p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b87557b9647dfe3a566ef2e3ffbf1ff4"Blue Jay dodged the swarm of feathers coming towards her. Landing in a crouch, she held her hand out to catch the fan. Nearby, Panda Mime danced out of the reach of a giant pigeon. His nunchucks wrapped around a poll. Pulling on the weapon, Panda Mime swung away from the pigeon. The pigeon cooed, looking for it's 'playmate'. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="43001f48cc3a8054a296d32196286690""Not only will I, Pigeon Master, protect Paris. But I will protect my birdfully allies from you fake heroes!" Pigeon Master cooed. He road on top a giant pigeon, giving orders to his feathered friends./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="327ac044a74b47cf4c9710d0dfd1dc09""Go talk some sense into him Blue." Panda Mime snuck up behind Blue Jay, startling her. "He's your cousin after all."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="65047c77651b43f5a8100cbf46db68b5"Blue Jay pulled on the panda ear that rested on his head. "No more patorls with Chat Noir for you. He's bad jokes are rubbing off on you." She pulled him behind a tree, a giant pigeon walked by. "Ladybug wasn't kidding about the pigeon annoyance."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="646f79a9d6bb45e20ad6940e347a2b08""At least your parteners not allergy to them." Panda Mime laughed, remembering how Chat Noir couldn't be around feathers without sneezing./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="02cef1bd253b97101c789debb172df4c"Pigeon Master blew on his whistle, recalling his pigeons. The birds surrounded him, futher hendering the heroes' efforts to get the faux. "Blue Jay won't you come join us? After all, birds of a feather flock together."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b669ec16089fd601f2a481ca7716cf1c"Blue Jay rolled her eyes, tried of the bird jokes. Just because she is a bird themed hero, doesn't mean she wants to befriend every bird she meets. "Okay, pandie your up." She instruted her partner, ready to begin their plan./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0b73dc76ba0d03e934cb8bd2f1358cba""Mimicry! Lucky Charm!" Panda Mime tossed his nunchucks into the air, mimicing how Ladybug summoned her Lucky Charm with her yoyo. "What're we suppose to do with this?" A ladybug spotted net feel into his hands./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7cff53a7668a85cfcc0b85f915b1add2""Hmm, I was wondering what we'd get." Blue Jay eyed the net, thinking of how it fit into her plan. "Look around," She instrusted. "you should be able to figure out how to use it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="892a00f2b81c4fcc2daa7e0da736d45b"The net lit up, followed by Blue Jay's fan, the pigeons, and a familiar figure off in the distance. "Well, that's interesting." Panda Mime turned to Blue Jay. "Only my part is different from your plan. Other than that, we'll follow your plan."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="116c1823e7f62762dce41f6dbe2cd450"Blue Jay was still trying to figure out how her Jay Vision, as she called it, was related to the powers of ampification. Jay Vision worked similar to Ladybug's Lucky Vision. Several objects or people would light up in a blue and black color with feathers. These helped Blue Jay to form a plan. According to Lady Xi, miraculous can have other abilities than the powers tied to our detransformation count down. Some of these can be passive. Jay Vision didn't provide Blue Jay with plans, but amplificationed her ability to create/find one. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="fab9158387497eb210c2bef5134336fc""See you when this is over!" Blue Jay darted into the army of pigeons. Fan in hand, she used Sonic Wave is send the pigeons flying into the air. The galestorm blew most of the pigeon far enough away to no longer be a problem. Yet, the gust wasn't able to blow the gaint pigeons away. Pigeon Master blew his whistle, signaling the giant pigoens to target Blue Jay. She was trapped between five of them. She glanced around, than covered her ears upon seeing a familar figure./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="447cceac5641271e949fdabb24775c76""Piercing Howl!" An ear piercing howl engulfed the area. The five pigeons were frighted by the noise. Feathers went everywhere, as the terrified birds raced around in a panic. A panic that allowed them to be caught by a massive net. Panda Mime dropped the net onto the pigeons, once they were together. Okami stepped out of the shadows to help Blue Jay hold the net down, while Panda Mime confronted Pigeon Master./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5ac3538561d1a53603f4cb807843f707""No! How dare you treat my feathered allies like this!" Pigeon Master went to blow his whistle, when Panda Mime snatched it out of his hands. Using Pandiuom to destroy the object, a storm of feathers swpet over the city, restoring everything./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="87d4ae0bd32782157a20d574682fe230"***********************************************************************************************/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f634070878be840ad18e040bd9c4a21e"Emi's POV:/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c46f5116a9ded1fc626b27262ab547a2""Yeah!" The three of us said, as we high fived each other./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4a881bf1bccb31045e764e2fa2d271cc""When are you gonna tell me where you found him Blue?" Panda Mime slung his arm around Okami. "He's getting the hang of this. Are you trying to replace me?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0863a640f1b1f06f466dd7235f19d4d2"Despite my wishes, I've had to continue giving Calex the wolf miraculous. It's not every time he gets it, only when we truly need the help. Today was one of those days. The gaint pigeons made it differcult to get to Pigeon Master. So we requried a distraction or in this case, a disruption. "Oh please, I couldn't get rid of you even if I wanted to." I joked. "Although the way you two have been getting alone, I might be able to take a vaction."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="80098ddcdd86a0aef9cc045af11e6967"Okami smirked, "Okami and Panda Mime, I like the sound of that." He turned to my partner. "What do you think? It's got a certain ring to it, doesn't it?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="30e1d61fad6c705a0648f2c5373d8f4e"Panda Mime tapped his chin, like he was thinking. "Panda Mime and Okami sounds better. I am the more senior of our duo."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c98ad29d63fd1ac82e3013b008fd0e9d"Mime and Okami's miraculous beeped, we had two mintues left. Panda Mime noticed this and stepped away from Okami. "As much as I'd love to continue deciding our group's new name. Your almost out of time." He gave a slaute, than ran off./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="72cd94ff427982512228255a96087f2e"Okami followed me back to my place. On the roof of my house, we detransformed. Bitt spoke a few words to Calex, before disappearing once the miraculous was removed. Calex handed me the box with the miraculous inside, as we entered my room./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="dd941d22137ee61d99b7953ce5484b79""You staying here?" I placed the box safely inside my bag. Lady Xi is execpting me soon. After every mission, I must return the borrowed miraculous immedielty./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5567fff11dfc73ce08bfd5a11a9ccf06"Calex shrugged. "Maybe I'll take a nap before going home." He's answer isn't what I wanted to here, but have come to execpt. After he first became Okami, Calex apolozing for not being able to spend time with me lately. He says he can't explain why yet, but he will soon. I believe him. At least we've been talking more. Calex has been making time for us to either spend lunch together or text. It's not much, but more commcination than we've had in the past weeks./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="02bd69cd8b4a91907bdc63a8f069bc90""Guess I'll see you this weekend than?" While we do have school tomorrow, it'll be a busy day at the resturtant since it's Friday. Calex will have to go there right after school since the place will be short staffed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="67e3fc8b06bc8fc694afb035b2c6dc12""About that..."He's voice trailed off as he scatched the back of his neck. "Ems-"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e0e8be732eba9a0cc176748ea44fe56d""Don't just don't." I ran out of the house as fast as I could./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b7d4d75c5e3b73ee9495592584eb89dc"***********************************************************************************************/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ffeea259702568bbcc8965b6ca9fd2a0"Pixxy's POV:/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c4f94e24badfe03efa913a278c809699""She's going to hurt you once she's calmed down." I'd been sitting on Emi's bed eating some cake watching the two talk. It was nice to see them together again. It's been werid not having Calex around. Emi's been more stressed and not herself without him. I thought things were going back to normal. Or so I thought. "Did you forget what this weekend is?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ea639b2a1b4eab9b180e5d194ae74be9"Calex sighed. "Emi's birthday." He glanced at the door. "I've been planning a surpise party for her. That's why I haven't been around lately."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6ce013724bbe56f949ec8cac77198359""She might be to mad to even go to the party." Finished my cake, I moved to hover in front of Calex. "I know you mean well, but you'll need to explain things to her. You know how she keeps things bottled up." Emi doesn't want to become a burdern for those she cares about. So, she'll keep things to herself most of the time. It's why she didn't tell Calex how his abesentance has made her feel _./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="af1538ba6f53d58b2372527202f1d8f2""I know Pixxy. Hurting her is te last thing I wanted." Calex picked up the picture on the nightstand. A younger Emi hugged Calex, who was covered in flour. "I wanted to relief some of her stress. The party was meant to give her a break from everything."