Emily advanced down the sidewalk at a brisk pace, cradling the box that housed her Gerbera Tetra Omega. It was a customized version of the standard Gunpla carrier; colored crimson with deep emerald tiger stripes along its length to match the Gunpla inside. At the center of the top flap, the Greek symbol for Omega was inlaid into the surface. She carried the box gingerly at all times, safeguarding the source of pride within. Hopefully it would see some use today and earn another tally on its shoulder.

The news had reached Emily of a Gunpla team starting up within the school; a much-needed addition after three years without one. Previously, she'd have to contend herself by finding matches elsewhere, but with Gunpla battlers popping up at Von Braun High, it would be much easier to practice. She momentarily scolded herself for lacking the initiative to start one on her own; had she done so, she might not be so starved for competition. 

[i]Layzner's[/i] front doors clanked open, followed by the welcoming [i]ding-dong[/i] of a typical storefront motion-sensor. Emily stepped in, eyes darting from the shelves of Gunpla kits to a back room. Behind the glass panel stood a handful of kids, not much younger than herself, who were gathered around a Gunpla Battle machine. 

At the front desk, Kelley tossed a glance at his store's newcomer, looking up from his work. "Hello! If there's anything I can do, give me a holler." Emily approached the counter, still focused on the battlers at the end of the store. 

"Hi there," she replied, setting her Gunpla box on the top of the counter. "I heard that some new students from the high school were starting a team and use your store to practice." She gave a nod towards the battle room. "Is that them?"

Kelley looked back and gave a nod, grinning. "Sure is! They come here often; bring some life to the store. A little exposure is good for business, y'know?" His eyes wandered to Emily's striped box and his expression changed. "Oh- You're the one they call Cima, aren't you? I'm pleased to have you at my store! I've heard a bit about your exploits." He dug through an old stack of newspapers, presumably articles on Gunpla, and pulled out a old issue with a photo of Emily holding a triple-stacked trophy. "You won the last regional tournament!" 

Emily couldn't help but return the storekeeper's smile, allowing herself a hint of fulfillment. "You seem to keep up-to-date with everything Gunpla around here. I live a town away, so I haven't looked inside your store much. I may as well visit more often if I can expect a reception like this!"

The storeowner chuckled, returning the paper to its place in the pile. "I'd appreciate your business! If folks see someone of your caliber hanging out here, I just might see more sales. But anyway, that's the group you're looking for. Can't speak for them, but I don't suppose it'd hurt to go say hello."

"Thanks," Emily replied. With that, she walked over to the battle room, giving the door a knock and brandishing her Gunpla box through the glass panel. "Are any of you up for a real battle?"