Test Drive Meme - December - Merry Christmas and a New Year!

[bestmomever]

December has arrived! And it's a festive, very festive time for the people of Alola. You'll find that many local businesses are doing well this time of year as there's brilliant lights being strung up, in preparation of people, both tourists and people. The doors are open, the Christmas Spirit is in the air, and Delibirds have arrived to start taking letters to Santa! Mallow in particular has been a chief advocate of getting your letters into Santa, as this is the second Christmas Vacation coming up for the Fallers, and soon you'll be off school for Christmas Break which starts on the 18th.

You'll have lots to do, but soon, there'll be a aura of business as Christmas begins to loom closer and closer, as a sense of urgency starts pushing forward as the Delibirds seem more and more urgent...




A. Arrival

Another wave of Ultra Holes have opened up over the Island, alarms have appeared and the Ultra Guardians as well as Bewear has come into play. This time, the Fallers have been asked to intercept the literally Falling people who are coming out of the holes and brief them and bring them to the Pokemon Center, ie Immigration to get checked in. Wicke is there to answer questions but a few volunteers may be there as well. The experienced Fallers can get you up to speed.


B. The Alola Community Visitors Plaza

A venue usually for tourists, new Fallers are given a chance to see the main tourist area for Alola, in order to orient and familiarize themselves with the nature of Alola and Pokemon in general. A far cry from the disorganized mob that was originally there, this time, there are people set up in the stands, ready to receive tourists and Fallers alike. Pamphlets, interviews with locals and tour guides, Ride Pokemon to take you around the island, and various other places are available. Please look around, the choice is yours. This month it is decorated for the Festival of Lights, aka Christmas.


C. The Hau’oli City Markets

This is where the marketplace stands, full of fresh fruit and food. Those who are hungry can be treated to a delicious taste of Alola. Not once, not twice, but more times than they can imagine. Your coin is good here, even if it’s alien in nature. Even if you don’t have coin, you’ll be fine. Ohana. No one is left behind or forgotten. We’re not about to let people go hungry in this world. Nature’s bounty is for everyone, humans and Pokemon alike. There’s no need to steal, just ask the marketplace for some food if you are very hungry. Even if you’re shy, Miss Anela will offer you a snack. There's a lot of holiday treats.


D. Job Board

Odd Jobs have been posted here right now, thanks to the efforts of the people who have decided to help the Fallers out, and it’s also a help wanted board for those who want to earn some coin in the middle of the week before the beginning of the school year. Tasks such as bucking crates of Juice off a truck, to doing some simple paperwork in an office for a few days, and even tending Pokemon in a farm on Akala Island. The choice is yours. Get out and explore. There's a lot of decorating jobs right now.


E. Exploring the entire island chain

If you wish to explore Melemele, it is a big island, and there is plenty to see. There are Forests, Honey Fields, Hot Springs, Beaches, and many other places. Melemele boasts one of the biggest cities Hau’oli City, and is the capital of Alola. Here, up at the top of a large plateau is the challenge area where Hala offers the Grand Trial. The caves are full of Pokemon, and your Pokemon are eager to prove themselves in a Trial. There's plenty to see now, with Akala island, Ula'ula Island and Poni Islands also opened up for tourism.


F. Grand Trials

The Four Kahuna are accepting challengers once more. Those who wish to participate in the sacred trials are allowed to participate in the Grand Trials once more, to earn the right of the Z. With the goals in mind, you may undertake a Trial to earn a Z-Crystal first, and then take on a Grand Trial for a Z-Ring and a Z-Crystal. The choice is yours which to tackle first.


G. Festival of Lights

There's actually two Festival of Lights this time around! The Boat Festival where there will be several boats on the water displaying gorgeous lights which shine on the water, and the festival where the land shines with twinkling lights on the seventh. The first is on the 13th. There seems to be a wonderful time coming up.


H. Melemele General Hospital

Even Angela is working extra hard to make sure everyone's prepared for the winter, and that makes time for checkups, and other such things. If you've got the sniffles, this one is for you. But also, come chat with Angela, and meet some of the more colorful visitors from Overwatch Earth.


I. Aether Labs

Come review the brand new information that makes the Ultra Guardians go on the offensive. Which means, Aether Labs is open to the science community! The scientific community heads can now access the labs, and the resources within. Under the guidance of Wicke, Faba and, Burnet, you're allowed access to Aether's resources to build and invent and upgrade and repair your own equipment.


