Central Parade & Festival

@❖♕ Bambi Naka † Hearing her voice, Wooseok turned slowly, his optics locking onto the female. The glowing lanterns overhead painted fleeting shadows across the other’s face, but it was unmistakably familiar causing faint tremor to ripple through him. "You..." He trailed off, his voice wavering as if caught between recognition and uncertainty. His optics flickered, the crimson glow faltering for the briefest moment before returning with renewed intensity. It was as though the program controlling him hesitated, conflicted by the sudden appearance of this person.

Wooseok’s gaze shifted past them, scanning the vibrant crowd that filled the square, the music and laughter a distant hum against the storm brewing in his core. "You should leave." he said, his tone cold, almost indifferent, yet laced with a hint of something beneath. His hands, clenched at his sides, betrayed the internal conflict raging within. He forced himself to look away, back toward the crowd that had drawn him here. The program demanded he act, to unleash the chaos it craved, but now... Now, there was hesitation.

Seeing the other, hearing their voice had created a crack in the protocol that bound him. The flicker in his optics returned, more pronounced this time, as though two wills were warring within.

@〄 Byun Wooseok ¥✔ The soft hum of music filled the air, a mix of instruments I couldn’t name blending with the lighthearted laughter of the paradegoers. Grand Central Town Square had transformed into a sea of color and festivity, where beings of every kind swirled in an endless dance of unity. The air was thick with the scent of roasted meats, sweet pastries, and the heady aroma of spiced ale. Lanterns floated lazily above us, their soft glow casting fleeting shadows on the cobbled streets.

Amid the chaos, there he stood. Wooseok, his imposing figure set against the bright flashes of fireworks, his optics glowing with a crimson intensity. It had been some time since I’d seen him, yet here he was, as enigmatic and distant as ever.
I approached him, my eyes scanning the crowd, noting my guards lingering, ever-watchful. A flick of my wrist dismissed them, and I was left with nothing but the distant hum of celebration and the man before me. "It’s good to see you," I murmured, my tone soft but layered with unspoken things.

The fleeting connection we shared felt stronger today, amidst the revelry and clamor. Was it the atmosphere? Or was it simply the odd comfort I found in his presence? Perhaps it was both. Either way, my guard softened, if only for a moment.

@❦ Kim Hyo-jong ¥✔ Hyunwook stared out a the water, watching the festivities and lanterns behind him light up the water in different colors as he sat there, snacking on the fish breads that he had bought moments ago. He really didn't a plant when he arrived here as as per usual - he didn't have anyone to really go with. He wasn't even sure if he was going to attend in the first place, but the sounds and smells pulled him side and he ended up here. He didn't have many memories of other festivals like this before he arrived here as his clan when he was little didn't dare to put on a festival afraid of tribes locating them and raiding them - what good luck that did. Hyunwook kept his head down not really needing interaction and if he wanted it then he was certainly not afraid to go and seek it out. Not that he would ignore or push anyone way that came up to him. But, he was fine being on his own. Or well, at least he tired.

He did pick up his head at the static at the tip of tails, feeling it spark his signature magenta purplish pink sparks indicating that another like him was around. He didn't know many or really any thunder kitsunes around here - except the one that he encountered at the taverns in which he had to fight some stupid fae or something - it was a while ago and he was quite under the influence then, so he didn't remember everything. He heard steps approaching him, finishing the bite that was in his mouth before craning up his neck to look at the person who was speaking to him. Hyunwook nodded as the sound of his name came from Hyojong. "That is my name," Hyunwook answered him, wondering why he was speaking so low. The unsureness was expected as they had only met once before. Hyunwook knew his name for sure as he had been crowned the champion not too long ago. Hyunwook paused to speak again sensing that the other would continue - but he did part his lips after the silence started to annoy him only to hear the other speak again.

