=0==0==0==0==0= 02/07/2003 - Correction BELATED AS HELL. 04/03/2003 - Hell has sent out a search party for us. The Search Deadline is 04/10/2003. We'll be presumed DEAD on 04/2X/2003 04/30/2003 - Come on Applejack -.-; =0==0==0==0==0==0==0==0==0==0= Because I have nothing better to do Productions An Eldrick Tobin project From "It makes sense in my head" Theater A story of The Arc The 2002 (Belated) Halloween Special Plus! All that brews "Ah...," said the plaid furred Ferretboy in hot pants and muscle shirt,"It's too bad java isn't java." "Digitals. And which way do you mean? A Coffee dot java that you can execute without real coffee or that you could drink code?" said the computer beige outfitted lady with the same color hair and 4 keyboards about in front of her all buzzing as she typed. Her name tag and face said "Imeria" but her shirt under her regulation vest said things that translated from the literal program code would read as 'Code Wench'. Of course if you read the highlighted letters it would read 'Nice aren't they? Done staring, maggot?' "Oh either. I'm..." "'Easy'?" His eyes crossed,"More like "Not Picky." You cloned monkey." "This ain't a banana and it's LOADED," she patted a barrel of some gun or laser like device that sprung up out of her arm and forward. She carressed it like a mother stroking a child. "Watch it there you two. No destruction indoors," came a voice over the intercom near 'Nash' by his nametag. It was short for 'Gnashing my teeth on your soul, wormfeast' according to his muscle shirt. But that wouldn't fit on the nametag anyhow. And he had to drop the G because he was probably getting mispronounced. "What's the project's status?" Nash answered,"All the principles seem to be at home. My Guess is a costume party." "No guesses just facts." "The Place is bumping! There's drinks... costumes... what about this ain't plain 'Sir'?" "Just... the... facts...!" She rolled her eyes at the quivering anger,"In Weaselpant's defense, I'm staring at a sign that says as much. AND I have copies of some of the designates invitations. He's basically a harmless boob holding a party." "HARMLESS!?" came the rattling intercom,"No avatar anywhere is harmless. He and his 'cast' have demonstrated abilities and inclinations that don't sit well with the Upper Level. Let me know the minute there's a change." "Yes Priest." "Stop calling me that. And monitor the Building Problem as well. End Trans." "Zieg Heil." Nash gave her a sidelong glance,"He probably heard that. You shouldn't pick at him." "The cornholing nazi can suck my twat till my head caves in for all I give a shit." "Gah image." he said making a face. She grinned wickedly "Well at least you react. My last partner in this sift and spy a was a mute who talked through bubbles over his head." "What happened to him?" "I shot him dead. He thought an image instead of text about 'Great Job. You deserve a hug.' I emptied 3 charges into him. I got a slap on the wrist as a reprimand." "Can't you go for weeks on one charge?" "Yep." "Um... hello overkill. Do you hate digitals that much?" "I prefer machines. He was more like a mime anyway," she said trying to get back to work. "Gotcha. I'm pretty easy going myself. Love people... especially some," he winked,"So..." "So?" "How about people. Ya like people? RealWorlders I mean. I've got lots of friends that aren't digitals," he paused and nodded,"You should come to my party this weekend. I'm sure you'll bump into someone you can talk to." She was twitching violently. "I preFER MA-CHINES," she fired from her arm barrel just as he flipped over the desk and kicked her arm straight up. Legolas would be proud... if the Ferret was an Elf maybe. "Two words, lady." "'Anger Management?'" She shook with rage at every syllable. "No actually. 'RU single'?" He winked and blew a kiss at her snarling - and startlingly accurate- impression of Integral Hellsing. She cackled. "I don't think you wanna try me. Thanks for the laugh though." [Though suggesting it was like Naga's laugh would get you dead if you were in the fic - Safe in the Brackets Zin] "Naw you're not low rung enough. You're too good for me," he smiled as she shook her head smirking and chuckling,"Anyway Situation diffused?" she nodded,"So... hell of a large party huh?" he said gawking at the pretties pictured on the monitor. "Yep. Upper Level's tearing it's hair out. Could only be larger if the whole entire cast were there." "Hey that would include us now wouldn't it?" "Yep." "Freaky." "Pretty sobering," She quiped as she nodded and reached for her beer. It was not there. She looked sidelong at the screen at someone getting a frothy glass filled with what was not at hand for Hacker Imeria,"Hmm... I could use a b33r too." "Aww come on... spell. For me?" he put on a cute face. "Hush or you're my new rug." "Yeah yeah," he smirked as he pulled out a cart for a keg -she disabused him of the "a beer=1 12 ounce can" a while back,"Though not to be insulting. You'd have to have REALLY bad taste to want me as a rug." "I'd put you in the guest bathroom. I never clean in there." "Ewwww." "Yeah. So bring the b3v3r4g3. Take your time I'll cover your station too." "You'll wha?" He turned stunned. He didn't have anything but a jack. He saw her shaking out her hair and pulling a line of ethernet from it. "Ah... why the keyboards then?" "Deviltrix makes work for idle hands," She said plugging in. Her eyes went shock amber. "Well... I'll get that explanation after I get back." ELSEWHERE "Woo!!! Love the costume," said Nulise energetically before belching from her Arshes Nei ensemble. But then it was Nei or a small handful of other costumes really. She had this hangup about only cosplaying classes or Elves. 'Arshes' grinned,"How'd you put that on?" Hope looked over and sorta kinda smiled,"It was fairly easy." "I mean the Digital Bikini I just caught a flash of." Hope 'Melfina' Davenport just put on a 720 degree Kelvin blush and said nothing. "I s'pose if I didn't wreak of sake he'd have helped me into mine as well." Suddenly popping up out of nowhere dressed as Dejiko, Konei had both pieces of Nulise's costume in her hands before anyone noticed,"What it's only 3 pieces total! These nifty paldrons and the bathing suit." Batting Konei's hand away as she reached for the suit Nulise countered with,"It's 7000 yen to strip me without my knowledge." A few feet away Touji Suzahara was digging in his pockets frantically. BUT. Dressed as Heero Yui who never really keeps anything in there but self destruct switches he came up penniless. "Aw man... Kensuke." "That's CAPTAIN Harlock to you today, Heero sandwich." "Captain SIR!" he saluted,"Can you loan me some money?" "Duck," said the bespectacled Harlock. "What for?" And Touji-Heero took a rolled up entertainment guide to the head,"You're killing me and ONLY me tonight." "Ow... why I ought to after that, Peacecraft!" Twisting the guide in anger and frustration,"Touji... you can call me Relena today." "If I called you by your first name even in character... next people will think we pick things off each other's plates!" "We -and I mean myself and the toast in my upper left pocket- can already tell you probably do that," said a voice nearby... and with the toast talk it could be only ONE PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE... she continued with,"'Oh Touji... there's some duck on my plate... I just can't.' 