(D0, EE, Street, Open) At the Festival

[Yasuki Taraka]

“Come celebrate a golden year on Golden Shotengai!;” proclaim the flyers. It would seem that the shopping district is holding a small festival celebrating Governor Ayame’s first year as governor. Many of the local businesses have small outdoor attractions to draw in customers for limited time sales. Local idols perform in front of Koi, the various food and drink businesses offer samples of their wares, even Run-It-Back is getting into the act with a living statue dressed in the style of an ancient Crab warrior in full heavy armor wielding a replica tetsubo.

Even the skies are not safe from the festivities. At Feather Your Nest, very old fashioned, but colorful paper lanterns dance with fire-safety ‘candles ‘ giving them a gentle glow. Meanwhile, there’s a buzzing in the air around Flying Battle Carps as two employees have said silver-scaled drones buzz back and forth toting banners about the new fight season.

And of course, what shopping street festival would be complete without a raffle wheel? Shoppers are given stamp cards to collect stamps when they make purchases at the local stores. Once the card is full they can turn it in at the raffle area to turn a wheel which will release a small colored ball. A selection of prizes are available from the local stores, along with more than a few packs of tissues for consolation prizes. (Mechanical notes: No rolling on D0, so it’s up to you which prize you get, but you do need to charge yourself money if you win anything of value).

Grand Prizes (Only 1 of each available):

Kitsugi Bowl from Feather Your Nest
Autographed copy of “Scales of the Seasons” from Run-It-Back
Voucher for a free massage at Natsuzora Ryokan and Spa

First Prize:

Makeup Sample Kit from Pearl Beauty Boutique
Voucher for a sake flight at Grey Carp

Second Prize:

A voucher for a free dessert from Crabkaku
A voucher for tea and snacks for two from Kappa’s Pond

Third Prize:

Coupon book for food and drink items all along Golden Shotengai
Thumb sized scooter miniature from Mechanauts
Carp scale socks from Koi
Fantasy Flight Promo pack from Player Station Plus
A decorative sticker pack from Flying Battle Carps

Consolation Prize: Package of Tissues from Golden Scale Pharmacy

Prize from Feather Your Nest:

[Yasuki Taraka]

Standing near the raffle table, a young woman in Crab clan colors watches over the raffle table and the coming and goings of people at the nearest store, Flying Battle Carps. Her outfit almost certainly came from Koi’s, a simple, if modern and professional grey suit, pale blue top and a modest skirt. Contrasting that, the item in her hands wouldn’t be out of place at Feather Your Nest: a traditional abacus. No idle purchase this, it seems as she slides the beads back and forth to the rhythm of the crowd: tik-tik-tik.

[Susumu Sumiko]

After finally escaping the skycarp, making her way to the embassy and getting set up. Sumiko had decided to explore further beyond the cutely named friendship street'. The embassy clerk had mentioned a festival was going on in town, but warned her to be careful. Still, the weather was quite nice so she changed from her travel outfit into something more comfortable.

She understood why after going. There were plenty of looks her way from any that caught notice of her mon on her jacket, and she got the distinct idea that some stores didn't want her to enter even though none made it obvious.

One that did however was a boba shop selling the coolest looking drink that Sumiko had ever seen. In fact the last time she saw liquid in that many different colours it was when she was advised strongly by her sensei to avoid going into the water near one of the factories on Whispers due to 'leakage'. Sumi was pretty sure this one was less toxic, and the mix of blueberry, mango, and lychee in this 'cool nebula wave' boba made her very happy as she sipped it while walking around. Keeping her arms up in front of her to hold the drink by her face and to somewhat cover the mon to avoid more awkward stares for just walking.

She stopped close to where the raffle was being done - she had one stamp from the boba shop but she had already mentally discarded the idea of completing it even if she had kept hold of the stamp card. Watching a few people try the raffle turn with a smile on her face as she sipped her drink.

[Yasuki Taraka]

The bell rang at the raffle table announcing a third place winner. Another bead slid over on the abacus. Tick. The door chime rang at Flying Battle Carps. Another bead slid over on the abacus. Tick.

A Spider scurried into view. No tick.

