Party!
Scene 0
December 30, 2016. Every New Year's Eve, the owner of the Ocurrens bar hosted a big party, and he was possibly one of the most connected people on Earth. So people from different cities, countries, worlds and universes were invited. The party was so huge that it lasted three whole days. Because he is a Reaper and Jumper, he is able to create a pocket dimension, functioning as a huge hall, big enough to fit the thousands of people who were invited. There wasn't just a normal hall with a dance floor, there was a large garden with a wonderful starry sky, as well as a banquet hall with huge tables, and of course, a room made especially for each guest. With all that, well, it's kind of obvious the kinds of things that happened at New Year's Eve parties.
However, let's go back a week before the party, it's December 23rd:
- BUT WHAT THE HELL? - Mia screamed
- I told you you'd regret it...
- AHGHGHGGH KIRISAKI WHY DID YOU LISTEN TO ME?!!! - She had her hands on her head
- I think it's a good time for you to leave home, until you know your way around a party. There'll be hundreds of people there, it's very unlikely that he'll talk to you!
- I don't know if I'm ready...
- Mio will be there, Aisa, Sora, Yuki... maybe you'll be able to talk to Zenska and Kieza again? I'm sure they'll understand the whole situation. And since there are even people from different dimensions, it will be easy for you to find people just like you!
- ..... I hate big parties.
- Relax, Mia, everything will be fine.
- Agh, okay. It's not like you can do anything about it now, anyway. Speaking of which, is Xaphan going?
- Mhm!
- So, have you guys... not yet? - She sat down on her bed
- WH - Her face turned red - WHAT?!??!
- What? Oh no, Kirisaki! Don't tell me you, of all people, haven't kissed him yet! WHEN WE WERE YOUNGER, YOU WENT OUT WITH ABOUT 15 GUYS EVERY WEEK!
- Look... I want to take things slowly. And I don't even know if he likes me - She looked away
- It's impossible for him to have functional eyes and not like you.
- It's easy for you to say that - She crossed her arms
- Well, maybe he doesn't know how good you are because he's never been with you. All the more reason for you to be with him.
- Shut up!
- I'm ashamed to remember that we've kissed once, but, hey, didn't that bring us closer together?
- I WASN'T TALKING ABOUT THAT! AHGGGH WHY DID YOU REMIND ME? - She ran out of the room, her face as red as her hair
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the neighborhood, there was also a commotion generated by the party:
- Yuki, you're going! - Sora chased after the woman
- NO, LEAVE ME ALONE! I HATE PEOPLE!
- Yes, you are - She jumped on her
- AH! YOU CRAZY WOMAN, GET OFF MEEEEEE!!!
- Mio, Phaniel, you're going, right? - She covered Yuki's mouth with her hands
- Yes, we're going! - The woman replied
- I don't see any point - Phaniel rolled his eyes - the only reason to go to a party like this is to kiss 40 different people, probably get an STD and, if you don't take care of yourself, you'll probably become a father or a mother.
- HMmm~ becoming a mother doesn't sound so bad.
- MIO?!
- Hahahahah! Phaniel, you never tire of making me laugh.
- This is not something to joke about," he said, his face red.
- Okay, okay, get a room - Sora almost threw up - ANYWAYS! Yuki, it's not about picking up people at the party. I've heard rumors that....she'll be there!
- SHE?! - The older girl replied
- Yes, she is!
- OK! NOW I'M GOING!
- Who is she? - Mio asked
- I have no idea - her sister replied
- YUKI? You lied! Anyway, I had already confirmed you at the party.
- WHAT? MIO, DID YOU GIVE HER THE INVITATION?
- I don't know what you're talking about - She had a cynical smile - But we can just stay there for a while. We don't have to stay the whole three days, you know!
- You're right - Sora replied - I bet you and Aisa and Andou will stay there for the first day at the most and get on with it.
- Well, I was thinking of having a New Year's Eve party right here, you know? Celebrate among ourselves. Do you think Aisa would like that?
- She would, but I wouldn't. I don't want to be surrounded by couples.
- Maybe you'll meet someone interesting at the party, hm?
- And invite them to a family get-together when I met them the day before?
- She's got a point - Phaniel said
- Haaah, ok, do what you want, Sora - She had one hand on her face
- Okay, okay, we can stay there for a day and then we'll leave, okay? - She replied
In the bar, meanwhile, the staff were chatting on their break:
- You're a bit of a prick, huh - Zenska was sitting at the table
- I think he should admit he's from our group by now - Kieza continued
- Haha. You guys are so funny - Iro had his arms crossed - But to your disgrace, she accepted the invitation, okay?
- So, what are you going to do, talk to her? - The redhead held back her laughter
- Look, I think it would be great if the two of them made up, don't you? - Andou joined in
- See? Andou agrees with me.
- Yeah, I wanted to talk to Mia again too, but I said it from the start... - He rolled his eyes - you and Zenska, it's obvious that one day it's going to go to shit.
- Do you really think it's a bad idea for me to talk to her at the party? - His head was resting on the table
- Yes - The two women answered together
- Not... much.. - The other replied with a little doubt
- I'm not very confident...
- If you want to ruin the rest of your relationship, I think it's a great idea to talk to her - There was a little smile on her face.
- Kieza, that was a bit harsh.
