A young girl wanders the streets, she'd look around curiously at the various books... "Geez, what the heck am I gonna get her? Books... No, not her style. Um, oh! Maybe a stuffed animal? Her room used to be filled with them." As she ponders gifts, she'd simply stand on the street for now. Lost deep in her thoughts of what a certain girl with pink hair might want.

Homura-chan? What are you doing in a place like this? At a time like this?

The girl shakes her head, why wouldn't she be out at a time like this? "Oh, I was just trying to think of something to get Madoka honestly... Gah, why is it so hard to figure out!?" She sounds slightly annoyed with herself, as though she's spent far too long thinking on this subject with no good answer. "It's gotta be something good, I can't just mess up our first Christmas together!" For now, she'd be utterly oblivious to Madoka's being here... Hopefully, the girl didn't overhear that.

Heh, must be nice. Say, what does Madoka like? Maybe that'll give you an idea of where to start.

She raises a hand to her chin, hmm... No, weapons are of no interest whatsoever, and geez why is Em's shop the only store she knows well? "Um, cute stuff I guess. She's always been pretty girly really... Wouldn't fit me, but I've always thought it was great on her."

Madoka sneakily moves up to the front, holding a... Manga? Hello, shopkee- Ehhh?! Homura-chan!? Haruko-chan!? She hides it behind her back and giggles nervously

Maybe some kind of... cute plushie? Like a king walrus or something... oh, or maybe that weird dinosaur that's all the rage. E-eh!? Madoka-chan!? When did you get here?

(A 7'3 man walks in).....why the hell am I here again..

*Shino enters the book store, and automatically gravitates towards the fantasy section* Hmmm... I wonder if they have it here..

I mean....I don't even read books..

Homura stares at the other girl for a moment... Oh no, how much of that did she hear? And wait, what's sh- meh. "Madoka! Geez this is pretty late for you, isn't it? Oh well, it's still good to see you!" The girl would run over to Madoka with a grin on her face, pulling Madoka into a hug for a bit... Well, maybe longer than a bit, as she lets go, she'd try to grab one of Madoka's hands only to note them behind her back and smirk a little. "Ooh, something you didn't want me to see Madoka? Well, I won't pry too much! I'd hate to bug you after all."

Then again....I don't live Inna house....cuz I don't have a house...sooo

*Any sense of concern Haruko had at all this, any at all, very quickly evaporated as she'd cover her mouth to disguise laughing at Homura's antics.*

I've been here! For a bit... Madoka giggles and hugs Homura, still strategically hiding the manga behind her back. I-It's a secret! It's not the only thing I'm getting you, but um, you'll like it I hope! You'll see on Christmas Eve... Madoka practically purred against Homura like a kitten. No peeking! I'll scold you if you do~

Rattling can be heard in behind the bookshelves before a resounding THUD! Ow ow ow! A man's voice can be heard after the thud, though slightly muffled. Anyone nearing the rear of the shoppe would see Ryoma struggling under an avalanche of musty books. He digs himself out while attempting to find something in the pile. Aw jeez. You think you find what you want and your whole world comes crashing down. Quite poetic actually. The man sighs from his sitting position. He continues to pile the fallen books neatly as he continues his search.

(He runs up to ryoma, and pulls him up) ay....mate ya alright?

Aitome wanders around the store, holding a bundle of oddly colorful books in her arms as she looks around, whispering to herself ...Hopefully nobody sees me like this... I honestly can't believe your making me do this... Eventually Ai bumps into Shino and yelps in distress Gah! S-sorry! Oh! I'm not supposed to be loud here! Ahem! Sorry. Are you okay? I'm a bit clumsy!

*She hears the sudden crashing.* Uhhh.... I'll leave you two to your.... gift-giving. *She then rushes out the door and sees Ryoma rummaging around in the books.* Oh! Did you lose something?

*she smiles and nods* Yeah, I'm fine. It was an accident, so no worries... I'm not exactly the best definition of grace myself.

