Non-Canon The Nutcracker: Arcade Edition (Christmas Special)

[Sen]

While Chibiterasu poked his head out from behind Amaterasu, the goddess leered at the wandering artist that stood a good few shorter than her, her gaze piercing and body tense at first. It was severely concerning, seeing a seeming duplicate(though many, many sizes larger) of her long lost companion here. Surely he couldn't have grown since her departure upon the Ark of Yamato, right? But...

Apparently that was exactly what had happened, based on the way he spoke to her son alone. Were any doubt left, it would have been vanquished by the small man's words to her herself, her body relaxing and shoulders visibly slumping with clear disbelief and wariness. This was Issun alright, there wasn't even a minuscule sliver of doubt about it. No other being could possibly make her feel so exhausted with everything with just a singular phrase. Hearing his raving over the 'racks' of other women in their time together was bad enough, but now she had to hear him speak of hers too. T_T

Fortunately, the goddess was a forgiving one, and despite her initial response being slouching and giving the most unadulterated look of disbelief to possibly ever have come about from anyone ever, she shook her head and slowly righted herself, managing an affirmative nod. Just, not about her status as a busty babe. About her identity, the origin of all that was good and mother to us all, Okami Amaterasu stood proudly before Issun in all of her glory. Except she really didn't look proud in that moment. She looked done, and then as she drank the short male in with her intense green gaze, mildly amused. Tilting her head, a gesture was made regarding Issun's current height, then another regarding his former, a faint trace of a smirk on her lips as she addressed his 'sudden growth'. Heh. She wasn't sure which of his heights were sadder.

In any case, she did not get to tease the male as she may have liked, her gaze shifting back to the small boy behind her. Which actually initially amused her more, her grin widening as she stepped to the side and gestured him to come forth in symbolism that it was okay, for her eyes took note of the fact that Issun and her extremely young child were the same height, thereabouts.

...Calm. She was calm. She wasn't giggling at that fact, not at all.

With her composure regained and a more tender smile than her previously amused smirk, she gave yet another affirmative nod. Yes, she and Issun went back quite a time. It had been a handful of years since they had parted, but despite her evident teasing, the way her gaze softened as she looked to him was clear tell of the fact she held him in high regards. He had provided endless aid to her, and for that she would eternally be grateful.

It was good to see him again.

@Sen @Alex Azure​

With an affirmation that this is a friend of his mother's, Chibi stepped out in front of his mother to greet the wandering artist. He wasn't much for words with anyone aside from the motherly goddess, but he still wished to introduce himself. As a way of doing so, he plucked a blank scroll from Issun's pack and held it up for Issun to see.

Marks of ink would suddenly appear on the paper, written by the power of his own Celestial Brush. The marks spelled out his name for Issun to see:

"Chibiterasu"

@Pretentious Pineapple @Sen​

​

"Wow, you look... um, amazing!" He spoke with a sense of familiarity - he never ever used proper and polite grammar with her - plus, he wasn't even looking at her face. He folded his arms behind his head, nodding as if approving. "... I think I'm going to have to update my paintings of you, Ammy, I'm not capturing your full essence."

"I was wondering when you'd come and visit me - thought you'd forgotten all about me, I was gonna go up there and make sure you were doing your job right. I bet without me, you just sleep all day." Issun huffed with confidence. She was always so out of it all the time anyway, it was always up to him to make sure she was on task. Never one to pay attention to her surroundings, this one. He'd never forget the time she tried to eat him, or the time where she fell many feet down into the den of a flat spider lady, or the time she tossed him around with the God of Catwalk...

The little one caught his attention as he moved to pluck out a piece of paper, holding it up for him. Issun stared - he still wasn't sure who he was, since it wasn't Amaterasu...

"Chibiterasu?" Issun titled his head. God, who named him? What an unoriginal name-

"Oh." Issun felt stupid, but he wasn't going to admit it. "Ohhhhhhhhhh. You're... you're Ammy's son?"
​

Wait a second, but according to basic biology and the power of intimate contact, that must have meant... uh, who was the father? The Celestial Plain was pretty ravaged the last he had heard of it, due to the events of that eight-headed beast, but there was one person who had went with her on the Ark.

"Gah! D- Don't tell me you and Waka... did the dingdangdo??"

@Pretentious Pineapple @Alex Azure​

 

[Not a Writer]

"Teresa! You're here too! What fun! You look fabulous tonight." Macy flashed a bright smile at Teresa, full of hope that her mood would brighten. Macy could feel Teresa's dark mood just as easily as she could see her dark dress. Macy's heart had a habit of reaching out and seeing how others were feeling, whether or not they were willing to show it. Macy was determined to brighten Teresa's mood.

@Pretentious Pineapple @Neko Shogun @thatguyinthestore​

And, as if on cue, that certain someone would actually appear right behind him. Josh shot his Conductor a look over his shoulder, his head seeming to freeze in place when he rested his eyes upon her. He couldn't argue with Macy; Teresa did look very nice tonight. No, she looked... breathtaking. He found himself taken aback by her appearance, unable to retort the young woman's tease about him being a tree hugger. Truth be told, he was dressed rather decently himself--adorning a black suit with a sleek silver tie, but for some reason he felt as if she looked far better than he did.

"I, uh." Joshua snapped his head straight forward again, looking to the tree once more. "I was just, uh, enjoying the view." He stuck his hands in his coat pockets, feeling his palms get a bit... sweaty. "Breathtaking."