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="221246116ea8fc1be17d780796823568""You mean well, but are going about it the wrong way." I patted Calex's head. Sometimes I forget their only kids. They've got alot of responbiliy and limited years of expereince to aid them. "Part of what makes your friendship with Emi so strong is your open commication and trust in each other. You tell each other everything or at least explain things to each other."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6d6166b8eb4c6e84e754b6c01c15c1e4""Had you told Emi you needed sometime to work on a personal project, she wouldn't have questioned you. Instead you left her wondering and worrying." I softened my voice and expression. Calex needs to understand, I'm not made, just worried. Emi didn't question Calex or their friendship in these almost seven weeks since stopping spending time together. It's only been the few days leading up to Okami's appearence did Emi begin to worry about her friendship with Calex. I've seen the silent tears she refuses to show anyone. It didn't help that after the Ma_ attack Calex didn't check on her. He knew something was bothering her during the attack. Yet made no attempt to contact her. "Please talk to her soon." I've lived for a very long time. And I've only seen a hand full of friendships like Emi and Calex's. It's be a shame for it to end./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2ff157b8ee40eb50af233316be17990b""I will, after the party." Calex placed the picture back on the nightstand. His usually carefree expression wasn't there. Instead, a gloomy one was in it's place. "Can you keep an eye on Emi for me until than?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3c46c29ebd755dff8c977ab65361f866"I let out a sigh. This was not the answer I'd hoped for. "Okay." I said a quick good-bye, than left. I can't be spereated from Emi for too long. The last time that happened, Calex barely got me to Emi in time. We can't risk that. Not that I blame Emi for forgetting me. Her best friend just admited he'd be to busy to spend her birthday with her. Normally, Emi wouldn't have reacted like that. She's understanding and knowns the world doesn't revolve around her. This time was different. She hadn't bugged or nagged Calex to spend time with her, since she knew he was busy. Of course she made several attempts, but ever nagged. Emi only wanted one day with her best friend her birthday. A speical time, that Emi doesn't usually celebrate./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9d86814b64e5dbeb23f9f2dab1a372c8"Sneaking out of Emi's house was easier than navagating through the city. People were out enjoying the day. This made staying out of sight differcult. To avoid being seen, I moved to fly above the city's skyline. Spotting Emi from this height would be never impossblie. Once I got close to Lady Xi's shop, I flew back down to the city streets. Just in time to see Emi walking away from Lady Xi's shop. She was looking down, with both hands in her pockets. Not watching were she was going, she walked into someone./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a5c989467fd84a9a93d04806eb79cc35"***********************************************************************************************/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="18031aaf66cfaf60eb07516eaa31768f"Emi left Lady Xi's shop still fuming. She knew Calex was busy, with what she didn't know. She understood that he couldn't spend time with her like he use too. Did she expect to much? This weekend was her birthday. While Emi doesn't like to make a big deal about it, she still liked to celebrate it. Aria and Keyn would clear their schedule to spend a day with her, it just wouldn't be on her birthday. For the past four years, Calex was the only person to celebrate Emi's birthday on the actual day. Emi was grateful for that. Aira and Keyn were busy with school and work, so it could be differcult for them to spend the day with her. But they made sure to make it up to her. Emi never doubted that her siblings would happily spend all day together with her on her birthday if they could. However, they were adults with adult responbilties. Like, their parents./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f44a2e1fd61c8c3efe241b76fe46a88e"Emi couldn't remember the last time she'd spent her birthday with both parents. Usually, one, if not both of them, were working. This happened year round, so Emi and her silbings were use to it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="fee7f06895a0f245385f783abc2181fd""Yo Ems!" Devin pulled Emi next to him, out of the path of a passing cart. "Snap out of it." He waved his hand in front of her face, trying to get her attention./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="cb69431273fec184c8d0f6dedabd3162""I think your friend's broken." Aero chimed, glancing away from his phone. "Or maybe she needs to be rebooted, like a computer."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="52d0897030e2037cefea0272ab84b9dc"Lost in her own thoughts, Emi didn't realize Devin and Aero until they spoke. She looked back and forth between the best friends. The two were complete oppsistes. Devin was outgoing and very social, with a bit of a goofy side. While Aero gave off a cold, stonicness that kept most people from appoarching him. Over time, Emi began noticing how Aero wasn't as invterverted as he appeared. He didn't speak much or go out of his way to start a conversation. But was pleasant to those who appoarched him first./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="79ce44fcfdcde8ebf3d5fdb981126a4f""Can't you say anything nice, for once?" Devin jokely scolded his best friend. He knew Aero was blunt, but never mean. He spoke his thoughts clearly, not leaving any room for misinteruption./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f7dfe76f1bcb8f00ab608253824ec548""It's fine Devin. Aero's still pouting over his defeat in our last Mega Battle 5 rematch." Emi smirked playfully, happy to get her thoughts away from Calex./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d7ea60399291f8a0fe63b782615e4a60"Aero gave a sly grin. "Than it's a good thing I got my hands on the new update for Mega Battle 5." He showed her his phone, where he was playing the app version of the game. "Better get ready for the re-rematch."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="fede943b22601c5d03bb4f10f8ce7911""Let me see!" Emi snatched the phone from Aero. She exited his battle to scrolled through the game. She couldn't contain her excitement at the new features and upgrades. "This isn't suppose to come out for several more months. How'd you get this?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5f1aee091ce432570ddebdc49d412d25"Aero laughed, amused by Emi's reaction. He knew she liked playing video games, but she wasn't as into them as him an Devin were. To see bewildered expression was priceless. "I have my ways." He took back his cell to resume his game./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="200d73fb9b8352a5bbd9e3d9d1a28935"Interested in their discussion, Devin peeked over his best friend's shoulder. "You got something this amazing and didn't share it with your best bro?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="db6b927f06708c1158d724f7d84c052c"Aero ingoed Devin, to engrossed in his game. Years of friendship had taught him it was better to ignore Devin sometimes. Feeding into his act would only encourage him more. Aero didn't have the patience for that, even for Devin./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3307db0607c4942450f9b822ddf33b31"Devin shrugged, unfazed by Aero's reaction. He turned his attention to Emi. Her earlier exiectment was gone, replaced by a _. "What's bothering you?" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ea1cf618b1c7d101efc814bbcc583410"Emi gave a slight smile. "I can't keep anything from you, can I?" Devin was one of Emi's oldest friends. When her family moved to Paris from London when she was four, Devin was the first friend she made. The two were still good friends, even if they spent last time together as they got older. Emi valued Devin's friendship the most after Calex. Sometimes she wondered how she ended with Calex as a best friend instead of Devin./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="69b761d028ceb939f37061cae4ccfe86"Devin patted Emi's head. "I've known you for almost ten years. Of course you can't hide anything from me." Emi reminded Devin of his younger sister Rilie, who was two years younger than him. Rilie wasn't shy nor outgoing. She preferred to have a few close friends and her brother. Devin often worried, because Rilie could keep things to herself. She was sturnborn that way. Always wanting to try solving problems on her own, before asking for help. That's where they differed. Rilie's goal was to try by herself first, than seek help. Emi did everything on her own to avoid causing issues/trouble for others./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0dc021b73452f14c1fffc27a9eddabda""What's bothering you that you can't or won't tell Calex?" The only reason Emi would be like this is if it involved Calex. He was the first one to notice anything wrong or bothering Emi. For Emi to still be upset meant it had something to do with Calex./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4cf3fded6f3db1589239225559006d50"Emi didn't know how to answer. A part of her felt that she was being childish. They may be best friends, but they also had other friends that spent time with. She didn't have a right to keep Calex to herself. If he wanted to spent time with others, who was she to stop him? "Don't worry about it Dev." She tried to sound causal. "It's nothing important."