she waved for them, already holding a coffee in her hand. She was in a booth that was rounded in a U for them all to sit in. The remainder of the cafe was mainly filled up.
"...It's, what?" Harumi blinked. Carnelian nudged her side.
"It's good to see you again, Mizuko," Ren sat down, ignoring the oddity of the situation, "It's been so long since we've had a chance to chat. Our work schedules never seem to sync up, do they?"
"Well I can't account for when my next job will schedule me!" Mizuko chuckled, "I'm not able to play the future. If I could, well, I'd-"
"Take more jobs?" Carnelian smirked. Mizuko blinked in shock as Carnelian dragged Harumi into the booth.
"Yeah, exactly!" Mizuko pointed at Carnelian, "You get me, Carn! Life is so short, I want to experience all I can! And getting to do every job I can is part of that!"
"Which is how we found you being a dock inspector?" Carnelian leaned in.
"I was a boat dock manager, I was just doing a daily inspection when you all found me!" Mizuko corrected her, "You all always seem to show up when I'm on shift…"
"Hey, Mizuko!" A young man behind the counter of the cafe waved his hand, "You on shift tonight?"
"Nah," Mizuko stood up in the boot hand waved back, "I'm just hanging out with my friends!"
"Well, let us know when you can!" The man called back. Mizuko giggled and slid back into her seat. Her coffee thumped and was about to spill when she did. A quick application of her powers caused the coffee to slide back up and into the cup.
"So you work here too?" Ren turned to see the young man, who was still smiling in her direction, "...He seems to like you."
"That's Adam, he's nice!" Mizuko chuckled, "But we're just friends! I'm not looking for something like that. I mean… I wanna do more first! But if I found someone who would go and do it all with me… maybe!"
"You're just too crazy for most people," Carnelian smirked, "But that's why we love you."
"Mhm!" Mizuko turned to Harumi, "New outfit! Story!"
"H-Huh?" Harumi blinked in surprise, "O-Oh, I just got this. Ren took us to a small shop she likes. She had to pick up a dress for one of her shoots."
"Oh, a fashion shop?" Mizuko smiled.
"They're not hiring," Ren smirked as she flagged down a waiter for their order. Mizuko continued to smile, but shut her mouth.
Soon, all the girls had their coffee in front of them. Mizuko had a now half finished deep black coffee, one that she insisted she liked even as she grimaced each time she drank it. Carnelian had gone for a pure frappuccino, which in Harumi's eyes was more sugar than coffee. Ren enjoyed her lattes, insisting this place had some of the best. Harumi sipped on a plain iced coffee. She didn't see much need for the different, moer fancy types, and she didn't like waiting for it to cool.
"So, how is life for all of you, girls?" Ren asked, "In general, I mean."
"Life?" Mizuko thought for a moment, "Well, it's good! I mean, I can't complain. I'm getting to do what I like and that's what I care about the most."
"I mean, same here, I think?" Carnelian sighed, "I'm not quite sure what you mean by all that. I just get to spend time with Harumi and go and do things. Wish that I could quit working at the shop. I don't have it in me to deal with customers all day. No clue how mom does it."
"Uh… I'd say it's good," Harumi nodded. She took a long sip of coffee. When she looked up, all of the girls were starring at her.
"What's wrong, Harumi?" Mizuko asked.
"Yeah, babe, what's wrong?" Carnelian reached up to gently touch her shoulder.
"Nothing is wrong!" Harumi declared, "I mean, I just don't have that much that I really know what to say when it comes to life. I'm just, living it, right?"
"Going through life without living is a rather bold thing," Ren took a sip herself, "And not the least of which, worrying."
"I'm fine, girls!" Harumi looked around, "Don't worry about me. I just don't have, anything super special going on. Aside from the normal, I mean. I'm just out there, keeping the city safe and being the Green Ninja."
"Is that all?" Mizuko blinked, "Just that?"
"Yeah, what else is there?" Harumi asked.
"Well… for one, you could pick up hobbies," Carnelian pointed out, "I know you're scary good in combat but you're not exactly the most… diverse."