"I-I mean, there aren't trees like this in Shibuya, you know?"

Try as he might, Joshua couldn't really make a quip back to the girl--at least for now.

@Pretentious Pineapple @Alex Azure @thatguyinthestore​

"I think you might find a better view over here," Macy said. She nudged Joshua closer towards Teresa.

@Pretentious Pineapple @Neko Shogun​

Macy's greeting earned a subtle smile from Teresa, who looked down upon her own form with something akin to embarrassment or sheepishness, one hand going to carefully rub her neck. "Oh, um, thank you... Macy, right?" she replied, sincerely grateful for the compliment, if a tad flustered. "You look nice, too. It's been a while, huh?" ...Great. She was a wonderful conversationalist. Still, she didn't linger on that fault, instead glancing to Joshua as he addressed her.

And, like an oblivious little shit, failed to realize just why he was blushing. Sure, she noticed his feats going red where they were typically paler, but she hadn't a clue as to why. Unless her joke had embarrassed him? She supposed it didn't matter, and ultimately provided a smile, her gaze following his own to the tree to glance it over fondly.

"...Yeah, I guess you're right," she hummed, pursing her lips. She herself, raised in a desolate and barren world ravaged by sun flares, was unused to nature. It was always a pleasantry for her, the occasions she got to take a moment to stop and admire it. Not that Shibuya had terribly much. "But hey, you're always talking about how mighty you are," she teased, glancing to him with a playful glint in those burning blue eyes. "I bet making a few trees pop up isn't out of your capability."

Not that that was the only thing he was capable of, because now that she really looked at him, where she could fully see him? She was in awe. The manner with which the low-light danced over his form, garbed in a sleek suit, was stunning. It captivated her for a few moments, her eyes briefly flitting over his form before they ultimately pulled away, glancing to Macy with slight surprise when she again spoke as though snapping out of a trance. "Huh?" She kinda hadn't been listening. Oops.

What did get her listening was DeDeDe grabbing Joshua, her body going on autopilot in defense of her Composer. Her hand went to reach for her pins, but... nothing. So naturally, she clenched her fists, glaring at the alleged king with a scowl. "Hey, put him down! He might be an idiot, but whatever it is he did two seconds before I got here couldn't have been bad enough to deserve getting his lights punched out."

...I don't think, anyways.

@Neko Shogun @thatguyinthestore @Alex Azure​

 

[Neko Shogun]

Luka smiled. She was glad to see that the girl was alright. "I'm Luka. It's nice to meet you, Sayori." She said happily. "If you want, you can stay with me. My friend Oliver should be around here somewhere. Hopefully he's not getting into trouble." Luka said, glancing around the room for the little blonde Vocaloid.

@Takumi

"I'd love to!" Sayori cheerfully peeped in response to Luka. "I'm sure we'll find your friend in no time at all." The girl smiled, letting her arms swing freely at her sides. "When we find him, we should go get some food from the buffet! I'd love to see what kind of sweets they have here!" It wasn't often she was able to eat food she didn't have to pay for. The schoolgirl found this thought rather exciting. "So what made you want to come to this christmas party, Luka?" she asked, making casual conversation.

@Minerva @Takumi @Anyone​

 

[Takumi]

Luka smiled. She was glad to see that the girl was alright. "I'm Luka. It's nice to meet you, Sayori." She said happily. "If you want, you can stay with me. My friend Oliver should be around here somewhere. Hopefully he's not getting into trouble." Luka said, glancing around the room for the little blonde Vocaloid.

@Takumi

"I'd love to!" Sayori cheerfully peeped in response to Luka. "I'm sure we'll find your friend in no time at all." The girl smiled, letting her arms swing freely at her sides. "When we find him, we should go get some food from the buffet! I'd love to see what kind of sweets they have here!" It wasn't often she was able to eat food she didn't have to pay for. The schoolgirl found this thought rather exciting. "So what made you want to come to this christmas party, Luka?" she asked, making casual conversation.

@Minerva @Takumi @Anyone​

Speaking of Oliver, the little Vocaloid had began to wander until he found his friend, moving to stand near her with his hands behind his back.

"Luka, who's this? Is she a new friend? Hello there Miss!" he greeted with a smile, while firing off his questions without a pause to breathe, since he didn't need to breath really.

@Minerva @Neko Shogun

 

[Not a Writer]

With an affirmation that this is a friend of his mother's, Chibi stepped out in front of his mother to greet the wandering artist. He wasn't much for words with anyone aside from the motherly goddess, but he still wished to introduce himself. As a way of doing so, he plucked a blank scroll from Issun's pack and held it up for Issun to see.

Marks of ink would suddenly appear on the paper, written by the power of his own Celestial Brush. The marks spelled out his name for Issun to see:

"Chibiterasu"

@Pretentious Pineapple @Sen​

​

"Wow, you look... um, amazing!" He spoke with a sense of familiarity - he never ever used proper and polite grammar with her - plus, he wasn't even looking at her face. He folded his arms behind his head, nodding as if approving. "... I think I'm going to have to update my paintings of you, Ammy, I'm not capturing your full essence."

"I was wondering when you'd come and visit me - thought you'd forgotten all about me, I was gonna go up there and make sure you were doing your job right. I bet without me, you just sleep all day." Issun huffed with confidence. She was always so out of it all the time anyway, it was always up to him to make sure she was on task. Never one to pay attention to her surroundings, this one. He'd never forget the time she tried to eat him, or the time where she fell many feet down into the den of a flat spider lady, or the time she tossed him around with the God of Catwalk...

