Event #3: Shooting Star Wishes

[beautifuldreamermods]

YUMEMIGAOKA

As it is every year, Yumemigaoka's annual Tanabata festival is held at the street just outside of the Hikawa Shrine. The street and the shrine itself have been closed off during the day beforehand, save for the volunteers running back and forth in the miserable weather to set things up and decorate every inch of the festival space. And all their efforts do pay off - by the time the festival starts at seven in the evening, the street has been transformed into a lovely spectacle; hanging lanterns twinkle with raindrops and cast a warm glow over the street, paper stars are fluttering gently down from strings strung between lampposts and stalls line the full length of the street with food offerings, festival games and just about everything in between. Unfortunately, the month's poor weather hasn't let up yet so the festivities are a little dampened by persistent drizzle, though it seems like everyone's absolutely determined not to let that ruin the festival atmosphere!

For folks looking for games, they can enjoy:


⧖ The most popular stalls, the shooting games! Using a gun loaded with paper bullets (so, you know, mostly harmless) the aim of the game is to get a clean hit on one of the prizes along the back of the booth and knock it down! The prizes are mostly candy, snacks or kids' toys but they're deceptively hard to get a good shot at...
⧖ Goldfish scooping, a summertime classic! Using a scooper with a thin sheet of paper for the net, try your best to catch as many goldfish swimming around the water below. Do well enough and you'll win a prize and you might even be able to take your goldfish home - make sure to take good care of it!
⧖ Senbonbiki is basically pure luck - bundles of prizes, usually candies and small toys, are strung up along the top of the stall and you just have to give the corresponding other end of the string a tug. Whichever bundle of snacks comes down is yours! Of course, if you're particularly unlucky then you might get a dud or penalty prize... but surely nobody's luck is THAT bad, right?
⧖ Ring toss! Throw rings onto targets marked "1" through "10", each worth different amounts depending on where they land. Beat the high score and you'll win a prize! Though do you really want to walk around the whole festival with a giant plushie under your arm all night...?

There's also a ton of options for Japanese street food; some traditional, others more modern takes. There's fried stuff, grilled skewers, rice balls, all manner of delicious noodle dishes and mountains of sweets too; taiyaki, chocolate covered bananas, shaved ice, cotton candy, and just about everything and anything else you'd want to spend an evening stuffing your belly with. And naturally there are plenty of drinks available including freshly squeezed fruit juice and tea and some booze for those who feel like playing with fire.

Aside from the rest of the festivities, the main event is really the hanging of wishes - it is Tanabata, after all. A few tables at the top of bottom of the street have been set up to carefully shelter them from the rain and have a whole rainbow of tanzaku for people to write and hang their wishes on the bamboo trees both in the street and in the shrine down below. You can hang as many wishes as you like, if you're feeling particularly greedy, but...

The festival doesn't really reach its peak until darkness falls and, undeterred by the continued drizzle, the Hikawa Shrine lights up the sky with its famous annual fireworks show - it's always pretty spectacular but perhaps out of spite for the nasty weather, it looks even more fantastic than usual this year.

With the fireworks done, the festival begins wrapping up and it's time to head home. But as you settle into bed for the night and drift off, it becomes apparent that the night's festivities have only just begun...

THE DREAM SPHERE

It's happened almost every night for a week now - when you drift away to sleep, your regular dreams are slowly, gently interrupted by a strangely vivid image, an enormous bamboo tree with a wide canopy of leaves under a dazzling night sky. It's maybe not a surprise, given the upcoming festival, but as the nights go by it just gets more and more intense... until the night of the Tanabata festival itself and suddenly everything changes. As you settle down to sleep for the night, whether you went to the festival or not, the moment you close your eyes and drift off... you find yourself distinctly Somewhere Else.

The dream – and surely, it must be a dream – unfolds as an expansive open field, drenched in the silvery light of a magnificently star-spangled sky above and cut through with a river of flowing water that reflects the sky so clearly, it looks to be filled with stars of its own. A fine, steady rain falls and fills the field with a soft mist and the fragrance of the hundreds of tiny, bell-shaped flowers swaying lazily in the grass. And at the center of the field is a familiar sight – that bamboo tree from your dreams, somehow huger and with branches even more widely spread than before. This time they hang low enough for you to reach out and touch and you'll realize as you draw close that the tree is weighed down with tanzaku strips, all glowing softly as if illuminated from within by the wishes upon them.