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="10bf17f892876c5fdb55d9698550c5ae""We're not going anywhere until we've discussed this." Devin pull Emi into his signature headlock. The move was partial meant as a joke, referring back to the days when they'd play fight as kids. Since growing up, he rarely used the move anymore./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="409819636dea676c228d1d5100f53f6a"Emi sighed. "You really wanna do this?" She 'allowed' him to pin her head between his arms. "Aero, you might want to save him."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="af7124c0173d1f1a8bd3effd286e9394""Nope, if the idiot gets hurt. It's his own fault." Aero paused his game to observe the two./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9e329a95aef708be4491e94925d594c8""Let me go Devin." Emi warned. She wasn't in the mood for this. She just wanted to email her panda. They'd made up after the appearance of Okami, when Emi realized she'd been doing more harm than good by avoiding Panda Mime. While she hadn't shared everything, she'd given him enough information to understand that the Ma_ attack had really bothered her. Like Calex, Panda Mime understood that Blue Jay would share her other thoughts with him when she was ready. She appeariated that he didn't push or pry for more information/info than she was ready to give./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c1002ea6033eb2faf19eb741a9e67826"Devin used his free hand to ruff Emi's hair. "Stop trying to change the subject." He knew when Emi didn't want to speak, she wouldn't. Training a _ to _ would be easier than getting info from a tight lipped Emi./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a91ec93e79e5fe1d798bf723dfc4a58c"Aero watched Emi's expression change from brooding to peeved. Emi jabbed Devin's ribs, momentearity stunning him. An arm snaked around his neck, pulling Devin downward. The motion allowed Emi to pry the arm off her neck to step aside as Devin landed on the ground. Aero snircked at his friends befuddled appearance./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="96bec1fa795a64dbb1917b6f04034a44""When'd you learn how to do that?" Devin rubbed his back. He was use to taking hits when sparring, but Emi's attack had done some damage. "Are you some serect ninja?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="eaa600ec28ffbe28bf5227063a5c4a38"Silently, Emi scolded herself. This was Devin, not a faux. There wasn't a reason to use that much strength on him. "I've had to do something to entertain myself since Calex isn't around." Upon the increase of attacks, Lady Xi thought it best Emi learn a few basic self-defense moves. Between singing lessons, Emi was taught several throws, disarming, and easpcing techqnies. Since singing was the main focus of their lessons, Lady Xi spent just enough time on each move for Emi to understand./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="dea910cf8b0f018de398a19ce4202078""So Calex's is the reason you've walking around looking despaired." Devin stated. "Were you planning on using those moves on him?" He joked, trying to get Emi to smile. Awkward silence surrounded them. Devin didn't like it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b44b24eb5af8cc8e1a2c29407fd7c503"Aero rolled his eyes. "Enough captain lame-o. Your gonna be late." He shoved his best friend in the opposite direction they'd been walking. "Do you want Sylive to block your number again?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4218da8da7e44388818616f5d0a30940"Devin quickly shook his head. "We just convinced her to unblock my number. Who else am I gonna play sports with?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="18e11c2319a080bac03e9da5d356ccba"Aero waved his hand, indicating where Devin should go. "Hurry, than. Because I'm not helping you a third time."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ca60b1b9965dee673ce07db213820a6b"Devin shook his head. "I'm not gonna leave Emi. She needs someone right now."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="08e79b48f6a2044b870e1d3d750c00b2""I'm not a child who needs a babysitter. I'll be fine on my own." Emi was grateful for Devin's concern, but didn't want him to cancel his plans for her. She'd gotten use to spending time alone, another day of that wouldn't' hurt. "Sylive's waiting for you. If it's a Mara free hang out day, you don't want to let that rareity go to waste."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="266d313ec918650dc3b22bc17b4892ac"Devin was friendly to everyone, even Mara. He's the only person, other than Sylive, to willingly be around Mara outside of school. The two aren't friends. Somehow nothing Mara does bother's Devin. That doesn't mean Mara hasn't likes him./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="16cc0c82aa080a8a0c9bebc4ac26b22c""I'll take care of Emi. Walk her, feed her, and play with her. You just leave, now." Aero shoved Devin once more. "Leave, now." He ordered. Aero didn't know what Devin has been plotting with Sylive, Calex, Ania, and Floral; but it probably involved a surprise for Emi. It only made sense with her birthday being less than two days./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0061ff5bd6f868d1991e3814d1ef05d1""Be nice to her Aero." Devin's face was serious, but his voice light. "You have my permission to detele his saved data from Space Quest if he bullies you." He gave Emi a quick hug than left./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a9b74c51fb840c08d5f2e9ed6798f2cd"***********************************************************************************************/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="21db194fae3c941a9b98144da6256c76"Emi's POV:/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="24f6765533bb3677072a0e1b55cb48fd"I stood there awkwardly with Aero once Devin left. I've spent time with Aero before, but Devin was always with us. The two of us have never spent time together alone. I know Aero isn't mean or cold as he appears. What is however, isn't talkative. Devin talks to much, he probably hasn't realized he's the main one talking when it's just him and Aero. Today is the most I've heard Aero talk at once./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="68f569752a239a06c8223dcbcd75bf43""Let's go." Aero began walking towards the center of the city./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="da8b858b0a8f4fb10819af816ba09afb""I know you only said that to get Devin to leave. So we can go our speareate ways now." I waved bye, than started to leave. A hand grabbed my arm, pulling me to a stop. It was Aero./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b033749b2048861afd20499f40daf815""I meant what I said." Aero released me. "I'm going to take care of you. First, a walk." He began walking again, probably expecting me to follow./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c4d5080d6d8ac9e552315c5f602a8493"I stood there a bit confused. Aero never invites someone to hang out, it's always the other way around./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="600f209a29770e304eeb4ba028bba329""Go with him Emi." At some point Pixxy had found her way into my bag./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="53533f3dbc46ba3ad923e01df30c0dd9""I think I should just leave and email pandie." I whispered./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0427d230cc93d6f7b8bc0b54116f1ebf"Pixxy patted my hand. "You've admitted you don't know Aero that well. Maybe spending sometime with him will help give you a new previsetive on things. Ever think about sharing your problems with someone different?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="fe6888d3a042ba83977da70138c6105f""You coming?" Aero's voice startled me. He stood at the end of the block waiting for me. I turned back to answer Pixxy, who disappeared into my bag. She's not gonna help me get out of this. "Emi." Aero called my name. "Come on." He began walking again./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d9687e49e529213309c144a2375dfb2e"Aero was half way down the next block by the time I rounded the corner. He contiuned walking, forcing me to run to catch up. We walked in silence for several mintues. Aero ingored the scenary around us, seemingly foucsed on his destination. He was right, this was a walk. A walk that reminded me of the beauty within the city. A few times I stopped to take photos. So engulfed behind the camara, I nearly forgot about Aero. Each time I looked up to chase after him, there he was, causally leaning against a wall or building. He'd either be playing on his cell or watching me. Putting my camara away must've a signal that I was ready to move on, because Aero would immeditaly begin walking again./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b25e9064c987bc2af79c8a535cd16691"After almost fifteen mintues of walking, Aero finally stopped. He went inside a familiar looking style="box-sizing: border-box;" I didn't know he had a sweet tooth./em The smell of baked goods and sweets filled my nose. Brightly decorated pastries greeted costumers from a display case. Behind the counter a familiar smiling face greeted us./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1e502ada934ba1eff4dfdad07dd7dbc0""Hello Emi, picking something up for your siblings?" Sabine greeted from behind the counter. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d634d1a74b802154d13d46e951460a99""Not today Mrs. Cheng." Coming to the Dupain-Cheng bakery is always fun. Marinette's parents are kind and welcoming. They happily greet me and Calex whenever we come by. I've been coming here more since Aira developed a sweet tooth. When work gets busy, Aira sends me ever few days to pick up a treat for her. "I'm here with a..err." I glanced at Aero, unsure of how to introduce him./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1b95fa6adead2554e09bbb65f89051b2"Sabine peeked behind me. "I didn't see you there Aero." /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ba149da9af7c578c367cdf0a230096a5"Aero waved. "Hey Mrs. Cheng. How's Mr. Dupain?" Is that a smile on his face? Aero doesn't smile. A smirk or snear yes, but definterily not a smile./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="228a2d75f953aea7b4ba9caa23500f78""The new coconut marcoon you suggested is selling very well." Sabine offered a smile. "Tom's in the back if your looking for him."