RPGWW

by **BrainWalker** » Mon Dec 27, 2010 7:10 pm

((RETCON WARNING: Max's shirt is now red instead of blue. The Matrix has been changed; you may experience slight Deja Vu))

Max's only response to Sam is a comically exaggerated forlorn expression and a head-shake.

He then launches an oratory, like a smooth lawyer, either immune or indifferent to the self-consciousness and protestations of his brothers and sisters. "You see, friends, the holiday sweater lacks subtlety. It's snowing outside and there's Winderveil music on every station. The people know it's Winterveil. You don't have to punch them in the face with it. But you still want to show your support. That's understandable. It's the 'most wonderful time of the year,' after all. So what do you do? My friends, all you need to do... is accessorize." With a grin, Max reaches into the right pocket of his jeans and pulls out... something which he displays with a grand flourish, like a stage magician. "Behold!"

In his hand, max holds a tiny sprig of holly; just a single leaf and a couple berries; and another of mistletoe. He tucks the stems of each into the band on his hat, leaning away from each other, like the arms of a letter V. He then twirls his hands outward and poses, arms outstretched. "Voilà!" It's... unclear whether he's genuinely proud of himself or just hamming it up and generally enjoying himself.

... what has gotten into Max today?

by **ChristianC** » Tue Dec 28, 2010 6:36 am

Alexis gave a little laugh, hiding her face behind the scarf. She was still going to wear her sweater, but she wondered for herself if Max had some extra holly somewhere. She clapped her hands as he flourished his pose, smiling brightly. This was so much fun!

by **Animala** » Tue Dec 28, 2010 7:21 pm

Lauren emerged from the building. Her hair was done up in her customary pink ribbons, and she was wearing a pink velvet dress, lined with white fur. The dress, in deference to the season, had a snowflake embroidered on the bottom right in white, while the scarf had a snowflake embroidered in pink. Lauren had likewise added a small snowflake barrette to the right side of hair.

Ambassador Leafshade, of course, was perched on her shoulder as usual. After a brief discussion, the ambassador had allowed herself to be persuaded that the requirement to "wear something nice" applied to her as well, and thus sported a comically over-sized pink bow around her neck, which she occasionally pretended to be annoyed with.

"Hey." Lauren said, with a faint smile and a wave mimicked in miniature by Ambassador Leafshade.

Neither seemed able to stay still. Ambassador Leafshade constantly fidgeted on Lauren's shoulder, and Lauren herself kept pacing, delaying getting in the van.

by **Idran1701** » Tue Dec 28, 2010 11:33 pm

Sam just laughs at Max's speech, heading for into the van as Lauren runs up; once he spots her, he stops, waving from the door. "Lauren, hi! Are you two ready for today? This is gonna be real fun I bet!"

by **Besyanteo** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 1:20 am

Enzo came out next, wearing polished, pointed black shoes, slacks, a white button up shirt and a black vest with a piece of fake holly pinned to the breast. His normally fly away hair was combed back and held in place with some product or other, and didn't look half bad that way. He was smiling, though he looked a bit subdued. This was going to be their first time in public since the conversion. Or, the first time where they weren't trying to be secretive. He couldn't help feeling a bit nervous, even if they looked normal. He tried his best to hide it, though.

"Hey guys."

by **Animala** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 2:21 pm

"Yeah, sure." Lauren said distractedly. She stopped for a moment with her back to the van and took a deep breath. She turned with an enthusiastic smile and climbed into the van. "Let's go!" she said cheerily.

by **ChristianC** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 2:23 pm

"H-Hey Sam, come si-sit over huh-here!" Alexis said with a smile and patted the seat next ot her

by **BrainWalker** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 4:13 pm

Max is distracted from his revelry by Lauren's... getup. Velvet and fur and over-sized bows? He really wasn't sure what to say. "Wow. You guys... really went all out." But he doesn't really have time to get into it before he notices Enzo, who came in right behind her.

"All right! Now here's a man who understands what I'm talking about! Even though he missed part of what I was talking about." Max hops in the van and leans out, holding out a hand towards Enzo. He dons his serious face and a cheesy deep voice that belies some reference to something somewhere. "Come, brother. You have earned your rightful place at my side."