J. Alolan Steel Guitar Festival

Come listen to the native music of the people, leading into the city. You can listen, try out one of the steel guitars, dance, the choice is yours! Your world is yours to explore!


K. Lighting of the Banyan Tree

In the middle of the city there's a massive tree being erected. This is the Banyan Tree, and on the seventh during the Festival of Lights, it will be lit up! Come check it out!


L. Wildcard

If you haven’t found a prompt that suits you, make it up!

Comments

Zahra (née Anzu) Mazaki | Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters AU

[bloomingdespite]

B. It's a Marshmallow World
Seven months. That was how long Zahra was able to live in peace after Millenium World, without any supernatural bullshit intruding on their life—excluding the fact that their very existence was supernatural bullshit, but that was besides the point. It was a new record since Anzu got the puzzle; a scant six months took place between Duelist Kingdom and Battle City, Dartz decided to end the world barely three weeks after that, and Zahra hadn't even recovered from being themself by the time the KaibaCorp Cup opened. Still, though. Seven months of relaxing, domestic bliss, away from life-or-death games of Duel Monsters and spooky occultism.

And then... this happened. And now Zahra was alone (again) in an unfamiliar world (again). At times like this, they were torn between the dramatically brood under the shadows, and to distract themself with something trivial and fun. Zahra decided to take the middle ground, leaning against a lamppost as they watch their Baltoy spin on their palm, smiling despite themself at the display.

"Maybe this world isn't too bad after all."

C. Think Laterally
Zahra had a complicated relationship to dueling. On the one hand, their components' (and Zahra's own) most traumatic memories were tied to Duel Monsters. On the other, it was really fun! Especially when Zahra didn't have to deal with the threat of death should they lose.

So both they and the opponent they're facing in the market's dedicated battle court may have misunderstood one another. Zahra stands there, making mental dial-up noises with their duel disk unfolded on their forearm, while their opponent's Torracat stares up at them, unblinking.

This has become a difficult situation.

J. Giratina Went Down to Alola
But this? This Zahra knew like the back of their hand. Even with everything else alien, even with all their worries about what was happening back home, even with their heart already aching for Shizuka (yes, they know that they're sappy), there was something comforting about the rhythm.

Tying their jacket around their waist, Zahra takes to the dance floor and begins absolutely tearing it up. In no time at all, the crowd has made room for their flowing, beautiful movements, watching in awe at the near-inhuman flexibility and grace... and then, in a spur-of-the-moment decision, Zahra grabs someone from the audience and begins dancing with them too.

"Just follow my lead, alright?"

[OOC: While Zahra looks a lot like Anzu in face and stature, their sense of fashion is demonstrably different. They keep their hair in a long, messy undercut, the shaved portion patterned into a circular eye. They wear a purple varsity jacket with "DUEL KING" printed on the back, and a black tee with a crystal rose design. In addition, they also have the Millenium puzzle hanging around their neck.]

B

[blue_ice]

...Kaiba has several questions.

It's the puzzle that he recognizes first, that familiar gleaming gold taunting him. He finds himself walking forward several steps before he recognizes that the person wearing it isn't Yugi. In fact, if he looks at her face closely...it's familiar.

That's the girl. Mazaki. The dancer and chief of optimism operations. He sighs and stops in front of her, Goomy in tow.

"...what happened to you? And Yugi, for that matter."

[bloomingdespite]

Zahra's expression darkens as soon as they catch sight of Kaiba. While a large part of them respected the man for his dueling prowess and his sheer, stubborn determination; a larger part despised everything else about him. Anzu scowling at Kaiba may be a familiar sight, but there's something different in Zahra's expression. Something that more resembles his old nemesis.

"Presumably, Yugi's back home, living a nice, quiet life. No thanks to you. And I got abducted just like you, I imagine."

[blue_ice]

"...what? I haven't done anything to him. Not recently."

It's been...quite a while. He shook his head, looking more closely at her. She'd definitely gone punk, or something. Whatever. He's just resigned to having a headache at this point. Goomy senses her master's distress and gently nudges his leg, but he pays her little mind.

"Then how do you have the puzzle."

Yeah, he's just gonna get right to it.

[bloomingdespite]

Zahra's brow furrows as Kaiba stares at them, still dumbfounded. They had to admit, they were getting confused too. Something didn't quite line up here. It's like they-

And then he asks his question, and it clicks. Partially, at least. Lots of the details were still fuzzy. Okay maybe "clicking" wasn't the best choice on words on their part but still.