- I'm glad SOMEONE is on my side - Iro replied
- It's obvious that you two MEN will be supporting each other - Zenska rolled her eyes
- Okay, fuck you both. I'll talk to Mia no matter what you say. Now the break is over, get back to work - He stood up
Scene 1
It's December 30th, the first day of the New Year's party. Several flyers were scattered around the city, indicating that the party would start at 10 a.m. and last until midnight on January 1st. As the venue was a dimension of its own, if you touched the leaflet and were on the guest list, you were automatically teleported to the party. Bit by bit, people arrived, and soon the hall was full. They were people from different cities, countries, planets and even dimensions:
- Are you anxious? - Kieza picked up a huge glass of some colorful drink
- Naaaah~ me, anxious?! - He waved his hands restlessly
- Hmm, yeah sure. - She took a sip
- And you, it's 10 in the morning, you're already drinking????
- We haven't put any alcohol in yet, you idiot. It's orange soda.
- There's no alcohol in it, is there...?
- No... - She rolled her eyes
- Grape soda or orange soda? - Zenska stepped in, serious
- Are you going to have one? - He asked
- It's a test of character - she answered
- Orange - Kieza said
- Also - Iro added
- Okay, your character is questionable.
- NO, NOT AT ALL! Anyone who likes grape soda is a degenerate! - retorted the other woman, as she took a long sip
- Maybe grape soda isn't so bad - the one with the colorful hair wondered
- Grape soda is much better. Isn't it, Sora? - Zenska said
- Hi...?
The girl had just arrived, completely lost:
- Just agree - she sighed
- Yes, I agree!
- Another degenerate - The one with the black hair retorted
- OI? WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST AGREE WITH????
- That you're a lesbian - The red-haired girl picked up a glass of grape soda
- Well...
- What are you talking about? - Yuki arrived
- AH! - She was startled
- Heh - She drank the purple soda
- Let's go somewhere else, Yu - Sora laughed awkwardly as she dragged her away.
- Yeah. Lesbians - She grabbed another glass of orange soda
- Jeez, Kieza, you're already on your second glass - The other mocked - So, Iro, which one are you going to have?
- Uhmm... - He was still anxious, looking at the two women - I don't know... - He looked around - I think some pepsi.
- Hmm, that's different - She drank a little, while also looking away
The two women waited for the man to leave before approaching him:
- Look over there - the shorter one pointed
- Where, where?
- Mia's had pepsi too, what a stupid kid!
- He's got no taste, I'm telling you... - She denied it with her head
- Imagine if Mia took some fucking whisky, and he took it also. Both will be drunk!
- We can do that, you know that, right, Zenska?
They looked at each other and a mischievous smile appeared, as if they had just hatched an evil plan. Meanwhile, two other people were talking:
- I shouldn't have come - She grumbled
- Come on, it's a great time for you to meet more people! You've hardly left the house in the last few months...
- Aaand.. he's looking this way - She was hiding.
- Oh, Mia, come off it! - Kirisaki was losing patience
- It was YOU who kept me indoors. And now I'm here because of YOU. Look what YOU are getting me into! - She was looking for a place to stay
- Nah ah ah, you won't stay in the party corner, completely antisocial! - She grabbed her arm
- I'm going. Let go of me. I'm going to make a fuss - She stared at her.
Kirisaki stared back for a while, then let go of her friend's arm:
- Okay, then don't complain that you're too lonely - She shrugged
- I won't! - She crossed her arms and leaned against the wall
The other left and went into the middle of the party:
- Mia, aren't you going to go with Kiri? - Mio had arrived with Phaniel
- No, no, I want to stay here for now. Maybe I'll go later!
- Great! We'll just stay at the party tonight, then we'll wait for New Year's Eve at my place. Will you come?
- Yes! I think I'll stay just for today too - she giggled
And the two of them went after Kirisaki:
- Anti-social - Yuki approached
- Leave me alone, Yuki - The blue-haired girl rolled her eyes
- Why did you come? - Now it was Sora who spoke
- Kirisaki dragged me away - She sighed
- Are you still mad at Iro? - She asked again
- Yeah... it's complicated. What about you two?
- What do you mean? - Yuki looked confused
- Ah... - She realized she'd asked a bad question.
- Yeah... let's leave her alone, huh, Yu!
As soon as the two of them left, Sayaka pulled up a chair and sat down. She was in the corner of the room, watching everyone, alone, drinking her pepsi. Then she lowered her eyes, looking at the floor. She held her glass with both hands, placing it between her legs:
- I hate parties - she muttered.
She shrank even further, becoming almost invisible in that dark corner, sitting alone, completely introverted. Probably if she stayed there for the whole party, no one would miss her. Just as it had always been:
- it will always be like this...
She had completely lost track of time, perhaps she had even fallen asleep. Whatever it was, it interrupted the silence that had remained. And what had interrupted it was the one voice she would least like to hear in that moment:
- Mia?
The girl lifted her face in the direction of the voice, only to be almost blinded by the strong light that the dance floor emitted, keeping the silhouette of the person in front of her completely in the dark. She had to make an effort to discern who it was. She could actually tell from the voice, but she wanted to believe that her ears were deceiving her:
- Hey, Mia, are you okay?
The silhouette crouched down, Sayaka followed it with her gaze, finally coming out of the horrible light. Everything was clearer now. And it was obvious that what she had tried to deny had become the truth:
- Iro... - she had finally answered him
- Did something happen?
Really? Is that what you have to say? HAH! HOW FUNNY! If she could, at that very moment, she would have punched him in the face. "Did something happen?" WHO THE FUCK DOES HE THINK HE IS TO SAY THAT? Does he have any idea to have said that?
- does anything seem to have happened?
However, even with all her internal hatred, her voice came out in a tearful tone, almost as if she wanted to see his worried expression:
- have you had too much to drink? - He tried to look her in the face
- Did I?