Hyunwook let out a small laugh, nodding. "Ah, right that you do," Hyunwook agreed still looking at him upside down as he hadn't stood back up - legs and tails still dangling over the edge where he was sitting. He couldn't help but smirk at the maybe more than that. He raised up a hand, rubbing the back of his neck. "I did sustain some injuries from that night - so maybe you do owe some compensation, oh dear champion," Hyunwook kicked at the water, kicking up a small splash with a slight huff to his cheeks. He was clearly messing and playing with the other as he couldn't help with that look on Hyojong's face that was staring down at him. He then raised the brown paper bag, filling the red bean fish-shaped buns he had bought. "Do you like fish bread?" Hyunwook asked him. "They go well with makgeolli," Hyunwook ears folded over, hinting at the drink and snack that they could share together if the other wanted.

@❦ Choi Hyunwook The lanterns swayed above the square, spilling gold over cobblestones slick with mist and spilled ale. Laughter rang from the crowd, voices a jumble of accents and songs from the thirteen nations. I stood on the edge of it all, watching—always watching. You’d think after years of exile, I’d have grown used to being alone in a crowd.

But tonight was different.

A crackling of energy pulled at my senses. You’d know the feeling if you ever stood beneath a storm cloud—electric, alive, dangerous. My ears twitched, catching the faintest rustle of tails. Yours. I’d recognize the cadence of your steps anywhere.
I saw you then, framed by the glow of a hundred lanterns. You held a paper bag of fish-shaped buns, tail swishing as if you didn’t carry the weight of the world. Thunder Kitsune. The first I’d seen in years.
The world shrank around us. The festival blurred, sound fading like a curtain pulling back. My throat tightened, my pulse quickened. I thought of Raena, my sister, her laughter like summer storms before everything fell apart.

I stepped forward, words lodged somewhere between apology and awkwardness. "Hyunwook, right?" My voice betrayed me, low and unsteady.
The silence that followed was thick, heavy. I wanted to look away, but I didn’t. "I... I owe you a drink. For last time." A pause. "Or maybe more than that."

My words hung there, fragile as glass, as if breaking them would shatter whatever thin thread of kinship I was grasping at. And yet, beneath it all, something stirred—a crackle before the storm.
And storms, I knew, never came without consequence.

@☾ Dong Youngbae The streets of Central pulsed with life, a tapestry of lantern-lit hues and bursts of laughter. Fireworks flared above, their crackling echoes trailing across the rooftops like whispers of an impending storm. My mug tilted lazily in hand, the dark ale within rippling under the glow of flickering lamplight.

“Another year of peace,” I murmured, half to myself. The words felt foreign in my mouth, like a song sung out of tune. The air was heavy with the scent of roasted chestnuts, candied apples, and the faint bite of spiced wine. Around me, the throng of revelers danced, their joy infectious, though not enough to quell the itch creeping under my skin.

I leaned against the parade railing, catching glimpses of sequined dancers weaving through the crowd. Confetti swirled like ash in the warm breeze, each piece a fleeting moment of beauty destined to fade. My gaze, sharp and restless, combed the scene. Peace was a wonderful thing, but too much of it made the world predictable. I wasn’t built for predictable.

With a crooked grin, I tipped my mug toward the sky, watching its reflection ripple against the kaleidoscope of fireworks. “Funny, isn’t it?” I mused aloud, though I wasn’t expecting a reply. “All this celebration—this clamor to forget we’re all just waiting. Waiting for what, though?”

As if in answer, my eyes caught a shadow darting through the crowd—fast, deliberate, and distinctly out of place amidst the revelry. My pulse quickened, a familiar thrill sparking to life deep in my chest. The kind of thrill that promised something worth chasing.

“Living without chaos is just existing,” I muttered, setting my mug down with finality. My fingers brushed the hilt of my blade, more out of instinct than necessity. Then, with a sharp grin, I pushed off the railing.

The night wasn’t over yet. If anything, it was just beginning.

@♦ Mackenyu Arata ¥ Sooyoung looked around the streets and when she saw a barren tree in the distance, her sharp eyes focused on one person standing in front of the tree. Her eyes widen as she ran towards to him, "Mackenyu!" She she ran to him like a kid seeing their parent after school. She skidded once she's enough distance to him. "I've been looking for you anywhere! I'm glad I found you." She chuckled, then she shows off her dress as she slowly twirls around in front of him. "So, what do you think?" She asked him.

