[IC] A Change of Heart

[Shadowcatcher]

The world tree... center of Alfheim Online. It stands there, higher than any fairy can fly, as a symbol of strength and beauty. It is the backbone of this virtul world. This world where your imagination and a good amount of free time can take you anywhere. To reach its lush, green treetop is the goal of every fairy created into this world. It is a goal that is always just out of reach for all who dare try to fly to the top.

For those who are content with simply gazing at the tree from the base or from afar, this world's diverse community of players and NPCs makes it easy to set other goals. Ones that are easier to achieve and forces one to group up with others and make friends. One such onlooker is Momo Suzumori who is known in game as Shadowy: "the one who runs that cute little coffee shop near the Butterflies Valley." While in game, the less than intimidating Salamander fairy spends her evenings in her shop, occasionally traveling to the city at the base of the World Tree. Arun is the name of it. She goes there often to get supplies for her shop and ask around if anyone wants to work. She keeps her experience in the game peaceful, as her real life is hectic enough. Most days, she wishes she could stay as Shadowy forever.

Speaking of real life, here she was, instead of living it up in Alfheim Online, getting scolded by her boss for the third time that day.

"Suzumori, are you listening to me? You are not the 'moral police' do you understand? If a customer asks you for a double shot of Sake in her Arnold Palmer, you give her a fucking double shot. I don't care if she's pregnant or not. Got it?" The middle aged man said, clearly being passive aggressive.

"Yes, yes I understand. Gomen... I just thought-"

"Don't think. Just do your job before I send you home for the day."

Momo sighed as her boss waved for her to go away and she turned on her heels, holding up her tray and walking to the nearby table in her section and taking their empty glasses. "Hi, would you like a refill on your drinks?" she wrote down their order on her notepad, slipped it into her apron, and went back behind the counter to prepare the drinks. Glancing at the clock, Momo sighed again. Only four more hours to go... you can do this Momo.

Throughout her shift, it seemed like a neverending loop of smiling, taking orders, mixing drinks, sighing, mixing more drinks, smiling, then taking another order. It was when her shift finally ended at 6:45pm that she cracked a genuine smile. Changing from her uncomfortable slip resistant boots to her black flats. After waving goodnight to her coworkers, she left, braving the cool night air as she walked to her apartment. It was no more than a fifteen minute walk from her job to her home, but with aching and slightly blistering feet, it seemed like hours. When she did finally reach her apartment, she dropped everything by the door and crawled her way to her bedroom. Her nightly routine would start then. A light foot massage followed by a shower and dinner of leftover takeout was just the half of it.

As she sat on her bed, legs crossed and homework set in front of her, Momo would stare at the project, waiting to be inspired to draw something magnificent. She would sit with her chin resting on her fist, staring at the blank picture until she would give up and toss everything onto her floor. The Amu Sphere on her desk was compelling her to put it on and log into Alfheim, and after a moment she would give in, laying down and placing it on her head. After turning it on, she closed her eyes and relaxed. The pull on her brain that came after was almost as relieving as taking off a bra after a long day.

Almost.

[Desire]

Being a playboy millionaire had its moments, but this was not one of these moments. Running a business wasn't all it was cut out to be.

"We have a problem at our eastern manufacturing center, we've had defects in our new SUV models and the brakes aren't functioning properly. The public is expecting the new shipments by the end of this week and we need them fully functioning.", was what Takashi's second-in-charge babbled to him, Himato. He was an older gentleman, balding, a bit on the larger side, and had a temper when it came to things not working out right in the business. He acted like he owned it sometimes, and it aggravated him that a 23 year old was head of this whole corporation, and was just fresh out of college.

"Himato, for the last time, everything is going to be fine. I ordered a new shipment of brakes that I imported and they're top of the line. They get here by tomorrow, we install them to all the new models, and we're ready by the expected due date." Takashi sighed as he spun slowly in his chair behind his large desk. His office was quite large, what used to be his father's, it was basically the penthouse of the headquarters. All windows, statues and awards lining the only non-windowed wall, expensive furniture. And you couldn't forget the large desk with a state of the art desktop and the spinny chair. Oh how Takashi loved his spinny chair...