"I have hobbies!" Harumi protested, "...Just not ones I can think of right now."
"Well… Forte was saying that she would like to do more shows with us," Carnelian leaned in, "Why not something like that?"
"W-What?!" Harumi blushed hard, "N-No way! It was… it's embarrassing being up on stage like that! The only reason I don't freak out is because you're there!"
"I'm just saying," Carnelian put her hands up, "You look adorable up there. Imagine if you and Forte did duets together? You'd have something to do when you're not, you know, ninja-ing!"
"You are a rather impressive singer," Ren informed her, "You'd do well on stage, Harumi. And it would give you an excuse to meet more people."
"What they're all saying!" Mizuko threw the rest of hre coffee back into her mouth, shuddering hard as she did, "Uck! Why does the more energizing stuff taste like that?!"
"You ordered it!" Carnelian exclaimed.
"I know but still!" Mizuko rubbed her head, "Coffee is like, if you make it sweet it's not effective. If you make it bitter then it's not gonna taste good!"
"You can be impossible," Carnelian sighed. Harumi looked around, trying to find an out to this conversation. When she looked out the window to the cafe, she saw someone walk by that actually made her freeze and think for a few moments.
"Is that…?" Harumi blinked as she stood up, "...Hey, girls, I think I saw Olive!"
"What?" Ren turned towards the window, "Are you sure?"
"I'll check!" Harumi quickly darted out of the room, content to dart out of their questioning with it. She rushed her way out of the cafe, turning to see where Olive went.
"Olive!" Harumi waved her hand. The half human, half nindroid blinked and stopped, turning her head to face Harumi. Her eyes narrowed in on Harumi as she turned around, holding something in her arms.
"Harumi, I didn't expect to run into you," Olive nodded her head, "Are you out with the others?"
"Yes, actually," Harumi panted a small bit, the sounds of the city rippling by them, "...Is that a cat?"
Olive looked down with Harumi. Cradled in Olive's arms was a young orange kitten. The thing's fur was deep orange, matted in some places, and currently asleep against Olive. Olive looked back up with her normal neutral gaze and nodded her head.
"It is," Olive turned away, "I found it when going out to retrieve an order for my father's academy. I am looking for a place that will take care of Fire."
"Fire?" Harumi asked, causing the kitten to stir.
"Yes," Olive nodded, "When I saw him, his fur stood out to me. It is like the Fire of a Star."
"Well…" Harumi opened up her Borg Watch, scrolling through a local GPS, "There's one on the layer below us, why don't we go take care of him and then get back to the others?"
"You do not need to accompany me," Olive informed her, "If you're having fun with the others, I will take care of this on my own. I was already supposed to be back from my errand anyways."
"Well then this will help it get done faster for you!" Harumi smiled, petting down the kitten's back, "Come on, it won't take a few minutes!"
"I believe if the location we are heading to is the same, it will take more than 'a few,'" Olive informed her, "But I will not say no to spending time with a friend."
"Alright, then we're off," Harumi turned and began to make her way along with the crowd. To her right was the small glass wall that separated her from the plunge down 157 stories to the ground far, far below. To her left was a seemingly never ending wall of shops, stores, restaurants, and other random places. Olive followed beside her, her normal robotic and blank look on her face as she tenderly cared for the cat in question.
"Is there a reason you are avoiding the others?" Olive asked.
"I'm not avoiding them," Harumi shook he rhead, "Just, wanted to duck out there for a minute. They were trying to talk me into appearing in more of Forte's concerts."
"Is that a bad thing?" Olive asked, "Your singing voice is rather beautiful."
"...I just don't want to be out in front of people like that," Harumi muttered.
"But, you have already been in front of them," Olive blinked, "You have saved the city from certain doom. Isn't that the same thing?"
"It's easy when I'm saving people," Harumi began to wring her hands, "When I'm doing that, it's easy! I can just, think about doing what has to be done. But when I have to be around people normally I… I don't know what to say, really."