@† Kim Myungsoo Yooa knew that from what he had told her that his life was already decided for him that his family had chosen every big decision or event in his life, but something deep inside of her she could tell that many of the choices that were put on him - he didn't really like. Yooa's hearing wasn't as good as the others - she knew this. She didn't hear what they were talking about, but she knew that it was about her from the looks on their faces. She also knew that the lady he was next to was probably the girl that his parents would prefer him to be around and entertain. She gently shook her head as she hopped on Myungsoo's back. She kept her head where it was not really caring about the fact her cheek brushed against his own in their close proximity.

At the moment that he rushed off, Yooa wrapped her arms tighter around his neck which caused her to burry her face in his neck probably to keep herself attached to him but also keep her hair decent and her headband on. She lifted her head back up as they stopped rushing through the stalls and booths. She shook her head as he tilted his head back to look at her. "No, it didn't - it was kind of like a rollercoaster. It was fun," She laughed She unhooked her arms from his neck as she slipped off his back, landing on her feet. She walked around to face him, reaching out to fix his outfit from carrying her. She held her things closer to her again, glancing at his hand and thinking about what she was going to do next. "Uhm, do you want to get teh blood candies first or go to check out Irene's stall? They are both really close to each other," Yooa asked him as she glanced back at him. "Or we can totally do something else if you don't wanna go to those spots," She quickly added with a small nod.

The distant sounds of laughter and music spilled through the forest, which was faint yet inviting. Wooseok emerged from the treeline, his tall frame illuminated by the flicker of fireworks exploding high above Grand Central. His optics glowed an ominous red, pulsing in time with the rogue protocol that coursed through his system. He tilted his head, watching the sparks light up the sky, the faint smirk curling his lips was a stark contrast to the eeriness of his mechanical gaze. The protocol guided his steps, slow and deliberate, as if savoring the anticipation of what was to come. Each step echoed with the weight of inevitability, the night around him seeming to darken in his wake. The rogue protocol's directive was clear, to bring ruin, disrupt, destroy. And the lights of Grand Central grew brighter with every step he took, like a twisted beacon guiding him to his stage.

Yet, amidst the quiet of his march, there was a presence, faint yet palpable. Somewhere along the edge of the forest, a figure stirred. Someone had noticed him. Wooseok slowed his steps, his smirk faltering for the briefest moment. His glowing optics scanned the shadows trying to catch a glimpse of movement but the fireworks above masked the faint sound of whoever was drawing closer, and Wooseok, ever confident in his programming, pressed on. If someone dared to intervene, they’d face a force built to destroy. Yet a small fragment buried deep within his fragmented consciousness stirred, a faint hesitation that flickered like static in the back of his mind. Could they reach him before the chaos began?

@♆ Joy A line of impatient customers were lining up waiting for the poor man who is yet to make a decision. Beading sweat across his forehead, Mackenyu bite his lip looking from one bouquet of flowers to the other. Colourful delicate petals of daisies, tulips, roses, sunflowers and more caused the man to sigh heavily, in thoughts that he should've gifted Sooyoung a weapon instead. "So..."The feathery voice of the merchant cruising with the wind. Mackenyu looked to his right and saw a bunch of white aster. “Can you arrange me a bouquet of this?” He asked the man, trusting his guts with this choice. The short fairy weaved and arranged the flowers accordingly, adding few stems of green leaves to add colour. “Five silver coins.” The merchant reached over, holding the bouquet while Mackenyu gave him five pieces of silver. The man did not bother bargaining, he saved enough money to survive for the next three moons.

Alone underneath the famous white barren tree, Mackenyu stood awaiting Sooyoung’s arrival. For the meantime, his attention at a group of people spitting out rhymes as they tell the tales of the Battle of Brothers. It made him wonder if Joy already existed during that time, or if it is safe to even ask. For he might care for Sooyoung, but what will he do with the other.