'Eh no problem Hikari... oh man this dish has squid in it? Yuck.' 'I... like squid... Touji.' 'Eh well then take it please. Bleah. You want me to FEED it to you? No way! What will the next table think?!' 'Shinji's already vanished under the table.' 'I didn't need to know that.' And on and on... covering and putting up a false front over your LUV LUV!" And Prospect hugged herself in her kinda freaky and warped looking Minne May Hopkins getup. It was probably the toast with lipstick that threw people off. Not a grenade in sight. The _TOAST_ had grenade pins in it. "Kyou.... Kyouzou-san! We don't do anything like that!!" fretted Miss 'Peacecraft'. Touji nodded,"Yeah Shinji and the Dragonlady have no taste in restaurants. To top it off Hikari hates squid, and duck makes me gag." The glasses shown with a ray of lights and a subtle ting effect on Harlock's cosplayer,"Unless Hikari cooks it right?" "Exactly," replied Touji in character for Heero stating he'd Kill Relena. Made it sound like a known fact of the universe. "Busted." Kensuke was very dastardly indeed. "Huh? I mean well I'll eat anything she cooks. She's a good cook. I AM a bottomless pit you know." Prospect Hopkins looked over at Hikari,"Relena's in Shoujo-mode. Too late to backout. BOOM! I AM THE TOAST SHAPED GRENADE OF LOVE!" Who subsequently got bopped,"Knock it off, Prospect." "MINNIE MAY, RALLY. MIN-NIE MAY." "No need to raise your voice Prospect." "minnie may," she said smallishly. "Fine. But don't call me Rally." "But you're Rally Vincent today, Rapture." "You aren't sporting proper grenades... I'm not sporting the character's name. And really I'm too tall for this role." "It was this... Ifurita, or Big Momma." "I... am... going back to polish... the lipstick off the gun from when you made it kiss your toast grenade. .o(Big Momma... headdress. Ick.)o." "Great then I'll strip to the Lingerie mode," she smiled really really big. "No. There are impressionable fanboys." Captain Kensuke spoke up,"I'm not impressionable! Honest! I'm jaded! Really." Prospect chimed in as well, "And I wanna show off my enhancements!" Rapture ignored her and responded to the Mecha Fanboy, "Sure you aren't. Note. My face is higher than where you're looking." "Well if I stare up into the clouds too long I'll be blinded by your radiance." "That's nice. .o(I feel like Compiler.)o." she replied before she began disassembling the gun. Kensuke's concentration shifted to her hands. She paused, "What?" pieces arrayed meticulously and rapidly over the table. "Where'd you learn how to do that so fast! No wonder you came as a gunsmith! Only cotume better might be Mirelle from Noir! Lemme get my camera so I can see that again in slow motion! Wait right here!" Prospect gawked,"Is that how easy it is to get fanboys? Wow. I should tell him I can pilot helicopters." "This isn't a contest Prospect." "Rapture. We're supposed to be having fun. And I'll be darned if you'll have more fanboys than I by the end of the night! And it's Minnie May!" "I didn't know you came as Gimli." "But just think if you came as Legolas... you'd probably already be off in some quiet corner being flirted with." "That's not really funny. .o(Gah.)o." "Ah but I knew that before I spoke," Prospect smiled big and energetically. .o(She's going to want me dead ^-^)o. .o(If I came as Ifurita she'd be so BAK'd)o. [BAK=Big Ass Key - Sailor Zin] ELSEWHERE 2.0 "Can't fault Humans for their movies. Mmm Legolas. I'd like get a... you there. What do you call a male mistress?" "My Queen I do not know." "What AM I paying you for then if you can't answer questions I can't be bothered to answer?" He nodded his cowled head,"My queen I only wish to serve." "Yes fine... and you were already answering me a question weren't you?" "My progress for that answer is well on Two Thirds complete." "Excellent. Send another Answerer in for my new question on your way out. You look thirsty... as am I. You can drink what's left from my cup." "My Queen is too kind." "Aren't I. Crystal of course." "I would get nothing less for my Queen." "I'm glad to hear it," she looked over at the King. He couldn't pry his eyes from the magical projection. "She'd be in costume," the queen replied with a sing song. "I know my love. I'm looking... and if you want a new affair there are plenty of worthy Elves in our own court." "My love... they're dull in more ways than one. Just like their wives ... right?" "We're both sleeping in our own bed aren't we?" "Slipped my mind." "You MUST be thirsty then, my love." "Yes... where is," and at that the Answerer placed his cowled head into the door,"Ah there. Enter." "Answerer... if your thoughts have a second. Why does the Eye move where I don't wish it? And why is the projection blurry at weird times?" The Answerer in his teal and silver outfit handed the Queen her goblet,"The signal is a composite sir. The picture is borrowed from another watching the premises." "Ah yes... so that says CP in the human tongue in the corner then?" "Correct my King." he bowed to His Ruler. "My Queen drops her glass. Run." He didn't even turn around to spy it out. And the Answerer grabbed the glass just before a drop spilled. He downed the contents after he looked up for the nod to do so. Not a drop wasted. Certainly a servant brought her a glass an hour and barely finished it... but it was about 44 ounces. Normally the King would share but he was too busy. Searching and seeking. [And probably ogling - Shoulder Peeking Zin] "There!" And Everyone looked over. Even the new Answerer who got waved off by the Queen. Guess she suddenly didn't find it as important. [Hebitch according to many Legolas Fangirls - Answerer Zin] BACK AT THE PARTY "Whoops!" said Desdreina as she leaned over to pick her extra long false anime elf ear out of the punch glass she'd just sipped from. She dabbed it clean and slipped the ears back around properly. Haris dressed almost accurately as Aisha Clan Clan grinned,"And just when I was about to shout,'Unicorn! UNICORN!'" "Funny you don't LOOK undead," Desdreina smiled. Then her hand went up over her ears as she giggled because a Gundam Pilot had come up to lick a drop before it hit Desdreina's Deedlit costume. "No tickling." Generic Gundam Pilot Charhon waved it off,"That was not my intention. I'd just hate for you to have an unintentional stain." EW 2.0 "Why is she looking at our Daughter like that?" "Sire I think the answer will shock you." P "On my outfit or my skin?" Margo dressed like she was the seemingly tough as nails Sakaki of Azumanga,"Either would require a thorough cleaning," she whispered the last. "My loves... people are watching." EW 2.0 "Though I think I've seen enough. My King. Your proof. As the Answerer you put to death last year stated. She is a tender of flowers... not trees." the Queen stated. The Answerer dared not speak himself he simply walked where he was expecting to need to be. "It's impossible! It must be because there are no men to satisfy her! It's just a side thing with no merit," The King looked frantic. "Which would explain why she seems to have entered into a lattice with *two* women. She has your side of the family at heart," remarked the Queen. "But never has there been a child of my line that has not gardened properly!" "She's the prophesied one and Only Daughter. We both know you aren't sterile from the nurseries you've filled, and I've kept many partial-wives busy. It's simply Prophesy. Remarry