"You do around us," Olive pointed out, "I have observed what you are talking about. I just don't always understand it."
"Well, I didn't expect you to," Harumi sighed, "I don't even understand it. I just… don't think I can handle being on stage and, people seeing me like that. Or, really anything if it's not helping them. I want to help them and keep them safe from the shadows. Like, a ninja."
"If that is what you want to do, then do it," Olive replied.
"Well… that's the plan," Harumi smiled, "You at least don't judge me, Olive."
"If you are happy with where you are, I don't believe you should fight to change it," Olive looked forward as they stepped into an elevator to go down a layer, "I do not always understand what you go through, but I know that, for me, I only change things if I think they need to be. If you think you should do something, do it. Otherwise, I don't see the reasoning behind it."
"Sometimes I wish I could be more like you," Harumi sighed, "Emotions can complicate a lot of things. You're more logical."
"I don't think I would wish that anyone be like me," Olive shook her head, "I am special, but I know that this life would not be one most people would enjoy. In fact, I would say that my existence is rather unique, and should stay that way. I am an Offspring Living In a Virtual Existence, both alive and machine. You should stay as you are, Harumi, just as I should stay as I am."
"Thanks, Olive," Harumi smiled, "It's good to have someone like you around. You're a good friend to me."
"And you are my closest friend, Harumi," Olive nodded her head, "No matter what happens, I will be there to help you."
"We're not in a battle, Olive," Harumi joked, "In fact, we're here."
Olive looked up. The two had arrived at a shelter, with large neon signs for dogs and cats on the front. Olive nodded her head and gave the kitten she was carrying a small nudge to help wake it up. As the little creature yawned, she stepped inside and walked up towards the counter. Harumi smiled and waited outside for her. Once Olive had finished, she exited the building and turned towards Harumi.
"I've ensured they will take care of Fire, and that the shelter does not intend to do anything to harm the kitten," Olive nodded, "I must be on my errand now. You should join back with your friends."
Olive gave a small bow to Harumi, then began to scurry off towards where she wanted to go. Harumi smiled gently and sighed, some of her spirits lifted. No sooner than a minute after she'd begun to trudge back did her watch beep with a call from Carnelian. Harumi rolled he reyes and tapped it.
"I'm on my way back now," Harumi spoke before she could.
"Good, cause we just got a call from Forte," Carnelian informed her, "She's wrapping up a small concert and asked us to meet her there!"
"Is everyone busy today?" Harumi sighed, "...Is this about what you girls were talking about?"
"What? No!" MIzuko's voice popped in, "We just want to hang out with her!"
"Alright, fine," Harumi sighed, "I'll meet you back at the cafe, then we'll head over."
The 'small' concert that Forte had been referring to was clearly being measured by her own standards. As the four girls arrived at a large concert hall, dozens of people were streaming out. The venue looked to hold hundreds, and this seemed to be the stragglers that stayed behind. The four pushed their way inside the large space, looking at a large amphitheater-type area that led to a stage with various stagehands working to remove various implements from the stage.
"Where's Forte?" Mizuko asked, "Oh! I know this place actually. I worked as a janitor here for a few weeks."
"Geez, who would've guessed?" Carnelian playfully rolled her eyes, pointing to a line of people going to a door by the stage, "My guess is over there."
The four made their way inside, walking towards the line. Carnelian walked up to a man standing at the entrance to the door, ferrying people in. The man looked down at Carnelian, who smirked and waved to the girls behind her. The man nodded his head and let them aside.
"You stay cool, Robbie!" Carnelian called out. The man chuckled and nodded to her. When Harumi looked at Carnelian, she shrugged, "What? He's on Forte's staff! I can know people!"
A young man holding a signed album rushed past the girls. When the four followed where he had emerged from, they found themselves standing in front of a changing room. Forte was inside, slumped back in her chair and rubbing her neck. She spun around lazily in the chair, trying to keep herself up. When she spun to see her friends, her entire body perked up as she waved her hand.
"Hey! Harumi!" Forte forced herself to sit up, "You made it! Awesome!"