"You may leave now Himato, unless you have anything else you would like to say?" Takashi turned to face him, raising an eyebrow. Himato's face got red with anger and was about to say something before he bit his tongue. "This is very serious business Takashi, I hope you know what you're doing.". And with that he left the office through the door a few meters behind the chair, passing the secretary who has her desk right outside. The secretary was a pretty woman, always very friendly and was a great friend of Takashi's father; she was almost like an aunt to him.

"Sakura, I will be departing to my home now. It's getting a bit late, and I don't think I have anything else to do here. If anybody calls tell them I will get back to them in the morning." Takashi says on his way out the door as well, putting on his suit jacket and holding his briefcase in his free hand. "Yes sir, will do. Would you like me to send the cleaning crew in and lock up the place?" Sakura asked, looking up from her computer. "You read my mind." Takashi smirked, giving a little wave as the elevator door shut.

About an hour later he had pulled into his mansion and slid his nice, exotic cars into a garage full of them. There were about 20 in total, all made from his company with the famous "X" logo on the hood. After all, what kind of CEO would you be if you didn't drive your own cars? They just happened to be the nicest and most expensive. But it didn't even compare to the home itself, with a gated entrance, 20 car garage, a marvelous front yard garden kept up by the groundskeeper. There was a very large pool out back, a volleyball court, basketball court, a patio with a grill. And the inside of the house was just beautiful, three floors, interior decorating, several bedrooms and bathrooms. Everything a man could want.

And yet... He wasn't happy. Not in the slightest. Takashi was lonely for the most part at home, besides the maid who cleaned every so often. All this, and nobody to enjoy it with. The one thing that did bring him some joy was his beloved game. Takashi got out of his work clothes and slipped into some pajama pants, escaping to his large basement that was sort of a man cave. He relaxed himself on a beanbag chair and hooked himself up the the neuro linker. Takashi closed his eyes, and let himself be immersed into the game.

[Shadowcatcher]

When Momo opened her eyes, she found herself no longer in her room, but exactly where she had left Shadowy the day before. Her crimson haired avatar was sitting on a bench on the outskirts of Arun. She had placed her there after doing her usual weekly shopping in the city. Standing and spinning, Momo checked over her body, making sure that everything moved the way she wanted. Feeling content with things, she hopped into the air and spread out her red wings, flying off in the direction of her shop that was nestled in the middle of Butterflies Valley.

As she flew, she waved to the occasional fairy who came into view, likely going to cash in their loot from various quests. She'd even heard there was some kind of event going on. Momo had thought about joining in on it, but was impartial either way. She had decided not to participate unless a friend or someone invited her to tag along.

When she finally reached her house, she realized she was coming in too fast for a landing and did a lap around to slow down a little. When her feet finally did touch her wooden porch with a light tap, she looked around. "It's hard to believe I actually clean this place every day." she said with a light sigh. It was times like this she had someone else to help her run the Cafe. Deciding not to dwell on it, Momo went inside to get a broom to sweep the leaves from her porch.

She hummed a light tune as she began to set up her house for customers who were likely going to be coming soon. She arranged the furniture, moving the chairs closer together so she could get more, and replaced the small coffee table with a larger one. She set up more chairs on the kitchen for those who liked to watch her do her thing behind the counter. She didn't feel the need to decorate to fancy like, simply because she wanted to keep the feel of the Cafe as personal as she could. When people came in with their friends, she wanted them to feel like they were actually winding down with a hot cup of coffee and taking a break from the seemingly neverending grinding and monster hunting.

Momo took pride in the uniqueness of her little shop. Having it run in her home was only the cherry on top, as she could open and close shop whenever she wanted. The other good thing was that there was no where else in Alfheim where players could actually get a good cup of coffee. After a long time of trying to replicate the flavor of it, she finally made a perfect recipie that was all her own. Sure, the bars we're cool, but for the die hard coffee lovers, this place was the place to be.