Max is clearly excited about re-entering society.

by **Idran1701** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 6:10 pm

Waving to Enzo and greeting him, he looks over to Alexis when she waves him over. Taking the seat, he grins to her. "Hi! How're you feeling? I know it's a different body and stuff, but are you still okay?"

by **ChristianC** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 6:15 pm

(Argh, I meant to write Enzo, but somehow I wrote Sam. Sorry about that Bes, but it looks like BW's got you covered :D)

Alexis smiles and nods, looking a bit uncomfortable with the question none the less.

"I f-feel g-good, why do puh-people keep a-asking me t-that?"

by **Shinigori V2** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 8:01 pm

The main elevator door opens, with Rivendare and Anka stepping off. Anka's in her normal uniform, but Rivendare's decided to get dressed up a bit, it seems. He's got a long black coat, over a black vest on white shirt, with a tie- Though Anka is fixing it for him now. She's rattling down a list of things to do there, to which he simply replies- "I know."

After about five minutes of that, the kids pile into the car, along with a driver, and Rivendare in the passenger seat. Cards are handed out- D-52 Cred Cards, linked to bank accounts. They're told not to worry too much about money, so long as they're not treating themselves to the most lavish gifts ever. Get what they need for the others- Straight gifts, or materials to make them. It's up to them.

Driving through the city for the first time, they're..blending right in. No one gives the van a second look, as it travels through the falling snow. The mall is reached in about a half hour of traffic, over all not too bad for city driving.

The mall itself is huge- One of the biggest in the world. The kids are told to travel in groups, using the buddy system- They'll be watched, but at a distance, so that privacy is maintained. They'll do an initial round of shopping, meet up for a meal in two hours, and then have one more hour afterwards of solo-flying.

For now...They're set free. They all have phones to keep in touch with Rivendare- Who nobody has any idea where he got off to.

OOC:

Spoiler:

by **Idran1701** » Mon Jan 03, 2011 8:53 pm

Sam darts through the mall alongside Enzo, glancing from store to store, already with a fairly good idea what he'll be getting. "Where d'you wanna go first, Enzo? You know what you'll be getting everyone? Oh, and what d'you wanna do for us buying stuff for each other, so we don't see it? We gotta stay in the store together at least, but I don't wanna spoil our surprises!"

by **ChristianC** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 7:45 am

Alexis was far too shy to take any sort of command over hers and Emilys buddy group, instead fiddling with her scarf as she followed the other girl around the mall, thinking very hard on what she was going to get the rest of the gang... a small idea was forming, but she didn't know if the others would like it. And maybe she was just indulging herself... maybe they'd hate her if she got them that... maybe they'd get angry and throw them away... She hugged her teddy to her chest carefully, having smuggled Percivald with her just in case she needed some extra courage.

by **Besyanteo** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 11:15 am

He couldn't help but cheer up a bit. Things were going well, and Sam's enthusiasm was infectious.

"Uhm, I dunno! I guess we're going to have to try to be sneaky. Like, I'll get you something, and you get me something, but we won't tell each other that's who it's for, and we'll do that with a couple different gifts. I guess that's not perfect, but I don't really wanna split up. ... Lets run through the electronics store first. I bet we can remotely operate their display unit for the Pretendo Pii, it's a simple greentooth device and all. Er, anyway, I figure there might be some neat games there we can get. I'd get Alexis gloves, but I don't think she'd get to use them very often, you know? Same for pretty much any clothes stuff."

by **Kelne** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 5:52 pm

Emily wasn't actively trying to boss Alexis around, but she did seem to have directed their wanderings. Gift-wise, she had any number of ideas. Electronics were out, but even if they wouldn't use clothes all that often, it'd still be good for people to have some nice stuff to wear on special occasions. Maybe some accessories too, stuff that could duplicated in the digital realm. And perhaps some books, easily duplicated. Then, of course, there was the window-shopping. All in all, it was a while before it occurred to her they were doing all the things she wanted to do.

"How about you, Alexis? Is there anywhere you'd like to check out?"

by **Idran1701** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 4:20 am

"Oh yeah, I didn't really think about that for clothes...I guess it'd matter on if we'd be using these bodies around to do stuff outside more'n just today? 'Cause if we're gonna get to go out a lot in public like this then clothes'd be a better idea. Maybe we should ask Rivendare first 'fore we start buyin' stuff? I can call an' ask!