@❇︎ Yooa ¥✔ Myungsoo noticed the gathering on Yooa's cheek making her more notably tantalising. Beautiful yet humble, the man unable to prevent himself from showing his chirpy self. By hook or by crook, his family already planned his future for the realm, jotted down in writing and vowed to save face after the first son's undoing. At ease with Yooa and Rui, he chose to ignore the buzz above them. Few vampires came to the lady's aid, gossiping about the fairy he is with. Myungsoo winced at the word "distraction" after hearing the young lady spoke of the future. The young man only hoped that the fairy couldn't hear them, dreading that she'll find out the truth about the faction. From above, he could hear the click-clacking sound of heels against the marbled flooring. The hushed voice of his father asking the young lady of her companion. As he wait for Yooa to get comfortable on his back. He faintly heard the vampire say, "He voiced that I must try this blood candies and he promised to return with a bag. Do not fret sire, your son is a gentleman. And I am but a patient woman. Though I'd love to stretch my legs and also see the rest of the festivity. I heard of this stall that sells lovely trinkets and hair accessories. That's too kind of you Lady Choi, but an won't be necessary. I can handle myself and can I be frank? I want to show your son that I can also be as curious as he is."

.

He knew it is better to run away than be pretentious. His punishment will be around the corner, but that's if his parents finds out. As soon as the fairy hopped on his back, Myungsoo hooked his arms to ensure that Yooa's safe behind him. He glanced once more at the balcony and the lady had disappeared. He did not wait a second and stormed off with Yooa and Rui. The wind brushing on his face as he avoided the traffic, stalls. His eyes darting left and right trying to seek Irene's stall. Or maybe somewhere fun and away from the party. In blinding speed, he passed through few stalls and before coming to a halt. Myungsoo tilt his head to catch a glimpse of Yooa, "I hope the ride is not nauseating." He joked, cracking a laughter.

The vibrant melodies of the Central Parade Festival filled the air as Sen weaved through the bustling crowd, the wooden box trailing behind him on creaky wheels. Draped in a heavy cloth, the box drew a few curious glances. Sen’s lips curled into a small, amused smile as he caught snippets of laughter and music. This wasn’t exactly part of the festival itinerary, but his spontaneity had a way of taking the reins.

Breaking away from the main street, he found a quiet clearing, far enough from the parade for privacy yet close enough to catch the lantern glow and distant cheers. Humming a random tune, Sen knelt, pulling an array of elongated devices from the box. His movements were swift yet careful, arranging clusters with the precision of someone who’d done this far too often for comfort. Once satisfied, he stepped back, brushing dust off his hands like he just accomplisheda hard day's work, glancing over his shoulder to ensure no one was watching too closely. His smile turned sly as he pulled a remote from his pocket. With a press of the button, the first explosion of light shot into the sky, painting the night in vivid hues.

Fireworks bloomed in mesmerizing colors, unfolding a story in the heavens with angels soaring, demons surging with fiery wings, dragons roarinng with bursts of flame, and shimmering mermaids swimming in cascades of blue and green light. Each section transitioned smoothly to the next, showcasing the diverse races of Heleo in breathtaking artistry. Gasps of awe echoed from the parade, the display visible even from the bustling main street. Leaning casually against a tree, Sen grinned, pleased with his work, though a small voice in the back of his mind reminded him this might not have been entirely sanctioned by the festival organizers or even the city authorities. But as the crowd cheered and the sky filled with light, he shrugged off the thought. What was a little unsanctioned brilliance in the name of celebration?

Hajun knew that this probably wasn't the best idea - but then again he didn't mind taking chances or risks. He waved his hand using his red and black whisps to push up the final piece to his stall the overhanging banner that attached to the countertop of his stall. He knew that he would be competing with his sister and he wasn't very well known, but why not give the other a little competition and show that he was maybe even a little better than his sister. He waved his hand, watching his whisps hang up his hair pieces, garments, trinkets, and other items that he had up for sale. He had even set up a small lottery game to win prizes and a small wishing bowl for others to write down their wishes. He sat down on a stool, leaning backwards against one side of the stall setting some wire and bowl of materials in her hands as he started making extra stock just in case he would need it.