Another thing she really liked about it was the fact that few people actually knew about this place. It was kind of a jewel that not very many knew about. It was enough to make good profit, but not so many that her house was overrun by a bunch of people. Typically the coffee drinkers were not as loud as those who loved their alcohol. The calm atmosphere of her cafe was perfect for her.

Finally after she had finished setting up shop, she went outside and flipped the wooden "Open/Closed" sign. Carved into it in a pretty design was:

Shadowy's Place
The Best Coffee in
all of Alfheim!
OPEN

"Shadowy! Hiiiii!"

Looking up at the sky, she noticed a few fairies already flying over. Waving and smiling, she would go inside and start making some fresh for her customers.

[Desire]

Takashi opened his eyes and yawned a bit, stretching his arms and legs. Although he forgot he was perched on a tree limb and fell, but with quick reflexes grabbed the limb so he wouldn't fall all the way down the tree. Well, that was close... He pulled himself up onto the limb again and stood up, having a look around. Where was he? After racking his brain and looking around he realized that he was in Butterflies Valley. He had just finished up a job of his, and his target ran all the way out here to avoid him. But, eventually Takashi caught up... He likes to play with his prey sometimes, make it more interesting.

Suddenly a message popped up, and raising an eyebrow, he opened it up to see who it was. "Alright, White Lightning. I have a job I want you to do, but I want to talk to you about it in person. Meet me Shadowy's Place in half an hour. It's fairly close by, I'm sure you can find it.". Apparently, it was a client who wanted his services. He didn't quite know the man, but apparently he knew him. But Takashi did have sort of a reputation... Besides, he needed the work.

Takashi gracefully front flipped down from the tree and spread his white wings, going up high in the air and looking around at the scenery. It was quite lovely actually, and he took time to admire it as he was looking for the tiny coffee shop. He had never heard of the place before, but I guess his client wanted to talk where not a lot of people would be, but still public. Besides, maybe Takashi could get some coffee.

After about half an hour, and a mixture of flying and walking around, he arrived at the quaint shop and saw there were a few people milling about. He needed to find his client, but first things first, he needed some coffee. So he walked over to the counter and saw a Salamander fairy with red hair sweeping the floor. "Excuse me, miss? I heard you sold some coffee, and I was wondering if maybe I could purchase some from you?" Takashi asked, leaning gently on the counter and brushing his stark white hair from in front of his face.

[Shadowcatcher]

Pausing in what she was doing when she heard the front door close, Momo looked up from the floor that she was meticulously sweeping, to see a tall man with white hair approach the counter. "Welcome!" she said, smiling at him. She placed the broom aside and gestured to a stool that sat on the opposite side of the counter. "Please have a seat. And you heard right, I make the best coffee in all of Alfheim." She said confidently, opening her menu to gather the few ingredients she needed, along with a large pot.

With a few swipes of her hand and careful measurements of each ingredient, Momo had prepared a boiling brown liquid in just a minute or so. Since she had to wait a few more minutes before it would be ready, she excused herself from the counter and walked around the house, grabbing empty cups and recieving money transfers from the customers who were content with just one cup. Some of them were regulars which she thanked for stopping by before they left. Only two others, a couple who were huddled close and gazing out the window, along with the white haired one were left in the house. Returning around the counter to wash the few cups she had, she jumped slightly when the timer on the pot rang out. Blushing and laughing lightly at herself for being startled, she took a large ladle and poured some coffee into a clean cup for the man who was waiting patiently. Opening her menu, she tapped the item that made her coffee 'the best in all of Alfheim.'

A small vile filled with a golden liquid appeared in her hand and she poured three drops into the cup of coffee before pushing it over to the white haired fairy.

"Enjoy." she said to him, smiling. The secret ingredient was the nectar from a rare flower called the Iris Germanica. With a high enough cooking skill, the blood red flower's nectar could be extracted and used as a sweetener. It was the perfect replacement for cream and sugar or normal honey that would weigh down and change the flavor too much of the coffee. The flower itself was very hard to get a hold of. Those with high searching skills were the only ones who could locate the flower that bloomed deep in the mountains of the Alpine Area. Momo had someone she went to and paid in order to bring her the flower every once in a while. One flower made five vials of nectar, which only lasted about a month at the current pace of the Cafe.