They hadn't even put the alcohol down. How long had it been? Not to mention that she was still holding her first glass, which was only half full:
- Give me this - he took the glass from her hand - what's this?
- Pepsi...
- Ah - It seemed that something had risen in his mind
"It's obvious it's pepsi, she's only had pepsi!", or something like that:
- So something happened? - He put the glass down
- Don't you have something else to do? - Bad. That sounded really bad.
- uhm - He was clearly affected by her speech - are you kicking me out?
- No - Her voice broke. It wasn't supposed to be like that - it came out wrong, I didn't mean what you think - She sounded desperate, as if she wanted to explain the misunderstanding at all costs
- Well, you could consider that I'd be busy since I'm the host of this party. And I bet there must be at least 30 people having a break down right now, and I should be taking care of that.
- so why don't you go over there?
- Do you really want me to answer?
Finally, after a long time, Mia looked Iro in the eye:
- If it's because you feel bad about what you did to me, you should know that I don't accept that kind of pity.
- I know - he laughed, sounding somehow relieved - I know, Mia.
- So? - She crossed her arms
- It's because you're more important than anyone else here.
The two of them remained silent. Mia's defensive posture seemed to have loosened a little:
- and how do I know you're not lying?
- Cause I'm here...? If I didn't really care, I would have seen you here and turned around. You wouldn't have noticed, since you were asleep. And nobody around would have noticed either.
- Maybe you just want to prove something - Pause - Just like you did with me and Zenska. What's to stop me from thinking that you're not doing it again?
Iro was visibly affected by her comment:
- Mia, I... - He looked at her - Can we go somewhere quieter?
The two of them went to a garden that was quite large and open. It was already evening:
- It's not a real garden, since this is a dimension I've created, but it's much quieter than there, isn't it? - He sat down on the grass
Now that the lights in the hall weren't distorting his image, his skin clearly had a pinkish tinge. Something crossed Mia's mind at that moment. "Envy is purple, blue is laziness, green is greed, yellow is pride, gluttony is orange, red is anger and pink is lust." Pink is lust:
- I was a complete asshole.
"I'm glad you realized that," She thought
- Regardless of whether Zenska had agreed to it, the reason I started dating her was completely wrong and extremely incompetent and self-centered of me - His skin oscillated between pink and red - and not enough, when I became interested in you I just discarded Zenska. And then I didn't take any of that as growth and acted the same way with you.
The girl paid more attention to what he was saying:
- And that, Mia, for me, was the worst thing I could have done. I can play games with anyone, lie, use them, but you're the only person in the world I never want to do that to. I want to be honest, sincere, with you all the time and I never want to use you as just a way for me to find out if I can have feelings or not. And I'll never forgive myself for that. That's why I'm not asking you to forgive me. I just wanted to... make one thing clear.
- Say it - She seemed calmer, willing to listen
His skin was a very vivid shade of pink:
- I love you. I don't know how to put into words what love is - As he spoke, his skin oscillated, forming a rainbow like his hair - but I can tell you for sure that love is a mixture of all possible feelings. Because, in the little over a year that we've known each other, I've been to every corner of every possible feeling that I've ever been able to feel, and not enough, you have created new feelings. Just the fact that I'm standing here looking at you is enough to give me every kind of feeling that I can merely feel. Trying to summarize what you make me feel on a daily basis is completely stupid. And here I am, stupidly trying to put everything I feel for you into words. So I repeat: Mia, I love you.
His skin looked like a light show in itself, in a complete, incessant rainbow. At that moment, he felt "every kind of feeling", he hadn't taken any ink, Mia was purely capable of creating this kind of reaction in him. A reaction that, for him at least, shouldn't happen, but which, incredibly, her existence made possible. Yeah, I guess that could be called love. The girl giggled:
- Thank you so much Iro, really, thank you so much - Her sweet smile, however, turned sad - I can also tell you that I love you - She looked him in the eye - Because I love you - She looked down again - But when two people love each other, they can't always be together...
- I don't understand what's stopping us. - He looked completely lost, desperate
- You apologized, yes, but we didn't have any contact for eight months. You can't just arrive out of the blue and pretend nothing happened!
- What are you getting at? - He looked at her, his eyes lost
- I need time, okay? We have to start again.
- Okay, you just said "it's not you, it's me" to me. What a great fresh start!
- Just because you said "I'm sorry" doesn't mean everything's settled!
- So what else do I need to do, Mia? Kirisaki apologized to you and on the same day you were living together, why is it any different with me?
- We're not getting anywhere this way! - She got up - We're just going around in circles and we're still in the same place. You just said you didn't want to hurt me anymore, but you're already doing it again! - She seemed to be holding back her tears
- I'm the one who can't understand! It's all too complex for me, okay? You could try to understand my side too.
- See? That's exactly what I HATE so much! Agh, I'm tired of all this - she appeared to be crying
Iro watched her in complete silence, while she never looked him in the eye:
- What time is it? - Her voice broke
- It's already day 31... - He turned his face away
- I have to go - Her tone was bitter.
Once again, silence settled over the garden, with only the distant sound of the party filling the place:
- I didn't want it to be like this. I'm sorry, Mia - he looked at her again
There was no reply:
- Are you coming back? - He continued
- I don't know.
Slowly, her footsteps moved away. He let out a long sigh, burying his face between his legs:
- I've ruined everything, again.
Scene 2
- I didn't think you'd come! - Mio said, as she set the dining table
- I left the party very early, it was still morning - Mia entered the house, wearing white clothes
- Oh, good, then you can help me! Phaniel's making the food and since Sora and Yuki are still at the party, help me tidy up.
- Great!
