Charles Patricius

The concern Kazu had for the other males around was virtually nonexistent. He was always at the ready to help comrades whenever necessary, but there were no real threats registering at present. Alas, the boys themselves didn't agree with that. Their game was moving along quickly, leading seemingly toward the loss of an orange-haired male who seemed most interest in Emirie. In truth, part of that lad wanted to take the loss. If he had the opportunity to fire the first proverbial shot, he wouldn't just be lumped-in with the others. The first to lose here had the highest chance of winning, he thought. While that fall was being taken, Kazu was cutting Ai's deck and sliding it back across the table. "Play or pass?" he asked, wondering if she wanted the first or second turn.

Reiji was prepared to collect whatever Miko desired for her purchase, offering all of it at the very same price he paid to order. She insisted that he should see profit from the large purchase she intended to make, but this was an investment Reiji had already settled on. "I don't see it as a loss. Though I won't gain profit, I can easily restock those same items at the same price. It's an investment I decided to make; do take advantage of it," he suggested. There was no way he'd be charging even a yen more than what he'd told Sakura. "So, what would you like? Sleeves? A box? Maybe I could interest you in a carry bag or some packs from the set just released today?"

Though Kazuhiko wasn't concerned about the other males, Anya could hear them, she was a bit worried about the way people thought things in this kind of place. After spending all day among people she'd consider her family those were evildoers in need of smiting. Oh well, someone would do something about it. At the same time, Ai was busy having her deck cut and getting the game with Kazuhiko underway. Play or pass? "Pass... waiting for a key piece~" she offered easily while continuing to seem unbothered herself. If the worst happened someone else would end up banned today. Still, Kaguya had pretty much a floating list of things necessary to complete people's starter collections anyways, so it was far from the worst potential outcome. Emirie and Kohara Konomi were looking at each other across the table with mild amusement. "Were you interested in this game before?" she asked of the young woman. "I gave it some consideration, but as is very obvious to you right now, coming in places like this is a special kind of annoying... though I was looking at one of the starter decks I think I could enjoy the playstyle of it..." she explained of her own decisions. Emirie kept up the conversation if only to distract from any oddities occurring behind the scenes with those males.

Meanwhile, Miko was busy talking to Reiji though she was keeping her ears open for incoming potential problems over at the table. According to the man who owned this place, he didn't see it as a loss of income. "Hai, if you say so... but if at any point you want to start charging me normally, I am okay with that too. I don't want to buy out everything and leave you with only the ability to replenish your stock," she claimed in an oddly direct way. "Wait, I said that earlier too..." she mused knowing she'd said something similar to Kazuhiko about pilfering his collection to build all those decks she'd made. Still she looked around at the things she would need and began talking, "I need five deck boxes, they can be plain, but different colors and the Shrine playmat with the big moon and the Seiman on the ground in it. I also need five sets of sleeves to match those deck boxes and I'll take the backpack style bag the girly one in gray," she named the items she was looking for, but those were strictly for herself. She also knew that Kaguya had likely organized the rest of the group to make their selections as well.. so she'd get to those in a moment. "You can just drop those in the bag, I'll do all my organizing later," she added knowing she was going to end up being quite devoted to the game itself. "Kaya-sen, what did you pick out?" she asked of the other girl who looked up and grinned, "The black version of the bag you got, the playmat with the demon shrine, the black sleeves and deck box," mentioned, and Miko nodded astutely. "Okay did you get that? Will you pack those up the same way?" Miko asked... all the while a pattern was developing and it wasn't going to stop any time soon.

Ai chose to pass the first turn to Kazuhiko. He had the opportunity to establish a defensive board, but he also knew she possessed right to the first offense, fair wit, and some level of clairvoyance ─ whether she deigned to use it or not. While he played the first turn with that knowledge in mind, the table nearby was getting just a tad louder. "Gahahaha! Take that, trash! Get fucked Hinokawa!" Hanabira boasted his victory. As he saw things, he would be the ultimate victor. He'd watch the others fail in their approaches before making the ultimate move, sacrificing the rest to his great cause. If he played his cards right, he could even have his pick of the lot. For now, the one called Hanabira was working on composing himself. He knew who he'd be targeting, and he realized... it was going to take the right approach. Slowly did he rise, and slowly did he shuffle past a few other players en route to that large table of mostly girls.

