“Did you see that?”

“That’s so cool!”

“Mummy, can I do that when I’m older?”

Seras grinned to herself, meandering slowly through the crowds while several cherry-pink gemstones rotated around her body. Struggling through crowded streets was always troublesome at best - no need to spoil a good day with a hard blow to the shoulder - but the festival was a perfect excuse to keep any jostling strangers at arm’s length with her diamonds without feeling like a braggart. The excited glee radiating off the young children’s faces made every second of the hustle-and-bustle worthwhile. Besides, it wouldn’t hurt to hurt to advertise a little before setting up her booth. [i]With so many tourists flocking into the city, I might be able to save enough for a ferry to Sootopolis.[/i]

Wandering towards the marquee with the welcoming committee flag, she spotted several attendants scowling at the crowd, frustration etched across their brows. One of them glanced idly in her direction, then did a double-take and beamed warmly at her.

“Seras? So good to see you again!”

Waving fondly, Seras slipped through the crowd to the man’s desk. “Hey Marcus! How goes the family?”

Marcus grinned bashfully. “Little Rachel’s coming along wonderfully. Truth be told, I was hoping that you’d show up today - Rachel still adores that figure you made her before, bless her, but the missus has been rather jealous that she wasn’t around last time you passed through. Figure that you’ll be selling some more?”

“Later today,” she smiled. “I want to set up shop while everyone’s still here, so keep an eye out for my totem pole.”

“As you please. One moment - I’ll fill out the paperwork for you.”

Marcus ducked beneath his desk, muttering under his breath as he rummaged through a box. At that moment, a loud shout broke out above the marquee - Seras glanced up to see a green-haired man plummeting straight towards her. [i]Ohcrapohcrapohcrap.[/i] With a panicked squeal, she wrapped her arms around her chest and reached for her powers. A hemisphere of golden light bloomed around her like a soap bubble, semi-transparent and hard as concrete.