The little one caught his attention as he moved to pluck out a piece of paper, holding it up for him. Issun stared - he still wasn't sure who he was, since it wasn't Amaterasu...

"Chibiterasu?" Issun titled his head. God, who named him? What an unoriginal name-

"Oh." Issun felt stupid, but he wasn't going to admit it. "Ohhhhhhhhhh. You're... you're Ammy's son?"
​

Wait a second, but according to basic biology and the power of intimate contact, that must have meant... uh, who was the father? The Celestial Plain was pretty ravaged the last he had heard of it, due to the events of that eight-headed beast, but there was one person who had went with her on the Ark.

"Gah! D- Don't tell me you and Waka... did the dingdangdo??"

@Pretentious Pineapple @Alex Azure​

A tender smile came to Amaterasu's face as friend and son were introduced to each other, she feeling slightly better about this party for knowing the wandering artist was here. Not that she'd say that, for more reasons than seeming to not speak. Still, even Issun's compliment appeared to be well received, a smile and nod of thanks the response. But the smile faltered when she noted where his gaze was fixated and she felt about 75% done again. Thankfully, though, the male switched topics, and her smile was brought back as though he had used Rejuvenation himself.

While no words were uttered, her smile was gentle, and the air with which she shook her head was serious. She had not forgotten him; truthfully, she never would. She couldn't fathom even the idea of mild loss of details of him from her mind. So he certainly had no need to worry--

Bitch what did he just say to her, nuh-uhhhhhh--

A look of offense overtook the female's face, a gasp inhaled through her lips as though he had outright cursed her name right then and there. How could he insinuate she slept all day when she was constantly at work watching over the mortal world and trying to restore the Celestial Plain??? What gall he had, truly. Still, despite her arms crossing and her head turning away with clear distaste for the joke, she seemed to eventually forgive the offense, her arms slowly lowering back to her sides. Whereupon she peered at Issun blankly as he put two and two together, pointing out the obvious shared genes and...

...She stared at him with an unreadable expression, her ears flattening against her head. Wat even. Wai. Wai was he liek dis.

@Sen @Alex Azure​

 

[Neko Shogun]

"I think you might find a better view over here," Macy said. She nudged Joshua closer towards Teresa.

@Pretentious Pineapple @Neko Shogun​

"You two know this boy? Well, maybe you can cheer him u--"
​

Oh.

Oh this little punk did not just go there.

Grabbing Joshua by the collar, DeDeDe pulled up to meet eye level, teeth grit and eyes narrowed.

"I'm a king, ya dern idiot! I ain't no servant boy! You'd bettah apologize or else you'll be seein' stars in the next two seconds!"

@Neko Shogun @Pretentious Pineapple @Alex Azure​

Macy's greeting earned a subtle smile from Teresa, who looked down upon her own form with something akin to embarrassment or sheepishness, one hand going to carefully rub her neck. "Oh, um, thank you... Macy, right?" she replied, sincerely grateful for the compliment, if a tad flustered. "You look nice, too. It's been a while, huh?" ...Great. She was a wonderful conversationalist. Still, she didn't linger on that fault, instead glancing to Joshua as he addressed her.

And, like an oblivious little shit, failed to realize just why he was blushing. Sure, she noticed his feats going red where they were typically paler, but she hadn't a clue as to why. Unless her joke had embarrassed him? She supposed it didn't matter, and ultimately provided a smile, her gaze following his own to the tree to glance it over fondly.

"...Yeah, I guess you're right," she hummed, pursing her lips. She herself, raised in a desolate and barren world ravaged by sun flares, was unused to nature. It was always a pleasantry for her, the occasions she got to take a moment to stop and admire it. Not that Shibuya had terribly much. "But hey, you're always talking about how mighty you are," she teased, glancing to him with a playful glint in those burning blue eyes. "I bet making a few trees pop up isn't out of your capability."

Not that that was the only thing he was capable of, because now that she really looked at him, where she could fully see him? She was in awe. The manner with which the low-light danced over his form, garbed in a sleek suit, was stunning. It captivated her for a few moments, her eyes briefly flitting over his form before they ultimately pulled away, glancing to Macy with slight surprise when she again spoke as though snapping out of a trance. "Huh?" She kinda hadn't been listening. Oops.

What did get her listening was DeDeDe grabbing Joshua, her body going on autopilot in defense of her Composer. Her hand went to reach for her pins, but... nothing. So naturally, she clenched her fists, glaring at the alleged king with a scowl. "Hey, put him down! He might be an idiot, but whatever it is he did two seconds before I got here couldn't have been bad enough to deserve getting his lights punched out."

...I don't think, anyways.

@Neko Shogun @thatguyinthestore @Alex Azure​

Joshua shrugged his shoulders, feeling a bit of his confidence return when Teresa would add a bit more onto their conversation. "Sure, I am powerful enough to make it happen, but it really wouldn't be a realistic thing to see in Shibuya so I don't just make it happen whenever I want. Besides, I may like to view a tree every now and again, but that doesn't mean I really want them around. Nature can be a bit... dirty. There's also the fact that I honestly don't like Christmas very-- Hey!"

The angel cut himself off when he would feel Macy nudge him closer to Teresa. His head whipped around in Macy's direction and he lowered his voice to her. Joshua wasn't oblivious and realized what the young woman had been trying to do with her subtle action. "Please don't. It's... not like that with us," he whispered to her. "We're not here as a... couple... or with the intention of becoming one any time soon."

