38 Auspicious Festival

Soon enough everyone in the base, besides Xiao and Medatros, as well as the camp staff, were boarded on the cruiser. They were on route to their destination for the week long, Jakoku festival. The hull had no empty seats available due to the amount of people inside.

Issac leaned to his palm, staring out the window begrudgingly, as Cynder was clinging to his arm. He glanced at Witchhazel across the cruiser, who seemed to be reading a Shakespeare novel. He sighed, closing his eyes. "(Great... As fun as a vacation sounds like, I'm stuck with Cynder lingering around me... There's no way I'm going to have any escape route here... I'm so screwed.... Why can't things be easy?) He thought to himself.

Shockz was looking out a window, sitting beside Bit, and stares over to Yuji, "So word is, you were a Zodiac member?" Shockz questioned to Yuji, who turns his attention to Shockz.

"Huh? Yeah, but can we not talk about that? I don't want that bringing down the trip. Besides, I've been needing to get some good shots for my next flick." Yuji replies.

Shockz crosses his arms, "I see, though what's even more weird. Why isn't Zihark sitting by Asuna? There's nothing going on between you two, is there?"

Barret sweat drops, looking the other direction. "(I'll keep my thoughts to myself, but damn, that kid is asking some seriously 'on the dot' questions.)"

Denki glanced to Shockz, with his arms crossed. "Shockz, I ain't gotta remind you about what things are cool to talk about, and what ain't. Do I?"

Shockz jumps, looking to Denki. "Uh heh..Nope..Sorry dad..." He says, looking back to Yuji and Asuna smiling awkwardly.

Kirb had his headphones in, leering at Yuji. "What's the deal with her? First she got all star struck with that chump, now this? I can't remember a time she wasn't all over that robot of hers." He muttered, as he turned the volume up, grunting.

Issac glanced next to him, to Kirb, before peering over to the conversation. "(He does have a good point. That guy was being all suave with her before. Did he find some loop hole to get with her? Even Barret couldn't reason with her, when she picked a battery operated boyfriend of him... What gives?)" Issac thought, but felt Cynder hug his arm, with her breasts squishing against him. He gulps a bit, hesitantly glancing to her.

"Me-ow." Cynder looked to him, with playful eyes.

"Ehhhh..." Issac shivered.

Barret crosses his legs, shutting his eyes. "I can't wait to see how things are at this festival." He says, trying to sway the conversation.

Stevonne looks to Barret curiously, "Why are you staring away from the conversation? Does it not interest you?"

Barret looks to Stevonne, forming another sweat drop, "It's really not my cup of tea. By that, I mean the drama." He states looking back off ahead.

"(Dude, it could have fooled me. You're so into gossip.)" Issac glanced to Barret.

Shockz looks over to Barret, "(Not your cup of tea, huh? You're one to talk.)" He says forming lazy eyes.

Asuna was looking out the window, "Ooooh this is just so exciting!" She held her hands to her cheeks. "Thinking about how darling the kimonos will be. I can't wait to try one on! Tee-hee!"

Stevonne ponders to herself as well. "(Kimonos? Now there's something I never thought about..)" Stevonne thinks, her eyes becoming starry.

Dylan was bouncing in his seat, holding his cat doll. "I can't wait to try all their food stuffs! Oh, this will be awesome! Oooh! Light bulb! Myde! I just had this idea!" He made Skratch paw at her.

"... What is it, Dylan?" Myde opened one of her eyes, from her nap.

"Oooh-Oooh! Do you think the toilets will be in boxes!? I have been dying to try one of the human box toilets!" Dylan giggled, higging his doll.

Myde sighed, holding her head. "I don't know... Please let me rest.... I didn't sleep well last night..."

Cravic glanced over to Myde from his position, by Bit. He was keeping silent for the most part.

Dylan narrowed his eyes, with a goofy smirk. There was a slight rumble of a watery fart. Everyone in the ship suddenly pulled back in their seats, gawking. "EWW! Dylan!!" They gasped, holding their noses.

"I farted." He smiled proudly. "No, it was me!" He made his doll speak, as he giggled.

"(We should have known, he mentioned restrooms!)" Shockz gasps, holding his breath.

Cynder was holding her sides, as she fell onto Issac, laughing very hard. "Pfftahahahaaahahahaha!!! Dil, hahaha, that was teahahaha freak'n GREAT! Hahaha!!"