"It's because Anzu completed it, dumbass. At least in my world." The Eye of Wdjat blooms into life on their brow to punctuate Zahra's point. "My name is Zahra. We have a lot of catching up to do, I think."

[blue_ice]

"I wasn't aware that not immediately divining dimensional differences from disparate clues was such a strong indictment of my intellect," he groused, folding his arms.

"But you're not the first one. Apparently I confounded Jounouchi because he was expecting me to be a woman. So would that make you partners with the pharaoh instead of Yugi, then?"

[bloomingdespite]

"Something like that." Zahra could already feel the headache coming on. They were heading off Kaiba's next impulse before the neural train could even leave the station. There was no way they were going to have this conversation again, the second time was already too much.

"But before you get all hot and bothered about the prospect of finally getting one up over Atem: it's not going to happen. I can feel him chomping at the bit right now—some things never change, I guess—but me and Anzu are really not in the mood to start another cycle of endless failed attempts to beat me in a duel. And there's no way we're separating just for your sake."

J

[luckydragonsfoot]

The fact is, Katsuya doesn't see this coming. No, not at all. In fact he's not 100% paying attention to the dancing- for a moment he seemed to just be staring off into space, or maybe at his galaran ponyta instead. And then-

"NYH-!" Then he's tugged. This 'Jonouchi' is a bit different from the one that Zahra knows. One can practically make out scars in his eyes- one on his hand perhaps, if they grabbed the left one. And something about him seems...simultaneously younger, yet older...

But Katsuya also dresses differently, and not just because he had to get clothes in this place. It's time for shorts! T-shirts!

And are those dog tags, those look like-

"A-A... Anzu?!" Hey wait a second isn't that- "...O-Oi, ain't that th' puzzle..!?"

[bloomingdespite]

Zahra flinches when they're called by Anzu's name, nearly missing a step. Nearly. Filled with irritation—it has been a year, he should really know better by now!—they nearly slam Jounouchi into a wall (gently) (ish) before they take notice of all the differences.

He seemed younger—physically, at least—but the unfamiliar scars on his hands are old, older than what they can possibly account for. Something's wrong here.

"One," they hiss into his ear, "it's Zahra. Two... I have a feeling we have a lot to talk about." Taking a deep breath, Zahra finishes their dance, and practically drags Jounouchi over to the bar/buffet. Barffet? No, that just sounded gross. As they drag him, he may catch sight of the "DUEL KING" embroidered on the back of the jacket, adding even more questions to the pile.

Sighing, Zahra sips from their soda, swirling it in its glass. "Alright. This seems like a good place to start as any." They close their eyes, measure their breathing, and manifest the Eye of Wdjat on their forehead. "Do you recognize this?"

[luckydragonsfoot]

"NYHH-!?" WELL THAT SURE HAPPENED!

On the one hand, he's used to the 'Mazaki' side- even if he hasn't been on the receiving end for...a while. But...Zahra?? Did something go weird with the Tenmas, is that what's happening-

Well. He has a feeling that isn't the case, not when Kaseri the ponyta gives a cheery knickering sound and trots over to follow.

He sure does catch the embroidery though- quite the contrast from what his 'duel king' would ever wear, that's for sure...

Uh. "Uhhhh... Uh-" ...Well, now that he's been bodily dragged over to a bar and convinced to sit by reflex...

....

Katsuya's blood runs cold. "...Yeah. Yeah I sure as hell do," he manages, eyes wide with both recognition and confusion alike. "O...Other Yu-" No, wait. He furrows his brows, studying the other. "...Nah...nah, 'f you've got th' puzzle then..."

Something happened here.

Something he doesn't understand.

"...Think you c'n keep explainin'? ...Cause I'm lost," he manages, tone somehow stiff as he wills himself not to look at the puzzle or the 'eye'.

[bloomingdespite]

Zahra snorts at Jonouchi's reaction, taking a swig of their soda. That simplifies things, then. Somewhat. "Good. So I take it I don't have to convince you that magic is real, ghosts live inside puzzles, and that Duel Monsters are intelligent."

Since much of the exposition apparently isn't needed, Zahra dismisses the eye. It was more of a party trick than anything else at this point; they haven't had need to inflict penalties or use magic at all in months. But a bit of shadow power can go a long way if you need to freak somebody out.

"Before I waste hours yammering on about stuff you've already experienced, I need to know: who completed the Puzzle in your world? And do you know the names Kaiba, Bakura, Pegasus, Marik, Noa, Tenma, Dartz, Siegfried, and," they pause, bracing themself, "...Atem." The Aether Foundation explained that alternate realities are real when Zahra arrived; it wasn't too much of a stretch to imagine that there were different versions of their own world as well.