if it bothers you. As long as she doesn't expect ME to acknowledge them I don't care. Simply Remarry. Have a son. Be content." "Oh you'd like that wouldn't you. I will NOT see you impoverished." "You shouldn't have tried so hard to fall in love." "Nor you." "So what DO you plan to do about it? I hear the Prophesies are a bit Vague as to the outcome if you try to deny them," the Queen wondered,"I seem to recall hearing that breaking Prophesy was what lost us the 7th Family and their entire planet." "But the strength of the Line..." "Answerer." He peeled his head from the standard issue chopping block in the corner,"My Queen?" "You aren't dead yet. Answer him. What are some of the troubles of messing with this Prophesy?" "My Queen, they are depressing." "Answer." "As you command, My Queen. The First is the easiest and most clear. No wedding in all the Lines and Families would ever have happiness again. It's most Fateful. My King your's would be the lightest. You'd simply have the Absolute Hatred of your Daughter. Though that could met out dire if your Daughter wasn't the Lady she is. Fortunately she is. She would bare it out. Her ilk would know not that there was tension unless they were of the Other Place, and thus privy to secrets only Answerers know. "But her husband might have in him the seed of this anger as soon as his Wedding Night... even before the Moon that Rising from the Vines takes flight over the heavens. Your Daughter is a fine Lady and would probably quell the potential rages. But... in his Family this rage would also seed. And in successive Generations... until the master Line of your Family was cut... they would constantly rise up for blood... down to even the thinnest Lined child or eldest washer woman crone. It could upheave across planets... brewing and festering like a disease. "And as even the quietest Hushing would not still the people from knowing, and Families will rally against you even if that entire Line that had mingled was cut save your Daughter and her Ilk. Long lost arts of war and magic would be rediscovered like snow on the ground ready for the taking for a snowfight. "It is not a good path to follow, My King. The Answerers can only tell you this advice." "But I so wanted a son..." The Queen smiled,"Remarry." "Nay!" "Adopt." The Answerer looked grim. He was about to ask leave to speak but the King stifled him,"My Queen... it would simply settle on my new Son and skip a generation. I could have sons again... but I'd rather not have a new son think the Adoptee must die for my peace... or his own ambitions. No. Adoption will not work. No... she must love her Groom and bare him a son of her own happiness. I see now that that is most likely not possible. No Line lasts forever. Especially not Royal. Prophesy Dictates this is an Ending of sorts," he looked at the screen dull now since the eye that looked did not concentrate on his Daughter and her Friends. "Easier to leave her to this. Perhaps in time she might change her mind. The Last Answerer even said she fled to avoid us altogether. Too bad the distance and Barrier isn't enough to null the Prophesy." A Dour silence settled. The Answerer pondered and clicked the crystal in his hands. The Queen was soothed at the clear tones. The Line didn't concern her. As for the King, he just stood there staring back at the Projection aggitated but soothing slowly. The many stages - like the ones for Death - slowly settling about his shoulders like a new cloak. There was a popping noise near the projection and all looked over. There was a large face on the projection. Hair of an odd color and eyes that sparkled with mischief with a second pair of... eyes even higher up on a head ornament. It blew forth upon the item providing the Projection and wrote,"Hiya CP. Care for a Drinky?" Before the face seemed to grow too big and then smaller. "Where's this? Oh move you stupid goggles." Toshu pushed back her Solid Snake IR goggles even further. "Guards!" "Oops... it's being Pirated. Well Enjoy the Show. Toshu is out. I'll go bother C- YIPE!" Toshu ducked her head back as some type of Capture arrow whizzed towards her. "*ahem* Pardon my intrusion, Queen, King and ... Other. You can call them off now." as she ducked 90 other arrows. "Seize this magic woman!" And guards rushed in converting bows to staves with menacing glows about them at the commanding tone. "Magic? Oh ho! You got it all wrong! I'm the Second Greatest Scientific Genius ever! Cloned from the Greatest. Well cloned isn't the word per se... but you don't seem to wanna know that answer." "Answer?" the King raised a hand and the guards stilled midstride,"Hold Archers. You are giving an Answer free?" the King was rocked on his heels. "I answer a great many things often. But no one WANTS to listen. I'm great at Droning it seems, heh." "Answer me this... if you had a Daughter... who wasn't interested in men. How would you have GrandChildren?" Asked the King as a test. "See that they won awards in Science? But I tease your Majesties. No I'd ask her permission to clone her without her prediliction... or simply mingle her DNA and Astral Pattern with those of who I want as my Son in Law. Simple. I'd have grandkids. No fuss no muss." The Answerer shook his head,"A Cloning Spell would not work." "Spell, Schmell. I'm talking Science. Machines... Data... Though they say High Enough Science looks just like Magic," She looked around,"And Vice Versa. This a Final Fantasy Preserve?" "A what, Colleague?" "I'll assume not. Look. I'll come back to these Spacial Coordinates... or others you can give me and we can discuss this stuff at length. I have your undivided attention now... but also a Party to get back to. I know it sounds frivolous to wish to enjoy myself... but I have a feeling you're going to need alot of uninterrupted amounts of my time." The King nodded,"Yes Answerer Toshu. Enjoy yourself now for we will need much of your time." "Yes my King... funny this feels like I've done this before. Oh well Genetic Memory. See you after the Party. Here okay, your Highness?" The Royals nodded. "Super," And she pulled her head back. It grew large again and then she seemed to stick her head BACK and vanish. "Answerer can we trust her?" He looked like he'd been shot, an effect of Devling the answer, but stablizing he nodded,"Yes my King." "I think she can solve your woes and lighten your brow My King," said the Queen. The King nodded,"Yes. I sense that as well. Only." The Answerer handed the goblet to a servant,"Only my King?" "I wonder what our Estranged Daughter will ask in return?" The Queen held up her hand for the Answerer's attention,"Rhetorical. Consider it rhetorical or that Barrier we are seeing through will slay you from trying to delve the Answer." "Ye... Yes my Queen," was his only response as he was then told to await Toshu. Curtains and partitions were erected. He wasn't allowed to leave... but he DID just have about 32 ounces of leftover water and was not a robust figure. Thank the Gods for Dimension Door. EW 1.0 "I should still call Security." The Arm Barrel was getting a sudden polish by Toshu. Toshu 'the shoe shine' was giving it a thorough cleaning. "Oh someone already did, Code-chan. Someone did." She finished and mockingly held out her hand for a tip. "Nash... I'm Ranking officer in here... I didn't say to..." The Ferretboy looked miffed,"I pushed Nada, Nothing, Zip. All I've