In the meantime, Reiji was given more reason to shake his head. He had a decent enough eye for business. Even if he charged these girls the lowest possible price forever, he'd actually see continuous profit as a result. For every visiting girl today, he had at least two more sales than normal from guys. Since she was so insistent though, he was willing to compromise just slightly. "How about this? If you and the others are in my shop to play, any purchase you make will be at cost. Otherwise, I'll come up with some kind of employee discount that won't majorly affect either of us. Deal?" he asked. Of course, Reiji intended to extent this offer to all of Sakura's comrades. Whether they worked out a deal or not, however, he was already en route to an epic win. Pacing like this would lead to Reiji being able to host more official tournaments. Moreover, the already exponential increase in sales today was being further enhanced by Miko's list. She sought five plain deck boxes in different colors. Reiji thought that was odd, but her mention of a Seiman featured on her playmat of choice resulted in some assumptions. "Five deck boxes and that specific playmat... Are you collecting the Abe decks? One moment please," he said before fishing through a storage closet behind the counter. There were some well-organized shelves within ─ particularly one higher up that he reached to. "Ah, here they are! I never found the space to display these properly. If you're collecting those decks, might I interest you in these instead?" he asked, emerging from the closet and showing one white deck box with a basic Seiman over the image of a fox's head. "This is a series of five, now six box and sleeve sets released with those decks in mind. There is also an album and a bag showing the full series. Those specifically are new, along with the sixth design. They actually just released today with the new set. Other designs are back here as well, but I'm afraid this small building isn't suitable to the kind of display I wish we could have."

Kazuhiko may have been overestimating Ai's desire to use her magical powers. Or maybe he wasn't... his play of choice was enough to bring a small upturn to her lips, as she went about drawing and getting ready for her next turn. His defensive board would be met with several small gear creatures which she began the process of evolving, though, the evolution into a giant dragon made it so she couldn't simply attack that first turn. All the while, a bit of rowdiness was coming from that other table. It wasn't a big deal, but Chika would be seen covering Anya's ears while the younger lass stared on. She knew the stakes of this game and also knew the one called Hinokawa was being sneaky. 'Uh-oh, does Emi-nee knows he is coming her? Can I help her?' Anya looked at her sister and tried to grab her attention, which oddly worked even as the elder girl was carrying on a conversation with Konomi.

Meanwhile, Miko was busy negotiating a more permanent deal with Reiji concerning making sure he was paid properly. His endgame proposal was one she could agree to, and one she found similar enough to other such services that were offered in different terms. "Sou ka, so if we hang around we get super discount and if we just come in for purchases more fairness in pay..." she mused gently. "I understand. I can agree to that. You have a deal... arigatou Akaba-san~" she said, knowing that Kazuhiko liked this place she could see them visiting quite a bit. Meanwhile, it seemed her listed choices were enough to get Reiji thinking about what she was collecting, "Absolutely, Seimei-sama is national treasure♫!~" Miko chimed without hesitation. She then watched as Reiji went into a storage closet and looked for something. He claimed he didn't have room to display them and then showed her one of the most interesting deck boxes she'd seen so far. It literally screamed Abe no Seimei and she couldn't have been more enthused.Her eyes sparkled those little flames in them dancing as she heard what Reiji had to say. "It's a shame you couldn't display them, they are the best thing ever. And I'll only have the best for Seimei-sama. I'll take the lot!~" she exclaimed. Miko's zealotry was leaking through and she couldn't be bothered to hide it. "What do you mean there is a six set? And how many cases of the new set do you have? I am not completely sure how it works but are all the cards I need in the new box? What kind of rates are we working on for rares? And what else do you have in there?" She asked in rapid fire succession losing herself in the well that was Abe no Seimei lore. Of course, her own movements would lead her to that open door, and if unhindered she'd be crossing that threshold to get a better look herself. After all, if she was getting the best for herself, she'd also get it for ehr friends as well.