Not that he would've minded if that were the case. As sassy and frustrating as Teresa could be, Joshua had realized ages ago what a gem she was. She was trustworthy, good-hearted, and skilled at putting him in his place when he got a bit too carried away with being an asshole. Maybe it was just the mushy holiday atmosphere amplifying these thoughts but... even before she had walked into the room he had been thinking about her. He cherished Teresa almost more than he did anyone else.

Before Joshua could reflect more on these thoughts, however, the angel found himself suspended into the air by his shirt--which was now in De De De's grasp. He didn't look frightened or surprised at all, but instead a bit bored. "Hee Hee, oh no, please don't hurt me Mr. Prinny servant. I cower in the face of your strength. Please release me or I fear I may cry." The Composer paid no mind to Teresa trying to defend him because, honestly, he wasn't shaken up in the slightest.

@Pretentious Pineapple @Alex Azure @thatguyinthestore​

 

[Macy Moretti]

​

"Wow, you look... um, amazing!" He spoke with a sense of familiarity - he never ever used proper and polite grammar with her - plus, he wasn't even looking at her face. He folded his arms behind his head, nodding as if approving. "... I think I'm going to have to update my paintings of you, Ammy, I'm not capturing your full essence."

"I was wondering when you'd come and visit me - thought you'd forgotten all about me, I was gonna go up there and make sure you were doing your job right. I bet without me, you just sleep all day." Issun huffed with confidence. She was always so out of it all the time anyway, it was always up to him to make sure she was on task. Never one to pay attention to her surroundings, this one. He'd never forget the time she tried to eat him, or the time where she fell many feet down into the den of a flat spider lady, or the time she tossed him around with the God of Catwalk...

The little one caught his attention as he moved to pluck out a piece of paper, holding it up for him. Issun stared - he still wasn't sure who he was, since it wasn't Amaterasu...

"Chibiterasu?" Issun titled his head. God, who named him? What an unoriginal name-

"Oh." Issun felt stupid, but he wasn't going to admit it. "Ohhhhhhhhhh. You're... you're Ammy's son?"
​

Wait a second, but according to basic biology and the power of intimate contact, that must have meant... uh, who was the father? The Celestial Plain was pretty ravaged the last he had heard of it, due to the events of that eight-headed beast, but there was one person who had went with her on the Ark.

"Gah! D- Don't tell me you and Waka... did the dingdangdo??"

@Pretentious Pineapple @Alex Azure​

A tender smile came to Amaterasu's face as friend and son were introduced to each other, she feeling slightly better about this party for knowing the wandering artist was here. Not that she'd say that, for more reasons than seeming to not speak. Still, even Issun's compliment appeared to be well received, a smile and nod of thanks the response. But the smile faltered when she noted where his gaze was fixated and she felt about 75% done again. Thankfully, though, the male switched topics, and her smile was brought back as though he had used Rejuvenation himself.

While no words were uttered, her smile was gentle, and the air with which she shook her head was serious. She had not forgotten him; truthfully, she never would. She couldn't fathom even the idea of mild loss of details of him from her mind. So he certainly had no need to worry--

Bitch what did he just say to her, nuh-uhhhhhh--

A look of offense overtook the female's face, a gasp inhaled through her lips as though he had outright cursed her name right then and there. How could he insinuate she slept all day when she was constantly at work watching over the mortal world and trying to restore the Celestial Plain??? What gall he had, truly. Still, despite her arms crossing and her head turning away with clear distaste for the joke, she seemed to eventually forgive the offense, her arms slowly lowering back to her sides. Whereupon she peered at Issun blankly as he put two and two together, pointing out the obvious shared genes and...

...She stared at him with an unreadable expression, her ears flattening against her head. Wat even. Wai. Wai was he liek dis.

@Sen @Alex Azure​

Chibi matched Ammy's blank stare with a look of confusion. He returned to her side and tugged on the hem of her dress, beckoning her to bend down to his level.

If she dis, Chibi would quietly whisper a question to her about what Issun was discussing and what it had to do with Waka.

@Sen @Pretentious Pineapple​

 

[Sen]

A tender smile came to Amaterasu's face as friend and son were introduced to each other, she feeling slightly better about this party for knowing the wandering artist was here. Not that she'd say that, for more reasons than seeming to not speak. Still, even Issun's compliment appeared to be well received, a smile and nod of thanks the response. But the smile faltered when she noted where his gaze was fixated and she felt about 75% done again. Thankfully, though, the male switched topics, and her smile was brought back as though he had used Rejuvenation himself.

While no words were uttered, her smile was gentle, and the air with which she shook her head was serious. She had not forgotten him; truthfully, she never would. She couldn't fathom even the idea of mild loss of details of him from her mind. So he certainly had no need to worry--

Bitch what did he just say to her, nuh-uhhhhhh--

A look of offense overtook the female's face, a gasp inhaled through her lips as though he had outright cursed her name right then and there. How could he insinuate she slept all day when she was constantly at work watching over the mortal world and trying to restore the Celestial Plain??? What gall he had, truly. Still, despite her arms crossing and her head turning away with clear distaste for the joke, she seemed to eventually forgive the offense, her arms slowly lowering back to her sides. Whereupon she peered at Issun blankly as he put two and two together, pointing out the obvious shared genes and...

...She stared at him with an unreadable expression, her ears flattening against her head. Wat even. Wai. Wai was he liek dis.