The two set the table, laying out the tablecloth, plates, cutlery, glasses, etc:
- So, did you have any reason to leave early? - She struck up a conversation
- Uh... no, no! - She lied very badly
- Mia, Mia, you can't fool me - She denied it with her head
- I don't know if I want to talk about it.
- It's okay! In your own time - She gave a light smile
- Thank you - She smiled back
- Aww... and where are Yuki and Sora? - Mio looked at Phaniel
- I have no idea...
- Yeah! Aisa and Andou are missing too.
- Did you invite them too?
- Yes! - She nodded - They didn't want to stay too long at the party either!
"This is basically a couples' gathering, I'm going to be surrounded by couples"
- Nice! - However, she didn't put her thoughts into her speech
At the same time, during the New Year's Eve party:
- Let's go, Sora - She had her arms crossed - Mio might kill me if we delay any longer.
- No, not yet! I know she'll be here! - She looked around
- Who? You've been talking about this woman all day and I still don't understand who she is - She rolled her eyes
The younger girl let out a long sigh:
- You really haven't realized that yet? - She had a clear expression of disappointment - How come you don't know her? I'm talking about Nakano Toga!
- Nakano?
- Yes, and Kirisaki Fuan! They're a simply invincible duo who are still sought after in every country. They are VERY cool. What's more, they're said to have helped the Commander of Olympus ascend to the throne!!! - She was jumping up and down
- Yeah, I know them! But wait... ARE THEY COMING TO THIS PARTY? HOW DOES IRO KNOW THEM? AREN'T THEY, LIKE. CELEBRITIES? - She was in shock
- Yeah, Iro can be pretty sick sometimes, huh!
- OK! We can't leave until they show up. What do we do when that happens?
- All I know is that I'm going to ask Nakano to punch me - She smiled proudly
- Will she sign my face?
Suddenly, a little distance from where they were standing, a movement began, drawing their attention. A huge purple portal began to form in the middle of the crowd:
- no. fucking. way.
Out of the portal came a woman about 1.70m, perhaps the same age as Yuki, with greenish hair and purple eyes, an extremely sweet and delicate appearance in an equally cute outfit:
- That's Yui, Nakano's alter ego! - She looked at the other
- No way, she's really here!
Next to the woman appeared another, possibly in her mid-22s, looking languid and apathetic, with long silver hair and golden eyes:
- IT'S FUAN!!!!!! - Now it was the other woman's turn to jump
- Calm down, Yuki, calm down. We have to act normally!
The green-haired woman suddenly raised her hand, bringing it to just above her face, her hand closed slightly, as if she were holding something. Then she spun it around, her movement as if she were putting on an invisible hat. At the end of her movement, her appearance changed dramatically: black, voluminous hair, eyes so purple that they seemed to glow by themselves, together with her black clothes with purple tones, the woman wore a large pointed hat with two buttons and seams as if they were imitating a face:
- Yuki, I'm going to cry!
- Calm down, don't cry, otherwise I'll cry too.
- BUT THEY'RE SO COOL!
Everyone around the two women watched them in total ecstasy. No one there seemed to believe their own eyes:
- I told you it was a bad idea to come here - Nakano had finally said something, and was already complaining
- Calm down, master - Fuan looked calm as always - Remember that we have a reason for being here.
- Yes, I know - She rolled her eyes - Honestly, what does Shiroh think we are? Ever since that idiot became what's-her-name from Olympus, she uses the excuse that she's "too busy" for everything.
- Master, please mince your words. Shiroh might find out you're bad-mouthing her again.
- HAH! And what's she going to do? - She crossed her arms - She's too busy to come and fight with me - She shrugged
- Master, it's unusual to see you so angry about something - She closed her eyes - Honestly - She turned her face away - It looks to me more like you're jealous that Shiroh isn't paying enough attention to you...
- What did you say? - She clenched her fists, glaring menacingly at Fuan
- Nothing, dear master. I think you're hearing things - As her face was turned away, Nakano couldn't see that she was holding in her laughter
In the distance, two people were watching their conversation:
- Ahh~ - Sora looked delighted - look, what kind of conversation must they be having?
- I imagine it's something on such a high level that we'd never understand it.
Ceasing the futile conversation between the two, Fuan turned again to the black-haired girl:
- Master, I've noticed that there are a lot of extremely strong individuals concentrated in this place. I wonder if there's a reason behind it.
- Yes, I've noticed that too - She looked around - I think there is a reason. After all, isn't that why we're here? - She looked at her partner
- You're right - She looked back at her - Should we try to blend in with these people?
- That's why I hate Shiroh. Who's worse to get along with people than you and me? - She grumbled
- I imagine that Chizuro is relatively close to us in terms of social relationships. However, I also believe that I'm ahead of both of you in this regard - She spoke calmly
- Was that a challenge?
- Not at all, master - She closed her eyes.
Then Nakano marched off in some random direction:
- She always falls for the same old crap - Fuan said to herself, then followed her partner.
The witch stopped in front of two people, never failing to make eye contact:
- Say your names.
"I don't think that's how you make friends," thought the silver-haired woman
"They say that making eye contact is ideal when making friends!" - The witch thought
- Yuki... - she whispered to her friend.
- I know, Sora - she whispered back.
The two stood facing the imposing Nakano Toga. She watched them coldly, looking as if she could kill them right then and there:
- MY NAME IS YAKUSA SORA! It's a pleasure to meet you, NAKANO! - She bowed as she held out her hand
- Nice to meet you, Sora - She shook her hand
- My name is Ocean Yuki - She looked at her with a smile on her face. She also extended her hand
- Ocean Yuki... nice name - She shook her hand too.