[luckydragonsfoot]

"Ehhhh..." Hah. Hahahah. HAHAHA- "...Y... Nah, y' definitely don' have t' do that..." he half mutters, coughing into a hand.

God, he's so glad it was just a glowing eye. "...Who comple-" WAIT. "O-OI, how th' hell did you end up-"

right

"...Yugi did. Did tha' in Kaiba's world too, he's from a differen' one from mine though," he adds, scratching his head. "Er..." On the one hand, he knows most of those. On the other. "Errr...Ain't Dartz like...that guy runnin 'Paradius' or whatever..?" he asks, frowning. He's heard a mutter or two from the siblings about meetings but...that's about it...

Uh. Oh.

"..." He swallows. "...Last one. ...Heard tha' one but...not in mine. I..." He blinks, and blinks slowly. "Look...I dunno what yer doin' w that thing on if y' got that name, but from what Kaiba was sayin', once he got 's name back- once he broke tha' seal an everythin'," he adds, sounding oddly well versed on the matter as his eyes haze over somewhat, "...Once he got tha', he went t' the afterlife."

The haze fades. "He doesn' have that yet where I'm from- th' 'Other Yugi' that is..." ... "...So...What's goin' on w' you then?" His expression is one of caution. Severity.

There is no joking air to his words, or his look.

[bloomingdespite]

Zahra takes note of Jonouchi's near-manic response and raises an eyebrow, but doesn't press. That alone spoke volumes; it seems like this Jounouchi was far more involved with the supernatural than he was in Zahra's world. They'll ask later, there are apparently more pressing things to discuss.

"It's stupid, really." Zahra chuckles at Anzu's memory. It seemed like- no, it was a long time ago. "Anzu caught you diving for that piece you threw away like a delinquent, dragged you by the ear to Yugi's house, and gave him the last piece directly instead of dropping it off with Sugoroku like you were planning. Yugi decided to let Anzu have the 'wish,' she put the last piece in and got the puzzle... well." Zahra shrugs. "The rest is history. It sounds like destiny got its way in your world, though."

Sighing, Zahra idly toys with the puzzle's chain as their Baltoy whizzes around them, curious. Jounouchi's sudden transition to dead seriousness is... odd. Even when he was in the direst of straits, Zahra recalled him approaching everything with an unflappable jocularity that was almost admirable. "Here's the thing. Anzu and Atem's souls, they... didn't fit together quite right. The puzzle was meant to go to Yugi. He was Atem's reincarnation, not Anzu. So every time one of them forced a switch, instead of the pieces clicking into a different configuration like it was supposed to, they just kinda got... mushed together. At first, it was clear who was who. Didn't get bad until after they beat Pegasus with that stupid mind swapping thing.

"What really sealed the deal was getting hit by Ra dead-on, though. They survived, barely, but that much shadow power..." Zahra clenches their fist. "Well. I'm here and not them, so I think you can put the rest together. I eventually figured out how to pull myself apart, give Atem and Anzu their lives back, but they didn't want to. They liked being me, for some-" Zahra's hand slaps their cheek, and they wince. "Okay, okay. Jeez. I need to love myself, etc. etc." Shaking their head, Zahra continues. "Explaining it to you and the rest back home was a pain, so I really hope that your verbal comprehension skills are better than my Jounouchi."

C

[improvking]

The Spirit doesn't care that Anzu seems to be going through a punk phase, and he only cares that she's here insofar as the current scenario might be funny to watch play out. But then he realizes she's wearing the Puzzle, and all functionality just stops because what.

He has some pretty vivid memories of dissolving into light. ...Of the Puzzle. dissolving into light. also him, but that's not the point. The point is he doesn't know what to do with this scenario, and that's unacceptable.

"They don't use cards much here." Dry mockery, potentially offering advice? Ok, yes, he can work with that, good. He'll proceed after some sort of feedback. He knows he looks like Ryou ...mostly. The hair is less controllable than he's accustomed to; anyone who knew both Bakuras and paid the slightest bit of attention will instantly know which one they're dealing with, which is annoying but workable. The absence of the Millennium Ring feels horrendously noticeable to him, but...

it's hilarious to me that they're the most receptive to the spirit out of all people

[bloomingdespite]

When Zahra sees the Spirit of the Ring, their face runs a gamut of emotions. Surprise, anger, remorse, wistfulness, and eventually settling on a neutral, enigmatic smile.