"We did," Ren smiled, "You look tired."
"Ugh, they asked for three encores! I'm usually not against it but I did not get sleep last night. And I love my fans but sometimes I just wanna sleep after a show!" Forte sighed, waving them in, "How y'all been? I haven't seen you in a hot minute."
"It's been great!" Mizuko popped over and placed her hands on Forte's shoulders. A moment later, Forte was giving audible groans as Mizuko worked on her sore muscles.
"Goooosshhh that feels good, can I hire you as a massager?" Forte asked through her groans.
"Masseuse, and sure! If you want a part time worker!" Mizuko winked. Carnelian had to stifle a groan.
"How was the concert?" Harumi asked.
"Well, aside from murdering my neck on stage, it was good!" Forte sighed, "I've been doing these charity concerts lately. All the proceeds go to a charity picked by the people that order tickets. Not sure which one this is going to yet. Last one went to helping build more housing for the city, since we're kinda packed full here. Uugghh…" She went limp in Mizuko's hands, "I know I don't sound enthusiastic but I'm just super out of it."
"I can imagine," Carnelian chuckled, "I mean, you're doing how many of these, after all?"
"Don't you go becoming Ren!" Forte point at Carnelian, then to Ren, "And don't expect a 'no offense' to that!"
"For someone with a career like this, you're still awfully lot like a child," Ren fired back, a slight smirk on her face. Forte scoffed.
"Kids love my shows…" Forte groaned, "And besides, you have to be a little childish to do this sort of thing. It's a lot of work! But I couldn't get up being on stage."
"Well that's just who you are!" Mizuko beamed, "I couldn't give up how I live my life, so I feel you!"
"Yeah, make sure I keep feeling those hands," Forte sighed, "This keytar thing does way too much to my shoulders."
"Well, as long as you enjoy doing it," Harumi pointed out, "That's what matters most."
"Thanks," Forte nodded, "Thanks for coming over either way. I figured after this, we could go and hang out somewhere, you know? Maybe make our way over to the Pad?"
"We're not calling it the Pad," Carnelian sighed, "I say we call it The Base! Calling it a pad makes it sound like we're going out there to hang out, yo, yo, yo!" Carnelian jerked her hand just to add emphasis. The sight made Mizuko chortle.
"Whatever we wanna call it," Harumi nodded, "I think it'd be nice to go hang out there. We did just get all those new sofas that need to b e put together…?"
"Yes, Harumi, let us go to put furniture together, such a bonding experience," Forte waved her hand, "I was just planning to crash and bit and stuff. You know?"
"We could go back to the Simulation Dome!" Mizuko pointed out.
"You were just there!" Carnelian pointed out.
"Yeah, and we could go again!" Mizuko grinned, "Silly Carn."
"...I'm not, I…" Carnelian sighed, "You know what, I don't quite care." Mizuko winked at her, which just made Carnelian look even more confused.
"Well, before we go and do anything," Forte stood up and out of the chair, smiling gently, "I uh, have a favor to ask of you girls."
"A favor?" Harumi asked. Forte sighed for a moment.
"Send her in!" Forte called out. Outside the door, one of Forte's staff nodded and walked over to a door across the hall. Before any of the girls inside could do anything, the door opened and a young girl came racing straight inside.
"Is this them?!" The young girl had deep brown pigtails that bounced as she looked around. She wore what looked like a sundress that had been hastily modified to look like the wild patterns of Forte's own dress. Harumi, wide eyed, turned to Frote, who put her hands together and gave her an apologetic smile.
"Slow down, Emily!" A young man with brown hair stepped inside, sighed, "Sorry, she's been so eager to meet all of you."
"No problem, Nelson," Forte smirked, "I just wanted to make sure we were all here before I called."
"So you're really them?" Nelson turned towards Harumi and smiled warmly, "It's nice to meet all of you. My wife Antonia and I are big fans of Forte's works. And our little girl Emily is too." Nelson bent over to pat Emily on the shoulder, "Be nice, alright?"