After greeting her, both Fuan and Nakano looked at each other:
- Well, from what I've seen, you both already know us. So let's skip the formalities - She smiled back to Ocean - Why don't you two really introduce yourselves? - She opened her eyes slightly, and they seemed to sparkle
The other two women swallowed, completely threatened by the witch's heavy aura:
- Yakusa Sora, Goddess of Time - She bowed slightly
The older woman watched her friend's movement, then turned her eyes to the two imposing women in front of her, who had barely taken their eyes off the other and were already staring at her, also waiting for her presentation. She couldn't help but smile as she realized this. Meanwhile, for both the silver-haired woman and the black-haired one, Yuki's whole attitude, appearance and, above all, her sharp gaze indicated great danger. She was definitely not a trustworthy woman, even more so because, strangely, her eye patch seemed to hide much more than just one eye:
- Chronos. I'm a Chronos - Her smile widened
The women were not only surprised to hear this, but also to realize that the person's distorted smile emanated falsehood. The sharp eyes, the distorted smile, the imposing aura, not only shrewd, but also two-faced. How long had it been since they had met someone so interesting? Nor were they able to hold back their smiles when they came across such a character:
- What a rarity, to think we'd find the only Chronos right here! Aren't you surprised too, Fuan?
- Of course, my master. I'm very happy that we've been invited to such a festivity - She sounded extremely apathetic
- I'm glad we're all happy about it, then! - Sora clapped her hands, beaming with happiness
And so a great conversation ensued between the four women. So much so that Yuki and Sora completely forgot about their appointment, only realizing when the other two were saying goodbye:
- Holy shit, YUKI, the New Year's party!
- MY GOD, WE COMPLETELY FORGOT!
- Did something happen? - Fuan continued calmly
- We had a VERY important appointment, the hostess of the party is probably going to kill us! WE HAVE TO GO, LIKE, REALLY FAST! - replied the youngest
- NICE TALKING TO YOU, SEE YOU!
Then the pair disappeared, leaving the other two in complete confusion:
- Well, they're certainly interesting - Nakano commented
- I agree, master. But - she sighed - it's neither of them, and it doesn't seem to be anyone who's at this party at the moment. Have we arrived too late?
- Probably. I feel traces of her, but... it's very faint - She looked around - I imagine she was still here today, but we were unlucky. Well, we've collected some good information. Let's go - She turned away, opening a portal again.
Scene 3
It was 11 p.m. Yuki and Sora had finally arrived. All the supper had already been prepared, even the champagne had been opened, due to Phaniel's impatience. Some time later, everyone had finished eating and was standing outside the house waiting for nightfall. Mia, a little further away from everyone, was leaning on the front window holding her glass, which was still full. Mio and Phaniel, as well as Aisa and Andou, were in their own little worlds, while the inseparable duo, "Yuki and Sora", were having their own internal conversations. In Mia's view, she was there as an intruder, it wasn't her place:
- That's why I hate parties - she muttered.
- Why are you here, then? - It was Sora who spoke, also leaning on the window
That had been unexpected, when the other girl looked for Yuki, she saw that she was talking to Mio - that's why Sora had gone to talk to her:
- there's nowhere else for me to go. Isn't spending New Year's alone too lonely? - She smiled
- I don't mean spending New Year's alone - she looked at the others - Don't you have a family?
- Ah... well... - She looked away
The one with the pink hair looked at the other:
- Or other friends?
- Kirisaki is probably hanging out with Xaphan, if she's not still at the party - She shrugged
- Zenska, Kieza, they were your friends too.
The blue-haired girl finally looked her in the eye:
- We haven't spoken for a long time...
- Mia. - She seemed disappointed about something - It seems to me that you're just making silly excuses - Pause - Isn't there somewhere else you'd like to be, but you're convincing yourself that you shouldn't go there?
- What are you getting at? - She frowned, she didn't like where this was going
- If it fits... - She smiled - I didn't mention any names, nor did I say anything too much - She laughed
Mia's bluish face quickly changed to a reddish color:
- You're playing dirty - She looked away
- Haha! Come on, Mia - She couldn't help smiling even more when she saw the girl's attitude - But anyway - She took a deep breath, returning to normal - Why don't you think about what I told you? - And she went towards the others
The one who had stayed behind just watched the other walk away, once again alone. She let out a long sigh as she stared at the still full glass of champagne:
- another place I'd like to go...
As soon as she said this, the image of Iro flashed through her mind. She knew very well where she would like to be, but things don't work that easily. Feelings are much more complicated than that. "Isn't there somewhere else you'd like to be, but you're convincing yourself you shouldn't go there?" suddenly what Sora had said flashed in her mind. Mia's image reflected in the glass of drink took on a more concrete form. Yes, she wanted to tell Iro everything she felt, she wanted to run after him until she lost her breath, she wanted to spend not just this New Year's Eve, but every other New Year's Eve of her life with him. No matter how many times he made a mistake with her, she would forgive him every time. After all, denying that burning feeling in her chest would only be alienation. He could make mistakes again, play with her feelings, but she wanted to trust him, she wanted to believe his words. But it was precisely this leap of faith that frightened her so much. It was as if an abyss was separating her from Iro. And that scared her much more than it motivated her to run after him.
Until, tired of contemplating her image reflected in the liquid, Mia drank the entire cup at once. Placing it on the window. Without anyone even noticing, she took off like a bolt of lightning, looking for one of those flyers about the party. Finally, when she found one, without even thinking twice, she touched it and was immediately teleported to the party venue. The ballroom was empty, and a commotion could be heard not far away, possibly everyone was in an open area, waiting for the fireworks. It was 10 minutes until New Year's Eve. She made her way to where all the crowds were concentrated, having to squeeze through them to find someone she knew, if she was lucky. Until someone pulled her by the arm:
- MIA! - It was Kirisaki
- Ah... Kiri - Somehow, she seemed discouraged - Have you seen Iro?