Kazuhiko let himself be blissfully unaware of his surroundings... but only mostly. His intention was only to kick back and enjoy the game. Ai established her board for the second turn without taking an immediate offensive, but that was cause for concern during turn three. What he knew of the cards she used was that any offense she took was something he couldn't counter. Beyond that, she could have been using a version of the deck that rebuilt its forces in a more meaningful way when they were destroyed. He'd have to take an approach that was both careful and aggressive to avoid being driven into a corner within two turns. While he was setting up a board that would allow recovery after his own offensive maneuvers this turn, something metaphysical made him stop everything, one card in hand yet to be played. What was that strange feeling? Well, that orange-haired lad approached Emirie from behind. He reached out, placing a hand atop the back of her chair and leaning into it. "Ussu! Hinokawa Shingo! Having a good time? I see you're not playing right now. Wanna play me or chat for a minute?" he asked.

Reiji encountered no further difficulties dealing with Miko. By the deal she agreed to, everyone could be treated with kindness by the other side without feeling like they were taking advantage. If she and the others wanted to visit and play, he'd ensure they reaped the benefits of the extra attention they garnered. The only issue he took with Miko's acceptance was the way she addressed him. "Wonderful. You don't have to be so formal with me, though. I know it's a little indulgent and maybe shameful, but Reiji will be fine," he said. Though Rejii was one to address his patrons as any businessman would, he rather enjoyed feeling like those same patrons viewed him as more of a big brother figure. That strange indulgence aside, he found it interesting how Miko spoke about Abe no Seimei. "You won't hear an argument from me. I remember playing the first version of the deck when it released. I should still have a version of it somewhere," he mused. Whatever the case, it seemed Miko would take the set he suggested. She was also already moving, as if she intended to enter the storage room. Reiji had no issues with this; he didn't mean to keep anything hidden from his customers. He was content to usher her in while addressing her series of questions. "That's a very hefty list, Iino-chan. Let's see... the sixth set is supposed to represent the Sixth Path and Abe no Seimei's ultimate form. His Hero card is one of the rarest in the set... which leads me to that matter. There is one rare card in each pack, but various levels of holofoil rarities. Some cards only come in specific forms; the newest Abe only released this set in Ultimate Rare and Ghost Rare. As for the cards you need, all of the new ones are in the current set, but the Abe series has been part of the last six sets. This newest version is meant to work in conjunction with any of the old playstyles, though no one has figured out the optimal combination yet." While he was explaining things, Reiji stepped inside the storage room and closed the door, if only because some things on shelves were otherwise hidden behind it. Inside, Miko would find all manner of trading card paraphernalia with designs for various decks ─ whether boxes, sleeves, albums, even plushies and dice/counter sets. "I haven't seen anyone draw the actual card after selling a dozen box sets, so that's all I can say for rates currently. As for the number of cases I have, there is most of a full shipment ─ about 80 cases."

Maintaining a state of blissful unawareness was one thing. Ai watched as Kazuhiko prepared himself for both offense and defense, and began to see this match more like a chess match than a simple card game. "Ara? Kazu-tan, is that a full blown strategy coming out in two turns. Should I feel flattered~" she said almost teasingly. In the meantime, a young man was walking up behind Emirie garnering himself an eye role from one like Konomi who was a bit more used to this type of thing. Still, it wasn't truly her place to interfere in others affairs. Just the same, Anya was watching and staring almost blankly at that boy who'd walked up behind her older sister. Emirie for her part in this paused her speech to Konomi and pushed her little glasses up onto her face. She took a shallow breath to gather her thoughts before speaking, deciding to acknowledge all necessary points. "I was having a rather enjoyable conversation, already, Hinokawa-san. Also isn't it quite unusual to try to strike up a conversation from directly behind someone? It seems like an invasion of personal space," she expressed immediately. There was no tonal variation to her voice. She was quite even tempered, but she also didn't turn around to acknowledge the lad standing behind her. She'd also gone without introducing herself at all, figuring doing such a thing would only lead to a false sense of familiarity that she wasn't willing to invite. "I won't be able to play for a little while yet, but that is also fine with me as I have all these people to keep me company already..." she made the gentle gesture all the way around the table. Was it a warning, or simply clarification that she didn't intend to talk with strangers truly? Either could be assumed, 'Big Sis, is managing. Good! Anya is proud!~' the pink haired girl though her eyes still glued to that young man.

