#We're taking Zabaniyya with us next time

[pof203]

A Summoner Birthday

Special Quest: Mob Characters

Master, what this place? Me no understand.

You guys have done so much for us in the Summoners, I thought you could use some appreciation and take you someplace fun.

I guess that makes sense. You took a chance on all of us when very few would and we'll always be thankful for that. But still, you really didn't have to go all this way for us.

Lupin: Don't be silly, you're all worth it.

You brought Red Oni, Water Merman, Green Luchador, Aether Angel, and Purple Trickster to the virtual fairytale world for some fun.

But did you have to take us to such a kiddy place? I maybe young, but not that young.

Don't be like that, kid. Coach Lupin's goin' through a lot just to bring us here.

He is right, young one. Show Lord Lupin gratitude. Be thankful I am not as merciless as Lord Zabanniya, but do not tempt me.

Purple Trickster: (defeated) Okay, okay. So, what have you got planned for us, Big Bro?

Lupin: I think I know just the place, so that way, you won't see this place isn't just for "kiddies". Let's go.

With that, you and your Mob set off.

A little later, you and your Mob arrive at the dwarves' cottage by the beach.

Water Merman: (happy) Water! Now you know what I like.

Red Oni: (unsure) Me can't swim. Me not like Blue Oni.

Lupin: Don't worry, Red Oni, this water is virtual, it can't really put out our flames.

Green Luchador: And me and Water Merman will be right there with you. You'll be fine.

Red Oni: (cheering up) That okay.

Purple Trickster: We're really going swimming? I guess we can do that.

Aether Angel: I cannot swim, either, because I cannot get my wing wet. However, I can still fly overhead, that should be just as fine.

Lupin: You can do that. After all, this is to show appreciation.

So, you and your Mob (save for Aether Angel) go into the cottage to get changed before going to the beach.

A little later after getting changed, you and your Mob were on the beach.

Okay, I'll admit, this place isn't bad at all. It's actually fun. I so can't wait to get in the water.

Same here. I can just hear that big clue calling out to us. Let's not keep it waiting.

Yes, let's not. Red Oni, are you ready?

Me always ready. As long as Master is with Red Oni.

C'mon, let's boogie!

Aether Angel: I will just overhead, but I will try to enjoy myself, as well.

With that, you, Red Oni, Water Merman, Green Luchador, and Purple Trickster go into the water and swam. Aether Angel soared above you and enjoyed the scene before him. You all were having a wonderful time together.

Later that day, you, Red Oni, Blue Merman, Green Luchador, Purple Trickster, and Aether Angel go back to the cottage where Red Oni had lit a fire on the grill and you were all roasting marshmallows.

Red Oni: (munching on his marshmallow) This good day, Master. Red Oni had much fun.

I'm glad to hear that from you, Red Oni.

Purple Trickster: And thank you for the marshmallows, they taste great.

Blue Merman: As long as we're not going to roast fish next... That was a joke, by the way.

Aether Angel: (just staring at his marshmallow) I do hope this does not count as a sin.

Green Luchador: (laughing) For enjoying a marshmallow? I'm sure even the Big Guy Up There wouldn't mind. Give it a try.

Aether Angel: Forgive me. Some of these things are still new to me. As you may have guess, we Angels... do not get out much. But still, this has been such a glorious day, Lord Lupin.

Lupin: Thank you for that compliment.

Red Oni: We love Master. Master has been kind.

Blue Merman: It's true. We're just a bunch of nameless characters in someone else's story, but you the only one who showed us respect while most other wouldn't even give us a second glance.

Green Luchador: That's right, Coach. You took a chance on us and made us feel like we're something greater, that we don't have to be just "the help", that we can do great things, too. We're not just defined by our labels.

Aether Angel: Even Lord Zabaniyya and Lord Israfil saw it and you showed us that we are just as important was others. You truly posses a great light that gives us hope in an otherwise hopeless situation. You showed us love.

Purple Trickster: Mister, we feel nothing but gratitude for showing us how much you appreciate us. We will always be happy for that. And... we will always love you for it, too.

Lupin: And I love you all, too. Never forget that. You're all special in your own unique ways. As long as you believe, you can do anything.