It's then that you also realize that you're not alone here. And that you're here at all – in the Dream Sphere. Slipping over to the other side isn't uncommon for Dreamers, but... hold on a second! Aren't some of the people here just regular people too? Whatever this strange dream is doesn't seem to have discriminated between Dreamers and the regular folks – maybe it's thanks to the magic of those two starcrossed lovers but somehow, the lowercase-d dreamers of Yumemigaoka have also crossed into the Dream Sphere tonight! The effect will only last until morning, at which point the dream will unravel, so you might as well enjoy it while you're here. Many of the mundane dreamers will find they're able to move differently in the Dream Sphere, running faster and jumping impossibly high and long distances with nary a scratch to show for it; no magic of their own yet, but at least enough to have a little fun while they're here.

There's a little bit of natural magic at play here in the environment, too. If you approach the tree with a wish in mind, there's no need to write it down; it'll appear in pretty, sparkly ink on an appropriately colored tanzaku strip, already tied to the tree. Or if you go to peer at your reflection in the river, you might see it take on a shape that reflects the wish you're carrying in your heart.

... Except...

What sort of things are you really wishing for? The things you won't admit out loud to anyone, or even to yourself? The deepest wishes right in the darkest part of your heart that you want more than anything? Unfortunately for you, this tree seems to be of a mind to grant wishes and once it's gathered enough of everybody's tanzaku, there's a bright flash of light...

And suddenly everyone's secret wishes have been made manifest... though only in the Dream Sphere, of course. These can be anything from silly wishes to something more serious - the important part is that these secret dreams and wishes have been pulled out of your head and put on display for everyone here to see! How on earth are you going to deal with this gracefully?!

Regardless of what you choose to do, the apparitions only last for an hour or so before fading away and the sky lights up with a beautiful meteor shower that seems to go on forever. You're free to stay and watch the meteor shower and enjoy your last moments in the Dream Sphere for as long as you like but eventually, as you're watching the stars streak down from the sky, the dream around you begins to gradually fade away until you find yourself stirring in your own bed. Though it was an exceptionally busy dream, you find you're well rested and... okay, maybe a little embarrassed after all that.

Nobody will be able to return to that strange field or find the dream to stabilize it but... maybe that's fine. Aren't some things all the more special for only happening once a year?

code

Comments

[miracle_miruca]

1. These games are rigged

Somehow, Miruca had managed to score the night off. The stress of transferring to a new school right before finals had siphoned away most of her free time, and what wasn't taken by that was instead taken up by work. But here she was, with the night off, ready to relax and, perhaps, attempt to have a little bit of fun. It was a small blessing she had barely grown over the last few years, her yukata, a light green with a floral pattern, still fit fine.

Sadly, it seemed fun was not in the stars this evening. She'd been parked in front of the goldfish for 5 minutes now, her attempts to nab one up for herself having resulted in nothing more then several destroyed scoops. "How annoying. There has to be some sort of trick...." She's muttering to herself in an obviously frustrated voice as she reaches into a coin purse that is steadily becoming more and more empty. "I would like to try again. This time, I shall succeed." Unfortunately, that is probably not the case!

2. Sad Miruca in snow (minus the snow)

Eventually, Miruca had finally won that goldfish. With her tiny aquatic friend in a little bag, she'd made her way back to her apartment where it'd been dropped into a small fishbowl she picked up on the way back. It wasn't long after that she dropped into her futon for the night. Was she going to have that same weird dream again?

The answer, of course, was yes. But this time it was a little different. She was very much not alone. There weren't a lot of familiar faces, she had only moved into the area recently and had hardly made a large amount of friends, but even she could tell some of these were normal people. They didn't seem to be in any danger, so it was the large tree that attracted her attention. She'd been so focused on that stupid fish scooping game that she had forgotten to leave a wish in the real world. But it seemed this dream tree had her covered. With a tiny flicker of light another tanzaku appears on the tree's branches.

Even she isn't sure what is on it, but she finds out the moment the wish granting light fills the area. Appearing right in front of her are two figures, a woman with long blonde hair like her own, and a man with short black hair. Her face goes slack-jawed for a moment before she rushes at them, and tries to throw her arms around them. They pass through the figures entirely, causing her to stumble and fall flat onto her face. The figures don't seem to notice at all. She doesn't bother to entirely get up, sitting up with a very obviously distressed look on her face. Of all the things this blasted dream world could do to her, how dare it do THIS? She isn't sure if she should shout angrily, or just cry. Judging by the expression on her face, though, it looks like the later seems to be winning out.

rigged!