Issac was holding his nose, slightly green in the face. ".....(...Cats.....)"

"I'm glad I can't smell." Bit sighed with relief.

Cravic looked over in annoyance to Dylan, "..."

Katinka held her nose, gagging a bit. "Ick!!! That was.... nnn."

Zihark merely stares around. "What is this 'smell' that everyone speaks about? This does not compute with my functions."

Asuna fell onto Yuji's lap. "FOR PETE SAKE! THAT IS RANCID!!"

"I shall destroy the source of the odor, Ducky." Zihark says, scanning around the cruiser. He pin points Dylan, and he holds up his hand forming a laser gun.

Barret's eyes widen, "ASUNA! CALL HIM OFF! Urgh my gosh this stinks..."

Asuna had swirly in her eyes, "Ehhhehhh... Wha-what?"

Zihark lets off a shot, from the laser gun, which flies Dylan's direction. As the laser hit, a small hole was left in the wall steaming of heat from the gun. The cat doll remained laying on the seat, but Dylan was no where to be seen.

Shockz's mouth drops, "You evaporated him!" He gasped from sitting so close.

Zihark looks to Shockz, "Situation evaded."

"Uh, Skratch, save me! I'm on the ceiling..." Dylan's voice came from above. He had his claws out, hanging on for dear life. His hair, and tail was standing on end, as he shivered. "The red dot tried to kill me.... I'm supposed to chase the dot, not the other way around... Nyaaaaa..." He had tears in his eyes.

"Objective not completed..." Zihark states, looking to Dylan. He begins to aim his hand up to Dylan. Barret grips to Zihark.

"Asuna is okay! Look!" Barret says, turning his attention to Asuna.

Asuna's face was in Yuji's lap, still swirling around with nausea.

Zihark moves Barret out of his way, as he makes steps near Asuna. "Ducky is sleeping?"

Yuji looks to Zihark, "Yeah she's fine, just taking a little breather. Heh, everything's good robo-dude."

Zihark nods, "Affirmative. I shall cease pursuit of the gastrous feline." He states, forming away his gun.

"Phew..." Barret says, looking back to Dylan. "It's safe. You can come down now."

Dylan timidly looks his way, before dropping down to take his chair, fearfully. He was quivering with his hair raised still. "...... Red dots......" He whimpered, gripping to his beloved doll.

Stevonne looks to Dylan, "Oh poor kitty, it will be fine. I hope we can make it to the festival without any more bumps. (Because I don't want to miss out on those kimonos!)"

Denki crosses his arms, "Hey kiddos, take a peek out the window. We're here."

They all turn their attention to the windows, spotting the summer festival, it was dark outside with the sky illuminated by hundreds of glowing fans with kanji marking them, as well as teh twin moons. There seemed to be all sorts of festivities occurring as well.

"Why is it dark outside? isn't it day time?" Issac inquired.

"This side of Terra is almost always night, kid. It's due to the position of the dark moon." Denki states to Issac.

"Oh." Issac muttered. "Well, I guess that makes sense." He muttered, Cynde still laying in his lap.

"Jakoku being like that, has become one of the top vacation resorts. It's very widely known for holding festivals all year round. Tourists come from all over the world to enjoys the sites, and events every day. It's also a hot spot for couples, with the world record for how many people make wedding proposals here." Witchhazel spoke up. "It's also a great spot to open shop, and sell my wares." She giggled.

Issac gawked a bit at her, but Cynder held to Issac. "That sounds like a great date spot then! hear that Blue? We're going on our first date!"

"..... Greaat... I'm just... ecstatic..." Issac sighed in a sarcastic manner. "(Why can't I get rid of this cat?....)"

"(Having second thoughts, this sounds both good, and horrific, it's so big. Oh I'll be fine, it's not as if I really have to look over Issac's shoulder constantly.)" Barret thinks to himself.

Shockz was excited, yet nervous, "(Dates, oh man...I can tell Katinka how I feel. Yeah!)" He thought to himself, glancing acros the hull to Katinka. She seemed in thought.

"Hmm? Barret?" Stevonne says, looking to him.

Barret looks to Stevonne, "Yes?"

"Would you mind spending some time with me, during the festival?" She asked, with a smile.

"Oh? S-sure, granted I've never been here myself. I suppose it wouldn't hurt." Barret says, laughing nervously. "(At least I know some girls won't choose another guy over me.)"