Meanwhile, Reiji was busy showing Miko the rest of his stock. After they came to an agreement there was a certain indulgence mentioned. A lack of formality was the request from Reiji and given the way his voice sounded when he made the request, Miko would happily oblige. "I don't see it as indulgent or shameful. How people sound when they talk to each other is important...so, If you're sure, you don't mind and since we'll likely be seeing a lot of each other," Miko started "I'll skip the formalities, Reiji-san♪!~" Miko chirped soon after. "Though, I usually request equality for that sort of thing, I get you're on the clock and all... maybe later♪~" she mused innocently. If there was one thing Miko was always willing to bond with someone over, it was her innate love of Abe no Seimei. "Really? That's awesome. I kind of just ended up looking through all the cards and putting the decks together based on extra lore stuff I know about Abe no Seimei. I spend a lot of summers at the Seimei Shrine so I know a bunch of lore and the variations on it are a certified way to get me into something new. Was his first one supposed to be the Divining one or the one that screams Aggressive spell use? I could see a case for either, considering what his first life was apparently like," Miko claimed willing to gush over Abe no Seimei. As for her previous questions apparently they were a hefty list, Miko had the grace to look a bit embarrassed as she and Reiji were shut into this storage room together so she could see around it. This sort of scenario reminded her of the pantry situation with her mentor, though this man seemed a bit upstanding for that sort of thing. She learned of rarities, of the lack of this stores pulls of that particular card presently. "I'm going to need a lot of luck! I think that sixth deck is going to be my personal project..." Miko exclaimed as if excited. "Even so, i don't care about optimal combinations... this is Seimei-sama. Put in one of everything and let him guide! This is the only way to play! If you believe in Seimei-sama he'll believe in you♪!~" she exclaimed. Looking around at the rest of his merchandise, she was able to make a few minor interpretive differences between the decks she knew were being played and other things. "Hm, this is so much stuff.... I might have to start over. I wouldn't let my friends get normal stuff when all this cool stuff is an option. Oh, and I can get a plushy for Anya-chan! I like the little kitty one. It has the same face that she makes all the time~" Miko uttered. Yes, if she stayed in this room too long, she'd definitely be clearing this man of an awful lot of stock but that would be fine.

Kazuhiko was indeed working his way through a strategy already. Even with his limited experience dealing with Ai, he'd seen enough to know neither she nor the deck she chose were to be underestimated. Well, there was also another factor. Kazuhiko put his all into every match he played. This would be no exception. "All part of the game! I'm not just gonna let myself walk right into an outright beatdown. If you win, you're gonna win against the best moves I've got!" he announced prior to a long silence he couldn't even explain. A few moments later though, he was gaining an understanding. Why? An exchange between Emirie and one of the local lads could be heard, with the latter not seeming very content to take a hint. "Gomen, gomen! I know it's weird to walk up behind like this, but I didn't want to get in anybody's way on the other side. This is a pretty big table you guys have here," the orange-haired boy claimed. Emirie obviously had all the company a person could want in an outing, and then some. Hinokawa wouldn't be discrediting that, but what he brought to the table was a different sort of offer entirely. He even leaned in a bit closer to speak more gently, all to separate his conversation with Emirie from whatever she thought of the others. "I get it, but a little one-on-one is good from time to time right? I'll keep it real; I'm not just trying to play games here. We could go get our own table and chat, or maybe go grab a bite to eat? Coffee?" he pestered. In one moment, his hand shifted from the chair to Emirie's shoulder. Kazuhiko witnessed this alongside Emirie's totally disinterested expression, but... 'I don't know what this feeling is. It's weird. I feel weird,' he thought. Little did he realize, he'd yet to pass his turn... and he was making more progress toward scooting his chair back to make room for a rise. Before he could, however, Seiichi was speaking to the lad. "I'm pretty sure you're supposed to be bugging off by now, dude," he interjected. By then, another interruption was well on its way. The smellier of four boys from that other table had seen a grand opportunity in the past few moments, deciding now was the time to strike. He'd also be heading toward Emirie.

