Rich and Elite (Yuki)

[Lepa]

It was early evening. Omega wasn't terribly interested in attending the charity event, but he had little choice - not when he knew his little sister was going. Not when she was dressed all... nice. While he knew most of the folks in attendance were highly unlikely to attempt anything untoward to Cassandra, he still felt it was his duty to watch over her... just in case. She might have been growing more confident interacting with the outside world in recent weeks, but after the whole debacle with some punks and the Mayor himself going out of his way to protect her, well... Omega felt he wasn't being unreasonable.

Still, it wasn't a terrible deal. He may have preferred to be somewhere less stuffy, but it was the Mayor's Ball - a fancy evening of fine dining and entertainment. Attendees purchased table seating in advance, and all funds generated from these sales and donations would go to the city, which would then be spent on community organizations. Nearly anyone had a chance of being granted some of these funds, and its legitimacy always proved consistent. Omega's family - his father, specifically - wholly supported the idea, so of course he'd bought a table for the family. Honestly, it was worth it for the food alone.

While his parents mingled with others in attendance, Omega remained seated, staring at the tiny paper card near the center of their table. "Prairie" was written out on it in sparkling gold cursive. He sort of tuned himself out for a bit, as he tended to do during these events, until his sister spoke up.

"Omega?"

"...Hm?" He blinked, glancing up. Cassandra was seated across from him. She stared at him with a puzzled frown. "...Is something wrong?"

"No..." She murmured. "Well... yeah... kind of? But not really..." She folded her arms with an observant pout. "t's just.... always a bit strange to see you dressed all formal..."

He gave a small nod. "Mmh."

"Aw, don't space out on me just yet!" She tapped on the table repeatedly, as if trying to wake him up. She lifted her phone up, briefly showing him her screen. "Maybe we can run a few raids...?" She gestured at her mobile game inquisitively.

Omega stared, blinking sleepily. Sure... Why not? He briefly recalled the days as a child, having no smartphone to distract him from events like this, and found himself grateful for the advancement in tech. Maybe their mother wouldn't be too pleased at seeing them glued to their screens had she glanced at their table, but he wagered it was better than being caught asleep. It was something to do until the food arrived, and the entertainment was still a long way off. The place hadn't even filled out yet, but guests were slowly beginning to trickle in...

Leo was one of these guests. Accompanied by a woman (his secretary, most likely), the two found their own table, labeled with an "Aurelius" card, also written in sparkling cursive. As the woman took her seat, Leo gestured aside with a few words. She nodded, and he continued onward, walking past their table. Idly, he weaved between other tables, all empty, glancing at their cards. Rosales, Emmons, Forte... There were several others, but those were a few of the names that he'd recognized. It was a good way to prepare for the evening, at least. He could have an easier means of networking with other companies, learn the names of more generous donors, or even just... who to avoid in the future. His brow furrowed in annoyance at the thought.

As if on cue, he felt a hand on his shoulder. Leo turned to face them.

"Heya, kiddo!"

Oh. Great.

It took all of Leo's efforts to restrain himself from scrunching up his nose in disdain at the oversized cowboy that stood before him. He remained composed, his neutral tone hiding his irritation. "Hello, Mr. Prairie," He greeted. "Excited for the evening, I take it?" Leo asked, eyeing the man's out-of-place cowboy hat. Did he even know what formalwear meant?

"Aw shucks, you know it!" He pumped his arm in a low arc for emphasis. "Ooh, man, it's been ages! How've ya been? Business doing well?"

"As well as ever, sir."

"Good, good! Great to hear!" The older man laughed. "And your old man?"

Leo pressed his lips together, staying silent for a moment. "...Busy, as usual." He finally answered. He hoped keeping his replies brief would make Mr. Prairie lose interest, but he had a feeling it wouldn't be that easy. Why the hell was his father friends with such a simpleton, anyway...? Leo couldn't fathom it. Perhaps he profited off of his stupidity in some way...

[Yuki]

The party was lively, everyone was mingling enjoying the food.. Though Toshiro wished he was anywhere but here.. However Sana his regent said he had to come, many paid just to meet and have a chance to speak with him. Though he felt like a small fish in a tank full of sharks. The other Council members where here as well they all had their own tables but Sana told him they all where going to keep their eyes on him and step in if needed. It made him feel a little better but he still rather not be here.. Another saving grace though he was able to invite a friend. He invited Taylor so he would have at least one familiar and trust worthy face at his table. Looking over at Taylor who was dressed in a tuxedo and was fidgeting with the tuxedo collar. It was clear Taylor was not used to dressing up like this and was way out of his element. All the same Toshiro was glad he agreed to come. Another person that was at their table was Esme, a mage that had helped save his life when a templar attacked him, soon after that he asked if she could be his bodyguard. She sat next to him wearing a light pink dress and shoes, she looked like a harmless girl. Though he knew she was a immortal mage, Though Esme seemed to be enjoying herself as she ate some sweets.

Toshiro looked over at Taylor with a smile. " Are you ok Taylor?" he asked.