The arrival did draw a little bit of Taraka's attention. It was important to keep an eye out for lost children at festivals. A Lost child though, that was certainly different.

Bell ring. Tick. Door chime. Tick. Spider. No Tick.

Buyers were welcome, browsers though needed some pressure to become buyers.

"Spider-san, the longer you wait for your lucky moment at the raffle, the more likely it is someone else will find theirs and snatch the grand prize you've got your eye on." she offered in best retail helpful voice.

[Susumu Sumiko]

Someone saying 'Spider' got the girls attention and she turned to the owner of the voice. Someone working here Sumiko expected. There was a smile and a bow from the tiny Spider.

"I was just enjoying the scene truthfully. I only arrived today and didn't expect to arrive in the middle of a festival with a raffle wheel, I haven't seen one in a long time. If I'm in the way though I can move" she dipped her head again before taking a step back to avoid blocking anyone, taking the chance to look at the store closest to the raffle with a curious expression.

[Boogiepop]

Just as Sumiko budged out of the way so that she could take a look at the proceedings. There was someone who almost brushed up against her without much consideration, like she was trying to bud in line before she could miss out on an offer. It was Yasuki Kairi, a local around these parts, wearing large fish ornaments on her head that screamed 'Yasuki', People had little idea of what she did exactly, only that she was always around to buy things.

Kairi let out an open-mouthed "tch" as she came close to colliding with Sumiko, offering no apology in the matter. "Look, girl, if you're not buying, get out of the way. Looking all night long isn't going to get you anything," she said while waving about her stamp card like it was a teaching stick.

"Hey! Hey! Taraka-san, one more!" She said to Taraka with the seemingly same air of entitlement she gave the Spider a few moments ago. While Kairi was an eternal shopper, she obviously never managed a shop.

[Yasuki Taraka]

Just as Sumiko budged out of the way so that she could take a look at the proceedings. There was someone who almost brushed up against her without much consideration, like she was trying to bud in line before she could miss out on an offer. It was Yasuki Kairi, a local around these parts, wearing large fish ornaments on her head that screamed 'Yasuki', People had little idea of what she did exactly, only that she was always around to buy things.

Kairi let out an open-mouthed "tch" as she came close to colliding with Sumiko, offering no apology in the matter. "Look, girl, if you're not buying, get out of the way. Looking all night long isn't going to get you anything," she said while waving about her stamp card like it was a teaching stick.

"Hey! Hey! Taraka-san, one more!" She said to Taraka with the seemingly same air of entitlement she gave the Spider a few moments ago. While Kairi was an eternal shopper, she obviously never managed a shop.

No matter what world you shopped on, it seemed there was always a Kaira. Loud, entitled, with tacky taste in accessories. The Demon of Golden Shotengai, she brought misery to many a shopkeeper, and just enough wealth to not earn a ban from the shops. Was Taraka working the raffle wheel? No they had staff for that, but of course Kaira needed personal attention.

She offered a bright smile to Kaira.

"Of course, Yasuki-sama, let me help you with that." she said taking the stamp card, looking it over, after tucking her abacus into her purse. The card was, unsurprisingly, filled out. But how many stamps were given after berating staff until they broke, or haggling over a couple of zeni? The legends were never clear, but the whispers suggested many.

"Wow, Yasuki-sama, you have great taste in shopping as always." she offered brightly before turning a little solemn "Aww, but no visit to my store, Yasuki-sama? I realize that Flying Battle Carp might not appeal to your tastes, but surely someone of your connections must know someone eager to take place in this season's competition."

It was the best method for dealing with the demon: be agreeable, keep talking to keep her from talking, and keep moving. As Taraka offered empty flatteries, she walked Kaira over to the table.

"Why don't you take a five minute break folks?" she offered good naturedly to the people actually running the wheel.

Seeing Taraka was wrangling the demon, the attendants offered a quick bow of thanks and bolted off.

She shoved Kaira's card into the chest for redeemed cards.

"Well then, let's see how your fortune fares, Yasuki-sama." she said, turning the crank of the wheel.

Clattering was heard from within, before finally a small white ball was dropped.

Taraka looked remorseful.

"Aww, too bad, Yasuki-sama. Please take this pack of tissues and as always, thank you for your continued support." she said, bowing while offering the pack of tissues respectfully.

