[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/80e9YrG.png[/img][/center]
[center][color=Red]Hey guys! Kate Carson here! So, uh, the following section of this post contains some pretty strong language, so, if that’s not really your thing, you can totally skip it and not miss out on anything particularly important. I mean, you guys are mainly just reading this for the wholesome, Christmas Party wrap-up, right? You don’t [i]really[/i] want to read Nykannis’s crazy (and possibly offensive to certain people) ramblings… do you?[/color]

[color=888888]-Kate[/color][/center]

[color=DarkMagenta]“Well, [i]that’s[/i] annoying…”[/color] Nykannis muttered as she observed several figures disappear through a portal. [color=DarkMagenta]“Though I can’t really say I blame them.”[/color]

[color=Red]“Yeah, a lack of control really bothers some people,”[/color] Kate agreed.

[color=DarkMagenta]“It’s not just that,”[/color] Nykannis replied. [color=DarkMagenta]“It’s the sloppy as fuck way the people [i]with[/i] the power around here actually utilize it. Take the match in question. I’m sure you noticed all the chronological manipulation going on.”[/color]

[color=Red]“Yup,”[/color] Kate nodded. [color=Red]“Kinda hard to miss, at least if ya know what to look for.”[/color]

[color=DarkMagenta]“Yeah, it wasn’t anything [i]close[/i] to subtle. I mean, I know they wanted her to win, hell, [i]I[/i] wanted her to win, but I didn’t think she’d need [i]that[/i] kinda help to accomplish it…” [/color]

[color=Red]“Gotta admit, I was really looking forward to seeing how that match was gonna play out. It sucks that it ended on such an anticlimax. You think they’re gonna be okay?”[/color]

[color=DarkMagenta]“I [i]know[/i] one of them will be, and I couldn’t fucking care less about the other,”[/color] Nykannis spat. [color=DarkMagenta]“What [i]I[/i] care about is that, thanks to this shitshow of a match, I won’t be able to have a conversation with what were very likely the only two people in this fucking universe that come anywhere [i]near[/i] my level of intelligence.”[/color]

[color=Red]“Oh, yeah… The meeting… I forgot about that…”[/color]

[color=DarkMagenta]“Well, [i]I[/i] didn’t!”[/color] Nykannis snapped. [color=DarkMagenta]“The chance to chat with those two was one of the few good things to come out of this stupid ‘vacation’, and now it’s been completely flushed down the toilet! FUCK!!!”[/color] Sweeping her hand across the small table, she flung the various plates of snacks onto the floor, with a few even bouncing off the walls. [color=DarkMagenta]“Do you have any IDEA how hard it is to find intellects even REMOTELY close to my level in a shithole reality plenum like this?! DO YOU?!! I just wanted to find someone who maybe, just MAYBE, had the ability to grasp even a FRACTION of what I’m saying without their fucking eyes glazing over, like some braindead five year old! And I actually had a chance at that! What do I have NOW, Kate?!”[/color] the mad scientist roared. [color=DarkMagenta]“WHAT DO I HAVE [i]NOW?!![/i]”[/color]

[color=Red]“Uh…”[/color]

[color=DarkMagenta]“AND THAT’S NOT EVEN THE WORST PART!!! No, they didn’t [i]just[/i] fuck off to another fucking reality plenum, they had the unmitigated gall to FUCKING [i]INSULT[/i] ME FIRST!!! PEOPLE DON’T GET TO [i]DO[/i] THAT TO ME, KATE!!! NOT WITHOUT [i]CONSEQUENCES!!![/i] But how do I do it?”[/color] she asked no one in particular as she began to pace back and forth. [color=DarkMagenta]“I can’t just [i]go there,[/i] now can I? Besides, I’m not a fucking COWARD who can’t take a little adversity! YOU HEAR THAT?!!”[/color] she howled, shaking her fist at the heavens. [color=DarkMagenta]“I SAID YOU’RE ALL FUCKING COWARDS!!! CRYBABIES!!! PUSSIES!!! I’VE [i]ALREADY[/i] PROVEN I’M BETTER THAN YOU, JUST BY STICKING AROUND!!! I-I’ve already… proven…”[/color] she trailed off as she slumped down in a chair.

[color=Red]“Um, are you okay…?”[/color]

[color=DarkMagenta]“No, Kate,”[/color] Nykannis sighed. [color=DarkMagenta]“I’m [i]not[/i] okay, but I’ll survive. Even with their absence, The Plan can still move forward. In fact, all this recent drama may even [i]accelerate[/i] its completion. I just wish I had someone I could [i]talk[/i] to about it…”[/color]

[color=Red]“Hey, who knows? Maybe you’ll meet somebody else who can actually understand all that stuff,”[/color] Kate offered, while placing a consoling hand on her friend’s shoulder.