@Sen @Alex Azure​

​

"How does this half-baked prophet get such good game - wow, so just because I'm a Poncle it means I can get any normal-sized babes?" he tutted. He had absolutely no idea that Ammy would eventually come to look like this - he remembered the time Fuse's husband referring to the god as a 'maiden' - which he had at the time laughed off because it was so ridiculous. He was sitting on a ditsy fleabag's head, not some pretty maiden.

Ah, he was starting to regret everything he had done while he was on his journey with her. Forget self-exploration - he had just let a busty babe go off with that no-good, annoying, flamboyant, foreign-language-speaking, flute-blowing, how-does-he-lift-his-wing-headpiece-with-just-his-hair, useless half-baked prophet!

​

"D- Don't avoid the question! Did you? Don't tell me you did, you can totally do better than this, Ammy! Even those moles at Taka Pass would have been better!" Issun berated the goddess. "Listen, listen, I know we were busy focusing on saving the world and everything but there's a lot of fish in the sea. Don't aim for the salmon, aim for the Whopper."

@Pretentious Pineapple @Alex Azure​

 

[Macy Moretti]

Joshua shrugged his shoulders, feeling a bit of his confidence return when Teresa would add a bit more onto their conversation. "Sure, I am powerful enough to make it happen, but it really wouldn't be a realistic thing to see in Shibuya so I don't just make it happen whenever I want. Besides, I may like to view a tree every now and again, but that doesn't mean I really want them around. Nature can be a bit... dirty. There's also the fact that I honestly don't like Christmas very-- Hey!"

The angel cut himself off when he would feel Macy nudge him closer to Teresa. His head whipped around in Macy's direction and he lowered his voice to her. Joshua wasn't oblivious and realized what the young woman had been trying to do with her subtle action. "Please don't. It's... not like that with us," he whispered to her. "We're not here as a... couple... or with the intention of becoming one any time soon."

Not that he would've minded if that were the case. As sassy and frustrating as Teresa could be, Joshua had realized ages ago what a gem she was. She was trustworthy, good-hearted, and skilled at putting him in his place when he got a bit too carried away with being an asshole. Maybe it was just the mushy holiday atmosphere amplifying these thoughts but... even before she had walked into the room he had been thinking about her. He cherished Teresa almost more than he did anyone else.

Before Joshua could reflect more on these thoughts, however, the angel found himself suspended into the air by his shirt--which was now in De De De's grasp. He didn't look frightened or surprised at all, but instead a bit bored. "Hee Hee, oh no, please don't hurt me Mr. Prinny servant. I cower in the face of your strength. Please release me or I fear I may cry." The Composer paid no mind to Teresa trying to defend him because, honestly, he wasn't shaken up in the slightest.

@Pretentious Pineapple @Alex Azure @thatguyinthestore​

Macy's expression dropped. Although she was sure she read chemistry between the Composer and his Conductor, Joshua denied it. In her own mind, she had just made things worse for the two of them, rather than better. And beyond that, she felt like she hadn't made an impression on the pair of them. Had her brother left the bigger impact?

But on the topic of impacts, someone's face was about to feel the impact of a fist. The penguin who claimed to be a king had lifted Joshua, but Joshua wasn't worried in the slightest. The confident yet bored look warned Macy of what was to come. She wasn't worried Joshua. She had scene him fight. Instead, she was worried for the penguin who was about to punch a being several times stronger than himself.

Macy wanted to stop this fight before it started. She wasn't a fighter, and opted for more subtle tactics. She expressed the cutest, saddest expression she could towards King DeDeDe. "Please let go of my friend. He didn't mean to insult you. Please, just enjoy the party. There's no reason to fight!"

@thatguyinthestore @Pretentious Pineapple @Neko Shogun​

 

[Raptor Jesus]

Joshua shrugged his shoulders, feeling a bit of his confidence return when Teresa would add a bit more onto their conversation. "Sure, I am powerful enough to make it happen, but it really wouldn't be a realistic thing to see in Shibuya so I don't just make it happen whenever I want. Besides, I may like to view a tree every now and again, but that doesn't mean I really want them around. Nature can be a bit... dirty. There's also the fact that I honestly don't like Christmas very-- Hey!"

The angel cut himself off when he would feel Macy nudge him closer to Teresa. His head whipped around in Macy's direction and he lowered his voice to her. Joshua wasn't oblivious and realized what the young woman had been trying to do with her subtle action. "Please don't. It's... not like that with us," he whispered to her. "We're not here as a... couple... or with the intention of becoming one any time soon."

Not that he would've minded if that were the case. As sassy and frustrating as Teresa could be, Joshua had realized ages ago what a gem she was. She was trustworthy, good-hearted, and skilled at putting him in his place when he got a bit too carried away with being an asshole. Maybe it was just the mushy holiday atmosphere amplifying these thoughts but... even before she had walked into the room he had been thinking about her. He cherished Teresa almost more than he did anyone else.

Before Joshua could reflect more on these thoughts, however, the angel found himself suspended into the air by his shirt--which was now in De De De's grasp. He didn't look frightened or surprised at all, but instead a bit bored. "Hee Hee, oh no, please don't hurt me Mr. Prinny servant. I cower in the face of your strength. Please release me or I fear I may cry." The Composer paid no mind to Teresa trying to defend him because, honestly, he wasn't shaken up in the slightest.