"An' yeah, that's a good idea for stuff. I think I'll do that, an' I'll still try an' be sneaky enough too so you don't see some of them. Games are a good idea, that's stuff we can use both places! "

He falls quiet for a moment or too, and sounds a bit hesitant when he finally speaks back up. "Hey...are you gonna get anything for Juliet?"

by **ChristianC** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:20 am

Alexis shook her head, she'd already decided on something else she was going to give the others... but she did need some things though.

"I-I just ne...need to to get to one puh-place..." she spoke quietly as she followed behind Emily, tip-toeing between piles of snow.

I'd rather just follow wherever you're going. It's much nicer to just be out walking for once...

Then she saw something in the window, and she froze, staring at it in awe.

by **Besyanteo** » Mon Jan 10, 2011 11:40 pm

Enzo stopped short at the question, considering. It wouldn't be unfair to say that he'd be happier if Juliet were to run off somewhere and not return. At the same time, he felt weird about actively trying to drive her off or ignore her completely. It seemed like the others, especially Rivendare, wouldn't like that. The best excuse he had now was that he had no idea what he would get her if he decided he was going to try.

"Uhm. I'm... not sure. What do you even get someone like that?"

by **Kelne** » Tue Jan 11, 2011 5:08 am

"Well, we might as well go to that one place next," Emily was saying before she realised that Alexis seemed to have frozen and turned to see what had caught her attention.

by **ChristianC** » Tue Jan 11, 2011 5:21 am

What had caught Alexis' attention completely was a dress propped up on a mannequin in the window of the shop. The shop itself was old, presumably an antique store, or perhaps second-hand, with a relatively run-down look you can only truly achieve with proper aging, even though some places tried to replicate the effect.

The window was grimy from dust and exhaust-fumes, but the dress was still very visible through it. While it may have aged a bit, it was beautifully crafted and seemed to grant some life to the otherwise lifeless prop holding it up. As if it was merely waiting to step down from the slightly raised part and walk away to a ball, or to a wedding.

"My mother used to wear a dress like that..." Alexis mumbled, fingers against the window, her eyes wide. "Just like that..."

by **Idran1701** » Wed Jan 12, 2011 12:19 pm

"Um..." Sam hesitates a bit, considering what he should say here. After a bit, though, he gives in, deciding to speak on his after all. "...I was gonna try and find her some kinda stuffed animal that she doesn't have yet. I saw in her room she's got a bunch of them...all predators and stuff. I was gonna see if I could find one she didn't have yet. 'sides that...just something so she knows even if she bugs us, she's still family, I guess." He gives a tiny shrug, as he thinks what to say. "Like what...what she said in the server. We're all brothers an' sisters, even if she's really annoying sometimes. Plus, I didn't want her to have a Winterveil where no one got her anything..." He shrugs again, suddenly very interested in the wall.

by **BrainWalker** » Wed Jan 12, 2011 12:36 pm

((OOC: Apologies for not posting for like a week.))

Max had talked with Enzo about palling around the mall and lookin' all swanky together, but he had already made plans with Sam. Nobody actually said what size groups they were going to be breaking into, so he decided to play it by ear. From the sounds of things, it seemed like Sam and Enzo were a group and Emily and Alexis were planning to pair off... so apparently today's shopping trip is brought to you by the number 2.

Max wanted to spend some time hangin' with one of his teammates that he didn't spend as much time with, and he's certainly already hung out a lot with Enzo and Casey. Juliet was right out, and Max kind of got the impression that Kid and Casey were going to hang out and stick Janet with Juliet. Unfortunate for Janet. So that leaves Sylvie and Lauren. But deciding between spunky, energetic and kinda goofy Sylvie and spunky, energetic and kinda goofy Lauren (and Leafshade) wasn't going to be easy.

At least it wasn't until Lauren popped over and said "Hey, we should totally be shopping buddies." An excellent suggestion!

After entering the mall, Max closes his eyes, takes in a deep breath through the nostrils and lets out a deep, satisfied exhale. It's so damn good to be back out in the real world again. Comrades and coworkers are great and all, but Max really missed socializing with regular people, without a new race of cyber children or the fate of the world weighing things down. Just some good old-fashioned recreational mingling.

Max wasn't sure where they should head first, but he was pretty sure electronics/games and clothing stores would be hit first by other groups, so he suggested they make their way to the sporting goods store.