The sound of the door opening again brought her from her thoughts. "Welcome!"

[Desire]

Takashi smiled and sat down where she had instructed, sitting comfortably on the stool and resting his arms on the table. He looked at the red-haired fairy, watching her set the broom aside and gathering up the ingredients. "Best coffee in Alfheim eh? Pretty bold statement to make. I may have to see for myself if this really is some world-renowned coffee." he laughed, stretching his wings and arms out. For a brief moment, you could see the twin broad swords that were sitting crossed on his back, the two whit ehilts sticking out from the top of his cloak.

As he waited patiently, he looked around at the red-haired fairy and seemed to admire her beauty somehat, watching her pick up cups and move herself around the coffee shop. It seemed most of the customers had left besides one couple that was too infatuated with each other o really bother anyone else. That should be good for his client, nobody would really be snooping around. Takashi looked up and saw the owner jump a bit and her face get red, scared of the little timer on her pot. He laughed, finding it a bit amusing, maybe even kind of cute. He watched as she poured a little bit of some, yellow liquid, being put into his coffee. It looked quite unfamiliar to him, and he couldn't identify what it was. But, hopefully it tasted good in his coffee.

"Thank you." he smiled back, making a money transfer to her before taking his coffee and taking a sip. Wow did that taste good... Who knew. Maybe Takashi would have to stop back here more often.

He heard the sound of footsteps outside, before hearing the door open as Takashi turned around. There he was, the client he had been waiting for. It was a Spriggan, a short man with a dark cloak and a hat. He looked up at Takashi and proceeded to take a seat next to him. "Shadowy! Nice to see you again. A coffee please?" he asked in a sort of deep but cheery voice, before turning over to Takashi as she prepared the Spriggan's coffee.

"Look. There's this Cait Sith who recently robbed me and he's residing in a town nearby. He stole a very precious item that belongs to me and I would like it back. Do whatever is necessary to bring it back to me. If you shall succeed in bringing it back to me among the money he took from me, you can have the money, as long as I get my item back. Oh, and I'll throw you in a little extra if you kill him as well, make sure he never steals from me again.". Takashi nodded, sipping his coffee and making a glance at the fairy as she handed him his coffee, and he transferredthe money to her. "I want this done today. When you're done let me know, and you can bring it back to my home. I'll message you the rest of the details." hesaid, finishing his coffee rather quick as he hurried out the door. He couldn't even get a word in edge-wise...

"So, you know that guy?" he asked, sipping his coffee and looking at the quest details in the message the man sent him. It was sure a lot of money for what seemed like a worthless item. Whatever the case, he would get it back to him, worthless or not.

[Shadowcatcher]

Momo giggled at the surprised look on the white haired fairy's face after tasting her coffee, and waved once she recognized the Spriggan fairy who walked in and greeted her. "Nice to see you too stranger." she replied in greeting, preparing a cup for him as he asked. She added only one drop of nectar in his cup, knowing how he liked his drink a little more bitter.

As he turned to the other guy and started talking after paying her, she noticed the couple in the back who were waving her over. Excusing herself, she would slip around the counter and walk over to them, gathering their cups.

"Would you like some more, or is that all?" she asked them. The two fairies, a fellow salamander man and woman, stood and shook their heads, almost at the same time. "We need to get going now, and sadly we wont be back for a week or two." the woman said. Tilting her head to the side and propping the tray holding the cups on her hip, Momo looked at the two confused. "Oh? Why's that? I actually look forward to seeing you guys here so often." she said curiously.

"Ah, don't get us wrong." the man started to say. "We can't get enough of your coffee. But we're getting married irl and wont be online at all for the next week or so. Planning and honeymooning and what not." he said, causing the girl to squeeze his hand tighter and hugging his arm. Eyes widening in surprise, Momo squealed in delight. "That is amazing! I'm so happy for you two."