[noonecandestroythemetal]

Sam...has been losing, on purpose (If it's all in the wrist, well. Sam's wrists are strong. Music has made them so!). Though she swears she's seen the other girl's face before, and arches a brow at her, more than a bit curious.

"Do you really want a goldfish?" Not that it seems like Sam's had much luck herself. Still, that sort of thing could change in an instant.

"The game's fun, but I'm not sure I could take care of one if I actually won it...if you could give one a good home, I wouldn't mind giving mine up, if I manage to catch one?"

[miracle_miruca]

Miruca's losses have definitely NOT been on purpose. She wouldn't be so obviously frustrated if she was losing on purpose. She turns towards the voice, wearing an entirely expressionless look on her face.

"I do. They are small and cute. I want one so I have something waiting for me when I come home at night." She could hardly afford to get something like a cat or a dog. Fish don't require shots and expensive food. They just need a bowl, some fresh water, and some fish food flakes sprinkled in every now and then. Even she could afford that.

"But mostly I just want to stop losing." Her pride fights with her practicality at Sam's offer to just hand over a fish. Would it be the same if she didn't win it herself? But then, if she spends much more she won't be able to afford any of those delicious looking snacks, either. In the end, her pride is pushed aside. "I would rather win it myself, but I don't seem to be having any luck doing so. I would not be adverse to adopting one."

[noonecandestroythemetal]

Sam does consider that for a moment or three. "Well. I could let you make a few more attempts and pay for said attempts. Or if you're hungry we could go get snacks after, either way. I'm easy, really."

What she means is easygoing, which is true. Sam has made something of a place for herself and managed to make it well enough. She might never win much recognition anywhere, but she's fine with that. She's still managing to do good, and that, to her, is what matters most.

That and she could use a snack herself, so why not offer?

"It's kind of all in the wrist, though. And being quick enough to not soak the paper when you do try to snatch up one of the swishy little fellas. They are small and cute, you're not wrong. I just worry about forgetting about one. I'd feel awful to come home and find one belly up. So if you're less forgetful, well." Sam was all for goldfish adoption!

[miracle_miruca]

Why is this person trying to be be so nice to her? Is this area just THAT much more friendly then the one she left behind to move here? Miruca is not used to a great deal of positivity in her life, so the local population has left her with a little bit of a culture shock. It makes her slightly suspicious. But surely this woman wasn't some sort of weird kidnapper or something. Besides, everything was going on in the public eye.

"I think a break is a good idea. I am growing increasingly annoyed with my inability to claim victory. A chance to allow my mind to calm down sounds optimal. I want noodles. And a candy apple, maybe. I think I still have enough for both without giving up on Mr. Fish." She sure seems focused on that fish. But her belly is telling her that maybe its time to do something else for a bit. "Afterwards, I shall make more attempts using your advice. And I shall triumph."

[noonecandestroythemetal]

"That sounds good to me! Especially the candy apple." So long as it wasn't the teeth-shattering type that one could get around Halloween back home. Sam would rather not, thanks.

"I probably ought to eat something remotely nutritious before I go straight for candy and shaved ice, though. Even if you can get it with fruit." The sweetened milk that comes with it, well. Less nutritious, Sam suspects.

"Do you want to do any wish-writing, or is that kid stuff?" Don't ask her, she doesn't really know. Too busy studying or too new to realize what it was all about the last time it came around. But at her companion's final statement, Sam can't help but laugh. It's not mean, though, and she pumps her fist at the enthusiasm.

"Hell yeah, say it like you mean it! I'm Sam, by the way. I think I've seen you around before, but I can't remember where."

[miracle_miruca]

The tiny blonde still feels mildly uneasy with the extreme random friendliness, but it seemed it was not so much that she wanted to be left alone. She, honestly, did want to make more friends, she really only had a handful of them, but why would anyone choose HER of all people? Yes, she might have a lower opinion of herself then the people around her. Blame all the negativity in her life.