Homura's face goes red for a moment, she'd start stuttering before taking a breath to calm herself down... A smirk crosses her face upon hearing that. "Oh? Are you gonna punish me? Hmm, I bet that wouldn't be so bad! After all, anything is fun if it's with you!" Despite her attempts to keep calm, the girl's face still looks a bit red as she turns away from Madoka and looks toward Ryoma. She'd giggle upon seeing the fallen pile of books around him. Geez, was he climbing through them or something? "Oh, hello Ryoma-san! I see you've come out here too, looking for something, or just crawling around in a pile of books as a new hobby?"

*Two Rebel soldiers were spying on the group and they soon begin to wisper to each other* Rebel 1: You know we could kidnap those kids and bring to General Morden so that we can brainwash them into becoming soldiers and fight the Regular Army Rebel 2: that is a good idea *Little those rebels know Marco Rossl was behind them and soon two bodies can be heard falling to the floor* OOC: what the rebels look like: http://piq.codeus.net/static/media/userpics/piq_147019_400x400.png

No no no! It was my fault uhm, I actually don't know your name! I don't think we've been introduced! The names Aitome Korichi! Nice to meet ya, whatcha doing here? Aitome then looks around, dumb question thinking back on it, but hopefully it'll work

(He glares at the rebels, towering them sense hes 7'3) ya better...stop what ya doing or I'll fuck ya up men..

*Rep could see two dead Rebels and Marco with his knife out before he puts it away*

*Gets whacked in the head by a book!* Ow, my beautiful face.... *She'd then look down at the book and grab it.* I guess I should probably go give this.... *And then by the time she looks up, the mysterious girl was gone.* Back? S-she's gone!

You're right, we haven't been introduced....Nice to meet you Aitome, my name is Shino Yuki. And as to what I'm doing, well... I'm looking for the sequel to my favorite book series.

Oh....um..that was fast

P-Punish? Madoka blushes before giggling cutely. Maybe I will! I still want Homura-chan to be surprised though!. Um, is Ryoma-san okay?

Ryoma accepts the assistance as he finishes stacking the books. Much obliged.... He notices it's the troublemaker. ....sir. He then turns to Haruko with a shy smile. Well you see, I actually dropped a couple old texts about coffee roasting and special techniques. Trying to spice up my arsenal of barista talents.

(He walks up to Marco) well...that was easy

Oh, I see. Looking to become a better barista after seeing all the local places, huh? *She'd then leaf through the book she was hit with, finding only strange formulas and a language she doesn't understand.* Well I don't think has anything to do with coffee...

*Marco sighs* Yeah it was also you talk too much *Marco soon pass by Rep and walks to the group*

Well fuck ya to mate

Aitome then tilts her head quizzicaly, book... Series? This was new to her Nice to meet ya Shuno Yui! At any rate your looking for a book series? I suppose that would be the next volume of a book? What are you reading? If it interests me I might grab it! Ai then takes a look outside and notices something strange, weird, did somebody just die? Nah, just her imagination.

She'd look over at the book Haruko's glancing at... How odd, she's assuming it's magic of some kind, but what? "Geez Haruko-chan, don't get attacked with random books. Although, tell me if it's love at first assault or something!" She'd snicker to herself before turning back to Madoka, wait, what? "Ah... W-well, I'm sure you wouldn't do anything bad to me, right Madoka? And um, yes I'll be sure to keep it a surprise!" She'd then look around the room a bit, upon seeing Ai and some new girl Homura walks over with a grin on her face. Pushing her glasses up as she introduces herself. "Ai-chan! It's good to see you again, how long's it been since we last met anyway? And I've never seen you before, but I'm Homura Akemi! And it's nice to meet you I'm sure!"

It's called Alteria 2.0...It's a follow up to the Alteria series. Unfortunately, it seems to be sold out everywhere. Maybe I'll have some luck here though.... *she then notices Homura approach* Right.. Another new person....My name is Shino Yuki, and it is a pleasure indeed.

Owain struts down the street, his hand on his face, but rather than over his eye, for once it's on his chin. ... I could try and find her a gemstone, but those are hard to find, the good ones anyways... I know she enjoys weapons, but I'm not sure she likes it enough for a Winter Festival present... Owain looks up, noticing the mass amount of books inside the nearby bookstore, and he immediately begins heading towards it. Perfect! She'd love a new spellbook to work with! Or maybe she'd like a good novel, actually... Owain opens the door in a dramatic fashion, his left hand now firmly over his full face as he enters, giving a wide smirk. He looks through the people inside for the shopkeeper as he begins to speak loudly. Hark, peddler of knowledge, and grant me audience, for I have a quest of great import which requires the aid of one so well versed in the subject of the written word such as yourself!