"Thank you! We're sad though that you and our other ALO friends can't make it. It would be too much to ask you all to make the trip to the USA for that. So, we planned on having a party at our place to celebrate. You're totally invited. It'll be three weeks from Sunday." the girl said, blushing and smiling happily. Momo did a little hop of joy as well after thinking ahead, and remembering she didn't work on Sundays. "That's amazing. I'll be there... and I'll bring a cake too."

"And your amazing coffee?"

"Of course." she said, laughing when the two looked relieved.

"Fantastic. Well, we gotta get going. See you later!" the man said. Opening his menu and paying for the two's drinks.

"Right. See ya!" she called as they left, also noticing that the other fairy was leaving. "Come aga- again...?" she said, walking back to the counter and wondering why he'd left in such a rush. She started to clean the cups when suddenly the white haired fairy spoke to her. "So, you know that guy?" he asked her, causing her to glance at him. Shaking her head, she placed the clean cups on a towel to dry and sighed, leaning her hip against the counter. "That's just Alfrigg. He's just your everyday treasure hunter. He comes here every once in a while, and most times brings his friends along. Usually they look kinda scary, but I don't mind. I've made a lot of returning customers through him."

Running a hand through her hair, she was about to say something else when the front door flew open suddenly as if by a large gust of wind. It startled her for a moment, and her hand flew up to her chest in fright. With loud and heavy footsteps as an announcement of his presence, a large Sylph stepped through the door, ice blue eyes focusing directly on her as he entered and slammed the door behind him. Momo frowned and crossed her arms. "Oh, honestly Foster. Do you need to prance in here like you own the place?"

"In a way, I do. Bring me a cup. And hurry up about it. We need to talk." he said with a crooked smile before moving to the back of the room, sitting in the area where the couple previously were.

Rolling her eyes, Momo moved around the counter and threw an apologetic look at the white haired fairy. "Sorry about that." she said as she prepared another drink, and one for herself this time.

[Shadowcatcher]

Taking a cup of coffee both for her and Foster, Momo excused herself again and went to sit across from the guy who had just stormed in.

"Here you go." she said nicely, handing him the cup. He gave a small grunt as 'thanks' and took a long sip of the coffee. Smiling, he placed the cup down as she took a sip, and sat forward. "We need to discuss the terms of our little deal." he said. Opening his menu, her pressed a few buttons and suddenly the red flower that supplied the secret ingredient to her coffee, appeared in his hand. He looked at it for a moment then reached out and took a bit of her avatars hair in his hand. He brought the flower up and compared it to the color of her hair, smiling creepily at her.

Leaning away so her hair would slip from his grasp, Momo placed her cup down and crossed her arms. "What do you mean you're changing our deal? What's wrong with it?"

"The price for this flower has gone up." he said, turning it over in his hands before holding it out to her.

"Okay, by how much?" she asked, reaching out with her own hand and taking it from him.

"Double."

Momo's mouth dropped open and she stood up. "Thats... thats impossible! What do you mean it's double."

Smirking and letting out a laugh, Foster would lean back in his seat. "Well, that's how much I want for it. Which means you owe me for the price of two for that one right there. You should be thanking me for not charging for all the other one's I got for you."

"You're joking, right?" she said, putting a hand on her hip. "There's no way I can afford that."

"You see, you dont really have a choice. These are hard times and I need the money. Dont take it personal. Either you pay up, or I'll be taking that flower back and sending another guy to get my money from you. A guy who is a little more... persuasive." he said standing and glaring down at her.

"I paid for this flower before you even got it, so I think I'll be keeping it. As for the price, I won't be paything that much. I can find someone else to get it for me. Your threats wont work on me."

"I really think you should reconsider.' he growled angrily at her.

"And I really think you should probably be leaving. Don't worry about paying for the coffee. It's on me." Momo said, twirling the flower in her fingers before turning and starting to walk away from him.

"Oh you little-"

Before Momo had the time to turn fully around, Foster kicked the table across the room, sending it crashing into the door and breaking the glass cups and plates that were on it. Only a moment later did he clear the distance between them and reach out to grab Momo by the hair, pulling her towards him, and raising her up to be eye level with him. Her feet actually rose up off the ground a few inches, and she cried out at the pain of it, dropping the flower and reaching up to grab his wrist, clawing at it.