"I have nothing against people hanging their wishes. Its a nice thought. But there is nothing for me to gain by doing it. The only thing I want would be unrealistic to expect, I'd rather not find myself disappointed this year as well." In other words, no need for that. "I only moved to this area last month, I am uncertain where we would have met. Unless you saw me..hmmmm, but you really don't seem the type." She doesn't sound like she's being judgemental. Maybe she'd better explain to avoid coming across that way. "Its nothing to brag about..." And she honestly doesn't sound like she is, her tone is so calm and soft. "..but I've been in a handful of magazines. Perhaps you saw me there? I really don't like to talk about it much, though." Definitely not trying to brag. "Oh, I have yet to give you my own name, huh? Its Miruca. If you want to know anything more, it will have to wait until I have food. Once I am properly fueled, I shall return for Mr. Fish."

1

[reluctants]

Illya kind of wanted to try out most of the games for herself. Even though she's not sure how well she'll do at most of them, they do just seem fun to try out, even when you don't win a prize.. And sometimes she ends up watching the other people play the games more than she necessarily participates in them herself.

This is one such case, because it's so hard to tear her gaze away from Miruca's many attempts at mastering the goldfish game. It's like watching a traffic accident happening in real time, and you're wondering if you should speak up before it gets even worse.. She'd like to give the other some tips, b-but then again, Illya is not great at this game either, and maybe nothing she could say would help here..?

It leaves her hesitating for quite a bit as she watches, nervously shifting her weight from one foot to the other, but then Illya decides she has to at least say something here.

"Um, you-- y-you can do it..!"

Look, it might not be helpful advice or anything, but at least she's trying to be encouraging here..? Maybe it'll help?

[miracle_miruca]

She's so focused on her failed efforts to capture one of those little fishies that Miruca doesn't seem to even realize her attempts have become a spectator sport. She tries numerous different methods. One time she moves slow, trying to predict where the fish will move and then she strikes! The scoop is having none of it, and shreds without even giving her a bit of hope. The next attempt is a rapid strike. No plan, no thinking, just going straight in. Predictably, it also fails. Its on the third attempt that a voice addresses her as she goes in.

Naturally, this ends in failure as well. She turns towards Ilya, a look of annoyance on her face. If she hadn't been distracted....but no, not even she is able to fool herself to that extent. The look rapidly softens into a much less scary looking one. She knows she can't blame a girl who was just trying to encourage her.

"I do hope you're correct. I was hoping to have enough money left after this to get something to eat. I am becoming convinced the game is rigged." Its an excuse and she knows it, other people around her have won. She is the one that keeps failing.

[reluctants]

Oh sheesh.

The moment Illya initially gets the scarier look thrown her way, it's as if Illya grows a shade paler on the spot. It almost looks like the girl is trying to decide whether she should just run away, even if it might look a little silly after speaking up.. Anything is better than standing here and enduring someone getting mad at her.

Thankfully Miruca's gaze does seem to grow a little less intense. It doesn't fully ease Illya's nerves, since she still looks kind of shy and nervous, but at least she isn't bolting. It's something.

"Um, how-- how many attempts do you think you can still make..?"

You know, before Miruca runs out of money.

Illya still isn't too sure if she can help the other, but getting a good idea of how many tries are left is a good first step, right? Even though things might get pretty high stakes here if it turns out Miruca only has one last attempt remaining..

[miracle_miruca]

The blonde seems to realize she'd been needlessly rude. While not the friendliest person on the face of the planet, she wasn't the type to go around hating people for having the audacity of trying to be nice to her. She does her best to put on a more friendly look. Evil glare mode has been officially turned off. Of course now she looks like she's just sort of staring, but at least its not intentionally scary, that has to be some sort of upgrade.

"Hmmm...." She digs through her coin purse. "Well, I wanted to get some yakisoba, so if I save enough for that, then maybe seven more tries. I may be forced to leave my little fish friend behind." She really did want to bring one home, though. A fish is a perfect pet for someone without a lot of money, and that definitely described her. "Did you want to try, too? Perhaps taking a short break will let me get my emotions in order." Besides, she HAD been kind of holding up the line with repeated attempts.

[reluctants]

"Oh.. sure!"

Illya sees a chance when she's being thrown one, and she is - metaphorically - making sure to grab a hold of this one with both hands. Partially since the other sure is looking less scary in this moment, but also because Illya wasn't really sure how she could help here.

Letting Miruca take a break by taking a turn first? She can do that much. So Illya is already stepping up to hand over some money to the owner of the booth, getting ready for her own first attempt.