Yelling apologies to the very confused trainer on the other side of the court, Zahra walks up to the spirit, noting the absence of the ring. That was surprising, but there's no way that this isn't the spirit. Looking him up and down, their grin grows ever so slightly wider. "I don't suppose you've figured out a name for yourself yet, The Spirit Formerly Known as Thief King Bakura and/or Zorc?"

first meeting of the Composite Souls Are Confusing Club is now in session

[improvking]

Huh, more receptive response than expected.

He shrugs airily. "That's a bit of a mouthful, perhaps an acronym?" Names, pfft. He hadn't considered this before, though - he's going to need to pick something, isn't he. He's way too accustomed to his bodies coming with names provided... ugh, he's never been great with naming things. He suspects 'Villager E' won't cut it.

[bloomingdespite]

Zahra smirks, crossing their arms. "As you wish, T.S.F.K.T.K.B.Z... yeah, that's still a mouthful. I'll stick to calling you the spirit for now."

After everything that happened in his RPG, Zahra has a lot of regrets. There was so much more that they could've done, so much that they could've changed... but right here, right now? This is their second chance. "Now, do you have any dastardly plots in dire need of foiling, or can we talk like civilized composite souls? I think we have a lot to catch up on."

[improvking]

Cackling; that acronym is long, sure, but it's hilariously long. He might keep it.

"Hm, do we?" He eyes the Puzzle calculatingly, licking his lips before returning his attention to Anzu - or to someone who resembles her. "I suppose we could start with who you are."

B.

[perpetual_underdog]

"I know my imagination can be a little out 'dhere but... I really don't know where any of dis is coming from," Joey might have been a bit in denial as he surveyed the vicinity catching sight of the various stands and creatures he didn't recall from duel monsters. Any previous attempts to explain what had actually happened to him had been swiftly discarded with a wave of his hand and a 'sure sure, dimensional holes....'. Occasionally that included an eye roll. "Guess I shouldn't have had dat pizza so late at night...."

Reaching up he placed a hand to his overtaxed forehead, before letting his fingers slip into his bangs as he shook his head. Catching a figure in his peripheral vision he straightened up angling in that direction letting his hand fall back to his side. "Is that...?!" He legitimately had to do a double take since this person shared a facial similarity to Téa... and,,,, not much else.

Sure, physically too, but there were plenty of teenage girls that could boast those measurements. It wasn't hard to convince himself that this peculiar looking Téa was this dream's representation of her so he hurried over towards that lamppost. "Hey Téa!" Said while beaming and waving. When he drew near enough he halted, smile still plastered on his face. "Get a look at you! It's like... well I dunno what it's like but you wouldn't even recognize yourself!" He assumed this would not be insulting since this was a figment of his imagination.

this is the best possible thing oh my god i'm cackling

[bloomingdespite]

Oh sweet Slifer, another one.

Zahra could deal with one Katsuya, especially since the one they met at the hoedown was surprisingly mature. But two? Two? Maybe if it was the one from Zahra's world from an earlier time or something, but otherwise... Bracing themself for an onslaught of stupidity, Zahra sighs, turning to face "Katsuya." The puzzle around their neck gleams in the light of the lamppost.

"Jounouchi, I appreciate the effort you're putting in to not call me by Anzu's name, but... that's way off the mark. Try again." Zahra looks at Joey expectantly, hoping to see some glimmer of recognition in his eyes to no avail.

Incoming confusion!

[perpetual_underdog]

The light reflecting off the puzzle does manage to catch his eye. "I better not let Yugi know dat you swiped his puzzle. You know how attached to dat 'ting he is." .. And with good reason since from his perspective Yugi and the pharaoh had been dueling partners for a while now. They'd formed a strong bond built on mutual respect and trust. He took a moment to try and guess what his subconscious was trying to tell him with all this, but he had nothing. I mean sometimes a dream was just a dream. Joey definitely wasn't going soul searching for every nightmare he had about Kaiba standing over him and belittling his dueling prowess... though truthfully those were pretty obvious. Clearly it meant he needed to face his demons in the wakeful world. This Téa thing was just random.

She addressed him with some peculiar nickname that sounded a bit like his own name at the start but had way too many syllables that followed. "Eh? Try again? Anzu.... what are you talking about?" He blinked a couple of times in rapid succession before trying to forward the conversation again. "Maybe you could save us some time by just coming out with who you think you are?"