@Pretentious Pineapple @Alex Azure @thatguyinthestore​

"Grrr.... YOU'D BETTAH QUIT MOCKIN' ME!!!" DeDeDe shouted as he balled up his fist, throwing a strong punch towards Joshua's nose. If the hit connected, it should have been enough to break his nose.

@Neko Shogun @Pretentious Pineapple @Alex Azure ​

 

[Not a Writer]

Chibi matched Ammy's blank stare with a look of confusion. He returned to her side and tugged on the hem of her dress, beckoning her to bend down to his level.

If she dis, Chibi would quietly whisper a question to her about what Issun was discussing and what it had to do with Waka.

@Sen @Pretentious Pineapple​

​

"How does this half-baked prophet get such good game - wow, so just because I'm a Poncle it means I can get any normal-sized babes?" he tutted. He had absolutely no idea that Ammy would eventually come to look like this - he remembered the time Fuse's husband referring to the god as a 'maiden' - which he had at the time laughed off because it was so ridiculous. He was sitting on a ditsy fleabag's head, not some pretty maiden.

Ah, he was starting to regret everything he had done while he was on his journey with her. Forget self-exploration - he had just let a busty babe go off with that no-good, annoying, flamboyant, foreign-language-speaking, flute-blowing, how-does-he-lift-his-wing-headpiece-with-just-his-hair, useless half-baked prophet!

​

"D- Don't avoid the question! Did you? Don't tell me you did, you can totally do better than this, Ammy! Even those moles at Taka Pass would have been better!" Issun berated the goddess. "Listen, listen, I know we were busy focusing on saving the world and everything but there's a lot of fish in the sea. Don't aim for the salmon, aim for the Whopper."

@Pretentious Pineapple @Alex Azure​

While she was unsure what to make of this conversation as a whole, Amaterasu almost immediately complied when Chibiterasu tugged on her dress, bending down to hear out what her son wished to say. Which, was not a good something, she quickly deduced, her eyes turning to meet his from where she bent to his level with an incredulous look. Then her eyes moved to Issun. Then back to Chibi.

Suffice to say, she simply provided her son with a lazy shrug in response, it impossible to determine whether she was sincerely oblivious as to Issun's meaning or not. Still, she couldn't help cocking a brow out of amusement, the corner of her lip twitching upward as well. Heh. She forgot how funny it was seeing him get all worked up; it was especially great with how small but not small he was now.

Either way, she only tilted her head at him, a mix of amusement and confusion swirling in her eyes. Man. He had been talking about Waka, but now he was talking about fish and those lonely moles. What was his point?

@Sen @Alex Azure​

 

[Neko Shogun]

Speaking of Oliver, the little Vocaloid had began to wander until he found his friend, moving to stand near her with his hands behind his back.

"Luka, who's this? Is she a new friend? Hello there Miss!" he greeted with a smile, while firing off his questions without a pause to breathe, since he didn't need to breath really.

@Minerva @Neko Shogun

"Ahh, yeah I am a new friend of Luka's! You must be Oliver, right? Wow, it's great to meet you! My name is Sayori. I just made it to this party, but I got a bit lost on my way to the buffet, I think. I almost, accidentally, ran over Luka while I was trying to get there. Ah ha ha, silly me, right?" If Sayori's best friend was here right now, she could just picture him scolding her for not being more careful and watching where she was going while she walked. But the pink-haired teen simply couldn't help herself! When she became distracted by something, Sayori found it difficult to focus on even something as important as her surroundings.

@Minerva @Takumi @Anyone​

 

[Yun Lee]

"ENOUGH!!!"

Dedede would find his punch effectively blocked by Karin. "This is your final warning. One more wrong move and you will be ejected from this party!"

@thatguyinthestore @Neko Shogun

---

Sakura would nod in agreement at Ibuki's observations. "Yeah, it's really weird...and even weirder...Karin doesn't seem to be...herself, you know? Like, the way she's been acting feels sorta...not genuine."

@Khan of the Mardu​

 

[Raptor Jesus]

"ENOUGH!!!"

Dedede would find his punch effectively blocked by Karin. "This is your final warning. One more wrong move and you will be ejected from this party!"

@thatguyinthestore @Neko Shogun

---

Sakura would nod in agreement at Ibuki's observations. "Yeah, it's really weird...and even weirder...Karin doesn't seem to be...herself, you know? Like, the way she's been acting feels sorta...not genuine."

@Khan of the Mardu​

"GRrrrrr... that does it!!! This whole party is full of blasphemers!!! I'm leavin'!!"

And with that, DeDeDe exited, never looking back as he went back to Dreamland.​

 

[Hida Tomonatsu]

"ENOUGH!!!"

Dedede would find his punch effectively blocked by Karin. "This is your final warning. One more wrong move and you will be ejected from this party!"

@thatguyinthestore @Neko Shogun

---

Sakura would nod in agreement at Ibuki's observations. "Yeah, it's really weird...and even weirder...Karin doesn't seem to be...herself, you know? Like, the way she's been acting feels sorta...not genuine."

@Khan of the Mardu​

"No doubt about it, that's not how she usually acts," Ibuki hummed as she glance once again at the ongoing party, mulling over the circumstances, "Honestly... it's weird that she even got this party together. She's not really one for parties, is she? At least not with a motley crew like this..."

