//------------------------------// // Arc XX Episode IX: Festival Prep // Story: Family Begins With You // by Jmaster49 //------------------------------// Moments later, Adagio appeared from behind the bleachers with a smirk on her face. “Did you really think he was going to teach you such deadly magic, Shimmer?” she mocked Sunset in a playful tone. “You wouldn’t even let us use our amulets to consume hatred, remember?” “Yeah…sorry about that,” Sunset replied with an uneasy frown. Adagio scoffed and waved her hand in a dismissive fashion. “Pfft. Don’t be. You’re just lucky that our bodies have adapted well to enjoying human food enough to where we can survive. Mentally, it’s a whole different school of fish…” “Well, at least things seem to be looking up as far as adaptations go,” Sunset went on, “Trust me, learning how to drive when I first got here was not easy.” “That’s one thing we can agree on--” Adagio started walking along the pitch back towards the school. She then changed the subject. “On another note, how have you been lately? Since the whole magical lust incident?” “I’ve been fine actually,” Sunset replied as she walked alongside the siren, “Been trying to ease up lately in time for that Summer Festival. Think Keiji is gonna be interested? He’s essentially from the Equestrian equivalent of the Far East.” “It’s possible,” Adagio answered, “No telling what that little gremlin of a child is thinking on a regular basis. But I think some relaxation is in order after what he’s been through.” She put a finger on her chin and looked down at the ground. “But what exactly do humans do at such a festival, I wonder…” Suddenly, Sunset appeared in front of her with a beady set of wide eyes. “It’s only the coolest fair event ever!” “Waagh!” Adagio was momentarily taken aback, leaning away from Sunset when she made her sudden outburst. “...Please don’t do--” Despite this, Sunset simply kept going, riding her high of excitement. “There’s booths where you catch fish, shoot corks to knock down targets, and get masks--it’s so much fun!” Adagio stood upright as she listened to Sunset ramble on. “I see…and what sort of attire do we need for this event? I’ve seen Eastern shows on television, so do we need to emulate the culture to participate?” “Not quite--buuuut it is recommended. I’m actually gonna go shopping for a yukata later. It’s basically like a kimono but way more casual since the robes are nowhere near as heavy. Wanna come with?” “...Me?” Adagio pointed at herself with a puzzled expression on her face, “You want me to join you for…shopping?” “Sure, why not?” Sunset rescinded amicably, “We can even stop by the sushi place where I work if we get hungry.” Adagio shrugged her shoulders and replied, “Hm. Alright. I might be able to find something for Aria and Sonata while I’m there. This could be a new learning experience for us all.” “That’s the spirit!” Sunset cheered as she nudged Adagio’s shoulder with her elbow, “The best way to learn is through experience. Princess Celestia taught me that one.” “Did she now?” Adagio chuckled to herself in response, “...that explains some things.” Elsewhere, in the school… As everyone was traveling through the halls, Keiji would be stopped by a gray-skinned girl with glasses. “Hey, Keiji?” Silver Spoon called out as she approached the vampboy. And said vampboy was busy digging for something in his locker. “Sup?” he replied without missing a beat nor turning his head. “I just wanted to make sure you were gonna attend the Summer Festival. My parents and DT’s parents are funding it, and I know for a fact that she’s gonna wanna see you there,” she folded her arms, “So you better show.” Keiji shut his locker and tilted his head towards her with a flat, sarcastic set of narrowed eyes. “Fujin’s hand--for real? Jeez, I didn’t realize I was valued that much.” He chuckled and rolled his eyes. “Next thing you know, they’re gonna throw me a festival.” Silver Spoon leaned forward with her hands on her hips. “Cut the crap--you know she cares about you. And admittedly, I do too. So don’t mess around. Please? There’s been too much money funneled into this for all that good food to go to waste.” “Hold up--what kinda food?” Keiji raised an inquisitive brow, “I haven’t had traditional Eastern food in a long ass time, so this better be good.” “Hmph, “ Spoon stood upright and pulled a brochure out of a purse she was carrying over her shoulder, “Take a look and read up on it for yourself. You might find something you like in there.” Keiji started to read through it. Inside, he found various dishes including ramen, seafood, and various types of curry available at the festival. All of which were being prepared by seasoned Eastern chefs. “Interesting,” he muttered, “Hey, are they gonna do anything with lanterns?” “Yyyyeah no. Apparently the last time something was done with lanterns in this area, the fire department was called,” Spoon replied as she visibly shuddered and grit her teeth, “Brrr….not how I wanna spend the night again.” Such an explanation caused Keiji to stare at her and blink his eyes a few times before shaking his head. “...Nope. Not even gonna ask.” “Anyway,” Spoon turned and started walking off, “Make sure you show up looking nice. Don’t embarrass us, alright?” “Yeah, yeah…” Keiji responded with a sneer. Then he scratched his head. “Now how am I gonna get something good? The girls aren’t gonna be able to help. I need a guy’s opinion on how to dress for an event like this.” Moments later, he’d have his answer. “Hey, Keiji--yo!” The vampboy turned his head to find Sandbar heading his way. “Oh hey. What’s up?” “I’m takin’ Yona and my little sis Coral to go shopping for these ‘Eastern’ clothes,” he said with airquotes via his fingers, “But I have no clue what to get for myself. Think you can help me?” “How conveniently inconvenient,” Keiji thought to himself, and answered aloud, “Sure. I got time to kill.”