@♦ Mackenyu Arata ¥ She looked through the stalls and saw some stalls that would Mackenyu would like, but of course, she had to give him something nice for all his hard work and helping her running the inn while Joy is out. She had to give a man something in return of his service. She looked at stalls while rubbing her chin, "Hm, what should I gave him?" She muttered before looking at the stalls before her eyes fixated on one shop behind the stalls. Her smile appeared and went over inside the jewelry shop, she looked at the vampire seller. With his shade specs protecting the harsh sunlight from outside, he smiled at the demon princess, "Ah, if it isn't my favorite customer." He greeted with a wide arms as a welcome. Sooyoung doesn't know him but he must be referring to Joy (the greedy demon who is obsessed of jewelries), she made her facade into Joy's and gave him a pretending smirk. "A delightful welcome indeed." Sooyoung said using Joy's tone as she looked around, "Looking for something exquisite? Exotic? or the 'expensive'?" The vampire asked with a smirk on his face, knowing that the demon would give him a large amount of money for the expensive ones.

"Oh I would like to see the three of them." She said before the vampire lead him to his shelf and opened the mirror cabinet to give her the most expensive jewelries the vampires had in his possession, "These pieces are one of the top-shelf necklaces, the rarest of the rarest, only the richest master in Heleo could buy these. Like you, your majesty." He explained. Sooyoung observed the jewelries and it seemed very heavy just by seeing so many gems in one necklace. She knows that Mackenyu does not care about jewelries but she wanted a simpler one. In between of the extravagant jewelries, she saw one in particular, a pair of crystal pendants with silver chains. Just by the looks of it, it's already a rare piece. She pointed it, "I would like give this one a go." She said and the vampire frowned a bit, "That-- That is unsellable, I'm afraid." He explained.

Sooyoung whipped her head at him, giving him already a cold glare, "You said already these pairs are one of the rarest of the rarest, yet you told me this is unsellable?" She said with a demanding voice. "If it is deemed unsellable, why did you displayed it in front of your counter?" She added, the vampire couldn't respond. In the end, she gave a huge amount of money thru check deposit and she was handed the necklace she wanted. As she left the store, she is out to look for Mackenyu once again, clutching a small box containing the priceless necklace and hid it under her dress.

@† Kim Myungsoo Yooa head nodded at his question that didn't need a reconfirmation. "Of course you do - but then again you always look nice and handsome," Yooa let out a small giggle, watching him stare down at his tailored clothes. She noticed his cheeky and a little bit more happy expression than the bored one that she caught earlier that had been on his face. She smiled at his compliment, cheeks flushing a soft pink shaking her head. "I'm not even really dressed up - I am just in normal clothes," She watched him step forward, studying her as she tilted her head to the side as he studied her expression. She followed his gaze to the young lady, nodding with a slump in her shoulder already expecting the answer that she assumed that it was. Yooa perked up a bit at the notion that he had only just met her today which gave her a sense of relief even if the young lady was boring holes into her head.

Yooa's face scrunched up as he pinched her nose making a small noise of annoyance. Her cheeks got a bit redder as she opened up her eyes, feeling the pressure on her nose no longer there. She reached up rubbing her nose, pouting for a but a moment in the action. But, it didn't take long for her smile to return to face as he called her adorable. "Awh, maybe lat-" She kicked at the ground again at the start of her sentence then stopped as she smiled at his words and him wanting to get on his back. She knew that he would get into trouble later - and for that, she would apologize and ask him how she could make it up to him. But, right now - she was just happy to see him smile and have a good time. She hooked her arms around his neck and hopped up on his back while still holding the plushies in her hands. She knew to hold on tight and she rested her chin on his shoulder. She gazed back to Rui motioning for the dragon to stay on her shoulder and hold on tight as she knew that he was pretty fast.

@❇︎ Yooa ¥✔ There are million of reasons that Myungsoo shouldn't rush into action, but adrenaline took over. He did not think twice, worried that Yooa might get upset if the plushie get soiled. The young vampire never wanted to see her sad, not when the fairy embraced him with open arms and called her friend. His feet steady on the ground and handed the plushie to Yooa. A genuine happiness naturally flow as he pulled his ear, adoring the smile on her face. The lady, the vampire he must accompany, burning holes on his back as she observed the interaction between the fairy and the young man. With her wounded pride, the noble lady pretended not to listen, sipping her glass of wine.