[color=DarkMagenta]“In [i]this[/i] reality plenum? I highly doubt it. The people here are all total idiots. Like, look at THIS fuckery!”[/color] she instructed, gesturing at a display with a flashing red boarder. [color=DarkMagenta]“That stupid dolphin friend of yours just LOST THE FUCKING MIRROR!!! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT STUPID TOURNAMENT EVEN [i]FOR[/i] IF SOMETHING LIKE [i]THIS[/i] WAS GONNA HAPPEN?!! DAMN IT!!! Now I can’t study the Mirror, OR dissect one of those stupid Harebringers! I WOULD HAVE STOLEN THE DAMN THING MYSELF, IF I’D HAVE KNOWN IT WAS GONNA BE [i]THIS[/i] EASY!!! But noooo, the rules wouldn’t [i]allow[/i] that… And now this is aaaall going to devolve into one enormous clusterfuck, Ass-engav’s forces verses the Ass-endancy, with each thinking the other stole it. SIMON WRIGHT’S BRAIN, THESE PEOPLE ARE SO FUCKING EASY TO MANIPULATE!!!”[/color] she roared, tugging at her hair with barely contained fury. [color=DarkMagenta]“I swear, Kate, if I didn’t make that stupid deal with the Grand Magistrates, I could rule this entire reality plenum in less than a week! Instead, I have to abide by their stupid, contradictory rules, while I desperately try not to DIE OF BOREDOM as I wait for The Plan to FINALLY be completed!”[/color]

[color=Red]“But, uh, don’t you have all those [i]other[/i] projects to keep yourself busy with?”[/color] Kate asked hesitantly.

[color=DarkMagenta]“I do, but but they can only distract me so much. Besides, they’re always meant to remain in the shadows. No one gets to SEE them, and when I try to TALK to these Neanderthals about them, they can’t understand a word I’m saying. A few might come close, mind you, like that goody-two-shoes, and Her Mechanical Majesty, of course, but even THEY can’t wrap their feeble minds around what I’m TRULY trying to accomplish…”[/color]

[color=Red]“How about a [i]new[/i] project?”[/color] Kate suggested. [color=Red]“One that people [i]can[/i] see. [i]And[/i] understand. Y’know, like revenge? I mean, you’ve always been a big fan of that, and, personally, I’ve always thought your revenge plans were some of your best work.”[/color]

[color=DarkMagenta]“That’s not surprising, coming from someone of [i]your[/i] intellectual level. No offense.”[/color]

[color=Red]“None taken,”[/color] Kate chuckled.

[color=DarkMagenta]“But you do have a point…”[/color] Nykannis conceded. [color=DarkMagenta]“There’s nothing quite like [i]revenge…[/i] And the difficulty of attaining it only makes the end result even [i]more[/i] delicious…”[/color] she added, rubbing her hands together as a maniacal grin spread across her face. [color=DarkMagenta]“Especially if I accomplish it while still being constrained by…”[/color] Her voice trailed off and her gaze grew distant, as if she was peering beyond the veil, into realms of possibilities as yet undreamed of (which, of course, she was). [color=DarkMagenta][i]“The rules…”[/i][/color] she whispered, her eyes taking on a crazed gleam. [color=DarkMagenta]“Yes… Yes! YES!!! NYAHAHAHAHAAAA!!! I’m [i]SUCH[/i] a genius! Call ME a ‘second rate scientist’ will they?! 
[h3]WELL, I’LL SHOW [b][i]THEM!!![/i][/b][/h3] 
[h1][i][b]I’LL SHOW THEM AAAALL!!! NYAHAHAHAHAAAA!!!”[/b][/i][/h1][/color]

Kate merely smirked. [color=Red][i]It sure is a good thing this room is soundproof…[/i][/color] 

[hr]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/gCmXisO.png[/img][/center]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/37FouJv.png[/img][/center]
[center]"[color=DarkOrchid]Merry[/color] [color=SpringGreen]Christmas[/color] [color=DeepPink]Everybodywody~![/color]"

[color=888888]-Connie, Mia, and MDP[/color][/center]
[color=DeepPink]“The endy wendy…?”[/color] MDP echoed after Dan made his disheartening announcement, tears already beginning to stream down her cheeks. [color=DeepPink]“That’s, like, super duper horrible worrible!”[/color]