The man laughs awkwardly with a genuine smile. I do need to up my game yes. Especially with that Joe fellow. I can't do snacks unfortunately, so my beverages must be able to do the trick. He continues his search as he rifles though the piles he put to the side.

Have you ever tried naming your drinks after puns? I'm sure that'd reel in the customers. *She laughs a bit at her own really terrible suggestion, glancing over at Owain and slowing her laugh to a stop...*

Alteria? That sounds... familiar I think I've seen it before. Not sure though, isn't that the one with the zombie and the uh... The uh.... Elf monster? Where everyone insists they call her that or something? I might be mixing that up... *Aitome then notices Homura and panics, hiding the stack of books in her arms behind her back and trying to smile without looking suspicious, which just makes her look even more suspicious O-oh! Muramura! I-Its nice to see ya! I think it was back in the dream where we met! Time sure flies huh? This is uh Shoes! I just bumped into her that's all! Isnt that right Shono? *Aitome then fumbles and nearly drops all of her books as Owain jumps in, Gah! Careful! This is a book store! Your supposed to be quiet! I think!

My signature brew is called Bike Blend. I can go further than that? The man ponders as he continues reading the book covers.

*As Marco reaches the group, he waves* Hi

Actually, you're pretty dead on there. Although, for some reason Zombies are called Zambies... But, besides that, there's elves... Well, an elf and a Willowisp that was formerly an elf... I'm just now realizing how confusing this series sounds... But, it's a good series at least.

Owain laughs at Aitome's comment. Ha! My poor misinformant, that's for a library, not a bookstore! Wait... or is it both... Owain thinks for a moment, before shaking his head and shifting his hand to he back of his neck. Er, anyways, I guess I'll start looking for the books now... Owain begins sifting through the books, grabbing a handful before beginning to browse through them one at a time.

The girl twitches a bit, Muramura? Gah, how can anyone be this bad with names!? "Geez Ai-chan, do you try to get names wrong? Or is just a talent of yours..." She'd look at the unknown girl, tilting her head curiously as she wonders what the actual name is. "What is your name anyway? Ai-chan is horrible with them as you may have noticed."

There's always going for bad puns. *Don't do it, it'll only end in tears and bad coffee!*

*Marco seemingly ignored just sighs*

Aha! Found you! Ryoma picks up a dusty, leather bound textbook. He blows off the dust and grins widely. I don't need fancy names or fancy snacks. I'll use my advanced techniques to wow the Nexus and gain a foothold in this cafe eat cafe world!

*Realizing the girl must not of heard her earlier, she repeats it* My Name is Shino Yuki, and it's nice to meet you.

Oh that's right! I suppose I'm a little rusty there! Didn't the zombie run into a wall? I think that's the one moment I can really remember from my little look into it! Ai then turns to Owain, was it for a library? This was a dilemma Um, I think it's for both? Uh, b-but you really shouldn't do it anyways! You'll scare people like that! You almost made me drop my learnin- I mean very hard novels! Y-yeah! Aitome then turns to Homura, scratching the back of her head Hey! I'm not that bad am I? I know plenty of names! Like Radiowave, Seriyu, Wolfy, Black Mask, Boner, Succmeoff Benoducks, Tatsuya, patheic, and a few more to boot! If anything you should be asking the people who name them!

Owain continues to go through books, setting a few down that he's finishes, laughing once again at Aitome's statement. Scared? Of me? Nonsense, you're simply unaware of my presence before I proclaim myself, that's all. Uhm, anyways, do you know if they sell any books of the magical variety here? Spellbooks, tomes, etcetera? I have a... friend... who'd really enjoy receiving one, so I thought I'd pop in and check.