pushed is this keg." Toshu smiled,"No No... not here. I've been shot at by arrows and glared at by Royalty." Code Imeria looked pale,"What the fuck?" "Signal Hacking. No big deal. They didn't even know I'll bet. Magical Empire of the Space Elves of Quel'dren'tenia now that I think of their spacial coordinates," as she also pulled a hand from a keyboard," Though you really shouldn't have them in the database as Space Elves... they don't look much like Ahb. Anyway. Invitation Stands. Come have a Drink. Why watch when you can experience? It's not like we're a petri dish over there. What do you say?" The Intercom and an angry face next to the speaker said,"Not Hardly Construct." "Oh Look it's Bretai's ANAL RETENTIVE brother. How's it hanging... by a thread?" "Can the Chatter Toshu, and go home. You're breaking 90 sanctions at least," came the tooth clenched reply. "Last I recall directly monitering the subject of investigation -aka a Stake Out- required a few sanctions be observed. You aren't. So in the Immortal Words of Celcia -since we are partially on the subject of elves- 'Bite my ass.'" Before she had to suffer through Dogma-kun's rambling she grabbed both the Monitoring Agents and vanished. "AND I'M ADDING KIDNAPPING!" was his finally stentorian bellow. She must have heard because she just racked up hacking as Crabs of Vengence appeared on every terminal hacking apart all the data that had been logged on the House. "NO!!!!!!" AT THE PAR-TAY "I'd like you to meet the spies of the hour everyone," Toshu announced appearing out of nada. "Cool an Imeria! Man I bet there's a Burlap Imeria cause she'd look good in anything!" "Velvet?" "Yeah Thread?" asked Velvet. "We're not a faceless mob and everyone can hear you just fine." "Well duh. She's a hottie and I'm making it clear and blatant. In case the boys over there are too busy steaming up their glasses to tell," she ran her hands along her Sailor Saber outfit,"They haven't looked at me once. I was starting to worry. I figure they don't like my type so someone with more mass appeal they'd better notice. Hate for the lass there to be disappointed. If you... know what I mean." "And I wouldn't why, Again? Just keep the outbursts down," as Thread shook the head of her own Sailor Saber outfit. [Additions - 2003-02-07] "You SURE this isn't a petri dish? They seem cultured in a bad way," Code Imeria rubbed her hand over her face after smacking it lightly. "Feisty isn't she?" smirked Sailor Saber Anger who's 'mild mannered' normal self was called Lace typically. "I think it's cute." "Your costume's getting to you, Sheer." replied just about anyone you want to have say it. It's got carebears on it practically. They're mind altering. "It's all the hearts and teddy bears on the armor. I can't help it. And ... and the plugsuit under it is worse! OR I'd just strip." Nash grinned slyly,"Oh I doubt that. Prove it." But he wasn't standing there anymore. Nor was Sailor Saber Cute. A Door nearby was nearly broken off it's hinges however. Code looked around,"Uh where'd the Dolores wannabe take my deputy." Lace quirked an eyebrow,"Dolores? Sailor Moon and Bubblegum Crisis lady. Not Magical Girls Zone of the Enders." [Noodle is BAKED - Brain Frothing Zin] "Whatever. But where'd they go?" "You've been spying. Guess." Lace smile "Ah. So I'll never get him out of here for several hours as he's passed around like a cheesecake at a bridge meet?" "Cheesecake?" and down she dropped from the ceiling,"Where?" It was hard to tell Kae-chan was IN a costume... she could be from anywhere... but for those in the KNOW knew she was trying to be like the catgirl from the Hentai Anime Wordsworth. To be honest it's kinda fortunate she was just dressed up and not in a play trying to BE the character. "I was speaking of a cheesecake at a bridge meet figuratively." "How do you have figurative yuri?" "The dessert, NOT hot female on female action. I think she means, anyway," Nulise kinda sorta got out between sips, from her sake bottle sporting enamelling that featured a clothing optional Dark Schneider brooding. "Not that that's all yuri IS if that is that what you m... why the look? Like the bottle?" Code-chan sparkled fiercyly at the sight of it... at the sight that it was half full. She broke out a flask that said "3/\/\3r63/\/c`/ br3\/\/" [Emergency Brew... incase you don't speak leet.. - Leet Mapping Zin] downed the contents, belched and held it out drooling not unlike Lina Inverse over a 96 ounce steak platter with 3 whole baked potatoes, 7 orders of french fries, an "awesome blossom" / "blooming onion" armada, 4 44 ounce mugs of wine, and a second 96 ounce steak with dessert guaranteed for later. "Could I have a little of that?" "Ah sure. I'll give you a sip to start, but this is my stash. There's more over by Misa-chan. Can't miss her. She's the drunk Movie Anthy over there near the sign proclaming "Beer Garden" with the rose colored beer steins. If you want sake just ask Mini-Snake. She's tending bar," she poured after she was sure the info sunk in,"Now if you'll excuse me... I'm going to go pass out over there," she pointed in a very general direction and then fell over... not spilling a drop. "Toshu... I'll be with ... Strawberry over there draining the bar." Toshu smiled,"Told you you wanted to come to the party." Kae-chan snickered,"She's gone already your talking to air. Heh." "Speaking of air... where is he?" "EldyEld? Auron Tobin - milkshake enhanced - is over there with Lady Yuna Kintaro." "Not much longer." "Hmm?" Kanaetalina looked around but only Toshu's words floating in the air were left. She whacked them with her tail. At the spanking the words fearing their ... I dunno virginity?... fled. "Something from the cart?" Astrala dressed as Azumanga's Chiyo-chan was... cute. Disturbing that she was her adult age cosplaying a kid but... if this were a con it could be an 80 year old GUY doing the cosplay... and more disturbingly -well- so this isn't so bad. "Only hungry for sex. Any of that on the cart?" Kanaetalina hunted around on it. Kae-chan found none so looked back up. "Sorry the event is PG-13 par Strawberry-chan's very real guns." "I suspect her being here," she pointed at someone dressed as Nanami of El Hazard but with long blond hair,"In that... Nanami? Yui? SOMEONE costume... being part of that 'Champaigne Room' mandate?" Astrala looked over. Spying Minako she shrugged,"She's big enough to take it. No I meant," and she popped to a young Chiyo-chan cosplay in less than an eyeblink,"Rurubell and friends." A pointing hand indicated someone being dragged away from the food tables to be talked to for a minute without him distracted like Lina Inverse at an all you can eat buffet. Afterall the buffet here WAS all you can eat. "Ruru...?" she started and then got a good look,"AH! Runo-kun's here eh? And R... NYMPH SIGN! Whee!" Her grin widened and widened [In case you were wondering that "Missing thing" about the cosplay is... the innocence - Zin who sees Kae- chan approaching him with a mallet.] "Yeah Roshni came as Wakka with a veritable HORDE of Nymphs dressed as Besaid Island girls. All of which are Blitz fans of course." "Of course... holy Hanaukyo Nymph Tai though ya know? Did all of them come with him? They're kinda blurring together." "Oh that's probably all the Osh zooming about enjoying the heck out of the party." She smiled big. "Yeah they're so cute." Something fluffy