- No, I haven't.
- Okay... - She was even more discouraged
- But, more importantly, what are you doing here, and what about Mio's party? - She looked at her with concern
- I... wanted to come back here. It looks like I'm out of place there - As she said this, she realized that Xaphan was standing next to Kirisaki - Well, I think I'll be going too...
- What, are you going to spend New Year's Eve alone? - She looked indignant
- Yeah... it's okay - She let her arm go
- Are you sure? - She watched her friend with concern
- It's okay, Kiri - She looked her in the eye
- Okay... happy new year, Mia...
Before the girl could reply, she had already disappeared into the crowd. Returning once again to the empty hall. Now, looking at that huge, completely empty place, it was scary. More than that, it was lonely. She looked back, seeing all those people looking forward to 2017. There were five minutes left. She started walking around the hall, aimlessly, maybe she'd leave just in time for the countdown, she definitely didn't want to stand there, alone, listening to everyone's excitement in the distance. No matter how painful it all was, there was no way she was going to start crying. That would ruin the New Year for everyone. Before she knew it, she had walked into the garden. It seemed empty; all that could be heard was the sound of the wind rustling the leaves of the trees. The silence was soothing, but also incredibly deafening. This was just another New Year's Eve that she would spend alone.
Meanwhile, at Mio's house, Sora realized that she was also a little lonely. Yuki was arguing with Phaniel, where Mio was trying to separate the two, Aisa and Andou seemed to have forgotten about the rest of the world. She had decided to go back to the window, perhaps her partner in solitude could provide some interesting conversation. However, as Sora walked to the window, she noticed that Mia was no longer there:
- What? - She went to the window
She realized that there was only her cup, completely empty. She picked it up, put it on the floor and sat down where it was:
- Well, it looks like I'm the one who's completely excluded now - She laughed to herself - I wonder where Mia is now - She looked up at the sky.
One minute left.
Scene 4
Her feet had moved on their own, and she unconsciously headed for the garden. That same garden. Watching the starry night, she closed her eyes, just admiring the sound of the leaves on the trees and the crickets. Even though the whole thing had been artificially created, it really was as relaxing as the real thing. For a person with sensitive ears like Mia's, being in a place as quiet as this should be soothing. And it was. However, she shouldn't have been there. New Year's Eve is a day to spend with family, friends and have fun. This silence and calmness are not meant for this time of the year. That's why the silence in that place was as deafening and uncomfortable as if she was in that crowd again.
However, this was a scenario that Mia was more than used to. For as long as she could remember, she had always been left in the corner at parties, excluded. No one missed her, no one even realized she was there. She was tired of counting how many times she wondered why she was there. It was the same with celebrations. Christmas, New Year, Easter. She didn't have a family to spend these dates with, let alone people to call "friends". Because she had come to this city, her last two years had been great. She had people she could call friends, maybe even family, and when she was excluded from places, someone always found her and came to talk to her. Yeah, that was a reality check. She shouldn't get used to such situations. The place she was in right now was proof of that. Perhaps she had committed an unforgivable sin, or perhaps the universe hated her. There was only one thing she knew for sure: she didn't deserve such happiness. So she shouldn't be greedy. One minute left.
She closed her eyes, holding back the tears. She couldn't cry. Would she spend New Year's Eve there, or would she go back home? Either choice sounded terrible. When, in the distance, she could hear people counting down, she opened her eyes. Everything seemed so bad. She decided to get out of there before she heard people celebrating. She shouldn't be greedy. She shouldn't want what she didn't deserve. She should know her place. Simply creating expectations and hopes was pointless, it would only hurt herself in the end. Those damn thoughts kept hammering away in her mind. Her eyes were watery, but still the tears wouldn't flow. She couldn't ruin the New Year for everyone. In the distance it was possible to hear "5...4...3".
.
.
.
She said, her voice breaking. Perhaps he hadn't been able to hear it, as the sound of the fireworks was too loud. Incredibly, as if it were a spectacle, that garden had been painted by the colors of the fireworks, reflecting. Just like the two of them, illuminated by the moonlight, but above all, by the fireworks. He couldn't believe his eyes.
Iro gazed at the scene right in front of him, it looked like it had been taken from a work of art. Mia had run towards him, so absorbed in her own thoughts that she hadn't even realized she was there. The moment he raised his face and noticed her, she, with a broken voice, completely out of breath, and as if holding back her own tears, said:
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
He couldn't believe it. It really was so stunning that it looked like a painting. The girl was trying to catch her breath, she looked like she had run a marathon, even her face was red. Together with the colors of the fireworks that hit the garden and lit it up, as well as reflecting off Mia's bluish skin, Iro also had his skin in a rainbow of its own. The three elements seemed to form a disco, a palette of colors so vivid that no painter could reproduce it:
- Mia. - He was in complete ecstasy, still wondering about the veracity of what his eyes were showing
Finally, the girl calmed down and looked him in the eye:
- Happy 2017! - She smiled
- What are you doing here?
- I wanted to see you.
Iro was trying to understand what she had said, in fact he had barely understood the last few minutes:
- I thought you'd never want to see me again...
- I told you that feelings are more complicated than that - She had her hands on her face - but I realized that I made it much more complicated than it needed to be - She looked at him, smiling awkwardly
- So, is it all right if we start again? As far as I'm concerned, even if we're friends for the rest of our lives, if it makes you happy, I'm happy too - He stood up
- No - She nodded
- So...? - He looked worried
- Don't you want to say what's on your mind? No filters.