Taylor looked at Toshiro with a weak smile. "Y-yeah, just a little nervous is all." Taylor had only came to support Toshiro, he owed him a lot for being the first one to teach out to be his friend when his other so called friends turned their backs on him. So he was willing to deal with stares of the rich and famous, though Taylor did his best not to look at any of them. Not wanting to make anyone angry or make a fool of himself. Toshiro could sense Taylor's unease he placed a hand on his shoulder. "Hey everything is going to be alright, the sharks are mostly looking at me tonight, you are my guest. Though if anyone tries to be rude to you I will step in. So please just enjoy the food. Taylor looked at Toshiro smiled and nodded, yeah he was right. He was not the star of the show tonight Toshiro was, he just needed to stay in the background as much as he could.


Toshiro smiled when Taylor relaxed and started eating he then looked at Esme, who was still happily eating sweets. " Those sure look good."He said with a small chuckle. Esme smiled and looked at Toshiro, " Yes they are! I love sweets no matter how many times I have eaten them!" She beamed, Esme has always had a sweet tooth she could never get enough sweets. " I'm glad you are enjoying yourself Esme." Toshiro said with a smile. " Hehe thanks, though I still have my job to do Mr.Reizo. Remember to let me check all food and drinks before you have them. I know the guild master has his guild members as staff for the event, but we can never be to careful." Esme warned. Toshiro nodded, yeah he knew the threat of the templars was very real.. But he felt safer with Esme at his side.

Toshiro then looked around the room for any other faces that he may know and to his delight he happened to spot Cassandra and Omega, he had not seen them in a while perhaps he could go over and say hello. " Um excuse me for a moment." he said as he got up and made his way over to Cassandra and Omega's table. He saw the two siblings playing on their phones, perhaps they where not to thrilled to be here ether. "Hello Cassandra, Omega Its nice to see you both again. Have you both been well?" He asked.


Mean while more guests arrived. This time it was Amara Emmons, with her friends Sarah, Alexander, and Kurtis, Sarah's older brother. Amara however came in her normal casual clothes but she had helped her friends with a whole makeover. Sarah looked like a princess, wearing a dark blue dress with white gloves and shoes. Alex was wearing a prince like outfit, and Kurtis was wearing a male dress kimono, and was wearing a brown haired wing and had makeup on that hid his scar. He had asked he could disguise himself for the event so he would not be bothered after it was over. Head held up high and proud Amara made her way to the table she had paid for. " Here is our table guys! Feel free to mingle if you wanna and don't let any snobs bully ya. Come and get me if you have to I wont mind frizzing up their hair as banishment. " Amara said with a giggle. Yeah no one was gonna bully her friends on her watch. Sarah and Alex laughed at the thought of that. Kurtis chuckled with a small smile. "Now now lady Amara I am sure that wont be needed. but if such a case I will my best to make sure things don't get ugly, and if I can't I will go get you." Alex said. He was used to dealing with nobles so this was a game he knew all to well. He would protect Sarah and her brother as best as he could as well. " Yeah I'm just here for the food and to support Toshiro. I wont really talk to anyone unless they speak to me first." Sarah said. Kurtis just nodded in agreement, he was just here to watch over his sister he had no real intent on talking to anyone ether. Amara nodded and smiled, though before she could say anything else someone said her name and she rolled her eyes.

" Amara.." Her brother Elon said in a annoyed tone.

Amara sighed as she turned to look at him with a deadpan expression.

" What Elon... Don't you have I dunno possible business partners to be talking to?" Amara was quick to say.

Elon stared at Amara before speaking, " How come you are not wearing formal clothes?' He asked.

Amara just smiled, "Cuz this outfit is way more comfy! Rather wear this then a stuffy hard to move in dress.. Now run along Elon I'm sure you have better things to do then talk to me. " Amara said in a dismissive manner and walked away.

" Amara! you!...." Elon sighed and made his way back to his table.

[Lepa]

Cassandra perked up, lifted her gaze from her phone. "...O-oh! Hi, Toshiro!" She greeted, her eyes lightening up. She glanced at his formalwear. "Or, uh... Mr. Mayor?" She offered with a small giggle. "Aah, I'm sorry! P-please give me a second!" She excused herself, looking back down. Omega hadn't taken his eyes off his own game, but a small smile made its way to his lips. To anyone else, Cassandra's greeting was natural, but to Omega it marked her own incredible progress. She was a quiet girl, made timid by trauma as a child; too scared to talk to anyone, let alone venture into the outside world. For the longest time, he was her only company. To see her make a friend - even if it was under unfortunate circumstances - brought warmth into his heart.

A few moments longer and it was clear the siblings defeated whatever foe they combated. Omega placed his phone face down on the table in quiet satisfaction, while Cassandra was more emotive, giving a small, celebratory fist clench before finally putting her own device away.

"S-Sorry again!" She apologized sheepishly. "I know that was rude... but... I wasn't expecting anyone to come over to our table, haha..."