Meanwhile, Reiji was given satisfaction via Miko's acceptance. "Arigatou gozaimasu," he said with a slight head-incline. She was seemingly just as willing to forego formalities the other way around, but an understanding was shared about his current position. "I'll keep it in mind if I ever find myself in our company outside of work," was all he said about that. Reiji didn't imagine that possibility without becoming the chaperone of some tournament-related trip or something of the sort, but... he also hadn't expected his earlier trip home with Sakura. Life had become very strange this last few days. Moving on, Miko had a lot of appreciation for Abe no Seimei ─ appreciation she was openly willing to share. Reiji could follow along as one who respected the historical figure and thoroughly enjoyed the card game renditions. He could at least keep the conversation going in relation to the cards. "The Diviner deck is the second to release. The first follows the 'fox child' story in which a young Abe-dono commands multiple different magics to destroy the opponent. After those, there is the summoner playstyle, the exorcist, and the enchanter/territory playstyle, in that order. Your plan for the new Outer Path actually sounds very fun. It's always good to see someone who isn't just playing the meta for meta's sake. I wouldn't assume that playstyle will make a deep run in big tournaments, but... it is possible, and it would definitely be fun and within the spirit of the deck," he rambled slightly. "Anyway, you're free to select anything from in this room as well. It's all for sale even if I can't find space for it outside. If you need help bringing something down, let me know." As he spoke, Reiji reached out to bring down the plushy Miko spoke of. It was an interesting choice, he thought. "This one? I think it's actually one of the new additions to Abe's third deck ─ one of the shikigami maybe."

There was a certain energy which Kazuhiko seemed to bring to all things. He was doing his best, even in a game against a relatively new player. "Oh? That's a positive stance, if I win, I know the victory is mine without the feeling of being shorted, and if I lose, I put up a good fight. Interesting choices, Kazu-tan~" Ai commented almost absently. Still the lad had yet to pass turn, but Ai knew this was likely. The folly of mankind was often reaching too high... and everyone was able to see such folly at work. Konomi would only be seen shaking her head, as any normal person would have moved away from a girl whose demeanor was so standoffish, but it seemed sense was not on this one's side. The lad known as Hinokawa wouldn't take the hints offered and seemed content to keep talking to Emirie, even after she'd done all that was necessary to make her stance known. She looked up with those purple eyes of hers, seeming to narrow in annoyance as the lad offered apologies with no real move to correct his errors. No... he moved forward with them instead. "It is almost like we intended to keep to ourselves. Funny how such arrangements don't seem the proper deterrent," Emirie said but again there was nothing playful in those words. She only became more disinterested as this lad leaned in further to share quieter words and apparently try his hand at persuasion. "Hinokawa-san is there something you're not understanding? I'm sure I mentioned you were invading my personal space and you did not correct it and only moved closer, I am not making you an invitation nor accepting one. Remove your hand from me," she said a clear and concise sentence. Her face had shown something akin to annoyance. She was too young to be annoyed by a random person. Anya stared continuously, her eyes not moving from the boy behind even so she heard that string of thoughts from Kazuhiko and looked towards him. Her own eyes sparkling, encouraging even, 'Papa should protect!' that was the thought that Anya had. Ah, but he didn't have to immediately, Seiichi had decided to help out, pointing out what was missed and being more direct about it. Emirie had spent part of the morning bonding with her twin, she appreciated his help in this moment, and sent him a look tainted with relief. Her observations of humans so far said that men who ignored women usually would back off if another man said so... this was made excessively clear after the issue with Soma earlier. Before she spoke again though... she paused, her breathing becoming nigh nonexistent, why, something was coming and it was assaulting her sense of smell enough that she didn't want to speak and take in the air which was being polluted by that gross boy making his approach.