Stevonne smiles, jumping in her seat a bit. "Wonderful!"

Katinka was grinding her teeth, with her eye twitching. "(You crafty bitch...)"

Stevonne who still had a wide smile on her face, with her eyes shut, giggles to Katinka's thoughts. "I hope that Myde won't mind me stealing you for a bit."

Myde opened an eye, glancing over. "By all means, we're just friends." She closed her eyes.

"What are you talking about? We're friends as she stated....Uhh I'm so lost..." Barret states forming a sweat drop.

"Oh? Maybe I was thinking about Katinka." Stevonne giggles, "You just have so many people after you Barry."

Katinka gawked awkwardly, as she choked a bit. "..."

"Barry? Urgh I'm not feeling to comfortable talking about this..." Barret states, pulling to his shirt collar.

"(What!? Fuck, I have to make this count! I have to get to her, before Barret does. At least I know Bit's not interested in her. I honestly didn't like that Stevonne girl before, but man, am I happy she spoke out there.)" Shockz thought to himself.

The cruiser began descending, Denki glanced to the others. "When we get to ground, there is a place we check in, and where everyone is to choose a kimono. This resort is pretty big, so chances are, we may all get separated at times. Just make sure you all pick up the keys to your hotel rooms, and keep in contact if needed. Any questions?" Denki explained.

"Do we have a place to meet, in case of energy, or something?" Issac questioned.

"Who cares about emergencies? It's an amusement park, no one is going to get in trouble here." Cynder teased.

"You never know, this place might have a great rep, but we should still be careful." Barret says crossing his arms.

Shockz was tapping his foot. "(Anyone mess with me, I'll shock them. I just want to hurry, and get to Katinka!)"

Denki glances to the others, "There is a central plaza. We can use that, and the junction point for emergencies." Denki spoke up.

The ship had landed in the parking garage, and everyone soon made their way out to the park. They all went to choose thier kimonos, to wear in the resort. Soon enough they all had broken off to enjoy their time in Jakoku.

There was many sites to be seen, events to enjoy and things to do. Issac was walking, with Cynder clinging to his arm. She had a fan with a fish printed on it, looking up to the lanterns above them.

"Wow. Look at that." Cynder pointed to the glows in the sky.

Issac sighed, begrudgingly allowing her to keep by him. His eyes observed the area of the resort, noticing a small scaled version of Witchhazel's shop, with her passing kids some treats they bought from her shop.

"(Witchhazel....What's done can't be undone. Still, I wonder if I may ever get my chance with you..)" He thought, to himself.

She glanced over a bit, somewhat bewildered. However, a kid tugged on her dress to get her attention. In which she gave the child a wind chime, that was hanging from her booth's canopy.

Issac shrugged, glancing to Cynder who was staring up at the two moons in night sky. "(Maybe I was getting my hopes too high with Hazel... I might just be thinking too shallow.... I mean, Cyndy's a bit forceful, but she's pretty into me... Eh...crud... It does look as if I'm stuck with her... Well, she's not so bad... I guess... Maybe things will be alright.)" He furrowed his brow.

Cynder glanced up to him, "Gonna play hard to get? They got a bathhouse, Blue.~" Cynder sing-songed.

Issac sighed a bit, "If... if you're set on me... Shouldn't we, you know, get to know enough more?"

Cynder gawked a bit. "Meow? So, we're going steady for real then?" She smirked.

"..." Issac scratched the back of his head, "You're kind leaving me no choice here... So seems like it."

Cynder's eyes caught a fishing booth. "Okay! We are playing THAT!" She said, dragging Issac over.

"Hey! Slow down!" Issac gasped.

Shockz was walking with Bit, not far off. "So, you think you're Level is high even to pursue this stage with Katinka?"

"I-I don't know, but I have to act before someone else does, don't I?" Shockz sighed,

Bit patted his back, "I'd offer you an item to increase your luck stats, but I don't have anything."

"Thanks for the thought." Shockz smiled.

Bit nodded, "Oh look! Your target is within range."

"What?!" Shockz gasped, looking to where bit pointed.

Katinka was walking around, and eats some cotton candy, as she stared to the Kabuki lounge area, seeing some people putting on a play. She rolls her eyes, walking more. "This has to be the most boring place ever..."

Shockz felt goosebumps run up his spine. "There she is! Okay man, I can do this... I hope." He says, slapping his hands together as if to look as he were praying.

