Chapter 4- Entertainment
"Do you know what that means?" No Tao they did not, "we can be god parents! Give her gifts, take her out to carnivals and show her all the places we have discovered!"
"Tao"
"Yes?"
"You have to ask the boss."
"Ah... yeah"
The startled look the boss had given Tao hadn't boded well. So his response, "I'll have everything prepared for tomorrow. We can visit one of the larger Fairs" received an immediate cheer before Tao ran off to tell everyone.
It was a world of fun. While Astraea was quieter than most she still was as cheerful as a human child going to their first fair. It gave the trio a chance to do something they couldn't remember doing before. The pure blood nobles just didn't seem to understand the appeal. Frankenstein and his master opted to sit out while everyone went on the 'exciting rides'. It was a lovely day and Astraea laughed and smiled as if she was suddenly floating on clouds.
It was decided early on that for the booth games only one person would participate in each so they could get through them faster. It was as good as festivals. Everyone bar Regis tried and failed to get Seira to play bumper cars. Takeo won a huge teddy bear in the duck shooting contest. M-21 was not permitted on the pony rides for being too tall, for the horses wouldn't go near him. At one point Astraea disappeared which caused a panic until she was located, translating a conversation between a foren tourist and one of the park employees. Tao got ribbed endlessly for failing to hit the bell on the strength test, even if everyone knew it was because he didn't want to break the machine by using any of his real strength. It was an endless litany of laugher and joy as they tried to get through all the available games in one day.
Everyone had stopped for lunch when Astraea suddenly declared her desire to go home. "Why? We don't have to. Boss has bought everyone day passes." She gave them the saddest eyes, "Papa does not seem to be doing well today. I want to go home so he can rest." They looked around Frankenstein and him had eaten while they were playing and seemed to be in a world of their own, so not one had thought to disturb them. Takeo spotted them first on a bench not too far away for the others to see. They appeared ok with Raizel resting on Frankenstein shoulder. Wait, Raizel was resting against Frankenstein with less than perfect posture, eyes closed, asleep. Frankenstein looked casual but he was staring at Raizel, forgetting to blink, or not daring to.
Everyone agreed they should go home early. When they told him, Frankenstein didn't hide his relief. In a practiced manner he supported Raizels neck and repositioned them so he could pick up his master. Fully supporting the older man's weight he carried him to their transport.
How bad was Raizel that he chose, or was forced, to sleep in the middle of the day?