"How dare you come into my home and tear up the place!?" she yelled at him, bringing a foot up and trying to kick at him. "Let me go!"

"You'd better pay up princess. You don't wanna know what's coming to you if ya dont."

[Desire]

"Alfregg eh? Scary guys? Wouldn't doubt it..." He laughs, taking a sip of his coffee. A treasure hunter eh? Maybe that's why he wanted that artifact so bad... Probably was something valuable from his findings. But by the looks of it, he seems like sort of a shady character. Takashi would have to keep on his toes, it smelled like trouble to him.

But what sounded like trouble was the loud obnoxious footsteps he could hear a mile away before the door blew open from some wind magic. Oh great, some asshole of my kind just blew in... Takashi thought to himself, shaking his head and took some interest in his coffee. "Oh it's quite alright, attend to your business as you must. I'll just be here, drinking my coffee." he says as he gives a quick glance over at the blue-eyed fellow. From the look of things it didn't look like the friendliest of meetings. But then again, neither was his. But still, Takashi had a bad feeling about this guy.

While sipping his coffee he listened carefully to their conversation, which seemed to get heated the more it went on. Something about a flower and how the price was raising up. Takashi took a quick glance and saw what they were talking about, a nice, bright red flower that she had i her hand. Must have been important. He turned his head around and tried to drink his coffee when he stopped and heard a threat go across the table.

"You see, you dont really have a choice. These are hard times and I need the money. Dont take it personal. Either you pay up, or I'll be taking that flower back and sending another guy to get my money from you. A guy who is a little more... persuasive."

Now that sounded a bit hostile... Then matters only proceeded to get worse.

"I paid for this flower before you even got it, so I think I'll be keeping it. As for the price, I won't be paything that much. I can find someone else to get it for me. Your threats wont work on me."

"I really think you should reconsider."

"And I really think you should probably be leaving. Don't worry about paying for the coffee. It's on me."

Then bang... Takashi heard the crashing of glass and saw the table slam into the wall out of the corner of his eyes. He sighed, finishing the rest of his coffee and resting his hands gently on the hilts of his broad swords. Why did people have to be like this? She was just a sweet, innocent coffee shop owner and some brute had to shake her for money. Takashi may be an assassin, but he never harmed innocent people. This was crossing the line. In a blur he was behind the large man who had the red fairy in his grasp, both swords around his neck in a sort of "X" position. It was impossibly fast how he moved, almost as if it were lightning...

White Lightning.

"Hey buddy, you just blow in from stupid town, or are you trying to die here?"

[Shadowcatcher]

In the time it took her to blink, the white haired fairy was up and out of his seat, standing behind Foster with his swords at the guys throat. Squirming, Momo looked at the guy and frowned. "Stop, I can handle this. I don't want to drag you into my problems, this isn't your fight." she said to him, wincing as Foster gripped her hair tighter. Tears started forming at the corners of her eyes and she held them back, not wanting to give Foster the pleasure of seeing her cry. "I'll pay him the-"

"No no, please. I'm curious to see what this rat plans to do here."

Turning his head to look over his shoulder, he cracked a crazy grin. "I have to admit, your fast. Really fast. I think I heard of you before. Your the guy they call 'White Lightning' am I right? A mercenary? Heh, well you're just like me. Trying to aquire money by doing odd jobs. Well... tell ya what. You let me go now and I might think of letting you get whatever's left of this cute little girl's money."

Gritting her teeth, Momo reached out with her foot and smashed the heel of her boot right in Foster's crotch, making him grunt in pain.

"Come on man, let's teach this bitch a lesson and take everything she's got!" He growled then and threw her away like a bag, as if she weighed nothing.

[Shadowcatcher]

Takashi turns to see Momo fly through the air as he takes the swords off of the man's neck, spinning around him and in a blur of white he was behind her, catching her with his body as he had his arms out to the sides, his stark white blades pointing toward Foster.

Expecting to hit the wall that she thought was behind her, Momo's back hit something less hard. After a light 'oof' escaped her lips, she looked behind her to see the white haired fairy had protected her. Woah... he's too fast... she thought, too stunned to speak.