"Do i?" Myungsoo asked staring down at his perfectly tailored clothes. A cheeky grin flashed across his face, fangs showing a little. "You're beautiful as ever." He spoke out of turn that he almost missed the questions that followed and only seemed to snapped out of excitement when the Yooa turned, rocking back and forth. "Huh?" He blinked, tilting his head, moving a step closer to check on the fairy's unusual reaction. "Date?" He peered his vision towards the balcony and saw the young lady's stoic expression, watching the parade. "Oh her?" Myungsoo said, waving a hand of dismissal as he turned to Yooa. "I'm not sure. We only got introduced today."

He heard whispers from above, comments that he'd wish not to hear and low snickering he wanted to died down. His duty lies with his kind. But he already lost interest in pretending he enjoyed the conversations that was presented prior to the festival. Yooa's rambling made him chuckle that he pinched her nose then inched himself close to her.

"You're really adorable." He smiled and released her nose. "To answer your question." He sighed, holding her hands. "The parade is fun. I probably need to go back." Myungsoo rolled his head back, groaning but was quick to show the overwhelming joy to see Yooa and Rui. "But blood candies and games already by far interesting than listening about---" He stopped, feeling chills down his spine when the voice of his parents was heard somewhere from the balcony. He quickly passed Yooa and squat in front of her. "Get on my back. Hurry."

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In the midst of all the festivities, towering at the town's square is a tent commissioned to present tasteful performances that The Riot could offer in celebrating this special occasion. Here, Dong Youngbae, known by common folk as Taeyang, showed up, dressed nothing but a trousers and a white rose between his tusk. On the wooden platform, he joined few men gyrate along the flow of flirtatious melody played by the band. The alluring chant only fuelled the dancers to become suggestive - winking and biting their lips trying to earn extra coins worth of their performance.

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@† Kim Myungsoo Yooa for a moment forgot that she was holding the plushies that she had won - simply wanting to greet her friend and maybe waved to Rui to come back to her and leave him alone. She had noticed the beauty next to him figuring that she was another noble vampire that would be much more appropriate to be his friend and probably was someone that his parents had picked for him as something more than just a friend. She wasn't expecting him to jump down from the balcony and rush to her - catching the plushies before they fell to the ground. She glanced back at the balcony seeing the others' faces and watching a smug but happy Rui flying back to them. She had a feeling that this was the little dragon's plan from the beginning - guiding her to his spot. Probably knowing that the young vampire wouldn't care much about the beauty next to him nor the little party that was being thrown up on that balcony. Yooa turned to Myungsoo as he caught her plushies, smiling at him. "Hi Myungie," She reached out to take her plushies from him. She took once more glance towards the balcony as she turned back to him.

She hugged her plushies again, taking note of his nice attire. "You look really nice," She commented to him. She took one glance at her dress as she was just wearing something normal from her dresser not as fancy as him. "I'm sorry that Rui crashed your party and will you be in trouble for leaving? Or leaving your date - will she be mad at you?" Yooa kicked the wooden planks under them with the bottom of her chunky heel. Yooa was not good at controlling her expressions. Her cheeks slightly puffed up at the mention of date, glancing at her feet before picking her head up back at him.

"Uhm - are you having a fun time at the parade? There is a booth that is making blood candies - I didn't try any but I thought getting you some. But, then I didn't because I was wondering if you were already here, and if I found you then I could show you them in person," Yooa rambled as her gaze shifted up back at the crowd at the balcony that was not watching them. "But I see that you are busy - so maybe later when you are free, we could get some candy or play some games together? Oh! And, I hope the headband I spotted that's perfect for you is still at Irene's stall - I didn't buy 'cause she was still making it," Yooa rocked and forth on her heels, finally turning her gaze back on his face. Her body slightly turned away from the balcony not really liking the people peering down at them probably talking about her.

@❇︎ Yooa ¥✔ "Myungsoo, isn't it?" There, in the bosom of power and influence, a beauty joined him at the balcony. Her complexion that of his, eyes sparkling like rubies and charm lethal to anyone who'd stare at her angelic features. But this did not stop Myungsoo's ears from burning. The woman talked and talked about their lineage, the present condition of Heleo and the impact the Vampire Realm contributes to the Grand Council. The young man tried his best not to yawn or roll his eyes. "Be noble. Show grace." He reminded himself of the instructions his mother instilled in him. "Do not fidget with your ears. Do not scratch your head. Stand tall and always make eye contact."