landed on Kae-chan's head,"Pi." You'd think she'd summoned it it was so punctual. [Hell even if you say "Carrots for Noh-ohki!" the little fluff might not show up. - Monster Tamer Zin... correction CHARRED Monster Tamer Zin] "And hungry. Pass me some grapes from the cart there Astrala," She held out her hand as she balanced with the Osh smiling away on her head and cooing contentedly at the thought of impending food. Unlike some critters it didn't spill nor almost take her fingers off as she finally was looking the part of her character and being cute and innocent and feeding the grapes to the Osh on her head. "Well I'll leave you two. Come on cart!" She smiled at the cuteness of a catgirl feeding a fluff-fluff grapes as she herself absently helped an Osh with a gum wrapper. It was curious. She just hoped it's fur was non-stick. When it floated away she was just happy they didn't injure easily. AT THE BEER GARDEN OF DIOS. "So then I sez... well if you feel too dead to hit the party with us... come as Movie Touga," grinned the even more drunk than before Misato as she handed a RoseStein to Peer Kentaro as he passed by dressed as Zero from Megaman/Rockman X - which depending on your 20xx to 21xx theories... was almost... criminal. Code-chan burst out laughing at Kaji's suggestion -which he accepted- for cosplay. Kaji was stoic save for the random sigh. He looked over at Movie Utena trying to pick up a Nymph but getting turned down. Ryouji wasn't sure who was worse off? Him hung over BEFORE the party and thus harder to enjoy it. OR Kaworu dressed as a female dressing as a boy trying to pick up women, and failing even with his charisma. "If you're trying to cheer me up I'm not sure it's working." Kaji Kiryuu finally announced after the third Skittle Nymph in what felt as many minutes just smiled and shook her head at Utena Nagisa. "Actually I've been trying to pick one up for you. But they've been told to stay back by Misato." "Is that it?" "No... I was just ribbing Misato." -who had been making warding gestures at his eyebrow quirk at her. "So why all the horrible luck?" "I'm asking if I can take pictures of them naked on top of the Ohtori Mobile. So far they keep talking about cactuses and declining." "Anybody should." "True." "I wouldn't figure you'd use something like that as a pickup line." "Oh I'm not trying to pick them up. I just want to take naked nymph pictures on the hood of a sporty sexy red convertible. I have ulterior motives," he smiled big wide and energetically. "Ah I remember when I used to have ulterior motives." "You mean last week?" "I'll never tell." "Good for you." "Say you get anyone to say yes. Let me see with you?" "Oh?" "Well I figured you might ask Misato next... and that would be one beautiful picture to hang on my mental wall." "Truly?" "I'll never tell," he said as he could just feel either embarassment, vengeance or both from Misato seated just a few stools over. "Hmm... does it have to be this Misato? We have dimensional access now." "Sorry this one only. I don't want stories going around about me that aren't true." "So you aren't interested in a photo shoot from a Dimension where You, Misato and Ritsuko are the pilots?" "While it might be tempting to hear myself scream 'I Mustn't run away!' like our Shinji used to... I'll pass. Though Ritsuko might be cute wearing the Electrodes on her head all day." Misato had a moment of total clarity,"Stop thinking about Dozens of me floating in LCL right now you pervert." "One moment little one," paused Ritsuko, in a smashing outfit from Five Star Stories, as she and Maya, dressed from the same show, played with SD-Konei- chan,"If we're the Pilots there... who are the technical staff?" "That universe isn't too clear on that. You mostly hear voice overs. And you don't see the battles really either. You see the plugs... But it's I believe all weirdness, strangeness... and Eva Piloting. There's not even a Gendo on screen. Just another voice over. It's always focused on one of you three there." "I feel naked just thinking about all that visibility," Kaji sounded wistful. "I think Misato Ohtori is about to put an ice cube in your pants." He looked... she wasn't... he looked back and heshehe was back to the flirting. He worried the whole conversation was a hangover inspired delusion. A Nymph handed him a mug of SOMETHING. The surface had an S floating in it. "Hmm?" The Skittle Nymph smiled,"It's a Hang Over medication." "What? fermented skittles?" "It's a secret, Ryougi." "Thanks for using my name," and he downed it. His eyes opened and the fog seems to lift "Wow... not bad," he moved to take another sip and she snaked the cup away. "Only so much ambrosia?" "Unless you want to be up all next week." "I could get a lot done." "And sprout wings," she smiled wistfully. Misato seemed to be thinking about Winged Kaji as well. "There are enough with wings. Though tell me... does it come in a capsule? It's a very tasty medicine," he gave her his patented smile. "That's a secret too," she gave an ubercute smile. "Yes Ikuni-chan." She giggled and wandered off. Rouyji Kiryuu sighed thinking of the other universe most likely... and lots of Misatos "I still feel naked." "Want your outfit back?" He turned his head,"It's a little drafty without the coat..." he rubbed his chin musing, "I know this costume..." "Rabi~en~Rose." "I can't guess it if you say it outload Joy." "You could feign that I'm wrong and tell me you have to check the label on the costume after I strip out of it or something." "Ah but then she," his thumb pointed unerringly at Misato,"WOULD put ice in my pants." "Not into ice?" "Not this life. Maybe the next one," he responded as Joy made a big show of putting his coat BACK on him recompleting his costume. Of course she groped the hell and gone out of him. "Thanks for verifying my libido works," he had to undo the collar a bit. "I could do more than that," she smiled big. Misato soberly answered for him,"Be my guest." "So... a threesome then? Lucky," she said ecstatically, and leapt for Misato. She missed. _Well_. So well you'd THINK she'd missed on purpose. This is Joy however. She shrugged as she zoomed off and landed in Ardice's lap,"Hi... so... threesome?" Manager Ardice sweatdropped. "Am I interrupting the live doji here with Shinbo and The Manager?" "It's not that... don't you feel a laptop digging into your back?" Joy mimed pulling herself up via a pulley... and unlike most mimes did exactly what she was planning. Upright again she looked over Ardice's shoulder. Unfortunately Manager-chan was just remotely working on security. "Aww... not a Fawn Kiss doll?" "Fawn IS a Kiss Doll. I keep telling her one costume for the party," said Ardice sighing. Fawn came over,"Should I get a pitchfork?" "No though we were talking about you. Your costume complaint." "It feels unnatural to go to a costume party and not change costumes once or twice an hour." Joy nodded,"I agree Ardy and I need to get you naked as soon as possible." "Ah... someone else has an issue with the party." "Yep. Not getting any... not distracted away from the not getting any." Ardice quirked an eyebrow,"Is she caught in traffic?" Joy nodded. Fawn smiled,"Well Dim-chan is here." She waved in the general direction of the somehow unmistakable Dark Imeria. "Ah but I'm not wearing my inju costume. So I shouldn't pester her in Miko Mido mode." "She's a walking Inju costume... And