"Yes. Apologies," Omega added. "Things have been..." He paused, searching for the right wording to answer Toshiro's question. "...peacefully uneventful."

"Yeah," Cassandra nodded. "Usually I stay home, but... Dad kept talking about how good the food is supposed to be, so he convinced us to come." She smiled. "But it's nice to see you again, too! Formally!"

At the mention of their father, Omega glanced over his shoulder, scanning the room for the man himself. He spotted him just in time, slapping a younger man on the back in his usual jovial manner. Omega recognized him. The younger man, Leo, was very clearly trying to be courteous, but he seemed more like an agitated cat that had been poked one too many times by a bystander who didn't know any better. Yep, that was Range, all right...

Again, a small smile tugged his mouth into a smirk, but it quickly sunk into a frown when Omega saw his father gesture Leo towards them. The latter followed his hand, and his eyes locked with Omega's. His own frown deepened in return.

Hmm. This wouldn't do.

Omega turned back to Cassandra and Toshiro. "The "Lion Prince" might be paying us a visit," He warned with a dry emphasis on the man's title; ironic, considering Omega's own tendencies to go by exaggerated names of his own. His sister's eyes widened.

"O-oh no... Leo?" She squeaked, her pitch an octave higher. She craned her neck, looking to see him for herself. Omega nodded, then turned his gaze to the half kitsune.

"He can be... intense," he explained to Toshiro, carefully choosing his wording. The last thing Omega wanted was for someone to overhear him, misinterpret his words and stir up some sensational made up blood feud between their families as if they were nobles in the medieval era. Honestly, the thought of being modern nobility would've been interesting if the threat wasn't so... annoying.

Omega glanced aside, keeping an eye on his father and Leo. "...Either we sit here and wait for his approach, or I can go forth and meet him alone," He offered, though it was more for Cassandra's sake than anything else. "However... Whether it's now or later, Mr. Mayor... I've a feeling he'd be interested in talking to you regardless."

[Yuki]

Toshiro's ears drooped a little when Cassandra called him Mr. Mayor. He rather she call him my his first name... They where friends, or Toshiro hoped she saw them as friends... Being called Mr. Mayor felt like their was a wall between them... Toshiro then waited as the two siblings finished the game they where playing, hmm perhaps he could ask what they where playing and join in? When they where finished. Toshiro smiled when the siblings finished and Cassandra and Omega apologized. " Its alight also please call me Toshiro." Though before he could ask about the game they where playing Omega suddenly said someone he called Lion Prince was coming over not looking very pleased. Cassandra looked nervous as well saying the name Leo. Toshiro followed Omega's gaze and saw two men coming this way.


"...Either we sit here and wait for his approach, or I can go forth and meet him alone" Omega offered and followed with "However... Whether it's now or later, Mr. Mayor... I've a feeling he'd be interested in talking to you regardless." Toshiro looked at the two approaching men. then looked at Cassandra who looked worried. Toshiro then looked back at his own table, where Taylor was sitting enjoying his food and talking to Esme. Yes... People would be wishing to speak with him alright and he did not want Taylor or Cassandra getting caught in any crossfire. " It seems we both have reasons to go and greet this Lion Prince." Toshiro said using the nickname Omega had used. Toshiro knew he could not run and hide forever... He had to face his peers, that was the reason Sana made him come.. The council had been very understanding and patient while he worked though the loss of his parents. To be honest he was still reeling form it.. But he can't stay locked away forever. His parents trained him for moments like this... He just had to remember everything they taught him. " Shall we go? And please, call me Toshiro." Toshiro said to Omega and started to make his way over to greet Leo and Mr. Prairie.

This action did not go unnoticed, Esme had been watching as she spoke with Taylor. Though now it seemed Toshiro was going to speak with someone. " Ah, excuse me Taylor." She said politely as she got up. She had to see everyone as a potential Threat. She did not react when Toshiro went to speak with Cassandra and Omega, for she had seen them the day Toshiro had been attacked by the templar. But now the young major was going to speak to someone new. She quickly made her way to Toshiro giving Omega a nod in greeting. then stood at the ready at Toshiro's side as his bodyguard.


Taylor watched as Esme went over to Toshiro. He had no idea what was going on and hoped everything was alright.. Though now he found himself alone at the mayor's table.. He was sure it was just in is head but he felt like he had eyes on him. So Taylor just looked down at the table staring at his food. " Its ok, everything is fine... I am just here as Toshiro's friend and guest.. No one is gonna talk to me.. Just enjoy myself and the food." Taylor would think to himself as he ate.


Amara found herself just wondering around now, her brother annoyed her again. I front of her friends no less!! " Just once can't that stuck up jerk leave me alone?? Geez.." Amara grumbled as she came up to the snack buffet. She grabbed a plate and started to take some food.


Sarah, Alex and Kurtis mean while where enjoying their meals, despite Elon rudeness. Kurtis would look around every once in a while just to keep track of their surroundings. He had his sword on him mainly because he was a bodyguard. He did his best not to draw attention to his sword. Though he was glad he came, it was heart warming to see Sarah having fun.