You all come together in a group hug, knowing that even those who seem less important are more than they appear.

As night fell over the beach, you all decided it was time to make your way back to Candyland to return home.

[a-cat001]

The Coolest Lion in Daikanyama

“Huuuuuhhhh, I’ll never get through all this paperwork at this rate, aaaahhhh”, Arsalan rolled over onto his side on his desk in exhaustion as he had been hours at  work filling out paperwork for the abbey as per requested by Maria. “There has to be something to do other than this” he whined, no sooner than he had spoken, an angel came by his desk with another stack of paperwork causing Arsalan to bury his face into his arms in defeat. “I wish a certain cub would come by, I bet they could make this mundane work more exciting.” he said to himself, his face still planted in his arms. A sudden loud noise made him lift his head back up to see its source, “Come on Maria!”, “No Gabriel, you have responsibilities to attend to here, you can’t go to the party.”. It was Gabriel and Maria with Gabriel trailing behind Maria clinging to her clothes in a pleading fashion “But I got to put on a hit performance at such a party, even MC is going to be there!” Gabriel cried, this caused Arsalan’s ears to perk up at the mention of your name and a party, “What’s this about a party Maria?” the lion asked. “Shinjuku Academy is hosting a large party to celebrate their recent academic success schoolwide” replied Maria, “Yeah and the one thing that a party needs is a show and you know what's even better? A duet collab, it’s just what the people are waiting for!” Gabriel exclaimed indicating she wanted you to perform with her. “Again Gabriel, you have responsibilities to take care of on top of the fact you nearly gave them a heart attack last time you decided to randomly pull them on stage” said Maria, quickly cutting down Gabriel’s hope of performing, “Plus I believe that the party is only for Shinjuku students” she added. Gabriel continued to cling to Maria as she walked off, still whining about attending the party, leaving Arsalan to himself. He soon begin to think to himself about the party, staring at the stacks of paperwork on his desk, feeling more exhausted as he thought about the hours he would spend filling them out, “I’m sure that one break couldn’t hurt, it’ll boost my moral and I’ll be able to finish this paperwork in no time, plus I bet my young cub could use some company at such a rowdy event.” he thought to himself, stroking his chin as a smile came to his face.