Meanwhile, Connie and Gaia had watched in silence as the drama around them played out. But then, the timid girl’s hopes for a return to the previous festive atmosphere were quickly dashed, as the entire dimension was declared a crime scene, causing her to gasp in shock. [color=DarkOrchid]“T-This is awful, Mia!”[/color] Connie cried, her eyes glistening with tears. [color=DarkOrchid]“I-I was r-really l-looking forward to s-spending C-Christmas with e-everyone, a-and n-now…”[/color]

[color=SpringGreen]“I know how you feel, little sister,”[/color] Gaia commiserated, while wrapping her friend up in a comforting embrace. [color=SpringGreen]“This day held so much promise, and it pains my heart to see it ruined because of these petty squabbles. But that does not mean we are bereft of hope,”[/color] she added with a smile. [color=SpringGreen]“We may not be able to continue the holiday festivities here, but I believe I know of a suitable alternative.”[/color]

[color=DarkOrchid]“W-What do you mean?”[/color] Connie asked, her voice little more than a whisper.

[color=SpringGreen]“Well, did you not receive an upgrade to your interdimensional home in the gift exchange?”[/color] Gaia inquired with an amused twinkle in her eye. [color=SpringGreen]“If what the card said is to be believed, then it has now expanded into a full sized house, one which shall appear however you see fit.”[/color] 

[color=DarkOrchid]“Oh g-gosh!”[/color] Connie gasped. [color=DarkOrchid]“I-I completely forgot about that! T-That’s a g-great idea, Mia!”[/color] she cheered, her sadness having swiftly given way to joyful exuberance. [color=DarkOrchid]“W-We can invite everyone t-to our v-very own Christmas Party!”[/color]

Not wasting another moment, Connie moved to the front of the hall and raised her voice to address all gathered. [color=DarkOrchid]“U-Um, e-excuse me, b-but c-could I h-have e-everyone’s attention f-for a m-moment? I k-know the p-party’s b-been c-canceled, b-but, i-if you’d l-like, y-you’re all w-welcome to c-continue the f-festivities at m-my h-house. Y-You s-see,”[/color] the timid girl continued, while removing and nervously playing with her hat. [color=DarkOrchid]“I-I, uh, r-received an u-upgrade t-to my i-interdimensional h-home, s-so it s-should be b-big enough to f-fit everyone, a-and… W-Well… I-It’s C-Christmas… I-I don’t k-know m-many of y-you, a-and I d-don’t really k-know why s-some of you d-don’t l-like each other, b-but, c-can’t we all p-put aside our d-differences f-for just o-one day? I-I, m-mean, I s-still w-want to e-enjoy Christmas w-with my f-friends, d-don’t you?”[/color]

[color=SpringGreen]“[i]I[/i] certainly do,”[/color] Gaia said, beaming with pride at the sight of her timid friend having worked up the courage to address the crowded room.

[color=lightblue]“You can count me in,”[/color] Shane added.

“[color=plum]Us,[/color] [color=royalblue]too!”[/color] Rose and Iris chimed in.

[b]“Me as well,”[/b] Kayli said with a smile.

[color=pink]“That sounds like fun!”[/color] Melisa chirped.

[color=DeepPink]“Like, it totally wotally does~! (giggle!)”[/color] MDP cheered. [color=DeepPink]“Hooray for Connie Wonnie~! She, like, totally wotally saved the day~! (giggle!)”[/color] the whimsical girl added, bouncing over to give Connie a big hug. [color=DeepPink]“Oh, but, like, Magical Dream Princess promised womised to stay with Penny Wenny,”[/color] she added with a frown. [color=DeepPink]“So, like, does Penny Wenny want to go over wover to Connie Wonnie’s placey wacey, too~?”[/color] she asked her girlfriend with a hopeful smile.

Penny had followed more sedately after her girlfriend, but the smile on her face was unmissable. [color=9e0039][u][b]”That sounds fantastic”[/b][/u][/color] She knew where her strengths were and tracking down the leads needed to find the missing Mirror were sadly not it. Or at least not in doing so openly. Talking to people in a more relaxed environment might bring up something, though Penny doubted it.

[color=DeepPink]“Yaaaay~! (giggle!)”[/color] MDP cheered, while giving her girlfriend a big hug.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Just a quick thing I want to take care of first”[/b][/u][/color] She would add [color=9e0039][u][b]“But that should be doable on the way to the house. Assuming that is you’re not opening the door in here.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny directed the later half of that statement at Connie, seeing as Beacon was cording off the area as a crime scene.