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f3c7549ca8063bba8bb64ad43349e13c"Aero walked over to the selection of pasteries. "Sorry, not today. I've come to treat Emi here to something sweet and declious." He stopped in front of several cookies, than moved to look at something else./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="368c340e3a68dff9e4ed16a422e661ab"Sabine giggled. "As often as you stop by, I'm surpised you still have room for more. Hold on, I have just the thing." She disappeared into the back of the store./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9fdf3cc455cc25db09a92fd41a0c0aab""How do you know Sabine?" Aero asked, drawing my attention away from the pasteries./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a81a3cedfaa1368296d6dc23442b5fae""Same as you, through Marinette." That's partially true. It isn't unusal for students from our school to stop by. The shop is close to the school. "You really do have a sweet tooth?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8c059ad5e96f000cf15e64aa53427c8d""Who doesn't." Aero stated. He looked at me with that signture smirk. "Yes, I like to bake sometimes. No, Devin doesn't know. Just like I don't always know how he spends his free time." He have me a knowing look. "We don't need to know every single thing about each other to be friends." Aero empathize each work, signaling another meaning behind them./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="828b705ce3269ad61c78b029a75b8931""Here you go. A Dupain-Cheng speical." Sabine walked out holding two neatly tied bags. "Tom and Marinette have been working on something new. Alya's already approved of them." She handed us each a bag. "Let me know what you think. They'll love the feed back."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="120430bf12dc2553bcb0f8f1026c5ab8"Aero gave Sabine a side hug. "Thanks Mrs. Cheng. Your bakery always had the best treats." He walked out the shop, not wanting for me. I quickly thanked Sabine, than chased after Aero. He was across the street in the park. His long strides made it differcult to catch up to him in the crowded park./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8e0b458796e797492115e567e55329f2"I found him sitting under a treat, already eating the treats from Sabine. "Pick your arena." He tossed a dark blue game controller to me. "The rematch is now. We're not leaving until I've won." He powered up his switch, setting the game to two player./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="03ae3490fb168c9277dab9940428e7c3"Snircking, I joined him sitting breath the tree. "Don't be a sore loser when I continously win again." As much as Aero plays video games, he loses quite alot. "Best two outta three?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4d359a1658701212eb57bc232655fc2e"Aero smirked. "Nope, this is serious. Seven outta ten. Winner gets Devin for a day." The character selection screen popped on. Aero strolled through several characters, carefully studying their stats. He's cruser lungered over a mage for moment, than moved onto a knight. This continued until his team of four was built. In total, he'd chosen a wizard, siren, dancer, and elf. An instersting chose, considering Aero's known to favor magic and distance figthers./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="505a9f3930dc9015ae670cde2c8ff68e"Since he's changing his tactics, I'll do the same. Instead of my strength and close combat team, I went for balance. Two mages, one light and a nature one, plus a summor for vaserity, and a knight for added strength and defense. Bet he's not execpting this. "That's a bad prize. I don't have the energy to entertain Devin for a whole day. I can barely entertain Tya." Tya is the daugther of _. Calex sometimes babysits her. A.k.a, I babysit her. They always end up coming to my place whenever Calex has to babysit./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f0b5cead974b12b0a122b6b0a4fd7c53""Keep your head in the game." Aero advised, as my character got knocked out of the arena. My knight replaced my fallen nature mage. Aero switched his wizard out for the dancer. Dressed in a flowing grown and simple shoes, the dancer swayed to an invibisle music. Aero made the first move, spinning into a high kick. My knight's sheild went up to block the kick. The dancer backflipped to avoid the slash of the knight's sword. She stayed back, moving to a beat only she could hear. Aero made no move to attack. I charged my knight forward. Sword drawn back, it swung downward to the dancer. The dancer bent backwards, her head nearly touching the ground to dodge the sword./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="540676918f383e897ae7992d0314ea6e""How?" I glance at Aero. He had half a _ sticking out of his mouth. Foucsed completely on the game, he didn't make the next nine round easy. Aero's movements were either forceful or unpredictable. He made attacking and countering near impossblie. My swiftest characters were no match for the unpredictably of Aero's dancers, ninjas, and rogues. "UCK!" In our tenth round, my wizard's used the last of his mana to create a protection barrier. Aero's siren destroyed the barrier with a siren's song./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9c321a1f3e14fb809dd7820e3785c6a3""And that's game." Aero placed his controller on the ground, now free to devour the last of his treats. "We'll need to have another rematch. Six to four won't count as a win. I needed to get seven wins for it to official count."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f51a4749127e98fb668cbb17285d7cca"Rolling my eyes, I pulled out a cookie from my bag. "I blame Devin and Calex for this mess." /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ea39cebda3091770bcef2348410c7638""True, if they hadn't been sore losers, my record wouldn't be this bad." Aero leaned against the tree, watching the people who walked by. "They got you to changelle me once."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c228f90c9d2790ebbb3d25463de257d8""And here we are now. Rivials in video games." I placed the last cookie inside my bag for Pixxy. Do kwamis gain weight? Pixxy eats more than her weight in sugar fairly often. How has she not had a sugar overload yet?/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="93d6e41fd6027c28f1c411f260b8fb19"Aero was silent for a moment. "If it weren't for them, we wouldn't be friends."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="637281881232aa3ea0513d3389d68146""Excuse me? Friends?" I nearly choked on a scone hearing that. "We're friends?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="113267215cc874b5b887730ec4ff29d7"Aero blinked, than smirked. "Yeah, why else would I be hanging out with you? I don't get take anyone for a walk, feed, or play with them."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0ec8c67b9d2bdd78a28e4bf4701f137d"It took a moment for meaning of his words to sink in. "Hey! I'm not a pet!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8211e3d7cf7c91503aeb20afef2fd125"A rare sight this is. Aero doubled over in laugher. He held his stomach, as tears ran down his face from laughing so hard. "I never said you were. You've gotta admit, it got your mind off things." He gave a slightly smug smile. "Feeling better?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8ceddb1f61b0241b3c55c548d7c4bb5e"Now it was my turn to blink and stare at him. "Actually yes. What did you do?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c533308abca6c6b946ee6c066a080274"He shrugged. "Nothing much, just took your mind off things." He took a bite from the scone he grabbed. "From an outsider's prestive. You and Calex know each other well, to well. Your taking that for granted." He looked me in the eye. "Even if the other knows something's wrong or bothering the other, that doesn't mean wait for the other to share. Ask each other what's wrong. More importantly, tell the other when something's bothering you. Your best friend's, they'll understand and listen no matter how minor it is."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="089238bd2ea676e5af3b0a490e6773a8"He scatched the back of his neck, seeming uncomfortable. "What I'm trying to say is, just straight up tell Calex what's been bothering you. If you don't like that he's not around much, tell me. Make him listen and understand how you've been feeling. If you don't like that he's been vauge and not explaining where he's been ask him about it. Might he not tell you, but at least you've asked him about it and he knows what your feeling and thinking. In other words, stop/don't bottle things up! He's your best friend. Vent and complain to him. Let him know he can do the same with you. Your best friends, rely on each other."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3775f06f55e19ea93e0460dee6ca86c0"Aero's words struck something within me. He's stating the most fundmental thing for any relationship. Commuciation is important. "Why is this a lesson I have to keep relearning?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bfbed0e2d96b839e8e413dbd8ddf8328"Aero stood up to strench. "We're teens. We're suppose to be sturnborn and hardheaded. Can't make things to easy for the adults can we?" Another smile, followed by more words of advice. "Shall we hit the aracde? If I win at Mega Strike III, you've gotta confront Calex." He extended a hand to me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="635531cfdb2a8e6791d0409d829fc735"Taking his hand, I got up. "Your on, but if I win you've gotta replace Calex as Sayri taste tester for a week."