[Susumu Sumiko]

Sumiko hadn't spoken as she got brushed aside - being a Spider in Crab lands it was better to bring less detail to herself - but she watched as the Fortunes instead gave the Karpy woman a lesson in humility.

"Perhaps the real reward is in Patience and Perseverance rather than rushing, Yasuki-sama" the small Spider commented with a smile, not at all missing the irony. Although she noted the comment about competitions and her gaze turned to the store called 'Flying Battle Carp' which seemed to sell droids or something.

[Boogiepop]

Yasuki Kairi

"Yeah," she said as the surface-level compliment easily earned a smile on her face. "You know, I'm pretty appreciated by many of these shops around here. Sometimes I walk by and they're just asking me to come in! 'Kairi-san, check out these new cakes!' and 'Kairi-san, you, we just got in our Fall line!'.

"They had a deal over at that Dragon Xiao-Xiao bun place. Buy like 10 frozen buns and get 2 free? I didn't even need that many, but buying 30 was just too much to pass out. You should check out once you're done managing, if they're even still open after," she nodded with a glowing smile at that prospect, that easily faded at the mention of the Flying Battle Carps, but she maintained a polite smile. "You know, I've always wanted to buy one from you but it's just not the right season, right? We're not even close to New Years yet. My nephews are too into...like that what? Those toy soldiers? Anyway, don't sorry, they'll be begging me to buy them from you when the holidays roll around!"

She watched eagerly when her ticket was honoured, nodding as she expected something good. The white ball of death immediately soured her mood. "What?! Tissues?! You know, they were giving those away when Koi was celebrating their anniversary! I get those without even trying. Are you sure that thing is working? I bought a lot of stuff," she said with a certainty that was going to affect her luck.

"What do you know? It doesn't look like you bought anything!" She retorted to the Spider. "Anyway, she can have the tissues. I've got 100 of these, you know, from Koi's anniversary. They were free!"

[Yasuki Taraka]

Indignant Kaira sounds

Taraka nodded at the Yasuki's words.

"That's very magnanimous of you, Yasuki-sama. I'm sure Spider-san will be grateful and think of you every time she uses them." she flattered.

Taraka set the tissues with the little Golden Scale Pharmacy logo down for the moment. Turning your back on the demon was the last mistake a rookie shopkeeper could make.

"I'll tell you what, Yasuki-sama." she offered thoughtfully. "I'm not supposed to do this, but since you are SUCH a good patron of the street and you've promised to buy Flying Battle Carp for your nephews just as soon as the holidays roll around, why don't you take another spin? I'll even let you turn the crank, just so you know it's a fair test of your luck."

[Susumu Sumiko]

Sumiko held up her drink.

"I did buy something. I just haven't bought anything else yet."

She paused to indeed take a sip of said boba drink as she was bestowed with...tissues it seemed.

"Maybe your kindness will bless your luck in the future. If I may ask though as I'm new....can you tell me more about this Flying Battle Carps?" she turned to the manager looking woman and away from the other girl who had more money than sense.

[Yasuki Taraka]

Taraka nodded at the inquisitive Spider.

"Well, basically the idea is having duels with little quadcopters, Spider-san. You attach a banner to your drone and then try to sever your opponent's banner while keeping yours safe. We've arranged a leaderboard for the season, so you can go out and challenge your fellow enthusiasts to see who are the best pilots. At the end of the season, we have a set of exclusive plushies to hand out to the five best pilots." she explained.

[Boogiepop]

Yasuki Kairi

There was a rise of Kairi's brows at Taraka's offer. She was a Yasuki too and was quite wise to this play that she was making. However, the offer was too tempting to overlook. Why consider future responsibilities when the prize was today? "I know you'll see things my way. Well, you'll have a lot of competition this season, you know. Between those toy soldiers, Mu-mujina, Fantasy Fight...but apparently, the Carps have been a bit hit with all of the pre-Gempukku school children," she said with a glance at the Spider for a moment.

"Mm," she said as she found herself looking at Sumiko's drink, not wanting to accept that she was, in fact, contributing to Carp society. There were some cogs turning in her head as she could include that in her next round of purchases for her next raffle ticket.