"I'm rooting for you, Shockz." Bit grinned.

Shockz nodded, but as he walks forward, from Bit, a green haired boy, sporting a pony tail, and a black kimono approaches her. The boy runs up behind Katinka, spooking her.

"Boo!" The boy vocalized at Katinka.

Katinka jumps, nearly dropping her cotton candy, as she turned to him. "Hey! What's the big idea!?.... Uh...?" She stares at the boy.

Shockz was starring unable to move, the boy had caught him off guard. "(THAT GUY IS WAY OVER MY LEAGUE! It's over, I failed, shit JOAN THROW ME A BONE HERE!)"

Bit was also surprised by this. "A wild rival appears?"

"Don't make me feel worse, dude." Shockz was pouting.

The boy looks to Katinka, smiling. "You remember me, right?"

Katinka smiles, hugging him. "Chris, I haven't seen you in forever. How've you been? What are you doing here?"

"(CHRIS!? THAT'S HIS NAME!? HOW LONG HAVE THEY KNOWN EACH OTHER!? I've been chasing someone who's taken? No, dude you can't be serious. No! I have to be going crazy, why else would she have liked Barret or Bit?)" Shockz says to himself.

Bit was crossing his arm, tilting his head with his tails swishing curiously.

Chris places a hand in his pocket, "Well, I had gotten word from Medatros, that you guys were headed over here. I wanted to come, and visit the base, but guess this works. Lots of ladies around too." Chris joked, snickering.

Katinka crossed her arms, "Don't be such a creep. You know my stance on that."

"Jeez, you can at least cut me a break. It's not easy dealing with all that stuff back on Vectrom... Besides that, it's been like forever since I've seen you. Maybe we should go play some games, or something? (I guess girl seeking will have to wait for now, kind of bogus though...)" Chris thought to himself.

Katinka glanced to the events. "Is any of that actually fun? I'd rather go pop squirrels, or something..."

"You too? Yeah, I'd be down for that. We need to find some stuff to set on fire too." Chris says chuckling.

Shockz walks up to them, without hesitation, leaving Bit to observe in the background. "HOLD ON! WHO ARE YOU? AND HOW DO YOU KNOW KATINKA?" Shockz demanded to Chris.

"Me? I'm her younger brother....You don't remember me, Shockz?" Chris says, questioning Shockz's behavior.

Katinka looked oddly to Shockz. "What has gotten into you, dunderhead?"

Shockz's expression turns from gloom to joy. "OH! I was thinking you were just some random guy messing with her, ha..ha...Sorry I uhhh. So you said her younger brother?"

Chris nods, "Yeah, though I remember you. This is kind of sad man. My sis hit you upside the head too much?"

Katinka punches Chris's shoulder. "I heard that, fire breath!"

"Ouch, he's the one forgetting, that's not my fault." Chris shot back at her.

"It's fine, I'm sorry, it must be the mission, and stuff. I'm glad we got some time to relax though....Oh yeah, umm, can I talk to Katinka, real quick? It won't take long, promise." Shockz says calmly.

Chris quirks a brow, "Huh? Ohhhh...Ha...Okay. Hey Tink? Go easy on him, okay? I'll be hanging over by the dojo." He states, waving to them as he walks off.

Katinka crosses her arms, looking where Chris went, then to Shockz. "What's wrong?" She groaned.

"...Well...I..." Shockz was hesitant.

"Spit it out, dummy." Katinka snapped.

Shockz sighs, preparing himself. "Katinka... All of this time, I-I really need you to know, my reasons for acting so strange, and over protective... I care for you, I uhh...I like you...I've had a crush on you, for I don't know how long. I mean I really,really like you... I'm sorry, I'm not good at this..." Shockz says shaking. "I know your dad said-"

Katinka looked to Shockz, giving him an unexpected hug. "Listen stupid. You're being sweet right now, but... to be honest... you're like a brother to me... I don't want to hurt your feelings, okay?... Please don't be sad." She said, still hugging him.

"A brother?....Uhh...Okay...I understand..." Shockz says, holding back tears. "I guess I'm happy you know how I feel, I guess..." Shockz says, breaking the hug. "You should go catch up with Chris, I'm going to go get something to eat. See ya around." Shockz says, smiling as he hurries off.

