East City Strays [FULL]

It had been well over a week since Celeste's indulgence at King’s Castle, and already, she was bored.

It was a recurring problem when one lacked direction. She could distract herself with petty amusements and technological novelties, but it never lasted. Already, her life had come to adhere to a kind of routine. Wake to her rented room, explore the city for idle gossip and news of the issued accords (there had been over two dozen confirmed cases in the area so far, it seemed. How quickly these influences spread!), then wander the wealthier quarters for leads on new revenue. East City, it seemed, was something of a capital in trade and commerce. And so, as the afternoon sun sank lower in the sky, Celeste found herself swaggering through market crowds in pursuit of new prey.

Her victim was a middle-aged peddler of jewelry and expensive gems. More than once, Celeste had passed the man on his mid-afternoon strolls, and more than once, Celeste had observed the man changing places with a straggly brunette girl -- his daughter, presumably. With the owner gone, the merchandise, and more importantly, the safe, would be left completely unguarded. If only she knew a way to take another's place.

The shopkeeper didn't seem to notice the subtle shifts in reality and perception. Celeste's victims so rarely did. Instead, when the man looked up, he saw only a girl several inches shorter than Celeste and a thousand times less suspicious. The man's expression brightened. "There you are, Julia. You're early for your shift."

"I was so eager to arrive that I just couldn't contain myself. Please, accept my aid."

The man gave her an odd look. Most did, even if they couldn't see through her facade. Celeste rarely bothered to hide her distinctive mannerisms or the cadence of her words. Still, the man left, and that was enough for her. "Be careful of thieves," the man said as he pushed open the front door. "And remember to lock up."

"Oh, don't mind me. I'll keep close watch."

The door closed, and Celeste sighed as she dropped her facade. The whole ordeal had done nothing to alleviate her boredom.

After pulling this stunt over six times since her arrival, Celeste had little need for the resources. She'd committed the crime only because she thought it might amuse her, and perhaps to indulge in some luxury nonsense or another if she felt the need. Yet she felt nothing today. A shame. Perhaps she would try a more ridiculous scheme in the future. Robbing small-time jewelry stores was too far beneath her.

Her many coat pockets were bulged as she sidled back onto the street. She made certain to lock the door behind her before she left. She had promised, after all.

With the deed done, Celeste wandered towards the city's open-air market with more than enough money to indulge her fancy should some trinket catch her eye. She glanced through new electronics (how small they'd all gotten!), browsed a few hardcover novels (so many -- it seemed a shame to the art of calligraphy!), and stopped to admire a collection of decorative music boxes. These in particular had caught her intrigue, and she had almost put down the money for one embedded in emeralds when she caught movement in the box's mirror.

A fleeting familiar face?

The curiosity was palpable enough that scarlet eyes diverted themselves to the source, narrowing when they found their quarry. Alas, who of all should they find among the crowds? That nefarious kitsune with as many personal issues as ochre hued accessories. Conversing with a select few. Well, well – now just who were these exalted few? The lid of the music box was snapped shut, snatching a confused glance from the stall vendor, before it was placed unceremoniously atop its ilk.

The guise of Julia donned once more, as she fidgeted nervously with a pearl necklace in the pocket of her faux oversized coat. The witch made her way closer through the crowds, passed a crowded pizzeria en route to intercept the other spellcaster with whom she had business. Though what was this? Upon nearing the group, the scraggly brunette would stumble then collide with the Oni attempting to abscond with the majin. Pearls would fly everywhere as Celeste preemptively snapped the necklace apart. ”Oh no! My mother’s necklace!” she exclaimed as dramatically as she could, prompting many a passerby to stop and stare at the commotion.

”How could you!?”

PL: 32,000 | Antisense: Active| Adamant Fortress: Active
-uses Transmogrify to disguise herself
-stumbles into Erebos
WC: 745