As the two talked, she made her way over to the raffle device and helped herself to turn the crank without bothering anyone else, for now.

[Susumu Sumiko]

Sumiko managed to keep her reaction to that information buried behind a curious smile.

"Oh I see. That sounds quite fun. How does one enter the competition? Or is it only for locals? I would enjoy watching, never tried to actually operate a drone but I've worked on one previously on behalf of a friend."

[Yasuki Taraka]

"Oh, definitely not limited to locals only, Spider-san. Anyone who purchases one of the store's Flying Battle Carp's can sign up to compete." she said, with a nod of the head towards the store.

"And you are free to make modifications to the purchase, though Flying Battle Carps cannot accept returns of modified drones, and you are expected to follow all local regulations, including the prohibition of the installation of cameras or surveillance equipment." she added for legal purposes.

She spared a glance towards Kaira just to make sure nothing untoward was happening.

""But I can vouch that they are fun to fly. And with you being new to the planet, it would give you a convenient excuse to spend time with other competitors while still fitting in to your schedule, no matter how busy you may be."

[Susumu Sumiko]

"So we get to keep the drones too? I'm very curious now" Sumiko had looked towards the store in question "how much are the droids?"

She did note where the Crab saleswoman was looking as well, and there was a peek towards the other Yasuki woman, but that wasn't her problem anymore. Plushies and drones however...

[Yasuki Taraka]

"So we get to keep the drones too? I'm very curious now" Sumiko had looked towards the store in question "how much are the droids?"

She did note where the Crab saleswoman was looking as well, and there was a peek towards the other Yasuki woman, but that wasn't her problem anymore. Plushies and drones however...

And now to finish reeling her in.

Taraka nodded enthusiastically.

"Most certainly, Spider-san. They're all very high quality. You can take them with you wherever you should go and should provide hours and hours of entertainment." she pitches. "As for the cost, we have three different categories, depending on your budget. The battle tested veterans are a mere 4 koku, a fine choice for those looking for an affordable entry into the tournament. For those a little more competitively minded, we have the rookie aces at 6 koku. And if you demand the highest quality product, we have the Legends which go for 12 koku. Comparatively expensive, to be sure, but you really feel the difference in the handling and see it on the shine of their scales."

In the unlikely event Kaira ever actually did buy gifts for her nephews, Taraka was pretty sure she'd demand they sell her Legends for the price of veterans. But truthfully this was as low as they could reasonably go for. Right now they were making enough money to do ok, but they wouldn't be able to significantly drop production costs unless they got much more popular.

[Boogiepop]

She spared a glance towards Kaira just to make sure nothing untoward was happening.

Yasuki Kairi

It was likely that Kairi was capable of such machinations, especially when she was given use of the machine by herself while the two were talking about the Flying Battle Carps that were on sale. However, it seemed the operation of the raffle machine was to take up all of her attention. Why wasn't the thing spinning when she twisted the knob? Why was the thing spinning, but couldn't stop spinning after pressing the button? Why wasn't a ball released once she could stop the machine? This was very complicated and not the 'job' of the customer. Was she just suckered into doing work?!

She sounded her disdain for the machine with an open mouth, "Tch!"

[Susumu Sumiko]

Sumiko nodded as the prices were covered. Doing some mental quick maths as she listened.

The prices make sense but that's the majority of my budget...the base level one might be ok but with no experience it'll be tough to claim prizes unless I really work on it which takes time away from duty. But plushies...

"Thank you for the information" Sumiko bowed and smiled brightly "I'll certainly have to consider it! Wouldn't want to make decisions too quickly after all."

The noise from over at the machine got her attention and she peeked back at the struggling Yasuki, her expression changing to one of amusement.

"Is everything ok?"

[Boogiepop]

Yasuki Kairi

"No, nothing's okay," she answered Sumiko without even looking at her, her gaze locked with the raffle machine like it slighted her and became her ancestral enemy. She pointed at the machine accusingly. "Nothing's working! I pressed all of these buttons and it's still giving me a prize. What does it even take? How hard could it be? Look, I don't know if this is a trick by Taraka-san but she said I could have another go at this thing without another ticket! Is there a password or something? Can't you just hack it open?"