Katinka grimaced, holding her arm. She watched him hurry away, and turns to go find Chris. Bit was now sitting up on the roof tops, and saw the whole thing. "Guess her level exceeded his. I guess I can pursue a PM, when he's had a chance to vent a little. I'm sure his MP is low after that action."

Barret was now sitting with Stevonne by a lake side, watching floating lanterns over the water. They both had cotton candy and, were just enjoying the scene. Stevonne looks to Barret. "I'm really having a good time, Barry." She says, smiling to him.

Barret nods, taking a bite from his candy. "Yes, you know it's fascinating to see how they created these lanterns. Who would think to have them illuminate this way over the water, could create such a vast site!"

Stevonne giggles, "I agree...Uhh..."

Barret looks to Stevonne, "Hm? Oh! I was meaning to ask you. Not to bring work up again, but I was wondering what side you are on? You don't seem Kaos, or Zodiac, but why did they have you captured?"

Stevonne looks back to the lake. "Tis, because I am a researcher. I started my studies here, looking over things regarding humans and Elementar....They had captured me, because of my information, and abilities."

Barret quirks his brow, "Abilities? What abilities? Aren't you human?"

Stevonne places her candy to her side, looking to the ground. "..." She extends her free hand to Barret's grabbing it.

Barret's eyes widen. "Stevonne...Your hand feels so..hard. Almost like a rock..."

Stevonne pulls her hand back, quickly, "I'm sorry..."

Barret shakes his head, "Is this why you don't like human contact?..."

Stevonne nods, "Yes, I hadn't told you the truth before. I'm neither human, nor Elementar, I am what you call a Bonerune Alien... a shapeshifter." Her form suddenly shifts to her true shape. She was a violet colored humanoid creature, with red tentacle hair. She had claws, and rocky shapes on her body, that resembled purple stalagmite.

"W-wait! Amazing....But...Hmm..." Barret was at a loss for words.

"Am I so beautiful, that you have no words left?" Stevonne inquires to Barret.

Barret stands up, and looks to Stevonne. "...I'm sorry, I really am. I don't know how else to break this to you, But well... I'm human, and I'm not really sure how things would work out life wise, and bodily wise. You've heard about the reports with Elementar, and Humans mixing... It could be dangerous for both of us Stevonne."

Stevonne stands up quickly, looking to Barret with fury in her eyes. "What!? So you're saying because we're different, we won't, Can't work together? I can shape shift, make myself into any body you want me to be! No one will have to know anything! You also won't have to worry about me...I have a healing factor, so my wounds will always recover."

Barret sighs, "Perhaps yours will, but what about mine? Stevonne, this won't work...I'm truly sorry...We can still be friends. I do find it amazing tha-"

Stevonne slams her claw into the bench, breaking it. "...I knew it... Keep your apologies... Katinka was right.... She rejected my help getting you.... But perhaps she won't need it after all."

"Huh?" Barret says, trying to caution himself.

Stevonne forms back into her human state, and runs away crying.

"Stevonne!" Barret yelled after her, some park police were nearing his location, and Barret decides to dive in the bush.

On the opposite end of the brush, Yuji and Asuna were sitting together.

"It feels like it's been a while since you, and I have been able to be out like this, huh?" Asuna leaned against her shorter boyfriend.

Yuji nods, "That it has, toots. We finally get some screen time to ourselves again." he says, placing a hand over Asuna's.

She repositioned herself, below his height, so she could look to his eyes. "I've been wondering lately, do you think we'll ever be able to live normal lives again like this, without worry creeping in?" She asked, resting her chin to his shoulder.

"I sure hope so, which had me thinking. Maybe we should dump the entire 'take over the world' gimmick. Could cause us more problems in the long run." Yuji states shutting his eyes.

"So, just give it up, and elope?" Asuna reached her hand to his face.

Yuji nods, "Maybe help these guys out, to give us enough time to bail. Besides they don't seem so bad, and I don't know what I'd do if I'd have to deal with a force of Elementar soldiers in the future."

Unknown to them, Barret was listening in, on their conversation through the bush. "What do they mean, 'world domination'? Asuna isn't even talking in her normal diction. Though what's this I'm also hearing about getting out? Hmm... Did they know each other before?" Barret whispered to himself, listening.

Asuna snuggled up to Yuji. "Oh Yuji, you know I'd protect you." She said, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Seeing how we don't have to hide much, I don't know about cancelling the 'take over' plan though, perhaps we can bring the others in on the plan. The Ministry was always good to me, so it wouldn't hurt if we actually kept with them. Who knows, maybe we don't have to run this way either... Though, I would need to talk to my sister about this. Last thing we need is them figuring out I'm not human."