"How about I teach you a lesson, and you give me everything you got in a fight." Takashi said, stepping around and in front of Momo and flipping his broadswords in his hands like they were weightless. "Unless you're only man enough to bully around coffee shop owners."

Laughing once, Foster took a step forward and picked up the flower Momo had dropped a few moments before. "Nah, you're leagues stronger than me pal, even I can see that. But your little stunt here is only going to cost her in the long run." he said, turning the flower over in his hand once before tossing it towards her. Momo just glared at him, standing up straight and crossing her arms.

"Get... out of my house. You're never welcome back here!" she shouted at him. Raising his hands in defeat, Foster shrugged and shoved his hands in his pocket. "Whatever you say, princess."

With a wink at her, Foster turned around and walked towards the door, kicking away a table that was in his way. "Keep it up and you'll lose a foot." she threatened.

That made him laugh and shrug his shoulders before he opened the door.

Just before he was about to leave, Takashi slammed the door shut on him with a strong gust of wind, slamming into his face. Before he had time to react, another flash of white and he swiped his sword upward from the ground. Takashi stood in front of Foster, crossing his arms and smirking as Foster's left foot which he had kicked the table with suddenly dematerialized.

"She warned you..."

Crying out after a few moments, Foster hadn't realized what happened until he stumbled while trying to step away from the other fairy. "You bastard!" he shouted, balancing himself on one leg and aiming a punch at the white haired guy's face.

Takashi could only laugh as he sheathed his swords, watching the man curse at him. When he threw the punch, Takashi took a step to the side and grabbed the man's arm. He bent his knees, pulling the large fairy over his shoulder, and with a great heave he slammed him down onto the table with enough force to shatter it, and him, into pieces as Foster dematerialized from the coffee shop. "Uh... Sorry about that. I got a little carried away I guess." he laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.

Momo jumped at the sound of one of her tables shattering and her hands flew to her mouth to hold back a scream when Foster was all but obliter- well... he technically was obliterated. She stared at the fairy who had protected her, and that was all she could do, before more tears started to fall down her cheeks.

"Th-thank you... for helping me..." she choked out.

Takashi rushed over in a blur and picked her up in his arms, hugging her. "It's no problem, that guy was an asshole anyways." he laughed, setting her down gently as his cheeks got a little red. Momo stared at him with wide eyes at the sudden hug as he continued speaking. "Look, I'm sorry about all that miss. I'll pay for the stuff that was broken, which isn't a real hassle since I gained all his inventory..." he shot a glance back at the broken table. "Hey, how about after I finish this ki... I mean job, I'll work here for you as some sort of compensation. You look like you need an extra set of hands anyhow.

Looking around at her house, she sighed. 'No, you don't have to pay for anything. You helped me, so I am the one who owes you."

Running a hand through her hair, she knelt and picked up the flower that had caused all the drama, tapping it and adding it to her inventory to deal with later. "Though... if you really want to work here, I'll pay you. Like.. a normal worker gets paid." she said, rubbing her eyes. Man, only been online for a few hours and she was already exausted.

He shook his head "No, you don't owe me a thing. And I don't want pay. Money isn't an issue for me. Never has been really... Point is, I just want to help out." he smiled gently, before walking over to the broken table and cleaning up a bit, crushing the pieces to dematerialize them. After that was done he held his hand on the door, about to go out, before turning toward the red fairy.

"Say, I have to head into town anyways. Do you want to come with me to get you a new table? And other things that were, uh, broken."

'Guess I probably should tag along." she said, crossing her arms. "Man, I just swept this place too."

Walking to the counter, she put away the things she had out before glancing at the fairy. "Who are you, by the way?"

"Haven't you heard of me?" Takashi laughs, opening the door for her.

"Of course. Though I want your name. I'm not calling you White Lobster." she said seriously.

"They call me White Lightning, dear. The fastest man in all of Alfheim." he grins, suddenly appearing in front of her with his arm around her waist. "Can you guess why?"