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b6ed70bf4d1147e0fe37b75679c5312b""Deal." Aero shook my offered hand. "Don't back out when you lose."br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="43001f48cc3a8054a296d32196286690""Not only will I, Pigeon Master, protect Paris. But I will protect my birdfully allies from you fake heroes!" Pigeon Master cooed. He road on top a giant pigeon, giving orders to his feathered friends./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="327ac044a74b47cf4c9710d0dfd1dc09""Go talk some sense into him Blue." Panda Mime snuck up behind Blue Jay, startling her. "He's your cousin after all."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="65047c77651b43f5a8100cbf46db68b5"Blue Jay pulled on the panda ear that rested on his head. "No more patorls with Chat Noir for you. He's bad jokes are rubbing off on you." She pulled him behind a tree, a giant pigeon walked by. "Ladybug wasn't kidding about the pigeon annoyance."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="646f79a9d6bb45e20ad6940e347a2b08""At least your parteners not allergy to them." Panda Mime laughed, remembering how Chat Noir couldn't be around feathers without sneezing./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="02cef1bd253b97101c789debb172df4c"Pigeon Master blew on his whistle, recalling his pigeons. The birds surrounded him, futher hendering the heroes' efforts to get the faux. "Blue Jay won't you come join us? After all, birds of a feather flock together."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b669ec16089fd601f2a481ca7716cf1c"Blue Jay rolled her eyes, tried of the bird jokes. Just because she is a bird themed hero, doesn't mean she wants to befriend every bird she meets. "Okay, pandie your up." She instruted her partner, ready to begin their plan./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0b73dc76ba0d03e934cb8bd2f1358cba""Mimicry! Lucky Charm!" Panda Mime tossed his nunchucks into the air, mimicing how Ladybug summoned her Lucky Charm with her yoyo. "What're we suppose to do with this?" A ladybug spotted net feel into his hands./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7cff53a7668a85cfcc0b85f915b1add2""Hmm, I was wondering what we'd get." Blue Jay eyed the net, thinking of how it fit into her plan. "Look around," She instrusted. "you should be able to figure out how to use it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="892a00f2b81c4fcc2daa7e0da736d45b"The net lit up, followed by Blue Jay's fan, the pigeons, and a familiar figure off in the distance. "Well, that's interesting." Panda Mime turned to Blue Jay. "Only my part is different from your plan. Other than that, we'll follow your plan."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="116c1823e7f62762dce41f6dbe2cd450"Blue Jay was still trying to figure out how her Jay Vision, as she called it, was related to the powers of ampification. Jay Vision worked similar to Ladybug's Lucky Vision. Several objects or people would light up in a blue and black color with feathers. These helped Blue Jay to form a plan. According to Lady Xi, miraculous can have other abilities than the powers tied to our detransformation count down. Some of these can be passive. Jay Vision didn't provide Blue Jay with plans, but amplificationed her ability to create/find one. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="fab9158387497eb210c2bef5134336fc""See you when this is over!" Blue Jay darted into the army of pigeons. Fan in hand, she used Sonic Wave is send the pigeons flying into the air. The galestorm blew most of the pigeon far enough away to no longer be a problem. Yet, the gust wasn't able to blow the gaint pigeons away. Pigeon Master blew his whistle, signaling the giant pigoens to target Blue Jay. She was trapped between five of them. She glanced around, than covered her ears upon seeing a familar figure./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="447cceac5641271e949fdabb24775c76""Piercing Howl!" An ear piercing howl engulfed the area. The five pigeons were frighted by the noise. Feathers went everywhere, as the terrified birds raced around in a panic. A panic that allowed them to be caught by a massive net. Panda Mime dropped the net onto the pigeons, once they were together. Okami stepped out of the shadows to help Blue Jay hold the net down, while Panda Mime confronted Pigeon Master./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5ac3538561d1a53603f4cb807843f707""No! How dare you treat my feathered allies like this!" Pigeon Master went to blow his whistle, when Panda Mime snatched it out of his hands. Using Pandiuom to destroy the object, a storm of feathers swpet over the city, restoring everything./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="87d4ae0bd32782157a20d574682fe230"***********************************************************************************************/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f634070878be840ad18e040bd9c4a21e"Emi's POV:/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c46f5116a9ded1fc626b27262ab547a2""Yeah!" The three of us said, as we high fived each other./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4a881bf1bccb31045e764e2fa2d271cc""When are you gonna tell me where you found him Blue?" Panda Mime slung his arm around Okami. "He's getting the hang of this. Are you trying to replace me?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0863a640f1b1f06f466dd7235f19d4d2"Despite my wishes, I've had to continue giving Calex the wolf miraculous. It's not every time he gets it, only when we truly need the help. Today was one of those days. The gaint pigeons made it differcult to get to Pigeon Master. So we requried a distraction or in this case, a disruption. "Oh please, I couldn't get rid of you even if I wanted to." I joked. "Although the way you two have been getting alone, I might be able to take a vaction."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="80098ddcdd86a0aef9cc045af11e6967"Okami smirked, "Okami and Panda Mime, I like the sound of that." He turned to my partner. "What do you think? It's got a certain ring to it, doesn't it?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="30e1d61fad6c705a0648f2c5373d8f4e"Panda Mime tapped his chin, like he was thinking. "Panda Mime and Okami sounds better. I am the more senior of our duo."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c98ad29d63fd1ac82e3013b008fd0e9d"Mime and Okami's miraculous beeped, we had two mintues left. Panda Mime noticed this and stepped away from Okami. "As much as I'd love to continue deciding our group's new name. Your almost out of time." He gave a slaute, than ran off./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="72cd94ff427982512228255a96087f2e"Okami followed me back to my place. On the roof of my house, we detransformed. Bitt spoke a few words to Calex, before disappearing once the miraculous was removed. Calex handed me the box with the miraculous inside, as we entered my room./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="dd941d22137ee61d99b7953ce5484b79""You staying here?" I placed the box safely inside my bag. Lady Xi is execpting me soon. After every mission, I must return the borrowed miraculous immedielty./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5567fff11dfc73ce08bfd5a11a9ccf06"Calex shrugged. "Maybe I'll take a nap before going home." He's answer isn't what I wanted to here, but have come to execpt. After he first became Okami, Calex apolozing for not being able to spend time with me lately. He says he can't explain why yet, but he will soon. I believe him. At least we've been talking more. Calex has been making time for us to either spend lunch together or text. It's not much, but more commcination than we've had in the past weeks./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="02bd69cd8b4a91907bdc63a8f069bc90""Guess I'll see you this weekend than?" While we do have school tomorrow, it'll be a busy day at the resturtant since it's Friday. Calex will have to go there right after school since the place will be short staffed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="67e3fc8b06bc8fc694afb035b2c6dc12""About that..."He's voice trailed off as he scatched the back of his neck. "Ems-"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e0e8be732eba9a0cc176748ea44fe56d""Don't just don't." I ran out of the house as fast as I could./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b7d4d75c5e3b73ee9495592584eb89dc"***********************************************************************************************/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ffeea259702568bbcc8965b6ca9fd2a0"Pixxy's POV:/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c4f94e24badfe03efa913a278c809699""She's going to hurt you once she's calmed down." I'd been sitting on Emi's bed eating some cake watching the two talk. It was nice to see them together again. It's been werid not having Calex around. Emi's been more stressed and not herself without him. I thought things were going back to normal. Or so I thought. "Did you forget what this weekend is?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ea639b2a1b4eab9b180e5d194ae74be9"Calex sighed. "Emi's birthday." He glanced at the door. "I've been planning a surpise party for her. That's why I haven't been around lately."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6ce013724bbe56f949ec8cac77198359""She might be to mad to even go to the party." Finished my cake, I moved to hover in front of Calex. "I know you mean well, but you'll need to explain things to her. You know how she keeps things bottled up." Emi doesn't want to become a burdern for those she cares about. So, she'll keep things to herself most of the time. It's why she didn't tell Calex how his abesentance has made her feel _./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="af1538ba6f53d58b2372527202f1d8f2""I know Pixxy. Hurting her is te last thing I wanted." Calex picked up the picture on the nightstand. A younger Emi hugged Calex, who was covered in flour. "I wanted to relief some of her stress. The party was meant to give her a break from everything."