It was the night of the party and you meet up with the rest of the summoners before heading down to the main reception “Ooooh I can’t wait to hit the buffet line, I heard Choji prepared all kinds of delicious stuff for the party!” Ryota said as he bounced along, “Hold your horses there bud, you may have to compete with Behemoth on that one” Kengo remarked. “Don’t take me lightly Kengo! All is fair in food and war and I don’t intend to lose, not even to Behemoth!”, Ryota said, “Woah where'd all this seriousness come from?!” Kengo replied. “Isn’t it all is fair in love and war?” Shiro quipped looking puzzled at Ryota’s earlier statement, “Same thing” Ryota replied which made you laugh, “looks like no ones changed” you remark. “Remember we are here to enjoy ourselves, my friends not to fight.” Moritaka said, “There will be plenty of food and games to enjoy for everyone, speaking of which I think I may enjoy myself in a game of frisbee toss while we’re there.” he added his tail wagging at the thought of frisbee. After you arrive at the party some of your friends break off to go enjoy different parts of the party while you go with Ryota to enjoy the buffet table, sampling the delicious array of food that is present until a sudden noise from the crowd in the distance catches your attention. You and Ryota move in to find out what the noise was about, running into Kengo in the process and asking what the was causing the commotion but Kengo simply stared forward with his mouth agape before answering “Uh, who is that?”. You turn in the direction he motions to and your jaw quickly hits the floor at the sight of a large lion transient wearing shades, white high top sneakers, shorts, an unzipped leather hoodie with the sleeves ripped off and a white t-shirt with the words “Lion Pride” written on it. “Hey yo cubs! The coolest lion in Dai- Shinjuku has arrived!” Arsalan roared as he pumped his fist into the air, “That Kengo, is a cry for attention” you sigh. Perhaps you spoke too loud as Arsalan quickly turns to your direction before his face lights up and he runs over to you picking you up off the ground into a massive hug, “greetings young cu- I mean, how’s my main cub!” he shouts, earning you more than a few stares. By the time Arsalan puts you down your face is beet red and you grab Arsalan’s paw to lead him to a less crowded area where you can talk to him, “What are you doing here?”, “What, I’m just here to enjoy the party and see my favorite cub.” he responds. You cross your arms and raise an eyebrow at him to which he breaks his facade ,”Awwww come now, don’t look at me with that face, you know I don’t do well with paperwork.” he whines, you give him a quick boop on the nose before reminding him he can’t just ditch his responsibilities. “This will be a one time instance, besides Maria will have my tail if I return now”, You give a defeated sigh and uncross your arms, “Fine, just try to blend in ok?”, you ask, “Gotcha” he replies, flashing you a smile and a pair of finger guns, “Huuh, ok, also what’s with the outfit?”, “Hmm, I thought this is what the youth of this world normally wear is it not?” he replies. Looking him up and down you chuckle before heading back to the party, you spend most of the party hanging around Arsalan, partially to keep him company and part to watch over him. You and Arsalan play mostly sports games and mingle with the crowd, meeting up with several of your friends and students from your class, with Arsalan “trying” to keep inconspicuous. HIs methods are however, drawing more attention to the two of you, “Hey yo! Nice to meet ya, how’s it hangin”, he would shout or he would shout into crowds, “Come on cubs raise your hands in the air!” and while it definitely got you some puzzled looks you couldn’t help but enjoy his enthusiasm. This continued for a while so you decided to take a break and grab a drink, but as you do a pair of students from another class come up to you with smug grins on their face. “You always tend to attract the freak show don’t you” one of them said, the other behind him chuckling, you give them a glare “What’s it to you what my friends are like” you retort. “Oh it's nothing it just makes sense that someone as weird as your friend would be following you around considering just how weird you are yourself.”, “What’s that supposed to mean?” you reply, now getting tired of the pair's attitude. “Oh come on, you may be the big talk around school but don’t think I haven’t seen the way you really are, crying to yourself, freaking out for no reason, hanging around a bunch of weird transients all the time, you're just like your friend, nothing but hot air.” he says, “I-” you begin but hang your head down at the realization that someone was calling you out on your problems. The pair laugh at your defeat and turn around to leave but are stopped as the first one collides into a large figure that had been listening in on the conversation. “Would you care to repeat yourselves little cubs?” Arsalan says, his face contorted in anger, “Who are you to judge others, especially MC. They have done nothing but devote themselves to others in need, which is why I and many others follow them. They have done more for this Arsalan and many others throughout Tokyo than you two could ever hope to as you are!”. They pairs grinning faces quickly turned to scowls “Why don’t you mind your own business you old poser geezer.” The first one says as they both unseath their sacred artifacts, Arsalan grins through his serious face as he pulls out his own sacred artifact, plunging it into the ground causing oil to spew up.

Back at the abbey, Maria had just received a phone call from the police that an incident had occurred at Shinjuku Academy involving one of their guild members. Upon arriving with Zabaniyya they are shocked to find Arsalan cuffed hand and foot, his head hung low, learning later he had been apprehended after he knocked two of the students unconscious. He was later released to the two after multiple witnesses testified that the students had instigated the fight but was still warned about starting fights especially considering the amount of oil everywhere after the fight. “I can’t believe you snuck out to go to a party Arsalan, you need to be setting an example!” Maria cried, “I know Maria, I deeply apologize for my actions and accept my punishment.”. Maria continued to huff for a minute before she left to talk with the police again about the incident and to apologize to staff, so you decided now would be your chance to talk to the lion. “H-hey thanks for standing up for me back there” you start, the lion perking up at the sight of you, “It was the least this Arsalan could do for you considering all you have done for me.”. You motion for him to lean down to your level to which you plant a quick kiss on his cheek, causing his face to blush deeply as he places his paw on his face where your lips had just been. “You know if you're getting bored at the abbey I could always drop by more often to hang out.” you say, the lion giving a wide smile before replying “Thank you my precious cub, I will be excitedly awaiting your arrival -Owowowow!”, Maria had returned and began to drag Arsalan away by his ear. As he was dragged away he waved at you still smiling wide. Zabaniyya approached you to express his thanks for watching over Arsalan before he leaned down to whisper to you, “I thank you for giving lord Arsalan the quality of time, he truly misses you back at the abbey and enjoys your company,... as do I, we both await your company”. You give Zabaniyya a smile before you decide to tease him a bit “maybe next time we can take you out with us.”, Zabaniyya begins to get flustered for a minute before he settles down to respond “Perhaps we could try something simple, I do not believe I am ready for such an occasion, and if I may request that I not be forced to wear such an attire, please?”.