She looked at him shocked for a moment as he suddenly appeared at her side. "I see... though I'm still not calling you that. How about I just give you a name since you won't tell me yours?" she said, placing a hand on his chest and stepping away from him. "Hmmm, you look like a..." she paused as she looked at him. "Speedy." Momo said, snapping her fingers.

"Now Speedy, turn around for a second, please. I need to change." she said with a smile, making a twirling motion with her finger.

Takashi raised his arms in defeat, turning around and facing the opposite way. "Alright, coffee lady, I'll look away." he said, sighing as he shook his head. "Speedy, of all the names..."

[Shadowcatcher]

Pouting at his back, Momo also turned to the side, hesitating. "Yes, Speedy. You better not look, or I'll hurt you." she said, waiting before opening her menu and unequipping her apron and casual clothes.

"My eyes are not pointed anywhere near you." he said, looking calmly around the room as he searched it, finding a reflection off a mirror on the wall. "I promise."

"But I mean, with those pink panties, it's very tempting."

Gasping and looking down at herself then back at him, her eyes got big and her face turned red. "What!? How are you-?" her eyes suddenly met his through a mirror across the room.

He gave a little wave at the mirror, holding his hands up in defense. [cyan=color]"Hey, I turned around like you asked, and I never looked right at you. You never said anything about mirrors."[/color]

Looking horrified, she quickly tapped her armor and sword items and equipped them so she was fully covered. Turning away from him then, she said "You'd better erase that image from your head baka!" she said, though more embarassed than she was angry. Huffing, she stomped over to the door and looked back at him. "Lets go, before I seriously consider banning you from my place."

Stepping out of her house, she moved to the other side of the door and flipped the sign hanging there to 'Closed."

"How are you going to ban me if I work here?" Takashi smirks, walking out the door and closing it behind him.

"I'll make you work outside." she said, smiling at the idea.

"Sure you would, watching me do hard labor out in the sun, shirtless. he grins over at her, winking.

"Yeah, and I'd enjoy the show while kicking my feet up in the cool house." she said, pushing him playfully before spreading her thin red wings and jumping into the sky.

"Then I'll use my wind magic to huff, and puff..." he said, blowing a gust of wind at her to slightly throw her off course as he shot up after her. "...and blow your house down!" he said with a laugh.

Momo squealed and then laughed as a sudden gust of wind made her flip around and lose balance for a few seconds. "What are you, five?" she asked him, still giggling happily.

[Desire]

"Seven and a half, thank you." Takashi laughed, squeezing her sides before flying away from her quickly. He flew in small circles around her, looking at her smiling face and serene figure in the bright sunlight and smiling. Wow... She looked, beautiful. Almost like an angel, with her wings outstretched and calmly soaring through the air. Takashi wouldn't mind working with her, it seemed like they would have a great time together. "So, I have a few errands to run. Should I just transfer you the money to pick up what you need and we can meet somewhere?"

[Shadowcatcher]

Shaking her head and holding up a hand, she refused his offer of money. "No, thank you. I'm have enough to get what I want. And if not then, I can go without." she said. Her head followed him as he circled her and she made a pouty face at him.

"Geez Speedy, stay in one spot." Momo would say, looking away from him and flying up higher and into the clouds. She took a deep breath and let it out almost in a sigh. In the corner of her vision, she saw the clock and noticed it had gotten early already. she'd been online for hours already. Though it wasn't too bad as she had no plans until later in the day. When she broke free from the cloak of the clouds, she would hover above them, looking behind her to see if Speedy had caught up. Then a thought made her smile as she stopped flying and dropped down to hide in the blanket of the clouds. If she could, she would wait until he was nearby and then try to scare him.

[Desire]

Takashi frowned, wanting to pay for whatever materials he had caused damage to. But, he knew he wasn't going to convince her of much. Salamanders were always a little hard headed. "Oh alright, but if you need any money, you come find me okay?" he gave back a pouty face, laughing a little.

He watched as she soared up through the clouds, away from him as he bit his lip gently. "Yeah, and I need to stay in one place." he laughed, quickly flying up above the cloud cover. But, he didn't see her, as he paused and took a casual look around, then down again. There was no way she was this fast... Where had she gone to?