Meanwhile, Miko was in that storage room, apparently getting her way with a few caveats. The knowledge that this man was proper during business hours would mean she wouldn't be pressing the issue of his address for her while he worked. That didn't mean however that she'd let it go, it seemed he was nice enough to make the coniseration himself. "You don't have to thank me," Miko uttered quickly her face blushing intensely as it always would. Moving on, her questions about the Seimei deck order were answered specifically. Reiji was quite knowledgeable about it which only served to increase Miko's happiness. "Sou ka, creation cycle then... makes sense," she mused as she looked around. "Meta is for the faithless... I am not. I believe in Seimei-sama♪!~" Miko stated fully. "Besides if I can't play the way I want to and feel satisfied by the process and outcome, I am doing myself and everyone else a disservice," she expressed her thoughts on searching up metas and using the same tactics of everyone else. Still, knowing the kinds of things she was looking for would make her major collection easier to manage. Beyond this, she was handed that plushie she'd asked about and could only fawn over it just a bit. "Squee♪~" she nodded as she received it. "If all of this stuff is for sale, I see a lot of things that could help personalize the experience for myself and my friends. And don't worry, one of us is really into analog gaming and between Saku-chan and Kazuchii, I don't see us skipping it in rotation at all~" she said about their group activities. 'Hm, if I want the best value and for everyone to get a box, I would have to get one for everyone present and then for those who can or would show interest and one for luck,' she thought while doing quick math in her head. "In addition to all the other things I am going to end up asking for today... I also need twenty of this sets boxes. They were planning to do a box opening when Saku-chan gets back from her trip and I don't want anyone missing out," Miko asserted. As for the rest of the things, she would easily begin searching through specific mats, boxes and album variations for the group.

Hinokawa wasn't making much progress ─ especially with the interruption of Seiichi from a bit down the table. He was already having a tough enough time breaking the ice, much to his own annoyance. What he didn't need was the addition of some goody-two-shoes. "Ehh?" Hinokawa uttered, his existing impatience showing as annoyance toward Seiichi. "What's that? You her boyfriend or something? I'm doing a thing here," he stated. Seiichi glared, his brow furrowing briefly. At the same time, Kazuhiko was trying to figure out what that strange feeling was. He watched the oddest interaction happen across and down the table, but his mentality only settled when his eyes wandered to settle on Anya. He looked into that expectant, encouraging face and had a few thoughts about his current emotions. 'Is that it? I feel like they're just... unworthy. Is this dad mode? It feels so weird. I think I should...' Kazu paused there, finally realizing he was halfway out of his chair already. 'When did I get here?' he wondered. Looking toward Emirie again, he saw a struggle most disturbing to witness. That face ─ that terrible face he'd seen too many times had an additional meaning he'd never expected. That couldn't be allowed at all. "Gomen," he said to Ai. Their game would be interrupted before he even passed his turn. First though, Hinokawa was interrupted by a shoving... from none other than Hanabira. "Oi, didn't you hear the girl talk? Hands off buddy!" he announced, aiming to weasel himself into the spot previously occupied. "Don't worry, Oujo-san. You don't have to worry about lames and inactive boyfriends when you're in the same building as me. C'mon, let's get you to a safer place and I'll let you know the dangers of a card shop♥~"

Hanabira had one arm extending. He intended to touch Emirie's shoulder and usher her to another location. Sadly for him, that hand was stopped as Kazuhiko grabbed his wrist. No normal human had seen his trip around the table. In truth, he'd only leapt over it to snatch Hanabira's wrist before contact could be made. "Dude, that's dumb. Who do you think is gonna let you get away with that move?" he asked of the other male. "Huh? Ohh, I get it! You guys are all in this together to keep all the girls! So they're all actually single huh?" Hanabira questioned. For whatever reason, he seemed wholly incapable of freeing his arm. Kazuhiko's hold wasn't budging even by a millimeter. Knowing Seiichi was feeling a bit antsy with the 'no assaulting humans' rule in place, Kazu decided an allowance was to be made. "I didn't see anybody get their ass handed to them at all," was all he said. Only a blink later, while Hanabira was trying to understand that statement, Seiichi was out of his chair with a fist sinking into the smelly lad's cheek. The impact alone sent him closer to Kazuhiko. Of course, Kazu had frustration to vent as well. He pulled the boy past his own body, and a knee to the gut sent Hanabira crashing into a wall ─ after which his larger frame would land atop Hinokawa. Kazuhiko and Seiichi bumped fists thereafter as the former looked to the table of remaining lads. "Anybody else feel like stepping out of their league today?" That question came with a glare ─ one featuring eyes that seemed to glow scarlet. For a moment, there was naught but silent shock from that other table. . .

Speaking of shock, Reiji was surprised to hear the opinion of another player who shunned the meta. He always believed there were still some gems out there who understood the point of retaining fun, even in competitive scenes. Even without seeing this one's deck or playstyle, he had respect for yet another player today. "You're already moving onto my favorites list, Miko-chan," he said since there was no one else to hear his informal address. Reiji would receive another surprise in this little meeting, though. He had around 80 cases of the new set available, and Miko wanted... twenty of them. Reiji paused with a few items in one hand and the Abe bag in the other, wondering if he even heard her correctly. "You want... twenty cases? For a single group opening? I've seen vendors who don't order that much. I remember when that was the total number I ordered for stocking purposes. Aren't you all mostly new players?"