[bloomingdespite]

That clears that up, at least. This definitely wasn’t Zahra’s Katsuya. Which meant that he was another idiot boy who they’d have to explain and justify their existence to; and if his oafish demeanor and horrendous accent were anything to go by—was he trying to imitate Keith?—this “Joey” had a particularly thick skull and it would take some extra effort to pound everything in.

“I’m Mazaki Zahra. If my hunch is correct, you might know me as the only woman in your group of friends, whatever you call her. On my world, Yugi gave her the puzzle, the Namrless Pharaoh took up residence in her head, and after a year of cohabitation their souls merged into mine. Don’t worry, that won’t happen to Yugi in your world, he’s meant to bear the Pharaoh’s soul unlike Anzu.

“Now. What’s your name, if you’re not Jounouchi Katsuya?”

[perpetual_underdog]

The perception of him that she was forming was honestly.... sadly... something he was used to. A lot of people assumed that from his behavior and manner of conversing that he was an idiot, and let's be real- he didn't do a whole heck of a lot to dissuade them. Sure, he was trying to show others that there was more to him than brute strength through dueling but even then he struggled at times calculating the basic math involved in the game expediently so..... let's just say he was no honors student. What he lacked in intellect he made up for in heart.

"I wouldn't say the only woman...." Making sure not to commit the same faux pas that had hurt Mai's feelings back in Battle City. Sheesh, how was Mai doing anyway after all the terrible things she'd been through? ".. but yeah... the only one I see on a regular basis, sure. Dat's fair." As she proceeded to explain his eyes glazed over. This was a whole lot of bizarre all in one package. "Oh- so.. you're like da pharaoh and Té- Anzu..? All wrapped up into one." His chin tipped downward as he took in her feminine features again. "Isn't dat- uh... kinda a weird adjustment for da pharaoh?" There were some obvious benefits to being in a girl's body, but... COUGH. This was Téa. Er Anzu... er Zahra?! Oh, his head was already starting to hurt.

"Oh... I'm Joey. Joey Wheeler." Looking back up to catch her eyes. "So dis Jounouchi must be your...... world's version of me huh?" Grinning a bit as he looked for more flattering details about this other self. "He must be quite da duelist himself by now, right? Won any tournaments?"

J. Giratina Went Down to Alola

[shining_friendship]

Drawn to the vicinity by the festive music, at first she was overwhelmed trying to take in all the new sights and sounds. Boy did she have unusual timing, showing up in the middle of a party like this. Still, that being said Téa found herself swaying in time to the music not having quite committed herself to completely showing off her moves yet though it certainly was tempting. Spotting an opening in the crowd she manages to elbow and excuse her way through so she can get a better look at what's happening in the center.

At first it's just the movements she catches sight of, the flow of the limbs and the rhythm of the steps. It's not hard to tell what's got the crowd standing around in awe. There's something oddly familiar about the dancer's form and poise but it's only after her vision pans up to the face that she's taken aback. Sure, the hair is styled completely differently but that bone structure and those facial features.... were her own.

"What in the...? This is too weird. There's no way I could be in two places at once!' Even if she had just recently fallen into this world and experienced other strange and new phenomenons. That being said, it was too late when the figure drew closer to her, taking her hand out of all the rest of the crowd at random. Or- was it so random? Téa was vaguely aware of the request but she felt like she had observed enough of the performance that she really didn't need much guidance. Somehow though- her tongue felt thick and immovable so she didn't say as much, she was just too stunned by what she saw. She proceeded to make the attempt at dancing along, her initial steps were jerky and unusual for her but they soon smoothed out. Ideally she would get a chance to converse with this person afterwards.

[bloomingdespite]

It's amazing how well Zahra can dance in iron-studded platform boots. Granted, they've had a lot of practice, but with the way that their feet are moving you'd never guess the boots weigh anything more than a feather.

Platform boots, two years of growth, and a bit of extra muscle also mean that Zahra is taller than Téa. Which also means that, caught up in the dance as they are, they don't notice that they're dancing with their younger self's doppelganger throughout the entire performance. And despite the year-long break in which they didn't have the time or energy for anything other than running, dueling, and playing a bit of Monster World... Zahra's dancing is breathtaking. Pirouettes and leaps and even a backflip over Téa's head like it's nothing, all in perfect synchronicity with their partner.

At the end of the performance, Zahra takes a bow and drags Téa off to the side, a sheen of sweat over their brow. "Haha, holy shit you were AMAZING! I feel like I owe you a drink after putting up with all of... my..." Zahra trails off as they finally get a good look at Téa. She can practically hear the dial-up noises inside their head.