when the costumes are off it's just 2 consenting beings right?" "Still waiting for Ayana," she smiled big. "Mostly I figure being a Love Monkey is expected. Not like it's not fun too. I was all over Kaji a minute ago. Speaking of all over. Why don't you two go have fun... I can work security." She smiled. Ardice smirked,"You just wanna watch over the monitor." "Well that and watch security for you." Fawn smiled,"Well all you'd see is cuddling. So what's to watch. Though it is Ardy-chan so... there's that plus." "Cute and obsessive. Lucky Ardice," Joy gave Ardice a nudge to the ribs. Ardice's doom clouds arrived... and Joy grinned. Ardice got soaked in a sudden downpour. "Ack... better get out of that wetstuff. I'll watch the laptop," Joy beamed. Ardice glared,"That was on purpose wasn't it." Fawn was awestruck. Ardice noticed the increased breathing,"You'll have to come help me out of this, Fawn." Fawn nodded vigorously, and followed after. Everywhere Fawn stepped hearts rose up. Joy smiled big and her fingers danced over the keys... as she focused on adding in macros for all the rooms and fuctions that Ardice just keyed in normally for. Then right as Joy seemed about ready to give up she was done. "Yay! Now let's spy," she smiled and began keying around. No one was being naughty... well except Sheer and The Ferretboy. She could watch them... or she could watch Ardice and Fawn and the Case of the Wet Costume. She grinned big and put up little windows to both. "Take me again my garden weasel of lust!" Joy sweatdropped,"Better turn the sound down," she said and then added softly,"Else people will know when I'm spying." She panned around the many cameras watching just the party... pausing of course to investigate [*cough* oggle *cough* - Top Zin] Charhon's outfit. Joy could swear it was one micron thick in places. If it wasn't magical. "Whatcha up to?" Joy calmly looked over at Konei in her Dejiko ensemble. Joy pointed and leered at the screen. Dejiko nodded. "Cute ain't she? the naughty thoughts in my head about this costume," Rabi-en-Joy sighed. "Costume? I thought you were working security," NOW Joy had a silly reaction. She nabbed Konei bodily... and carried her to Margo, Charhon and Desdreina. "May I show your sister something about your lady love Margo-chan." "No... problem." Charhon turned around,"What do you need to show Konei?" Joy smiled,"You're costume," She placed Konei infront of her as both Konei and Joy went SD. Joy put on a SD labcoat and pulled out an ecchi looking pointer. She rubbed it on Charhon's thigh. She reacted. "Not Konei the thinness of the material. I can count the hairs on her legs," she ran her hand along Charhon's knee,"I can feel her body heat." She stood back and gestured at the whole package,"If someone as stunning as her is on the screen, I don't think I'd see aliens invading the House." "But that's the security laptop." "Yes... and I was using it to one... monitor security... and two observe Charhon." "Has she does something wrong? My sister is far from a hardened criminal." "Are you doing this on purpose?" "Oh... sorry. Gerard and I were doing Mihoshi Versus the Space Pirate before the party. Sorry. I should probably be making you give me a bribe to NOT tell Charhon you're oggling her like she's an all you can eat buffet and you're starving. Right?" "Only she's standing right there and knows me better than to think I wouldn't oggle her," Joy popped back to full size and discarded the labcoat with a flourish and a flick of her wrist. she then recalled that she was watching for arrivals and dashed off to the laptop again... leaving SD Dejikonei trapped under the mysterious labcoat of mystery. Until she eyebeamed it, because Astrala announced a new batch of eclairs were ready. 'Deedlit' caressed Charhon's shoulder,"I can feel your heat through it." Margo grinned,"And I want to feel the heat of both of you against me... but we'll all have to bear it a little while. Besides parties like this aren't everyday." Charhon nodded,"Lord Eldrick would break I think." AT THE SCREEN. Joy nodded back at the laptop. "Yep. But it would be a cute breaking." She noticed a draft... on her head right as the camera was looking at her own back. This eyes in the back of her head view allowed her to see who the culprit was. "Aya-bunny!" She spun and glomped onto Ayana who was currently sporting her ears,"You came!" Someone snickered nearby. And got elbow nudged. "Ow hey I need that air for my introduction." "Then keep your mind as pure as your love for Ilpallazo-sama, Excel-chan," she finished with a gut wrenching cough. Joy finally stopped giving Ayana little kisses and waved her hand behind her glompee's back at Haruka and Michiru... who were gracing the party as ... Excel and Hyatt. Hyatt bowed,"Thank you for inviting us." Joy just smiled. Haruka quirked an eyebrow and took a look at Michiru and smiled too. "Yes I'm aware I gave Joy-san an eyeful. Figured she was due one by hook or by crook." Haruka-Excel nodded,"True. Myself I was hoping to get an eyeful as well." "Maybe later..." "Right," buffalos could have stampeded over Haruka's foot and she'd probably not care. "Should your hands be wandering like that Joy-san?" Michiru-Hyatt observed without even looking as she fixed her hair a second. Ayana spoke over her shoulder,"Oh I don't mind." Joy let go of her picked up the laptop and escorted Ayana to a bench by a table she could keep an eye on the laptop from. They probably wouldn't BE there long but Joy wanted to make sure that no one needed smiting for delaying her purple bunny of merriment. Ideas who had vanished off the face of the party joined them at the table with nice crisp water for Ayana. As they were Peter Pan and Tinkerbell it only seemed right. Haruka meanwhile steeled herself after a soft '1, 2, and 3' "Hello everyone! I'm Excel and this is Hyatt and wow we're so happy to be invited to such a great and expansive party at what looks like a hotspring though couldn't be though maybe I'm just thinking that from the elevator ride and wow that elevator ride was interesting I felt I was going up and down and left and right and maybe through a spin cycle perhaps the elevator was a washing machine in a former life. Anyway Excel and Hyatt hope to enjoy your party loads and loads and boy look at Excel's mouth just jabber jabber. I really should hush or I'll need a whole gallon of water or some other beverage to cool my firey vocal cords with... In otherwords hello!" Hyatt bowed,"Konnichi" gut wrenching cough and hacking rasping inhale,"-wa." and then the crumpled almost to the floor in a heap if Excel hadn't cought her just in time. "Thank you," Michiru-Hyatt said to Excel... sparkles and shoujo lights flaring. "Ah ha ha... Hyatt-chan almost died again. But you're okay now neh," and she shoujo moded back at Michiru. Peer Kentaro looked back into his RoseStein,"Bet Rikudo would love to see this right now." "Zero-san... he prefers them with the Android girls." "Who wouldn't? I mean rao-oof." Varda "Iris from Megaman X" Bloodbane resettled her foot on the floor from her out of Character moment of crackling Peer in the stomach with her knee, and a spin. He wasn't quite recovering yet. She resettled her costume and then helped him to a chair,"Neh... are you okay? Daijobu and all that." "You bent an innerplate in this thing. Ah there... auto repair kicked in." "Well on the plus side it has