"Mhm!" Emily beamed, bouncing over to Forte and clapping her hands together, "Thank you, thank you! You're all so cool!" Emily looked around, "Dad, did you bring it?"
"I did, I did," Nelson stepped out of the room to pick up a large keyboard, one that he was struggling to hold himself, "...She wants to learn piano after seeing all your shows."
"I got it for Christmas!" Emily darted over to hug the side of it, "Could you sign it, Ms. Forte? Please?"
"Well it's your lucky day, I've never signed a keybord before," Forte hopped up, "But sure!" She turned to the vanity and rummaged around for a marker. Nelson awkward hoisted the keyboard around for Forte to find. The popstar took a few moments to figure out where to best sign, then scribbled out her name on the space by the lower octaves, adding in a few stars and a sketch of a keytar.
"Thank you so much, Ms. Forte!" Emily bounced a few times on her feet as she saw it, "I'll make sure I learn how to play it just like you!"
"You should learn how to play how you wanna play it," Forte smiled at the young girl, "That's how I learned how. Play what you wanna play."
"Really?" Emily's eyes shone, "I will, I promise!"
For a moment, Harumi thought this had been the end of it. She had just turned to Forte to ask if they could leave, when Emily was right in front of her. The speed at which the little girl appeared was enough that Harumi tensed up like a board. Emily looked right up at her with sparkles in her eyes.
"And you're Harumi, right?!" Emily asked, "The Green Ninja?"
"Y-Yeah, I am!" Harumi cleared her throat, "It's nice to meet you, Emily, I-"
"You were the singer in Five Element Time!" Emily turned and pulled a small bag she had on her back off to rummage through it. She produced a small album case (though now with chips instead of discs inside) with a picture of the five girls on stage during their performance. Seeing it was enough to make Harumi's eyes widen and face flush with embarrassment.
"My wife and I were at your performance," Nelson explained, "And Emily loved seeing you. I never would have thought that all of you would be Elemental Masters and singers!"
"Please, could you sign this?" Emily lifted the case up, "You were so pretty up there!"
"I-I… I uhm…" Harumi's mind was going into overdrive. Forte walked over and tapped her head with the marker to get her attention, then put it in Harmui's hand. Stiffly, Harumi signed her name in neat, formal cursive on it. Forte rolled her eyes, but Emily didn't seem to care at all.
"Thank you!" Emily bounced over to Carnelian, "You too! Please?!"
One by one, Emily went around the room and had each of them sign the cover. Forte gave Harumi's hand a squeeze of apology , then went over to talk to Nelson. As the two of them chatted, Carnelian walked over and patted Harumi on the back.
"Are you all planning to do another show?" Nelson asked Forte, "Five Element Time was a surprise, but a welcome one. You'd draw in a huge crowd if you did it again."
"Well…" Forte paused, "We'd have to work it out. All of us can be kinda busy, and we'd all have to be on board…"
"Please do another show!" Emily ran up to Harumi excitedly, "Everyone will love it! You all sound so good together! And you looked amazing on stage!"
"I-I…" Harumi gulped, "I-I'm not sure I…"
"What? You have to!" Emily pressed, "Please? Please?"
"Now Emily, they're all busy girls," Nelson nodded, "Harumi is the Green Ninja, after all. She helps keep our city safe."
"Awh…" Emily shrunk down, "Well… I'll learn to play either way! I'll be just as good as Forte one day!"
"You'll get there faster than you think with that attitude," Forte nodded, "I promise!"
"I…" Harumi gulped, "I guess if… if everyone… if everyone really wants to.."
Carnelian gave Harumi a look of surprise, followed by Ren and Miuzko. Those looks were drowned out as Emily bounded over and suddenly hugged Harumi around the waist. Harumi let out a noise between a yelp and squeak, which made Forte cover a chuckle.
"Really?! I can't wait!" Emily nodded her head, "I'll be there, I promise! Look for me when you do, okay? Please?!"
"I-I will," Harumi gulped, "I-I'll be there, don't worry! Besides…" Harumi smiled nervously, "I-I'm sure it'll be great!"