"Ah yeah, the big hammer...I guess you're right, babe. As long as I can stay out of fights though, maybe I can find a seat in a director chair, or something?" Yuji joked. "But seriously, it's a good idea, when it comes to your sis, I think she'd understand. It's your father I worry about."

Asuna puffed out her cheek. "I still can't believe he went to the lengths to pull us apart. It makes me so mad sometimes..." Asuna sighed, sitting up. "All I want is for us to be together, and no one to tear us apart. That's why this plan can't fall through." She said, looking seriously to Yuji. "You're the most important person in the world to me."

Yuji laughs, "Yeah same here, I know this though. Once we get free, we'll never have to worry about that guy again. Nothing will ever come between us."

Barret started to get more understanding about their situation. "(I see, hmm...Though Asuna isn't human, and it's pretty obvious she's been with Yuji for a while. I guess it's safe to say, they check out...To be caught up in a mess like this, it's all so they can be together with each other. It makes perfect sense why she rejected me, and perhaps made Zihark to keep her company, until she reunited with Yuji.)" Barret thought to himself.

Barret felt a tap on his shoulder, from someone who had crouched down beside him. "What are you doing?" Inquired Katinka's voice.

Barret jumps quickly out of the bush, as leaves flew up everywhere. "Ka-Katinka!" Barret gawked in surprise.

Yuji and Asuna turn their attention to the the hedge bush. "What was that?" Yuji asked to Asuna.

"Sounds like tiny Tim's getting chased again." She giggled.

"Tiny Tim...OH, The nerdy guy, yeah. You know the other good part about this. I'll have some actors for some scripts I got in mind. Man, I can't wait." Yuji states, holding Asuna closer to him.

Asuna leaned her face to his, with their noses touching. "You're still on about casting gloomy Gus, aren't you?"

Yuji snickers, "You got me babe, seriously the guy is like, Main star material. Just needs a little push in places, but he's the kind of guy who could break through anything. Given the right script."

Asuna pouted a bit, "Stop sounding like you have a man crush on him, you're making me jealous."

"Hey toots, nothing could replace you." Yuji says pecking her.

Asuna giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck to kiss him back. However they fell off the bench in the process, with a thud.

Barret looks back to the bush, then returns his attention to Katinka. "I was umm just making sure there wasn't any trash in the bush. I dropped my cotton candy....(Riiight....)" Barret lied.

Katinka pocketed her hands, looking off a bit nervously. "I see... So um... I've been wondering. What were you going to say at the safari, before that Zodiac surprised us? You said, 'maybe we can'... I just want to know what you meant..." Katinka asked, sheepishly.

"Oh-Oh! That, uhh I was going to ask if we could get to know each other better. From your story, and how things were, I just felt I wanted to get to know you better, one on one." Barret states to Katinka.

Katinka blushes, looking to him. "Um, I uh... Why would you want to get to know me better though?..." Her heart was racing.

Barret laughs nervously, "Well, why else? You said I was one of the few guys you could tolerate. You also told me, you liked me..."

Katinka wiped her nose a bit, glancing off. "I thought maybe you liked Myde, or Stevonne already. If this is because you saw me cry, I'm gonna hit you."

"Oh, well you can be sure. They're not in my cross hairs, (Not after being rejected, and surprised to see Stevonne's real form.)...Things change, even well...Urgh, you want to go get something to eat?" Barret asks to Katinka.

Her eyes trailed over to Barret, as her limiter wires sparked slightly. She was blushing still, "Are you... asking me out?..." She gulped a bit.

Barret smiles uneasily, "If that's how you want to place it. Yes."

Katinka looked very surprised, as her face grew redder. "Um... uh..." She bit her lip slightly, as the electricity simmered down. She nodded, "Mhm."

Barret reaches for Katinka's hand, but feels a slight bit of static jump to his fingers, causing him to stop quickly, "That might not be the best idea yet, come on, let's go to the sushi shack."

"Sorry, I can't really control my electrify when I get... uh, ner-.... " She looked off.

Barret smiles, "It's fine, we'll work on it together. For now, let's just focus more on food, and having a good time, okay?"

"Got it." Katinka smiles, still blushing.

They decided to head off to the sushi shack.