Max starts the conversation with smile belying a hint of mischief. "Alright, so I'm not sure where all you want to go, but before we get into that, I gotta know: What's with the pink princess garb? I mean, don't get me wrong, you guys look fancy and all, but it seems like you kinda maybe went overboard a little. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were going for some kind of Lunar Guardian..." Max pauses and looks around for the word he can't find. "... what do they call it... costume something. Costume play?"

Max glances down at Leafshade, and decides to poke a little more. "And I'm a little surprised Leafshade is okay with you wearing fur."

by **Besyanteo** » Wed Jan 12, 2011 9:34 pm

Enzo nodded. Sam was right, even if he didn't really like that Sam was right.

"I guess let's go do that first then. You think they have one of those Build-A-Monster Factories around here?"

by **Animala** » Wed Jan 12, 2011 9:56 pm

"O-of course not!" Lauren said a little too quickly. She glanced over her shoulder to see if anyone else was listening, then leaned in and finished quietly, "...that was my second choice." She stepped away and gave a little twirl. "No, this gets people to underestimate me." She started ticking off on her fingers. "One, bullies see an easy target, and that only makes things easier for me. Two, grownups think it's adorable and they forget I'm listening when they talk to each other." She reached her third finger and paused. "Also it's really pretty, but I wouldn't expect you to understand that."

Ambassador Leafshade winked at Max when he made his last comment. And what about the fur? demanded Ambassador Leafshade over the comm channel. After all, a talking ferret might attract a little too much attention. This is a terrible insult to the forest people!

Lauren waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, come on, it isn't real fur!"

And I'm not a real ferret! Ambassador Leafshade countered.

"I..." Lauren paused. "...guess that makes sense?"

by **Shinigori V2** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 5:39 pm

Sam and Enzo:

The pair of former-Wardies stop into the Fun Depot, probably looking for games. Nearby is the Grandfather Winter area of the mall, where children line up to visit with Grandfather Winter. Activity here, at least for the season, is average- A large number of children wait in line. However, there is something strange here.

Along with the giant teddybears and building blocks that adorn the area, and Grandfather Winter's chair, there's a helper- About their age. Brown hooded jacket over a green shirt and brown jeans. Black and white hair, pointy ears...Assisting Grandfather Winter by choosing the next kid in line, and snapping the photos afterwards.

...Why in the world is Kid there?

-----

Alexis and Emily:

As the girls look at the dress that would be worn by Alexis's mother, the store owner seems to be trying to straighten a display inside. A pair of mall cops are taking notes- It appears one of the dresses has been snatched!

-----

Sylvie and Casey:

Sylvie pulls Casey to a kiosk with glass and crystal carvings and statues. Casey looks a bit, before drawing up some schematics for custom-made stuff- Apparantly her mechanics require a lot of focii.

However, Sylvie notices a nearby jewelry store's been...Vandalized, at least. One of the cases is shattered, and a few mall cops look over the damage.

-----

Max and Lauren:

As the pair decide to figure out where they're going, a hooded figure is running in their direction! A bag dangles from their clenched fist, as a pair of mall cops chase them, shouting for assistance.

by **Idran1701** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 6:45 pm

While Sam heads through the doors chatting with Enzo, he catches a glimpse of the Grandfather Winter display. It takes him a moment for his mind to catch up to what he's seeing, but as soon as it clicks, he's off without a word!

Heading up behind Kid, he waits until he gets right there before speaking, still not sure if he's seeing what he thinks he's seeing. But once he gets fairly close behind her...

"...Kid? Hi!"

by **NebulaQueen** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 12:39 am

"Hey." Silvie tugs on Casey's sleeve and points at the store. "You see that?"

by **Shinigori V2** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 1:14 am

Casey looks over at Silvie's behest. "...Huh? Yea, I see't. Whatcha think's goin' on? Should we go check? I mean, we're not inna Wunderoos're nothin'. Might not be good t' get n'volved."

by **NebulaQueen** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 1:18 am

"What if this is something we have to get involved in later on?" she asked. "Like, I dunno, a crime spree or something? Shouldn't we go check it out now instead of later?"

by **Shinigori V2** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 1:33 am

Casey nods. "Yeah, thassa good idea. Affer you."

by **NebulaQueen** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 2:09 am

"Alright!"