- This is getting complicated - He laughed
- Just say what's on your mind. What do you want me to be?
- Honestly? - He looked at her, waiting for approval. Then he looked away, thinking - look... it would make me happy if we could be together...
- Then say it.
- Mia - he turned his face towards her - do you want to...
- YES! - She barely let him finish his sentence and hugged him
- Ah - He didn't even know how to react, but his body soon became an even more vivid palette
- Haha - She giggled, looking at him
The matter that made up Iro, together with his color, was in complete chaos, distorting and shaping itself, just as the colors alternated as colorfully as fireworks. It was a chaos, a disorder that somehow had its own beauty:
- I've never seen your colors distort so much - She looked at him tenderly
- Maybe it's because of what you've just done! - He was still trying to understand it all
- It's good that only I can see that. Maybe I'll end up becoming selfish, you know?
- Mia. I think I'm going to throw up.
- Oh God, from anxiety? Do you love me so much that you're going to throw up? This is like those videos where the father of the groom faints, except you're not my father, let alone my fiancé, yet. - She starting to get desperate
- It's not anxiety, I mean, ALSO. But it's more because - LOOK I'M IN AN EXPLOSION OF FEELINGS, LITERALLY - He said this while all his matter distorted - it's an EXCESS OF FEELINGS - He looked for a tree to lean on, and before he could get ready he threw up a huge amount of ink
- Ah... - Mia looked at that - it's...
- I'm not very well, I think I drank too much too...
- You drank?
- Yeah... - He looked at her like a lost puppy - After you left, maybe I got depressed... and Xaphan offered me, like, four bottles of vodka.
- It's okay now - She smiled sweetly - we're dating.
- Yeah. We're dating - He said it as if it were a dream come true.
Scene 5
While all this was going on, during the countdown, Xaphan and Kirisaki were with everyone else at the party, waiting for the fireworks to go off. The two of them had spent most of the party together, except for a few times when Kirisaki was talking to other people. She had been drinking a lot, to the point where Xaphan had to stop "enjoying the party" (noting how incredibly antisocial he is) to look after her. However, her whole attitude had been getting on his nerves for a long time:
- Haah - He sighed - and there she goes again - He watched her getting lost in the crowd
What was that, the sixth guy she'd been with? Not counting the women, she must have been with at least four. Yes, he had to admit that Kirisaki was quite the woman. Beautiful, nice, friendly, intelligent, from her hair to her eyes to her body, everything seemed to have been delicately sculpted by the hands of God - if there is such a thing. Meanwhile, he was just a glitch, a literal error in reality that shouldn't exist. The proof? The distortions in space that surrounded him, the glitches that increased when he was angry and, above all, the fact that his entire left side was mechanical:
- It's obvious that she won't have eyes for me - he said while staring at the metal structure of his arm. Then watching her as she kissed someone else - I don't even know what the fuck I'm doing here.
After some time, which Xaphan didn't care to count, she came back to him:
- So, how much longer until New Year's Eve? - She had a little smile on her face, she looked happy
- You look happy...
- I don't know, my days have been good, I think my mood is much better!
- Yes, you're usually a bit short-tempered yourself - He rolled his eyes
And there he went again, not knowing what to say and saying something he shouldn't have, something he didn't mean:
- Come on~ I'm not that emotional.
He just watched her, seemed to have a judgmental look on his face:
- Okay, I can be a bit impulsive. BUT- you're not so different, sir - She crossed her arms
- Hm... I disagree, you are LITERALLY fire.
- Hey! Yeah. That's one I can't refute - She laughed - Anyway, I think the countdown's about to start!
- You really don't understand anything, do you? - He grumbled
- Hi, did you say something? - The crowd was already starting with "5...4..."
Then something crossed Xaphan's mind. He had said something, but Kirisaki hadn't been able to hear. The fires were too loud.
Perhaps it was the heat of the fires, but suddenly an immense warmth filled the area near Kirisaki. Incredibly, her face, which is already naturally red, looked even redder.
"She's never going to look at me, so this is the closest I can even get to a declaration." - Xaphan thought
Scene 6
At Mio's house, also during the countdown, Sora, who had lost her partner, was isolated, leaning against the window, holding her champagne. Copying Mia's movements, she also stared at her reflection in the drink, completely caught up in her thoughts.
Many thoughts had crossed Sora's mind that year. Well, that's to be expected from a normal person, isn't it? But that's not what we're talking about here. All the character-building the girl had done was shattered over the past year. There were two main culprits for this. Two people.
The first was Kieza. "What an admirable woman," was what Sora thought every time she saw her. Even more so as she got closer to her, she was increasingly amazed at how strong that woman was, not physically. However, it wasn't purely thoughts of admiration that were caused by Kieza. On the contrary. Every time she saw her, or talked to her, she felt that she could never be as strong as her. She envied her. Kieza had a pride, a sense of self so strong that Sora would never have it. Or so she thought. Because the woman had been able to answer and embrace a question that Sora, until now, had refused to answer. Not only did she answer the question, but she embraced it and proudly showed it to the whole world. It didn't matter if they rejected her, if they disgusted her, if they criticized her and, in some cases, even hurt her because of that answer. None of that mattered to that woman. This courage, this attitude, frightened Sora as much as it appalled her. Because she knew. She knew she didn't have the courage. She knew her answer. She had also unconsciously found the answer to her question. But unlike the other, she refused to embrace it and announce it to the world. Perhaps this fear and insecurity was caused by the second culprit.