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="221246116ea8fc1be17d780796823568""You mean well, but are going about it the wrong way." I patted Calex's head. Sometimes I forget their only kids. They've got alot of responbiliy and limited years of expereince to aid them. "Part of what makes your friendship with Emi so strong is your open commication and trust in each other. You tell each other everything or at least explain things to each other."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6d6166b8eb4c6e84e754b6c01c15c1e4""Had you told Emi you needed sometime to work on a personal project, she wouldn't have questioned you. Instead you left her wondering and worrying." I softened my voice and expression. Calex needs to understand, I'm not made, just worried. Emi didn't question Calex or their friendship in these almost seven weeks since stopping spending time together. It's only been the few days leading up to Okami's appearence did Emi begin to worry about her friendship with Calex. I've seen the silent tears she refuses to show anyone. It didn't help that after the Ma_ attack Calex didn't check on her. He knew something was bothering her during the attack. Yet made no attempt to contact her. "Please talk to her soon." I've lived for a very long time. And I've only seen a hand full of friendships like Emi and Calex's. It's be a shame for it to end./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2ff157b8ee40eb50af233316be17990b""I will, after the party." Calex placed the picture back on the nightstand. His usually carefree expression wasn't there. Instead, a gloomy one was in it's place. "Can you keep an eye on Emi for me until than?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3c46c29ebd755dff8c977ab65361f866"I let out a sigh. This was not the answer I'd hoped for. "Okay." I said a quick good-bye, than left. I can't be spereated from Emi for too long. The last time that happened, Calex barely got me to Emi in time. We can't risk that. Not that I blame Emi for forgetting me. Her best friend just admited he'd be to busy to spend her birthday with her. Normally, Emi wouldn't have reacted like that. She's understanding and knowns the world doesn't revolve around her. This time was different. She hadn't bugged or nagged Calex to spend time with her, since she knew he was busy. Of course she made several attempts, but ever nagged. Emi only wanted one day with her best friend her birthday. A speical time, that Emi doesn't usually celebrate./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9d86814b64e5dbeb23f9f2dab1a372c8"Sneaking out of Emi's house was easier than navagating through the city. People were out enjoying the day. This made staying out of sight differcult. To avoid being seen, I moved to fly above the city's skyline. Spotting Emi from this height would be never impossblie. Once I got close to Lady Xi's shop, I flew back down to the city streets. Just in time to see Emi walking away from Lady Xi's shop. She was looking down, with both hands in her pockets. Not watching were she was going, she walked into someone./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a5c989467fd84a9a93d04806eb79cc35"***********************************************************************************************/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="18031aaf66cfaf60eb07516eaa31768f"Emi left Lady Xi's shop still fuming. She knew Calex was busy, with what she didn't know. She understood that he couldn't spend time with her like he use too. Did she expect to much? This weekend was her birthday. While Emi doesn't like to make a big deal about it, she still liked to celebrate it. Aria and Keyn would clear their schedule to spend a day with her, it just wouldn't be on her birthday. For the past four years, Calex was the only person to celebrate Emi's birthday on the actual day. Emi was grateful for that. Aira and Keyn were busy with school and work, so it could be differcult for them to spend the day with her. But they made sure to make it up to her. Emi never doubted that her siblings would happily spend all day together with her on her birthday if they could. However, they were adults with adult responbilties. Like, their parents./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f44a2e1fd61c8c3efe241b76fe46a88e"Emi couldn't remember the last time she'd spent her birthday with both parents. Usually, one, if not both of them, were working. This happened year round, so Emi and her silbings were use to it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="fee7f06895a0f245385f783abc2181fd""Yo Ems!" Devin pulled Emi next to him, out of the path of a passing cart. "Snap out of it." He waved his hand in front of her face, trying to get her attention./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="cb69431273fec184c8d0f6dedabd3162""I think your friend's broken." Aero chimed, glancing away from his phone. "Or maybe she needs to be rebooted, like a computer."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="52d0897030e2037cefea0272ab84b9dc"Lost in her own thoughts, Emi didn't realize Devin and Aero until they spoke. She looked back and forth between the best friends. The two were complete oppsistes. Devin was outgoing and very social, with a bit of a goofy side. While Aero gave off a cold, stonicness that kept most people from appoarching him. Over time, Emi began noticing how Aero wasn't as invterverted as he appeared. He didn't speak much or go out of his way to start a conversation. But was pleasant to those who appoarched him first./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="79ce44fcfdcde8ebf3d5fdb981126a4f""Can't you say anything nice, for once?" Devin jokely scolded his best friend. He knew Aero was blunt, but never mean. He spoke his thoughts clearly, not leaving any room for misinteruption./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f7dfe76f1bcb8f00ab608253824ec548""It's fine Devin. Aero's still pouting over his defeat in our last Mega Battle 5 rematch." Emi smirked playfully, happy to get her thoughts away from Calex./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d7ea60399291f8a0fe63b782615e4a60"Aero gave a sly grin. "Than it's a good thing I got my hands on the new update for Mega Battle 5." He showed her his phone, where he was playing the app version of the game. "Better get ready for the re-rematch."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="fede943b22601c5d03bb4f10f8ce7911""Let me see!" Emi snatched the phone from Aero. She exited his battle to scrolled through the game. She couldn't contain her excitement at the new features and upgrades. "This isn't suppose to come out for several more months. How'd you get this?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5f1aee091ce432570ddebdc49d412d25"Aero laughed, amused by Emi's reaction. He knew she liked playing video games, but she wasn't as into them as him an Devin were. To see bewildered expression was priceless. "I have my ways." He took back his cell to resume his game./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="200d73fb9b8352a5bbd9e3d9d1a28935"Interested in their discussion, Devin peeked over his best friend's shoulder. "You got something this amazing and didn't share it with your best bro?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="db6b927f06708c1158d724f7d84c052c"Aero ingoed Devin, to engrossed in his game. Years of friendship had taught him it was better to ignore Devin sometimes. Feeding into his act would only encourage him more. Aero didn't have the patience for that, even for Devin./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3307db0607c4942450f9b822ddf33b31"Devin shrugged, unfazed by Aero's reaction. He turned his attention to Emi. Her earlier exiectment was gone, replaced by a _. "What's bothering you?" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ea1cf618b1c7d101efc814bbcc583410"Emi gave a slight smile. "I can't keep anything from you, can I?" Devin was one of Emi's oldest friends. When her family moved to Paris from London when she was four, Devin was the first friend she made. The two were still good friends, even if they spent last time together as they got older. Emi valued Devin's friendship the most after Calex. Sometimes she wondered how she ended with Calex as a best friend instead of Devin./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="69b761d028ceb939f37061cae4ccfe86"Devin patted Emi's head. "I've known you for almost ten years. Of course you can't hide anything from me." Emi reminded Devin of his younger sister Rilie, who was two years younger than him. Rilie wasn't shy nor outgoing. She preferred to have a few close friends and her brother. Devin often worried, because Rilie could keep things to herself. She was sturnborn that way. Always wanting to try solving problems on her own, before asking for help. That's where they differed. Rilie's goal was to try by herself first, than seek help. Emi did everything on her own to avoid causing issues/trouble for others./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0dc021b73452f14c1fffc27a9eddabda""What's bothering you that you can't or won't tell Calex?" The only reason Emi would be like this is if it involved Calex. He was the first one to notice anything wrong or bothering Emi. For Emi to still be upset meant it had something to do with Calex./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4cf3fded6f3db1589239225559006d50"Emi didn't know how to answer. A part of her felt that she was being childish. They may be best friends, but they also had other friends that spent time with. She didn't have a right to keep Calex to herself. If he wanted to spent time with others, who was she to stop him? "Don't worry about it Dev." She tried to sound causal. "It's nothing important."