@Yun Lee ​

 

[Not a Writer]

Joshua shrugged his shoulders, feeling a bit of his confidence return when Teresa would add a bit more onto their conversation. "Sure, I am powerful enough to make it happen, but it really wouldn't be a realistic thing to see in Shibuya so I don't just make it happen whenever I want. Besides, I may like to view a tree every now and again, but that doesn't mean I really want them around. Nature can be a bit... dirty. There's also the fact that I honestly don't like Christmas very-- Hey!"

The angel cut himself off when he would feel Macy nudge him closer to Teresa. His head whipped around in Macy's direction and he lowered his voice to her. Joshua wasn't oblivious and realized what the young woman had been trying to do with her subtle action. "Please don't. It's... not like that with us," he whispered to her. "We're not here as a... couple... or with the intention of becoming one any time soon."

Not that he would've minded if that were the case. As sassy and frustrating as Teresa could be, Joshua had realized ages ago what a gem she was. She was trustworthy, good-hearted, and skilled at putting him in his place when he got a bit too carried away with being an asshole. Maybe it was just the mushy holiday atmosphere amplifying these thoughts but... even before she had walked into the room he had been thinking about her. He cherished Teresa almost more than he did anyone else.

Before Joshua could reflect more on these thoughts, however, the angel found himself suspended into the air by his shirt--which was now in De De De's grasp. He didn't look frightened or surprised at all, but instead a bit bored. "Hee Hee, oh no, please don't hurt me Mr. Prinny servant. I cower in the face of your strength. Please release me or I fear I may cry." The Composer paid no mind to Teresa trying to defend him because, honestly, he wasn't shaken up in the slightest.

@Pretentious Pineapple @Alex Azure @thatguyinthestore​

Macy's expression dropped. Although she was sure she read chemistry between the Composer and his Conductor, Joshua denied it. In her own mind, she had just made things worse for the two of them, rather than better. And beyond that, she felt like she hadn't made an impression on the pair of them. Had her brother left the bigger impact?

But on the topic of impacts, someone's face was about to feel the impact of a fist. The penguin who claimed to be a king had lifted Joshua, but Joshua wasn't worried in the slightest. The confident yet bored look warned Macy of what was to come. She wasn't worried Joshua. She had scene him fight. Instead, she was worried for the penguin who was about to punch a being several times stronger than himself.

Macy wanted to stop this fight before it started. She wasn't a fighter, and opted for more subtle tactics. She expressed the cutest, saddest expression she could towards King DeDeDe. "Please let go of my friend. He didn't mean to insult you. Please, just enjoy the party. There's no reason to fight!"

@thatguyinthestore @Pretentious Pineapple @Neko Shogun​

"Grrr.... YOU'D BETTAH QUIT MOCKIN' ME!!!" DeDeDe shouted as he balled up his fist, throwing a strong punch towards Joshua's nose. If the hit connected, it should have been enough to break his nose.

@Neko Shogun @Pretentious Pineapple @Alex Azure ​

"ENOUGH!!!"

Dedede would find his punch effectively blocked by Karin. "This is your final warning. One more wrong move and you will be ejected from this party!"

@thatguyinthestore @Neko Shogun

---

Sakura would nod in agreement at Ibuki's observations. "Yeah, it's really weird...and even weirder...Karin doesn't seem to be...herself, you know? Like, the way she's been acting feels sorta...not genuine."

@Khan of the Mardu​

Welp. Teresa would have been happy to continue their conversation, but she had become quite severely distracted. She had tried to be nice in her request for DeDeDe to release her Composer, but if he wouldn't oblige...

Well. Let's just say DeDeDe was fortunate that Karin intervened, because the fact he had so blatantly ignored two polite requests for backing down and attempted to punch Joshua was enough for Teresa's leniency to meet it's end. A thank you was uttered with utmost sincerity to Karin, but DeDeDe was... Hmph. She noticeably glowered, not stopping until the creature apparently up and left. At which point her gaze shifted to Joshua with mild concern, her eyebrows furrow with worry.

"...You okay?"

@Neko Shogun @Yun Lee @Alex Azure​

 

[Neko Shogun]

"Grrr.... YOU'D BETTAH QUIT MOCKIN' ME!!!" DeDeDe shouted as he balled up his fist, throwing a strong punch towards Joshua's nose. If the hit connected, it should have been enough to break his nose.

@Neko Shogun @Pretentious Pineapple @Alex Azure ​

"ENOUGH!!!"

Dedede would find his punch effectively blocked by Karin. "This is your final warning. One more wrong move and you will be ejected from this party!"

@thatguyinthestore @Neko Shogun

---

Sakura would nod in agreement at Ibuki's observations. "Yeah, it's really weird...and even weirder...Karin doesn't seem to be...herself, you know? Like, the way she's been acting feels sorta...not genuine."

@Khan of the Mardu​

"No doubt about it, that's not how she usually acts," Ibuki hummed as she glance once again at the ongoing party, mulling over the circumstances, "Honestly... it's weird that she even got this party together. She's not really one for parties, is she? At least not with a motley crew like this..."

@Yun Lee ​

Welp. Teresa would have been happy to continue their conversation, but she had become quite severely distracted. She had tried to be nice in her request for DeDeDe to release her Composer, but if he wouldn't oblige...

Well. Let's just say DeDeDe was fortunate that Karin intervened, because the fact he had so blatantly ignored two polite requests for backing down and attempted to punch Joshua was enough for Teresa's leniency to meet it's end. A thank you was uttered with utmost sincerity to Karin, but DeDeDe was... Hmph. She noticeably glowered, not stopping until the creature apparently up and left. At which point her gaze shifted to Joshua with mild concern, her eyebrows furrow with worry.