Ah, the second person. Also a woman. She caused a combination of feelings that she had never felt before. Yes, she had felt something similar other times, but nothing as intense. It was also the first time she'd felt this way about a woman. For a long time she wanted to reject these feelings, to put them aside, to ignore them. But there came a point when it was impossible not to recognize them. That's because her whole attitude revolved around that woman. She woke up and went to sleep thinking about that woman. She never left Sora's mind. It was as if, in a way of kindness, she had let her into her head, but she took advantage of it and, before the girl could realize it, she had taken over. Like a parasite. She lived for her smile, her laugh, her eyes, her hair, every inch of her body, every inhale and exhale. She wanted to steal all her expressions for herself, no one could have her, she wanted to be the only person able to hear her laughter, she would carefully guard her tears and frame every smile. Her eyes, her mouth, her hair, her head, everything cried out for that woman. Her whole world revolved around that one person. The feelings were so intense that Sora couldn't hold them back and had no choice but to admit them. Yes. That answer, at least, she answered. She loved...
- Yuki! - A smile broke out as she saw the woman approaching
- Are you alone in there? How sad - She giggled
- You dumped me~
- Hmmm, but I have other people to talk to, silly!
But she had to admit one thing. She had a lot in common with Kieza. More than she wanted to admit, more than she imagined. Including unrequited love. That was the most painful of the answers she had in common with Kieza. And the worst thing of all? They were both sisters:
- It's unfair, you only stay with Mio and ignore me.
- But you also have Aisa - she crossed her arms
- And destroy the love between the two of them? - She pointed at Andou and Aisa
- I don't know - She looked around - Now that you've said it, seeing Mio and Phaniel, Aisa and Andou... - She looked at Sora
Suddenly, she began to get nervous, looking forward to the woman's next line:
- You'd think we were a couple - she laughed - but it's kind of obvious we're not! I don't think it's a problem. - She sat down next to Sora, sipping her whisky
Of course, the long-awaited answer wouldn't come. Yuki would never feel the same way as Sora:
- Why would that be a bad thing, is there someone you're interested in? - She asked a question that, if she'd thought better about it, she wouldn't have asked
- Hmm~ maybe - She smiled
- Do I know them?
- The countdown is about to begin.
Yuki quickly cut the subject, it was an obvious sign that she didn't want to talk about it. The younger girl just watched the other walk away, joining the couples to watch the fireworks:
- hah. - She sighed - everything would be better if you could see me with the same eyes...
Final Scene
- I can't believe Kieza dumped me here - Zenska grumbled, as she stood in the middle of the crowd waiting for the countdown to start
While everyone gathered in groups, partying, drinking and laughing, some were having less than pleasant conversations:
- Take it or leave it - Her green eyes were as bright as ever
- And how can I trust you?
- Look, I'm giving you a vote of confidence, you have to give it to me too - Smile
- Mary, I'm not going to fall for your bullshit.
- Oh, Kieza. We both want one thing, I can give you what you want, and you can give me what I want. Isn't that fair?
- The thing is, what you want is Mia and Kirisaki dead. And I don't want that.
- To gain something, you have to lose something else - She kept her scary smile - Only you can do that.
- What if Mio hates me for it? What if-
- Ahh, Kieza, for heaven's sake! - She laughed - You know what? I think Mio will even have eyes for you after this!
- What do you mean?
- Oh, think about it, she's a Goddess. You're just a human. But if you accept our deal...
- That's dumb, you're not going to convince me - She sounded a little uncertain in her speech
- Hmm - Her smile widened - Kieza, it's something simple...
- Mary, you're the one who came to make a deal. Spit it out - She crossed her arms
- Everything has a price. I can see that you're in a fragile moment. Don't you wish you could be by Mio's side, help her when she needs it? To be someone who can protect her? That's what you want, isn't it?
- Well... yes...
- Good! I can give you that, I can give you as much power as you want - She smiled - You just need to do one little thing. It's no big deal, and it's not difficult!
- What is it? - She frowned
- For 3 times, just 3 times, you'll have to take this here - She presented a bottle with a sticky red liquid - After you've taken it, you come to me. Because for your power to work, you'll have to perform a ritual, and then I can teach you how to do it! That's all. And then we're even.
- And what's in it for you?
Mary was silent for a while, until her eyes looked like two greenish light bulbs:
- It's not going to kill anyone or do anything. It's just that, as a demon, I need a subordinate. I don't have any at the moment... but if you become a demon because of me, that's great! If I don't, I might lose control and go around killing everyone!
- Well - She sighed - that's it? Sounds simple.
- Yes. That's all - She smiled
- Ok - She held out her hand
- It's a pleasure to make a contract with you - She handed over the bottle - Happy New Year!
- See ya - She walked away, while looking at the liquid
- Oh well - She watched her walk away - what an idiot.
Cheng emerged from the shadows:
- What was that about subordinate? If the girl wasn't a Human, she'd never fall for that lie.
- Shut up, Cheng - She rolled her eyes - I'm doing my business - She stared at her
- Of course, we agreed not to meddle in each other's business. But what the fuck do you intend to do with that woman, what kind of rituals is she going to perform?
- Why don't you wait and find out? - She smiled
- Do you want me to force you to talk?
- Heh - She laughed - Have you ever seen a Corrupted Goddess?
- Yes...
Mary looked Cheng in the eye:
- Don't tell me.
- I imagine that won't get in the way of your plans. Oh, but if it does, I don't think even Yuki will stand a chance against me - She smiled cynically. While showing the Hourglass of Time
- you're insane.
- Thank you~