Harumi couldn't believe what she was wearing. The 'outfit' Forte had come up with was like some sort of fusion between maid, ballerina, and flamingo dancer, all drenched in at least 10 different shades of green. She'd learned now what it was like to wear stockings, and had completely given up on heels the moment Forte tried to suggest them. Her hair was pulled back and part of it had been dyed green to match her outfit. She had what almost looked like some sort of tutu on, which went out a good foot from her hips at least. She'd refused makeup, but that's seemingly made it worse when she took in this mess of girlish design and green she'd become.
"Looking good, Harumi!" Carnelian smirked. Her outfit was entirely different. Her's was, of course, dyed amber. Rather than looking cutesy and girly, she looked almost more mature than the others. Her outfit defined her chest the most, and she looked far closer to an actual dancer than anything else. She'd even let Forte do her hair up in a refined looking bun on her head.
"W-What even is this thing?!" Harumi asked in disbelief, "I-I look like a doll that got dropped in paint!"
"I think you look stunning, Harumi," Ren smiled. Her outfit was a strapless dress with frilly sleeves, all dyed purple. She looked almost like some sort of princess.
"Yeah, you look great!" Mizuko, wearing something that looked like a school outfit and dress hybrid soaked blue, chimed in, "Green really is your color."
"Come on girls, show's about to start!" Forte was in what looked like her normal strange attire, only now dyed pink all over, "I'll go out and MC, you all get ready!"
"On our way," Ren nodded, "Well. This will be an experience."
"Definitely!" Mizuko pumped her first, let's go!"
"Yeah, let's-" Carnelian took note of Harumi's half panicked face and paused, "We'll be there in a minute, girls. Go on without us!"
Ren and Mizuko looked at Harumi, smiled, and quickly made their way up onto the stage. Carnelian turned to look at Harumi, who blinked slowly looked to the side.
"You okay?" Carnelian asked, "You're trembling."
"I-I'm nervous, alright?" Harumi bit her lip, "I-I know I said this would be easy but… I-I don't know! When Forte did this the first time she just kinda roped us into it, now it's…"
"Hey," Carnelian squeezed her shoulder, "You look amazing, even with Forte's jank fashion sense. I'm gonna be right up there with you. And you're used to fighting in front of crowds. Can't you do that?"
"I-I'm having all their eyes on me for a different reason though!" Harumi gulped, "J-Just.. Just work with me on stage, okay?"
"Yeah, don't worry," Carnelian nodded, "I'll be there for you. Just do what we rehearsed and then we'll be okay. Got it?"
Harumi nodded. Just to make sure her words got through, Carnelian leaned in and gave Harumi a long kiss on the lips. The action was enough to make Harumi relax just slightly, which Carnelian took as a good sign of what was to come. She let go of Harumi and waved at her.
"Come on, let's do this!" Carnelian beamed. Harumi, still nervous but willing to go with it, slowly walked forward and then ran along with Carnelian. The two wound through a hallway before they opened up onto a stage. Ren and Mizuko stood behind a digital curtain. Harumi and Carnelian ran up and wordlessly took their places.
"ALRIGHT! ARE YOU ALL READY?!" Forte's voice came from the other side of the curtain, "WE SAVED THE CITY, NOW WE'RE HERE TO SAVE MUSIC! IT'S THE ONE, THE ONLY, FIVE ELEMENT TIME!"
The curtain disappeared. Harumi looked out along the massive crowd, the lights burning over her. Forte darted back to where the other stood. As the crowd began to cheer, the music began to play in the background behind them. Harumi adjusted the microphone in her ear, then gulped and
smiled as best she could as the show began.
Author's Note:
So! This chapter was a bit of a hodgepodge in the end. Essentially I wanted to do some worldbuilding, but namely Harumi's gang. I decided after the introduction in the earlier chapters to take the cast down to just these six. As for why I picked them, it was manly down to the dynamics I wanted to write. I'm certain the Railgun influence is likely strong here. But this chapter was fun to write and I hope you enjoy!