[color=DarkOrchid]“O-Oh, uh, w-well, I k-kinda [i]was[/i]...”[/color] Connie conceded, looking more than a little embarrassed. [color=DarkOrchid]“B-But, I g-guess I c-could open it o-outside…”[/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Why not open it on the tree in the square?”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would offer up after biting back a chuckle. She didn’t think the shy girl would appreciate it. [color=9e0039][u][b]“It’s not far from the exits, and hosting the Christmas party inside a physical representation of christmas just goes to show that the true spirit of the holiday can never truly be defeated.”[/b][/u][/color]

[color=DarkOrchid]“Oh, w-wow!”[/color] Connie exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as a big smile spread across her face. [color=DarkOrchid]“T-That’s a g-great idea!”[/color]

Proceeding to do just that, Connie headed over to the giant tree, held out her hand, and focused. She thought of the perfect place to spend Christmas Eve, a warm, cozy cabin, with a crackling fireplace, plenty of comfy couches, blankets, stuffed animals, and Christmas decorations of all kinds. She thought of all the delicious food she would want to be there for those who hadn’t had the chance to partake of Dan’s feast. And, of course, she thought of a nice big Christmas tree. Taking a deep breath, she turned an imaginary doorknob, and then…

[color=DarkOrchid]“O-Oh my gosh! I-It’s just like I imagined!”[/color]

On the other side of a now open door could be seen [url=https://imgur.com/gkir1Ie]a cozy cabin[/url], decorated for Christmas. Through its windows could be seen a wintry landscape, a forest of Christmas trees, each bedecked in hundreds of twinkling lights. Stepping inside, Connie saw that, despite its cozy atmosphere, her house still had plenty of space for guests, with side rooms and alcoves accommodating additional snack tables and comfy chairs. There even seemed to be an upstairs as well. Perhaps that’s where the bedrooms were located, Connie mused. Indeed, that’s where she’d want them to be, and enough for her to host a sleepover for all her friends. She couldn’t wait to explore her new home fully, but first…

[color=DarkOrchid]“P-Please come in, everyone!”[/color] she called out cheerfully.

[color=DeepPink]“Wowie zowie~!”[/color] MDP exclaimed as she skipped through the door. [color=DeepPink]“Magical Dream Princess just [i]wuvs[/i] your homey womey, Connie Wonnie~! (giggle!) It’s, like, soooo super duper cozy wozy and festive westive~!”[/color]

[color=DarkOrchid]“T-Thanks!”[/color] Connie told her, smiling happily. [color=DarkOrchid]“I-I’m really glad y-you like it!”[/color]

[color=SpringGreen]“It truly is wonderful, Connie,”[/color] Gaia agreed, giving her best friend a warm smile. [color=SpringGreen]“And it is so very kind of you to share it with everyone. I really [i]do[/i] have the best little sister in the world,”[/color] she added, giving Connie an affectionate hug.

[color=DarkOrchid]“Thanks, Mia,”[/color] Connie whispered as she returned her verdant friend’s embrace. [color=DarkOrchid]“And I have the best [i]big[/i] sister.”[/color]

[color=Red]“Uh, sorry if we’re interrupting,”[/color] a new voice asked. [color=Red]“But do you mind if we come in, too?”[/color]

[color=DarkOrchid]“Oh! N-Not at all!”[/color] Connie replied. [color=DarkOrchid]“E-Everyone’s welcome!”[/color]

[color=SpringGreen]“Just be aware,”[/color] Gaia advised. [color=SpringGreen]“This is a drama-free zone, so be sure to leave your grudges at the door. Although a few good-natured pranks are okay,”[/color] she added with a playful wink.

[color=Red]“No problem,”[/color] Kate grinned. [color=Red]“We’re just here to unwind after all the recent excitement, right?”[/color] she asked, glancing at her goggle-wearing friend.

[color=DarkMagenta]“Speak for yourself…”[/color] Nykannis grumbled. [color=DarkMagenta]“When you said we were finally leaving, I [i]thought[/i] you meant we were going home, not to yet [i]another[/i] stupid party! Damn it, Kate! I have WORK to do!”[/color]

[color=Red]“Aww, there’s time for that later! Besides, hanging out here for a bit could give you some inspiration!”[/color]

[color=DarkMagenta]“You DO realize who’s here, right? Do you REALLY want to be in this close proximity to [i]Magical Dream Princess?[/i]”[/color]

[color=Red]“Well, for one thing, she has no idea who we are, plus, she looks [i]pretty[/i] distracted right now,”[/color] Kate chuckled as she observed MDP snuggling with Penny. [color=Red]“Besides, this is [i]supposed[/i] to be Christmas, y’know?”[/color]

[color=DarkMagenta]“Fiiine…”[/color] Nykannis sighed. [color=DarkMagenta]“I suppose we can stay for a [i]little[/i] while…”[/color]

[color=Red]“See, I [i]knew[/i] you’d come around,”[/color] Kate grinned. [color=Red]“So,”[/color] she added, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. [color=Red]“Who do you think I should prank first?”[/color]

[color=SpringGreen]“Ahh~ It’s nice to see everyone finally getting back into the spirit of things,”[/color] Gaia observed.  