"Shino Yuki huh? Wait..." The girl puts her hand up to her chin... That name, she's heard it before. Like, Minato Yuki? "Minato Yuki? Blue hair, used to run a cafe around here? Or, maybe the name is just a coincidence." She'd then turn back to Aitome and sigh... She got Tatsuya-sa, well he hates honorifics might as well not add it. But, the rest of those all sound wrong for some reason... Boner? Does she mean that Bona guy? "Ai-chan, those sound mostly wrong. Except for Tatsuya... And what do the people naming them have to do with anything!?"

With cheeks flush red in excitement, Ryoma runs to the counter holding his musty textbook. He eagerly pays the shopkeeper before making his way out of the building. He turns and waves to the other patrons. Have a good evening everyone! And do ready yourselves for the rebirth of the Wandering Barista! I shall blow you all away! Hahaha! With that, he leaves.

Mhm, he's my dad. He still opens the cafe from time to time... Although, he's mainly retired.

*Marco looks around to see if there's any books the others would want*

Well yelling isn't exactly the most friendliest of ways to enter a building! Uhm magic books huh? Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Aitome then freezes up for a second, of course she knew where it was, she then points over in a direction, smiling awkwardly as she does, what do you mean the sign says "Children's Manga"? That should be where it is! I know it! Aitome then turns back to Homura confused, what do you mean they were wrong? What! There's no way! I totally got those right! You can ask the King of Labels! Or even Ketob! They should be right! I mean that you should ask why people are choosing names like Radiowaves! It makes no sense! Why would you name your child Succmeoff? Its strange!

Haha! Thank you, my good lady! Owain rushes over to the section Aitome pointed to, and begins rummaging through the manga like it's a sacred collection. He picks out one with a mostly white cover featuring characters with spiky blonde hair. He carefully inspects each page. What... is this? These tomes... Amazing! Such detailed depictions of events, showcasing how to use these book's hidden potential! I have to admit though, I'm not a fan of how flimsy they are... it feels like it could easily fall out of my hand. Owain continues to study the page, before he begins staring at a particular image. He then begins to smirk, placing his left hand over his face. What devestation in so simple a technique! Mayhaps I could try it here! Owain brings both his hands together, cupping them and beinging them back behind himself, as well as taking a firm stance. He continues to hold the manga in his hands. Ka... me..! The space between his hands begins to create a small ball of energy, and the air around him begins to push outwards, knocking over piles of books.

Aito then notices Owain do his thing, seeing the person suddenly form a ball of energy and panicking internally, dont tell me that she actually gave him directions to a magic tome! Uh! Are you sure your supposed to do that here! I'm a bit concerned about the area around it!

(A green being in a cloak and turban meditates above a quiet building parallel to the book shop. However, his meditation is disturbed by a sudden change of power nearby. His once closed eyes shoot open as he stares down at the book store.) "Impossible! I can't sense their ki! But this power, I know it all too well! What divine being would stoop so low as to learn that technique?" (The man leaps down to ground level and enters the building in search of the person charging up.)

Ha... me..! The ball grows to a larger size, and the air begins to get violent, with books and other objects now rising into the air with the sheer power of the energy. HAAAAAA! Owain quickly brings his hands infront of himself, outstretching his arms to push the energy forward. Nothing happens. Everything returns to normal, and Owain looks disappointingly back at the "spellbook". Hmm, maybe this book is faulty... or perhaps I've just been duped.

*Marco looks at @Sword_Hand* Hey I save a dude on a mission and he helped me by doing that but he said nothing and just shot it out of his hands but it was smaller but faster and nothing happened around him while he fired it

(The green man blinks several times in confusion.) "Well I suppose you weren't a god after all. Huh." (Piccolo just shrugs at the revelation.)

Aitome screams and jumps for cover upon the yelling of "HAAAAA" fearing for her life, however when she opens her eyes she sees nothing happen and takes a deep breath, gathering her things she dropped, looks like a children's first story book, and various how to read snd write manuals G-geez! I thought you were going to blow the entire place up! Don't do that by the way! It's bad! Very bad! Aitome the pays for the books with a bit of spare change and beats a quick retreat before things actually get explosive

Owain sighs and grabs a few of the regular books. He takes them to the counter, pays for them, and heads on his way. Whew, I sure hope she'll enjoy at least one of these books... I know she loves a good tale of heroism, so I bet at least one will be good...