autorepair. AND I note you got in a good feel." "Of course." Iris Bloodbane looked suddenly dangerous,"And remember those are the only breasts you should ever even think about," she switched back to Yamato Nadesico genki-ish and polite,"Right?" "Y... yes ma'am." She smiled and sat in his lap and kissed him. And speaking of kissing, Asuka Langley Sohryu and Shinji Ikari just walked back into the party after a long bit away looking a tad disheveled. [Flashback] "Akito... help me find the bathroom. This place is a maze." "But Asuka..." "Ryoko-chan" She corrected him spinning around in her Pilot wear. "But Ryoko-chan... there are arrows pointing straight to them," he pointed his Pilot marked hand at a set that said "Men" "But these are too needed for the party... and unisex to the extreme, AND the ladies room has a line." He made note of the no-existant line but the very existant kiss she blew at him, "Alright... hey Harlock... the Aestevalis Pilots are taking on a Lavatory Mission. That's where we'll be if there's a call for us for some reason." Captain Kensuke put down his camera and swatted Shinji on the back,"Right." Who was then immediately distracted by Nulise's outburst and rushed over with Touji for a better look. [/FLASHBACK] Not VERY as they weren't gone longer than a long kissing session. But Asuka was enjoying the Party a fraction better, and Shinji had a punchdrunk lightness to his step. He didn't even NOTICE Rei Ayanami enter the party with a Crossplaying Serge from Chrono Cross. "/Just come to me when you want to put it back if Hope-san is busy, Ayanami- san./" "/Thank you for your assistance in this matter./" "/It was my pleasure/," Ai-chan fluidly bowed in her Serge Costume,"/Only.../" "/I am aware your ... father ... has a roving eye./" "/Well he must right/," she smiled and waved,"/Going to see if mother's enjoying the party... and Aunt Gala./" Finally with a properish staff, Ayanami's Hope costume was complete. Wood instead of metal, amber pieces instead of gems, Rei's Hope Staff looked fine enough to pass a cursory glace. Few saw Hope's staff motionless afterall. Minako slipped through the throng to Ayanami right as Rei was about to stride off somewhere. Perhaps something to drink. Minako got her attention though. "Yes." "Wow... great co... you aren't Hope right?" "That is my guise." "Ah... okay. Just checking. Hi... I'm Minako Aino... came as Nanami from El Hazard." "I recognize the costume. You should hide your hair down the back of the top for a closer approximation." "You've got a good eye. It won't stay though. Anyway... do you think Serge would give me his autograph?" "She might be willing to give you an autograph. You'll have to ask her." "'Her'? I do that every now and then. Heh." "Do what?" "That's a really good cosplay your pulling off." "I am?" "Ah maybe I should get yours... I've gotten quite a few on the sly today," Minako pulled out her entertainment guide and a pen,"Sign next to your name on the guest list," she beamed. Rei took the offered pen and signed by her name. Comprehension dawned for She Who Cosplayed Jinnai's Sister. "Your signature." "Thank you Miss Ayanami. I should have realized. You even changed your hair?" "If it is to be a complete costume you should strive to emulate it as best as you can." "Oh don't I know. I'd have cut this... but it takes so long to grow. I can live with someone saying 'Oh you go to school with Mokoto and Jinnai.' and have to correct them. Double Costume." "I see." "Yeah I should have got a wig and a hair net I know..." "It's up to you. It's your costume." Minako giggled,"That's just what my Rei said. Rei Hino," she smiled. She heard something and kind of eeked,"Well Ai-chan's my next signature hunt at this Convention. I should go get this signature book filled for this convention. Gotta go." "I thought it was just a party." Minako paused, "Well it's that... but I like to think of it as a convention. It's got a program guide like I said," She smiled and waved at 'Hope' and zoomed off. Rei was about to take a step when "Cakes! and Candies... and... look at that eclair sign!" and a blond blur rushed passed her. "It's not safe to stand here," and she determinedly walked into the throng. "Oh where'd she go! We're here to find Minako... not enjoy... the... party," Rei "Motoko Aoyama" Hino seemed to be steeling her resolve as she spoke. Her resolve was losing. That she was starting to slip into character... narrowed eyes... one hand at the ready to draw at a seconds notice. A Plastic blade within certainly, but the con pass to a wholy different convention dangling from her neck said she'd practiced the character for somewhere else. Her sense of place must just be waning. Mizuno-san adjusted her simple mask. She wasn't in costume. Not really. She had that "along for the ride" vibe going about her. She even seemed to already be soaking in the party atmosphere here a little. "It seems like everything's actually safer here than where we were. Remember the train ride to the Con... and the line for the dealer's room? I'd actually gotten out of the habit of expecting such drafts." "Ami-chan... this place..." "At least no one touches you without asking I'm certain. It doesn't feel as predatory here either." Makoto Kino gave a thumbs up and a bit of a grin. She looked like she was just accepting the offer to crush someone like a bug. The hat sat just right and the -plastic- brass knuckles on her hands didn't help defray the image that she was dressed to intimidate as a male Tough Guy Thug type. She even carried herself right. Then she spoke pretty much as she normally does and the image softened a tad,"I gotta agree. Though it might feel less predatory just because there isn't a dealer's room. Although... there's free food so Usagi-chan will still wanna stay even if she can't get manga here." "Sakura... they came this way." "Ah Tomoyo followed the arrows. Very smart." "Sakura is too kind," said Hotaru "Tomoyo" Tomoe softly. ChibiUsa 'Card Captor Sakura' Tsukino quickly added,"Hotaru-chan... if you say it softly like that people are going to think Things." "I'm just being in character." "They'll probably just think it's cute, and it is. You worry too much." ChibiUsa looked over at Mamoru dressed up as Allen Schezard,"I worry that we'll need a wheelbarrow to get Usagi out of here. 'All-you-can-eat' is a dangerous phrase near her." 