[pof203]

A Summoner Birthday

Previous post: https://pof203.tumblr.com/post/724063985494818816/a-summoner-birthday

Story (Chapter 9 Part 2)

Boundless Tail!!

With one strike from your sword, you end the battle.

FLASH

What? What am I doing?! Why am I attack?!

And more importantly, why is Lupin here?!

You see, it's like this...

One explanation later...

Zao: So that explains it. I was just posting pictures for our club on our club's website.

Yule: I think I was looking at the same thing. I'm sorry sorry we attacked you.

No apologize needed. You guys were just under a spell, that's all.

Zoa: We know. But still, we have to make up for it. If there's anything, anything at all, please tell us.

You think for a moment... Then you have something.

Lupin: Well, I know Arachne designed our clothes to help us in the cold, but we could use a little rest and warming up. Maybe you could use your Rule to make us a hot spring.

Zoa: (happy) That's a great idea.

Yule: We made a hot spring resort last Christmas, I'm sure we can do it again using this barn. It doesn't seem to belong to anyone. But even with Zao's Rule, building it will take some time.

Oh, it won't take long... If we use a little magic.

Yule: Yeah, that could work.

Here's hoping it does.

Hecate: Then let's get started! Role of the Alchemist. Rule of the Arcane. Engrave mine name, Hecate, onto thee...

Crossroad of Destiny!!

Using her Rule of the Arcane, Hecate casts a spell on Zao and Yule so they can do their job faster.

Zao: Role of the Ascetic. Rule of Traverse. Engrave mine name, Zao, onto thee...

Yule: Role of the Deliverer. Rule of Gliding. Engrave mine name, Yule, onto thee...

Third Eye!!

Serendipitous Delivery!!

With their combined Rules, it didn't take long for the barn to be changed.

Yule: All finished!

Lupin: This is wonderful. Thanks, you three.

Zao: You're welcome, my fellow mountaineer.

A little later, you're all relaxing someplace nice and toasty.

(sighing happily) This is the life. Just what the doctor ordered.

I know what you mean, My Lupin. If feels like we're in a resort.

I gotta hand it to ya, you did a pretty sweet job.

Thank you, Kengo. It's just a shame Yule can't join us. He says he's warm enough.

...

Lupin: Is something wrong, Zabaniyya?

Wakan Tanka: It's alright to tell us, My Zabaniyya. We're all friends here.

Kengo: (laughing) Maybe's just shy.

Zabaniyya: It's not that. I'm just wondering... if he should join us...

You're all silent for a bit because you know who he's talking about.

Zabaniyya: ... You know, it's probably for the best. I don't think he even has the right out fit for it.

Oh well, you win some, you lose some.

(from the girl's side) Perhaps next time. (If Life Wonders will give him such an outfit.)

Zabaniyya: Perhaps you're right. I'd hate for him to feel not included, even though he possessed me that time and still is.

Wakan Tanka: We know. Especially... if you join the Summoners.

Lupin: That's right, I forgot. If you join us, so does he.

Zabaniyya: I know I should hate him because, when he possessed me, I missed so much. But I can't bring myself to do. In some way, he's a part of me... He is me.

Wakan Tanka: I understand how you feel, My Zabaniyya. It's the same with me and the me who is a World Rep. But we both found common ground. We both love Our Lupin and want nothing more than to be with him. Maybe your found your common ground, but don't know what it is yet.

Zao: My Third Eye is showing me that he's right. You'll find it soon enough.

Zabaniyya: ... (happy) Thank you all. I'm sure we will find it.

Lupin: We know you will. We have faith in you... The both of you.

Zabaniyya smiles at this hope for the future as you enjoy the hot springs before moving on.

To be continued...