"Honestly, I'll probably be no good at this.." She lets out a laugh - not fake, but a little awkward all the same, like she's a little flustered. "So maybe you'll feel better about your own attempts after seeing me!"

Talk about putting a positive spin on things, huh.

[miracle_miruca]

The older girl steps aside to let the new fish combatant step into the arena. Regardless of how much or little help she gets, its better to return kindness when its offered. It wasn't exactly the most common thing in the world, after all.

"I would honestly prefer to see you succeed. I am not the kind of person who takes any pleasure in watching another fail simply because I have. I actually am very much not fond of people like that, so naturally I will not allow myself to be one. Besides, if you are able to claim victory, perhaps I can learn what I was doing wrong. So, I wish you good luck. I fear I am not very good at cheerleading, but I could attempt if you like." That scary expression is entirely gone now, replaced by a seemingly emotionless look on her face. Its at least better then looking like she was gonna take a bite out of poor Ilya, so yay?

2.

[healthepast]

Dreamer Guardian is doing his best to keep an eye on everyone. He's still not at all sure as to what's going on with all the normal people here. But if it's a trap, he's going to do his best to be prepared.

On another round, he watches a girl run towards two people -- only to pass right through them and meet the ground. Watching that, his heart can't help but ache for Miruca. He's quick to make his way over to her and kneel down beside her.

"Hey, are you okay?" Though, it certainly looks like she's ready to cry. And he doesn't know exactly what happened, but he can imagine whoever those figures were, both were very precious to her. And only to pass through them. She's probably having a rough time right now. "I'm sorry. I don't know what's going on, but I'm here for you."

A shoulder is the least he can offer.

[miracle_miruca]

It takes several moments before there is any response. The girl very much isn't in the mood for socialization right now. She doesn't look up when she finally responds. Her voice sounds like its TRYING to be calm and controlled, and utterly failing.

"Its fine. I'm fine. It was stupid of me to expect some sort of miracle." The figures that seemed to cause her distress stood entirely motionless and soundless. They aren't moving, they aren't speaking, its like they were cardboard cut-outs that couldn't even be touched.

The girl lifts herself to her feet, peeling the goggles away from her eyes to wipe at them. She herself is clearly a Dreamer, no one would be dressed in such an odd outfit otherwise. "I appreciate it. I really don't want to be alone right now. I don't believe we've met, though."

[healthepast]

A miracle. He looks back at the unmoving figures. He can only imagine what she's going through, not having any of the details. But he respects boundaries, and he won't press for any information she doesn't want to give.

"Ah, right. I'm Finl-" Whoops. He forgot where he was for a second. What with all the civilians and visions around here. It's Miruca's Dreamer uniform that reminds him, actually. "I'm Dreamer Guardian. I'm an experienced Dreamer. I have healing and crystal powers."

He hopes that's a proper enough introduction, with how strange this meeting is. With how strange everything in the Dream Sphere is. Seriously, he still hasn't figured out just what on Earth is going on.

He admittedly misses his shoulder bag. He'd offer her a snack, a juicebox, and even a handkerchief, to sit her down and take as long as she needs. He envies the civilians in that regard; if only to have what his civilian form would.

So the question is distraction or reassurance? He tries to read what she's responded with already. And decides on distraction.

"Did you at least enjoy the festival? Ah, assuming you went at all." He gives a gentle smile.

[miracle_miruca]

She doesn't look like she wants to volunteer the information. Perhaps when she's had more of a chance to get her emotions under control she might be a bit more forthcoming. It IS a bit of an odd situation, but its obvious the Dream Sphere and its giant Tanbata tree granted her SOME kind of wish. It just didn't seem to be something she wanted as much as she thought she did.

"Dreamer Guardian, hm? And I assume you're trying to guard my emotions now?" She seems to have calmed a little. "I don't mind, though." She knows she is the sort who never would have actually looked for someone to help her calm down. Right now this complete stranger was as close as she had to a friend, and she wasn't going to reject him simply for being someone she didn't know. "I'm a complete novice as a dreamer. This is only my second month doing it. I call myself Techno Queen. It is not a music reference." She sighs. "It was not until after I decided on it that I realized how presumptuous it was for a complete beginner to refer to herself as some manner of 'queen'. But to actually answer your question, the festival was nice. I had good food. And I got a goldfish, too. I haven't decided on his name yet."