"...You okay?"

@Neko Shogun @Yun Lee @Alex Azure​

Even had the punch connected with his face, Joshua would not have been worried. He did find it pleasing, however, that DeDeDe would find himself scolded and had even been threatened with being kicked out of the party. "Oh, but I wasn't mocking you Mr. Prinny servant. I am simply counting my blessings right now that your powerful punch did not make contact with my frail little nose. Tee hee. Had you managed to hit me, you may have left a little mark upon my skin and that would've been quite distressing for my wimpy, scrawny little self."

Joshua was honestly a bit disappointed, however, that Dedede ended up exiting the area before he even had a chance to hear the asshole comments he had made. Oh well. Josh simply shrugged his shoulders and glanced down at his outfit, a small frown tugging at his lips when he would see that his clothes were all ruffled after that encounter and that his tie was completely messed up. "Damn, I actually tied this by hand too. No magic." he mumbled, sounding disappointed. "I wanted it to look nice for when Teresa would see--"

Joshua stopped short with a scowl, beginning to fidget with his tie afterwards in a bit of a flustered hurry. "I mean, I just wanted it to look nice," he grumbled, shaking his head. "I'm fine," he finally said to Teresa. "I just hate when people mess up my clothes."

@Pretentious Pineapple @Alex Azure @thatguyinthestore @Yun Lee​

 

[Yun Lee]

"Well, I think parties are kind of something she HAS to host, y'know? But to invite skeletons and penguins..." Sakura shook her head. "Something's wrong here."

@Khan of the Mardu

---

Karin tossed her head as Dedede stormed out. "Well, I never! We certainly don't need HIS type around here, nothing will ever get done!"

"Da heww you mea' by tha'?" Birdie asked his employer, mouth stuffed with food.

"Oh, nothing, nothing. Uncle Drosselmeyer, when would you like to give those presents?"

"Oh, very soon, dear. Very soon..."

@Archmage Jeremiah @Neko Shogun @Pretentious Pineapple @York @thatguyinthestore @ThatAverageGuy @belVita @dark @Minerva @Crow @Takumi @Lucky @Jeremi @Gummi Bunnies @Widowmaker @Sen @Alex Azure​

 

[Hida Tomonatsu]

"Well, I think parties are kind of something she HAS to host, y'know? But to invite skeletons and penguins..." Sakura shook her head. "Something's wrong here."

@Khan of the Mardu

---

Karin tossed her head as Dedede stormed out. "Well, I never! We certainly don't need HIS type around here, nothing will ever get done!"

"Da heww you mea' by tha'?" Birdie asked his employer, mouth stuffed with food.

"Oh, nothing, nothing. Uncle Drosselmeyer, when would you like to give those presents?"

"Oh, very soon, dear. Very soon..."

@Archmage Jeremiah @Neko Shogun @Pretentious Pineapple @York @thatguyinthestore @ThatAverageGuy @belVita @dark @Minerva @Crow @Takumi @Lucky @Jeremi @Gummi Bunnies @Widowmaker @Sen @Alex Azure​

"Or a sorceress with three faces..." Ibuki muttered under her breathe before crossing her arms, "But you're right, there's something wrong here. Any ideas for what we should do though?"

@Yun Lee ​

 

[Not a Writer]

Even had the punch connected with his face, Joshua would not have been worried. He did find it pleasing, however, that DeDeDe would find himself scolded and had even been threatened with being kicked out of the party. "Oh, but I wasn't mocking you Mr. Prinny servant. I am simply counting my blessings right now that your powerful punch did not make contact with my frail little nose. Tee hee. Had you managed to hit me, you may have left a little mark upon my skin and that would've been quite distressing for my wimpy, scrawny little self."

Joshua was honestly a bit disappointed, however, that Dedede ended up exiting the area before he even had a chance to hear the asshole comments he had made. Oh well. Josh simply shrugged his shoulders and glanced down at his outfit, a small frown tugging at his lips when he would see that his clothes were all ruffled after that encounter and that his tie was completely messed up. "Damn, I actually tied this by hand too. No magic." he mumbled, sounding disappointed. "I wanted it to look nice for when Teresa would see--"

Joshua stopped short with a scowl, beginning to fidget with his tie afterwards in a bit of a flustered hurry. "I mean, I just wanted it to look nice," he grumbled, shaking his head. "I'm fine," he finally said to Teresa. "I just hate when people mess up my clothes."

@Pretentious Pineapple @Alex Azure @thatguyinthestore @Yun Lee​

There was a small thud following Joshua being released, DeDeDe's exit and Teresa almost fervently glancing the male over to assure he hadn't been harmed. At which point, Joshua's arm received a punch, the assailant frowning visibly with a mix of concern and frustration. "Can you at least try to be nice?" she groaned, clearly miffed. "...I take it back. I won't even ask that much. Can you at least try to not be a jerk on purpose-- ...Uhh, what?"

This time, Teresa was not deaf to the words uttered so near her, a slightly surprised, confused and embarrassed expression coming to her face. He wanted to... Look nice for her? Ah, surely she had misheard him. Quickly shaking it off, she cleared her throat awkwardly, trying to move on as best as she could. "...ahm, right. Uh, you don't need to worry. You look wonderful-- fine. You look fine. Besides, you can retie it, right?" she offered, awkwardly. Yup nope she was tripping over words now.

@Neko Shogun @Alex Azure​