'Tomoyo' smiled,"Maybe she just has the gluttony card making her do it. Quick... capture it," she smiled softly. Mamoru smiled at the cuteness and studied the room noticed those dancing and figured... if he was going to do anything... that's where he was going to do it. He managed to slip passed a raving horde of fangirls... in some armor stuff and on to the dancefloor. A Backwards look revealed Rei swarmed by the Mecha Mahou Shoujo. Took him a bit to realize what he was glancing at. Passing his eyes back he saw someone... wearing nothing... but managed to concentrate on the dancing and not just being Chaparone Man. He noticed some other young people. And the lady wasn't too exposed anyway. She was naked... but there was mist following her... like a censor mosaic. The Island Girls he suddenly found himself dancing with were probably naughtier clothed. And the Catgirl that replaced them and didn't move on made him forget about style of dress. "When I say Wordsworth what do you think?" "Wordswhat?" "Eh... you'll do Mr. Schezard." "What are you talking about." "Dancing. And you not thinking ecchi thoughts." "I'll not have any m'lady." And Kae-chan danced with Mamo-kun. ACROSS THE ROOM Jo Insei was being entrusted with Security duty... since she came for the food and she already had a plate of vittles. Joy was going to introduce 'Peter Pan' and 'Tinkerbell' to anyone they didn't know and get Astrala to make something nice. Jo didn't know what to look for specifically so she just toggled from camera to camera all over the House. Some stuff she didn't really NEED to see, and other things were just not alot to look at. So... she just figured she was supposed to be bouncer or something, and since the food didn't cost her anything... as she was about 300,000 yen in the hole... she'd bounce if she had to. Her Margo Costume was getting rave reviews... sadly it was about all she could afford. Hell Kasumi and Sunahama had to leech off of Chiri and Richi Noda -who'd splurged for their Chichiri from Fushigi Yuuigi costumes- for the money to see what they could cobble together. And since it was the Twin's money... they helped pick out the bits. Jo just didn't feel right unless she was going to totally 'enjo kosei' herself out to them. And the Twins had their lust set to the Kai's of course. Jo played with the cameras and saw Kasumi and Sunahama dancing with each other -the man count was just that low here... as boys don't count- in their Misu Sisters ware. Jo still wasn't sure how the Twins convinced them. But like the second "You could go as the Misu Sisters." came out the Kai's were obsessed. And decided to go MANGA. watching them dance Jo was starting to get turned on so tried to find somewhere else to look. The Twins were suddenly almost in her lap gawking at 'the Royals' in their Misu Sister ware. They were mesmerized. Jo just played with the next camera over and tried not to look. Or notice how hard the Twins were breathing. She was so glad there was the Champaign Room law in effect at this point. It made them remember to stop groping her. They were always dutiful about such things. Hell they OBEYED the look but don't touch rules the Kai's tossed at them. Jo grinned... she just got the Twins conflicted. Camera 2 was focused on Eld and Ami... and Toshu sitting next to Eld with her head on his shoulder. Jo sighed a little wistfully... and then she moved in closer and turned up the volume... cause an almost Hope was approaching the table. OVER THERE AND STUFF! Auron Tobin was stunned at the accuracy. He could tell it wasn't Hope but the accuracy was doing things to him under the table. Lady Yuna Kintaro just thought it the cutest thing. Toshu and the jury were out on if she was meaning Rei as Hope -since Hope often cosplayed Rei- or Embarassed Eld squirming. "Well Hope and Eld always sit together with me so... have a seat." "Thank you." She sat by Ami and concentrated her gaze on Eld a moment before glancing out at the party. "Oh I meant right there. Next to him." Rei blushed,"Oh. This is fine." "Naw. Get the full experience." "You do not mind?" "I have to announce the video that's starting soon. Eld can't move anyway. Toshu trying to become a permanent growth." Toshu stuck her tongue out,"Only trying to dissolve his will until he takes me somewhere off Rule," she cackled. 'Hope' took the offered seat as 'Yuna' got her staff off the wall and walked to the "podium". 'Hope' spoke then,"I hope I'm not making you uncomfortable." She looked into his unpatched eye,"Am I?" Eldrick thought about it. "Not all that much no." "Do you mind if I rectify that?" He didn't look like he had a clue about what she meant,"No problem." She scooted closer and leaned into him. He could go no where. Eld started to panic. "I will do nothing more. Do not be afraid. I only seek to share your warmth. Proximity. Not promiscuity." "I... I'm sorry I started assuming. I thought you were trying to REALLY get the full Hope Experience or something. Right here right now." Toshu spoke up then,"Kinda like I'd like to? I'd REALLY really like to." Eldrick noticed the circles Toshu was drawing on his chest,"I'm the Host and the Rule is in effect so I really shouldn't just go off somewhere." "I know. It's okay. Hey you know what would make this PERFECT?" She said extricating herself,"Be right back." Eld got really proximity conscious for a second again, and then forced himself to relax. Rei didn't seem to notice and just stayed there. He leaned his head forward to try to see if she was asleep and she locked eyes with him again. He smiled. She tried to smile back, and he smiled wider in response. He relaxed naturally then. Toshu didn't return but 'Melfina' came over and took Toshu's spot without a word. The Real Hope snuggled up to him, and MUST have communicated for Rei to do the same. Eld didn't know exactly what to do in the situation. Hope placed a hand on his chest and whispered,"Don't worry about a thing." He relaxed again. Eld was even starting to enjoy it. And somewhere in 'Auron's brain he must have been thinking Things. And right at that moment on a bungie cord... Toshu popped down and flashed his picture. She grinned big, and cut the cord after the picture was complete. She plopped into his lap with a thud and curled up like it was her favorite most comfy spot. Toshu gave him a kiss and whispered that he was a deve, and then turned to watch what was about to play on the wall. The announcement of what was kinda drowned out by clapping and many had guides so didn't NEED an announcement. Elsewhere Usagi dusted off her Sailor V costume and found a seat by Mamoru. Imeria in her Tifa costume was yanked into a Seat by Kei and Yuri... otherwise known as The Sylias Stingray. Both had come as the invitation didn't stipulate one or both anyway. the Punch table was a wreck so they had lived up to their cosplay. The Gala's were in charge of lowering the screen. That messed with people's heads. Razzly and a Tiny Lina Inverse Lowering a projection Curtain... with the help of a mess of osh. The stupid thing was greased and ready and still got stuck and had the be pulled down manually at the last minute. Gerard in his Gateau from Sorceror Hunters outfit remakred that maybe this indeed was a Con. AND ELSEWHERE... An Answerer thanks to the Camera image theft gets a Front Row seat. However the Continuity Police continue to only get Washuu Crab screensavers. Which is kinda sad... it's Dogma-kun's favorite show. Not that that information's public. Oh and would you believe... that just in the nick of time... Ardice and Fawn arrive and still get decent seats. However Sheer's seen the show a dozen times and Nah has it memorized. So they're still watching Tumultuous Sex Theater... staring them. C'est la vie. ~Fin~ =0==0==0==0==0==0==0==0==0==0= "Cast" Addendums The Costume list is at: http://the-arc.net/Fiction/TheArc/txt/costumes.txt Information for the list (can somewhat) be viewed at: http://the.animearchive.org/index2.html Especially if you need a picture of Rally Vincent or Minne May Hopkins or or or or Hey someone get those Townfolk away this isn't a gold mine -.-; anyway look under "Gunsmith Cats" http://www.anipike.com/series2.html#harlock for Harlock images. Osh are loosely based on such character designs as Culumon from Digimon. Some fly some dig better... they're cute and industrious... and very hungry for fruit. I think they've appeared before. I forget. =0==0==0==0==0=