[healthepast]

The guarding her emotions gets a nervous chuckle out of him. He hadn't thought of it that way, but then it's not entirely wrong, is it? And now he's a little worried at how he might be coming acrost. But she doesn't mind, so that's a relief.

Well, Techno certainly would sound like a music reference, he's quick to respect that of her as if he'd never thought of it himself.

"Welcome to the team, then, Dreamer Techno Queen. I'm always happy to lend a hand, if you ever need it. I remember when I was new and how overwhelming it was."

Honestly, it's overwhelming now. He's never been particularly confident in his abilities here, despite all of his advancements. But that's neither here nor there, is it?

"Those goldfish are really cute. I tried to win one, but I guess I didn't have as much luck this time. Do you have any name ideas so far? Or are you looking for suggestions?"

Because a fish sounds like the perfect idea to derail from the whole fake-wish thing going on here.

[miracle_miruca]

She could definitely use a distraction. Despite the attempts at conversation, she can't help but keep glancing at the figures she'd passed through. Its only a desire to not be rude, as well as genuinely needing the company, that prevents her from just walking away from the conversation entirely.

"I appreciate it, but I have hardly contributed much yet. This unintentional visit is actually one of my first times here in the Dream Sphere. In the real world, I am still adjusting to living in an entirely new place and going to a new school. It has left me with little desire to figure out an entirely new world. If I am honest, I am not even entirely sure what my own ability here is."

The talk of her hard won goldfish does at least drag her off of her negativity for a moment. "I have not given Mr. Fish any thought. By the time I got him a bowl, some food, and made it home, I was very much too tired to think about it. I did just enough to make sure it wouldn't be floating upside down tomorrow morning. Didn't even bother to get out of my yukata, its going to be horribly wrinkled when I wake up."

There's a moment's silence, before another glance at the figures. "..So, should I explain them? I think I might feel a little better if I did. I won't force you to listen, though."

big rigged: over the gold fishing

[daughterofthemark]

The girl variously known as Arianna, Anna, and Violet doesn't initially recognize her coworker--not really surprising, since she's seeing her from behind. As far as she's aware, she's just randomly walking up to a total stranger and saying: "Perhaps you should reconsider your strategy first?"

[miracle_miruca]

All dolled up in a yukata with her naturally curled hair up in a single braid would easily make her difficult to pick out of a crowd. She responds before turning away. "I have tried numerous different methods. I believe I am merely fated to have victory denied." The voice sounds vaguely familiar, though, and its enough to get her turn. "Oh. its you Anna." Her tone grows a little less annoyed. "Enjoying the festival?"

[daughterofthemark]

"I am! There are so many interesting kinds of food here!" Well, Anna's priorities have been established.

"I thought to try the ring toss next, but I thought this looked interesting. So one simply tries to catch a fish?"

It sounds so easy when she puts it that way, huh.

[miracle_miruca]

"Technically that is all there is to it. I want one to bring back to my apartment. You can't cuddle a fish, but it'd still be nice to have something there waiting for me when I get home."

A frown touches her face. "But its not as easy as it sounds! These scoops have to be made of the most frail substance known to man. I have tried numerous times, and have not managed to scoop one of them up. Perhaps I merely lack the manual dexterity needed, I've seen other people win." She sounds ever so slightly bitter about that. Just a wee bit.

[daughterofthemark]

Anna frowns, too, as it occurs to her that her own apartment also has a distinct lack of cuddleable company. This leaves her distracted enough as she examines one of the scoops that she doesn't really learn anything from it... though it's hard to say what she was expecting to learn.

"Perhaps there is some trick to it. Shall I try it myself as an experiment?" she asks, as if she somehow needs Miruca's permission. A concept that hopefully will still seem silly once she's done.

[miracle_miruca]

For something actually cuddly, the ring toss would have probably have been the better choice just for the stuffed toys. But a stuffed toy wasn't ALIVE, it couldn't be happy to see you come home. Of course neither could a goldfish, it had the mental capacity of..well, a goldfish, so it wasn't going to leap out of its bowl and cuddle its owner when she came into the room. But the fact it was alive meant all the difference to Miruca.

"There is surely some sort of trick. It seems, however, I am not much of a trickster, for it has eluded me. Perhaps you have more talent then I do. At the very least, you can enjoy the thrill of the hunt, though a goldfish is not exactly a deadly foe."