And with that, she attempts to sneak closer to the scene of the crime so she can hear what they're talking about. Emphasis on "try".

by **Kelne** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 5:17 am

"Huh. What're the odds on that? I mean, they probably made a bunch of dresses like that, but how many of them are still in circulation?" Emily considered a moment, "You think maybe your mom got her dress from here?" The shopkeeper seemed to be occupied. Who'd have thought someone'd go around stealing ancient dresses of all the things in the mall? That was like the anti-Winterviel spirit or something.

by **ChristianC** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 10:48 am

Alexis blinked a little, only noticing the shopkeeper when Emily spoke about the dress, which pulled her out from her thoughts.

"M...mayb...maybe?" She stammered, thinking. "I d-d-don't re...remember th-that wuh-well, bu-but she w-wore this d-d-dress d-d-during her puh-performance wuh-with The Eveningstar." She frowned slightly, thinking back...

And on the fact that someone was stealing dresses! WHAT!?

"Th-there wuh-was a dress suh-stolen?" She looks a bit angry and walks over to one of the mall cops...

Eh...

half-ways...

Then she kinda stops, looking down at her feet, and turns back, embarrassed.

by **Animala** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 8:54 pm

Lauren looked towards the noise of the guards shouting, narrowed her eyes at the probable runaway thief and sighed. "Oh man, I really didn't want to ruin this outfit too...Ambassador?"

I'm with you! Ambassador Leafshade responded. I'm not getting left behind on this one!

Without waiting for Max's response, she worked her way into position. In her wunderkind body, she could have just stood in front of him and let him bounce off. In this body, though, she was just a kid. But, then again, Lauren had experience in fighting as "just a kid". Don't try to stand against a larger opponent: work with them. Lauren planned to "stumble" and fall into the bag as the man ran by, hopefully either knocking the bag loose or pulling him off balance. Ambassador Leafshade, for her part, hoped to slip into the bag in the confusion if Lauren didn't knock it free.

by **Shinigori V2** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 9:42 pm

Max and Enzo:

Kid looks over, looking vaguely embarassed. "Hey, uh...Hey. What're you guys doing here? You should be shopping."

Silvie and Casey:

The pair inch closer, as close as they can with the mall cops.

The case was broken into, and a single piece of jewelery was snatched. And the case isn't even damaged, it's like someone froze a small area, and smashed it in.

Max and Lauren:

Lauren gets into position...And stumbles! The bag is not grabbed, but Leafshade is successfully into the bag. As the hooded figure runs away, her hood falls off...

..Pale blue hair and near white skin.

...Uh oh.

by **Kelne** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 11:49 pm

Emily, seeing Alexis wanting to ask questions but overcome by shyness, decided to employ her own lack of shyness for good. Or something.

"Are there people going around stealing dresses?" she asked the store owner with that guileless nosiness kids were known to summon from time to time, "That's just awful. Who does something like that?"

by **BrainWalker** » Mon Jan 17, 2011 1:17 am

Max chuckled at Lauren and Leafshade's banter, but continued conversation was interrupted by a mall security chase. Max's default reaction would be to simply stand in the perp's path, but maybe that's not such a good idea in the civilian bodies. Max's momentary internal conflict results in Lauren taking the first action. Her little stubmle/bag grab attemped was pretty close to what Max probably would have done, although it wasn't quite as effective as she was probably hoping.

And, seeing the hood fall down, it's probably for the best that neither of them had decided to get more physical. Max helps Lauren to her feet. "Nice attempt. You ok?" He then looks back at the fleeing blue-haired thief with an expression that is mostly serious, with a hint of worry. He whips out his cell phone and holds #1 to quick-dial Rivendare. "I'm gonna call the boss. I'm sure they're watching us but nevertheless this is probably the sort of thing we should call in. There's not much we can do like this, and probably even less mall security can do."

by **NebulaQueen** » Mon Jan 17, 2011 1:51 am

"See?" she whispered. "An ordinary crook couldn't do something like that!"

by **Idran1701** » Mon Jan 17, 2011 11:11 pm

"We are! But I saw you over here and I wanted to say hi." Sam looks around the display, not doing anything to hide his confusion. "What're you doing over here though? I thought you were shopping."

by **Shinigori V2** » Mon Jan 17, 2011 11:13 pm

"I'm helping." Kid says. "This is like...The one time, ever, I don't have to hide my ears. It's not weird this time of year- People actually like it. And, they needed help, so...I said I would. Anyway, all my shopping's done."

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