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="10bf17f892876c5fdb55d9698550c5ae""We're not going anywhere until we've discussed this." Devin pull Emi into his signature headlock. The move was partial meant as a joke, referring back to the days when they'd play fight as kids. Since growing up, he rarely used the move anymore./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="409819636dea676c228d1d5100f53f6a"Emi sighed. "You really wanna do this?" She 'allowed' him to pin her head between his arms. "Aero, you might want to save him."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="af7124c0173d1f1a8bd3effd286e9394""Nope, if the idiot gets hurt. It's his own fault." Aero paused his game to observe the two./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9e329a95aef708be4491e94925d594c8""Let me go Devin." Emi warned. She wasn't in the mood for this. She just wanted to email her panda. They'd made up after the appearance of Okami, when Emi realized she'd been doing more harm than good by avoiding Panda Mime. While she hadn't shared everything, she'd given him enough information to understand that the Ma_ attack had really bothered her. Like Calex, Panda Mime understood that Blue Jay would share her other thoughts with him when she was ready. She appeariated that he didn't push or pry for more information/info than she was ready to give./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c1002ea6033eb2faf19eb741a9e67826"Devin used his free hand to ruff Emi's hair. "Stop trying to change the subject." He knew when Emi didn't want to speak, she wouldn't. Training a _ to _ would be easier than getting info from a tight lipped Emi./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a91ec93e79e5fe1d798bf723dfc4a58c"Aero watched Emi's expression change from brooding to peeved. Emi jabbed Devin's ribs, momentearity stunning him. An arm snaked around his neck, pulling Devin downward. The motion allowed Emi to pry the arm off her neck to step aside as Devin landed on the ground. Aero snircked at his friends befuddled appearance./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="96bec1fa795a64dbb1917b6f04034a44""When'd you learn how to do that?" Devin rubbed his back. He was use to taking hits when sparring, but Emi's attack had done some damage. "Are you some serect ninja?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="eaa600ec28ffbe28bf5227063a5c4a38"Silently, Emi scolded herself. This was Devin, not a faux. There wasn't a reason to use that much strength on him. "I've had to do something to entertain myself since Calex isn't around." Upon the increase of attacks, Lady Xi thought it best Emi learn a few basic self-defense moves. Between singing lessons, Emi was taught several throws, disarming, and easpcing techqnies. Since singing was the main focus of their lessons, Lady Xi spent just enough time on each move for Emi to understand./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="dea910cf8b0f018de398a19ce4202078""So Calex's is the reason you've walking around looking despaired." Devin stated. "Were you planning on using those moves on him?" He joked, trying to get Emi to smile. Awkward silence surrounded them. Devin didn't like it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b44b24eb5af8cc8e1a2c29407fd7c503"Aero rolled his eyes. "Enough captain lame-o. Your gonna be late." He shoved his best friend in the opposite direction they'd been walking. "Do you want Sylive to block your number again?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4218da8da7e44388818616f5d0a30940"Devin quickly shook his head. "We just convinced her to unblock my number. Who else am I gonna play sports with?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="18e11c2319a080bac03e9da5d356ccba"Aero waved his hand, indicating where Devin should go. "Hurry, than. Because I'm not helping you a third time."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ca60b1b9965dee673ce07db213820a6b"Devin shook his head. "I'm not gonna leave Emi. She needs someone right now."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="08e79b48f6a2044b870e1d3d750c00b2""I'm not a child who needs a babysitter. I'll be fine on my own." Emi was grateful for Devin's concern, but didn't want him to cancel his plans for her. She'd gotten use to spending time alone, another day of that wouldn't' hurt. "Sylive's waiting for you. If it's a Mara free hang out day, you don't want to let that rareity go to waste."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="266d313ec918650dc3b22bc17b4892ac"Devin was friendly to everyone, even Mara. He's the only person, other than Sylive, to willingly be around Mara outside of school. The two aren't friends. Somehow nothing Mara does bother's Devin. That doesn't mean Mara hasn't likes him./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="16cc0c82aa080a8a0c9bebc4ac26b22c""I'll take care of Emi. Walk her, feed her, and play with her. You just leave, now." Aero shoved Devin once more. "Leave, now." He ordered. Aero didn't know what Devin has been plotting with Sylive, Calex, Ania, and Floral; but it probably involved a surprise for Emi. It only made sense with her birthday being less than two days./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0061ff5bd6f868d1991e3814d1ef05d1""Be nice to her Aero." Devin's face was serious, but his voice light. "You have my permission to detele his saved data from Space Quest if he bullies you." He gave Emi a quick hug than left./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a9b74c51fb840c08d5f2e9ed6798f2cd"***********************************************************************************************/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="21db194fae3c941a9b98144da6256c76"Emi's POV:/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="24f6765533bb3677072a0e1b55cb48fd"I stood there awkwardly with Aero once Devin left. I've spent time with Aero before, but Devin was always with us. The two of us have never spent time together alone. I know Aero isn't mean or cold as he appears. What is however, isn't talkative. Devin talks to much, he probably hasn't realized he's the main one talking when it's just him and Aero. Today is the most I've heard Aero talk at once./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="68f569752a239a06c8223dcbcd75bf43""Let's go." Aero began walking towards the center of the city./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="da8b858b0a8f4fb10819af816ba09afb""I know you only said that to get Devin to leave. So we can go our speareate ways now." I waved bye, than started to leave. A hand grabbed my arm, pulling me to a stop. It was Aero./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b033749b2048861afd20499f40daf815""I meant what I said." Aero released me. "I'm going to take care of you. First, a walk." He began walking again, probably expecting me to follow./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c4d5080d6d8ac9e552315c5f602a8493"I stood there a bit confused. Aero never invites someone to hang out, it's always the other way around./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="600f209a29770e304eeb4ba028bba329""Go with him Emi." At some point Pixxy had found her way into my bag./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="53533f3dbc46ba3ad923e01df30c0dd9""I think I should just leave and email pandie." I whispered./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0427d230cc93d6f7b8bc0b54116f1ebf"Pixxy patted my hand. "You've admitted you don't know Aero that well. Maybe spending sometime with him will help give you a new previsetive on things. Ever think about sharing your problems with someone different?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="fe6888d3a042ba83977da70138c6105f""You coming?" Aero's voice startled me. He stood at the end of the block waiting for me. I turned back to answer Pixxy, who disappeared into my bag. She's not gonna help me get out of this. "Emi." Aero called my name. "Come on." He began walking again./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d9687e49e529213309c144a2375dfb2e"Aero was half way down the next block by the time I rounded the corner. He contiuned walking, forcing me to run to catch up. We walked in silence for several mintues. Aero ingored the scenary around us, seemingly foucsed on his destination. He was right, this was a walk. A walk that reminded me of the beauty within the city. A few times I stopped to take photos. So engulfed behind the camara, I nearly forgot about Aero. Each time I looked up to chase after him, there he was, causally leaning against a wall or building. He'd either be playing on his cell or watching me. Putting my camara away must've a signal that I was ready to move on, because Aero would immeditaly begin walking again./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b25e9064c987bc2af79c8a535cd16691"After almost fifteen mintues of walking, Aero finally stopped. He went inside a familiar looking style="box-sizing: border-box;" I didn't know he had a sweet tooth./em The smell of baked goods and sweets filled my nose. Brightly decorated pastries greeted costumers from a display case. Behind the counter a familiar smiling face greeted us./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1e502ada934ba1eff4dfdad07dd7dbc0""Hello Emi, picking something up for your siblings?" Sabine greeted from behind the counter. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d634d1a74b802154d13d46e951460a99""Not today Mrs. Cheng." Coming to the Dupain-Cheng bakery is always fun. Marinette's parents are kind and welcoming. They happily greet me and Calex whenever we come by. I've been coming here more since Aira developed a sweet tooth. When work gets busy, Aira sends me ever few days to pick up a treat for her. "I'm here with a..err." I glanced at Aero, unsure of how to introduce him./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1b95fa6adead2554e09bbb65f89051b2"Sabine peeked behind me. "I didn't see you there Aero." /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ba149da9af7c578c367cdf0a230096a5"Aero waved. "Hey Mrs. Cheng. How's Mr. Dupain?" Is that a smile on his face? Aero doesn't smile. A smirk or snear yes, but definterily not a smile./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="228a2d75f953aea7b4ba9caa23500f78""The new coconut marcoon you suggested is selling very well." Sabine offered a smile. "Tom's in the back if your looking for him."