[color=DarkOrchid]“Y-Yeah, it r-really is,”[/color] Connie agreed. [color=DarkOrchid]“I-I just w-wish Amanda h-hadn’t left earlier…”[/color] she sighed.

[color=SpringGreen]“Perhaps there is still a chance for her to join us…”[/color] Gaia mused.

[color=DarkOrchid]“H-How?”[/color]

[color=SpringGreen]“Well, considering that this is an inter[i]dimensional[/i] home, I imagine if you fix the idea of finding Amanda in your mind, you should be able to open a doorway to her location.”[/color]

[color=DarkOrchid]“O-Oh, gosh!”[/color] Connie gasped. [color=DarkOrchid]“I-I r-really hope so!”[/color]

Stepping up to the home’s front door, she placed her hand upon the doorknob, closed her eyes, focused on Amanda, and…


Wherever the dream magician happened to be at that moment, she would see a doorway appear before her. [color=DarkOrchid]“H-Hi Amanda!”[/color] Connie called happily. [color=DarkOrchid]“U-Um, s-since Dan’s p-party k-kinda got c-canceled, I w-was wondering if m-maybe you m-might like to c-come to the p-party [i]I’m[/i] h-having…”[/color] Gesturing behind her, Connie would allow Amanda to see the festivities currently taking place in her cozy cabin. [color=DarkOrchid]“I-I, uh, k-know y-you weren’t f-feeling well, earlier,”[/color] she added. [color=DarkOrchid]“B-But, i-it would be r-really nice to h-have you.”[/color]

With a flinch, Amanda spun around to face the portal. She relaxed at the sight of Connie, but rose a brow when she revealed that she was having her own shindig. [Color=Mediumvioletred]"You'd think they'd cancel it earlier when Dan pulled that braindead stunt."[/color] She sarcastically noted. Her and the other witches had plans ahead, but...hm.

 Amanda thought about it for a moment, then nodded to Connie with a grin. [Color=Mediumvioletred]"Eh, what the hell. Probably better than the last place.[/color] She shrugged.
 
[color=DarkOrchid]"G-Great!"[/color] Connie cheered, while clapping her hands together with glee. [color=DarkOrchid]"I-I'm s-so happy t-to hear that!”[/color]

The moment the dream magician stepped inside, Connie gave her a big hug, followed shortly by an even bigger one from MDP, who promptly dragged her best friend over to sit with her and Penny.

After seeing how easy it was to find Amanda, Connie decided to try and find Faith as well, but despite her best efforts, she was unable to locate the first friend she’d ever made in the magical community.

[color=SpringGreen]“I’m so sorry, little sister,”[/color] Gaia consoled her. [color=SpringGreen]“I know how much you wanted Faith to be here.”[/color]

[color=DarkOrchid]“I-I’m okay, Mia,”[/color] Connie reassured her verdant friend. [color=DarkOrchid]“I-I just h-hope she’s all right…”[/color] 

[color=SpringGreen]“I am sure she is,”[/color] Gaia said with an encouraging smile. [color=SpringGreen]“Faith certainly does not lack for friends who care for her, and I know she wouldn’t want us to worry on her account.”[/color]

[color=DarkOrchid]“I-I guess not…”[/color] Connie conceded. [color=DarkOrchid]“S-She’d p-probably want us to enjoy ourselves, a-and m-make new friends. S-So that’s what I’m gonna do!”[/color] she added, as she went over to chat with the pair that had arrived just before Amanda.

[color=SpringGreen]“That sounds like an [i]excellent[/i] idea, little sister,”[/color] Gaia told her with an approving smile.

As she gazed upon the scene unfolding around her, the Daughter of Mother Earth almost couldn’t believe what was happening, almost couldn’t believe that it was even [i]possible.[/i] Only a few months ago, she never would have imagined that her cripplingly shy best friend would become a magical girl, and as a result, gain both new friends and a newfound confidence. She never would have imagined that she, herself, a mostly anti-social girl who had never bothered to interact with the magical community unless absolutely necessary, would actually find a [i]boyfriend[/i] among its members. And yet, here they were. It really [i]was[/i] something of a minor miracle, Gaia reflected. There was still so much to do, of course, and the future still held such terrible uncertainty, but, for now, she would cherish this moment of joy and peace with every fiber of her being.