"Does she hear herself?" Myungsoo thought, when the wind blew strongly passed them. A scent so sweet, like that of candies mixed with the breeze of meadows. Then the whirling sound of wings flapping caught his attention. "Rui!" He grinned and forgotten to pay attention at his companion. Myungsoo looked down to see Yooa waving. "Twinkle Toes!" He shouted but immediately saw the things in her arms falling. "Watch out!" He leaped forward but the other vampire caught his wrist.

"Myungsoo! Don't. Both our parents are--"

But before the lady could speak further, he jumped off the balcony. There was a loud gasped he left. He landed gracefully and ran towards Yooa. In such lightning speed, he caught the plushies before it hit the dirty ground.

@♆ Joy The click is ticking, few more minutes and he cannot bear the lonesome state he is in. Mackenyu turned his head left and right, tiptoeing over heads trying to find the woman who promised to share this festival with him. He scratched the back of his head, not even feeling the eerie presence the demon princess brings - the energy he used to be frightened of, but now seems impossible to not surround him. He got used to her and cares about her. He cut through the crowd towards the line of stalls selling all sorts of goods. In his hand there were silver coins. "How about flowers, hmm?" He finally spoke, stopping in front of the young fairy who creates flower bracelets. The fairy blinked her eyes, confused. "Sir?" he spoke softly.
"I mean, can you recommend me a flower for a lady?" Mackenyu replied, rubbing his nose as if this is the most difficult situation he has been in.

"What would be her favourite flower?" The young man picked a handful of assorted flowers.

"Forgive me, but that I know nothing of." He replied that earned a chuckle from the merchant.

"Colour she desires the most?" The fairy leaned forward but Mackenyu shook his head. "Not a single clue."

Everyone is celebrating in the streets of Central, banners and treats in hand, where people share laughter and exchanging affection. A nauseating sound that Dr. Choi has been attempting to drown with the sound of ivory keys, slamming his slender hands in a melodious notes. Under the shadow of a brick stone building, he pretended to run a charity for the Infirmary, seeking sympathy or possibly a few coins as he played the sad tune of his past.

@† Kim Myungsoo Yooa had finished her cotton candy and had moved from the stall that she had been looking at to see if she wanted to buy something. She bought a headband from Irene's stand with a few flowers, crystals, sparkly beads, and cat ears made from wire encrusted with more jewels and crystals. She had also stopped at a game stall and played a couple of games in which she won a couple of plushies. She was now hugging the plushies in her arms as she walked down the walkway, glancing around at all of the booths and snacks to try and eat. She stopped as she felt Rui pulling on her sleeve. She glanced up noting a familiar figure leaning over a balcony which was probably why Rui was pulling her in that direction. Most likely wanting to say hi to the friend. "He looks busy with his family, don't go bother him," Yooa started to tell the robot dragon who was already flapping up to the balcony and wrapped it's claws on the metal railing - blinking it's soft sea green mechanical eyes at Myungsoo. From below, Yooa sighed reaching up hand at them simply waving at him almost dropping her plushies as she caught them they fell from her arms.

The festival. One of the most important celebrations in the land where creatures all over Heleo gather to celebrate the peace and the balance across all the realms. For the Chois, this is a festivity where they can boast their status. This year, Kim Myungsoo is finally being introduced into the circle of nobles. No longer he should be hidden away from the society.

So up on the balcony, away from the creatures beneath their status, Myungsoo stood holding a flute of red wine and watched the marching band and the performers doing all sorts of acrobats. It was all but boring as everyone around him talk about politics and wealth. The young vampire walked closer towards the metal rails, tapping his fingers, waiting for someone to rescue him from boredom.

Hyunwook stared up at the lanterns that were in the sky, sticking his hands in the pockets of his jacket. He stood at the entrance of the festival watching people pass around him to enter the festive. He entered the festival keeping his hands in his pockets while he glanced around the stalls that he was walking by. Her ears picked up at a smell, making his way towards that food stall. He stared at the fish-shaped buns that were being flipped in the little machine and others that were being warmed in the warmer. He pulled out some of the loose from one of his pockets and bought a small paper bag of them. He walked to the edge of the pier and sat on the edge, letting his legs hang over the edge kicking a bit as he opened the paper bag. He pulled out one of the fish-shaped buns and bit into it smiling as the flavor of the pastry and red bean paste. He continued to eat his snack letting his legs and tail swing over the edge where he was sitting.