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f3c7549ca8063bba8bb64ad43349e13c"Aero walked over to the selection of pasteries. "Sorry, not today. I've come to treat Emi here to something sweet and declious." He stopped in front of several cookies, than moved to look at something else./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="368c340e3a68dff9e4ed16a422e661ab"Sabine giggled. "As often as you stop by, I'm surpised you still have room for more. Hold on, I have just the thing." She disappeared into the back of the store./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9fdf3cc455cc25db09a92fd41a0c0aab""How do you know Sabine?" Aero asked, drawing my attention away from the pasteries./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a81a3cedfaa1368296d6dc23442b5fae""Same as you, through Marinette." That's partially true. It isn't unusal for students from our school to stop by. The shop is close to the school. "You really do have a sweet tooth?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8c059ad5e96f000cf15e64aa53427c8d""Who doesn't." Aero stated. He looked at me with that signture smirk. "Yes, I like to bake sometimes. No, Devin doesn't know. Just like I don't always know how he spends his free time." He have me a knowing look. "We don't need to know every single thing about each other to be friends." Aero empathize each work, signaling another meaning behind them./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="828b705ce3269ad61c78b029a75b8931""Here you go. A Dupain-Cheng speical." Sabine walked out holding two neatly tied bags. "Tom and Marinette have been working on something new. Alya's already approved of them." She handed us each a bag. "Let me know what you think. They'll love the feed back."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="120430bf12dc2553bcb0f8f1026c5ab8"Aero gave Sabine a side hug. "Thanks Mrs. Cheng. Your bakery always had the best treats." He walked out the shop, not wanting for me. I quickly thanked Sabine, than chased after Aero. He was across the street in the park. His long strides made it differcult to catch up to him in the crowded park./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8e0b458796e797492115e567e55329f2"I found him sitting under a treat, already eating the treats from Sabine. "Pick your arena." He tossed a dark blue game controller to me. "The rematch is now. We're not leaving until I've won." He powered up his switch, setting the game to two player./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="03ae3490fb168c9277dab9940428e7c3"Snircking, I joined him sitting breath the tree. "Don't be a sore loser when I continously win again." As much as Aero plays video games, he loses quite alot. "Best two outta three?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4d359a1658701212eb57bc232655fc2e"Aero smirked. "Nope, this is serious. Seven outta ten. Winner gets Devin for a day." The character selection screen popped on. Aero strolled through several characters, carefully studying their stats. He's cruser lungered over a mage for moment, than moved onto a knight. This continued until his team of four was built. In total, he'd chosen a wizard, siren, dancer, and elf. An instersting chose, considering Aero's known to favor magic and distance figthers./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="505a9f3930dc9015ae670cde2c8ff68e"Since he's changing his tactics, I'll do the same. Instead of my strength and close combat team, I went for balance. Two mages, one light and a nature one, plus a summor for vaserity, and a knight for added strength and defense. Bet he's not execpting this. "That's a bad prize. I don't have the energy to entertain Devin for a whole day. I can barely entertain Tya." Tya is the daugther of _. Calex sometimes babysits her. A.k.a, I babysit her. They always end up coming to my place whenever Calex has to babysit./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f0b5cead974b12b0a122b6b0a4fd7c53""Keep your head in the game." Aero advised, as my character got knocked out of the arena. My knight replaced my fallen nature mage. Aero switched his wizard out for the dancer. Dressed in a flowing grown and simple shoes, the dancer swayed to an invibisle music. Aero made the first move, spinning into a high kick. My knight's sheild went up to block the kick. The dancer backflipped to avoid the slash of the knight's sword. She stayed back, moving to a beat only she could hear. Aero made no move to attack. I charged my knight forward. Sword drawn back, it swung downward to the dancer. The dancer bent backwards, her head nearly touching the ground to dodge the sword./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="540676918f383e897ae7992d0314ea6e""How?" I glance at Aero. He had half a _ sticking out of his mouth. Foucsed completely on the game, he didn't make the next nine round easy. Aero's movements were either forceful or unpredictable. He made attacking and countering near impossblie. My swiftest characters were no match for the unpredictably of Aero's dancers, ninjas, and rogues. "UCK!" In our tenth round, my wizard's used the last of his mana to create a protection barrier. Aero's siren destroyed the barrier with a siren's song./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9c321a1f3e14fb809dd7820e3785c6a3""And that's game." Aero placed his controller on the ground, now free to devour the last of his treats. "We'll need to have another rematch. Six to four won't count as a win. I needed to get seven wins for it to official count."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f51a4749127e98fb668cbb17285d7cca"Rolling my eyes, I pulled out a cookie from my bag. "I blame Devin and Calex for this mess." /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ea39cebda3091770bcef2348410c7638""True, if they hadn't been sore losers, my record wouldn't be this bad." Aero leaned against the tree, watching the people who walked by. "They got you to changelle me once."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c228f90c9d2790ebbb3d25463de257d8""And here we are now. Rivials in video games." I placed the last cookie inside my bag for Pixxy. Do kwamis gain weight? Pixxy eats more than her weight in sugar fairly often. How has she not had a sugar overload yet?/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="93d6e41fd6027c28f1c411f260b8fb19"Aero was silent for a moment. "If it weren't for them, we wouldn't be friends."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="637281881232aa3ea0513d3389d68146""Excuse me? Friends?" I nearly choked on a scone hearing that. "We're friends?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="113267215cc874b5b887730ec4ff29d7"Aero blinked, than smirked. "Yeah, why else would I be hanging out with you? I don't get take anyone for a walk, feed, or play with them."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0ec8c67b9d2bdd78a28e4bf4701f137d"It took a moment for meaning of his words to sink in. "Hey! I'm not a pet!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8211e3d7cf7c91503aeb20afef2fd125"A rare sight this is. Aero doubled over in laugher. He held his stomach, as tears ran down his face from laughing so hard. "I never said you were. You've gotta admit, it got your mind off things." He gave a slightly smug smile. "Feeling better?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8ceddb1f61b0241b3c55c548d7c4bb5e"Now it was my turn to blink and stare at him. "Actually yes. What did you do?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c533308abca6c6b946ee6c066a080274"He shrugged. "Nothing much, just took your mind off things." He took a bite from the scone he grabbed. "From an outsider's prestive. You and Calex know each other well, to well. Your taking that for granted." He looked me in the eye. "Even if the other knows something's wrong or bothering the other, that doesn't mean wait for the other to share. Ask each other what's wrong. More importantly, tell the other when something's bothering you. Your best friend's, they'll understand and listen no matter how minor it is."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="089238bd2ea676e5af3b0a490e6773a8"He scatched the back of his neck, seeming uncomfortable. "What I'm trying to say is, just straight up tell Calex what's been bothering you. If you don't like that he's not around much, tell me. Make him listen and understand how you've been feeling. If you don't like that he's been vauge and not explaining where he's been ask him about it. Might he not tell you, but at least you've asked him about it and he knows what your feeling and thinking. In other words, stop/don't bottle things up! He's your best friend. Vent and complain to him. Let him know he can do the same with you. Your best friends, rely on each other."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3775f06f55e19ea93e0460dee6ca86c0"Aero's words struck something within me. He's stating the most fundmental thing for any relationship. Commuciation is important. "Why is this a lesson I have to keep relearning?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bfbed0e2d96b839e8e413dbd8ddf8328"Aero stood up to strench. "We're teens. We're suppose to be sturnborn and hardheaded. Can't make things to easy for the adults can we?" Another smile, followed by more words of advice. "Shall we hit the aracde? If I win at Mega Strike III, you've gotta confront Calex." He extended a hand to me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="635531cfdb2a8e6791d0409d829fc735"Taking his hand, I got up. "Your on, but if I win you've gotta replace Calex as Sayri taste tester for a week."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b6ed70bf4d1147e0fe37b75679c5312b""Deal." Aero shook my offered hand. "Don't back out when you lose."br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" /p