@♦ Mackenyu Arata ¥ As Joy is still recovering, Sooyoung took time to make sure the inn is up and running. With the help of the staffs of the inn, it flourished. Especially with the help of Mackenyu, setting all those who wanted to come face to face with the demon princess herself, he made sure that they are welcome to meet the demon. She felt much safer when Mackenyu is helping her with the inn and the pick-ups of their supplies. The festival came and the man asked Sooyoung if she would like to see the parade and how can Sooyoung say no to that? She often goes to the festival when Joy is present. Now she wears the beautiful dress that is one of Joy's collections and went to the parade, it seems Mackenyu was the first one to go before her but she didn't mind. She smiled and sees people around having fun with the festival but she is yet to look for Mackenyu.

Festivals were one of her favorite things - she could never pass up on one. It meant sweets, candy, games, prizes, and fun times not having to worry about anything. Yooa let Rui float at her side close to her as already had a bag of cotton candy in her arms, pulling out the fluffy sugar spun clouds in her fingers and eating some. She glanced around formulating a plan in her head on what she wanted to do this time for the festival. She knew that, of course, she would eat a lot more sweets and food than this cotton candy - and try to win as many prizes as she could. Also, maybe with the few coins she had saved up, she could buy some trinkets at the stalls around her. She glanced up at Rui as it nudged her shoulder probably a warning that maybe she shouldn't stuff her face with sugar this early in the day. "It's a party - plus, you already know sugar is one my main food groups. I'll be okay," She mumbled to the robot dragon as she stopped at a stall, glancing at what they were selling. She held the bag of cotton candy in one hand, eating some more while examining the trinkets in the shop.

@♆ Joy The annual Festival was in full swing. The streets were aglow with lanterns and the sound of laughter and music filled the air. Amidst the throngs of people, a tall, handsome man stood out, dressed in his finest attire. His name was Mackenyu, who kept pulling his collar as if there’s tick crawling underneath it. He looked at the crowd, huffing and puffing, brushing off the irritating nerves. For months since his boss went to hibernation, he became closer to Sooyoung. He let out a sigh and reached for the sheathed sword attached to his belt. He remembered one morning asking his boss if she’d like to see the parade, wanting to do something nice.

@❖ Daniel Henney She tried to resist, to lie limp and motionless in the water. But they had anticipated that. They had attached thin, almost invisible wires to her arms and tail, allowing them to puppet her movements. The wires chafed against her delicate skin, each tug a sharp jolt of pain. She was forced to weave and twirl, a pathetic ballet of servitude under the glare of the sun and the delighted eyes of the crowd.

Applause surrounded her, people cheering and some might have disgust or jealousy plastered on their faces. “You’re a slave. If I have to break every bones in your body to have you obey, then I will.” Bora remembered the Madame’s nasty words prior to the festivity. But there is no breaking her soul. She held her head high, thinking of the people she holds dear - home is what she longs for.
She counted the possibilities. A excruciating scream from her could damage one’s hearing, yet that won’t give her enough time to free herself from the spell she is in.

That’s when she noticed him.

Eyes filled with fascination. His presence alone making the rest of the crowd seem small. So many questions but she forced a smile. “She would so proud.” She scoffed at the thought of being praised by her captor.

Suddenly, a small, soft sound cut through the noise of the festival. A child, no older than seven, had slipped past the barrier, his eyes wide with a different kind of curiosity. He didn’t laugh or point. He simply stared at her, his face mirroring her own sorrow.

He reached out a small hand, his fingers brushing against her cold, clammy skin. "Are you… sad?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.

“Don’t!” Someone screamed from the crowd. But it was too late, as Bora took a spin, her tail hit the child and sent the poor boy across the streets -unmoving. Horror filled her eyes as someone screamed “Monster!” followed by the authorities with their spears at hand.