"No..." Emirie started to speak but had to stop. That gross smell was encroaching upon her, and it was stifling. An assault to her nose which made her retch physically as the smelly lad tried to stop one, but introduced his own grossness in a manner way too direct for Emirie. Ai for her part in this simply waved it off, "No worries..." she offered. There was a certain amount of violence she expected from the males of this group, and if Soma wasn't enough of a deterrent, perhaps this next bit would be. "Ha! The only danger in this card shop is you. But I suppose all of you want to learn this lesson individually~" Kaguya said as if amused. Being turned down nicely wasn't enough. The wrong idea was gathered, by one lad who thought Seiichi came to Emirie's defense as her boyfriend, instead of their actual sibling relationship. She also knew he could only do so much given they weren't supposed to be hurting humans. "He's smelly!" was Anya's understanding, said aloud with clapped hands enough to make Kaguya snicker and Ai, stifle a laugh. Meanwhile, Chika as a parent was likely about to seem odd. "Great note, High Five!~" she said offering the girl a hand slap which she took as if she'd done something great. There was panic in Emirie, pure and unadulterated at the thought of being touched by that gross male.

But luck was on her side, as Kazuhiko stood grabbing that hand and her twin brother being given the go ahead to act. The pure force given to that lad with a fist to the face was poetry in motion. And the follow up attack was also grounding. Anya watched with stars in her eyes. 'Onii-san, Papa... COOL!♥~' she thought nearly standing in Chika's lap with sheer childish excitement and admiration as she gave them both the thumbs up. This was peak drama to a child her age. And the bad guys didn't win. With the smelly one a safe distance away, Emirie could finally breathe a sigh of relief, though it was still tainted enough by stagnant air that she fanned her hands around herself. "Left bottom pocket on Mi-chan's bag should have something for you~" Kaguya mentioned. "I'll step out of my league if you look at me like that♥~" Kaguya flirted earning her a glare from Kei, who glared at her in return and received only a blown kiss for her trouble. Knowing that Miko kept a few handkerchiefs there. One was taken and held over her nose for a second or two. "Thank you for that. You would think it would be obvious that Seiichi is my twin... I thought I was very straight forward about my lack of interest. But that assault to my olfactory senses was far too great for me to overcome in a single moment..." Emirie mentioned. Looking at her father and brother with great appreciation. "Hai hai, I guess we're super lucky nothing happened~" Konomi said chuckling. These were a group of standup guys even without all the extra magical weirdness.

At the same time, Miko's desire to be addressed more informally was being acknowledged within that closed off closet space. The more she thought about it, the more something a bit less proper in a place like this would be an amazing turn of events. Still, she could allow this to progress at its own pace. "I do like being on a favorites list. I have one of those myself and you're working your way up too, Reiji-san!~" Miko said as the sound of her name hit her ears melodiously. Apparently, she'd be distracting him just a bit. She remained looking at things, gathering some in her own hands and pointing at a few others which fell out of her line of reach. She'd just grabbed up a starter deck featuring the 'God of Nature: Enlil' which she knew Emirie to be working on when the pause came from Reiji about her choice in number of boxes of the new set. "Yes, nothing is too extreme when showing devotion for Seimei-sama!~" she said initially only to have more valid points as well. "I want to buy twenty. Most of us are pretty new, but we're doing a lot of traveling and have a lot of downtime that doesn't allow conventional electronics. Besides, once any of us are into something, we're all in... I'm committed to my own deck and I know Kazuchii is committed to his. I know my friends will enjoy and I don't want anyone left out of the opening if they want to participate. I also have one for luck, in case I can't get what I'm looking for~" she expressed. "You don't have to get those together right now. We can grab them up before we leave, but I'm trying to get everyone working on protecting their collections and finishing their deck building before we leave today. Also, do you have anything featuring Astraea? I remember Kazuchii mentioning she's his favorite," Miko concluded almost innocently. This group took their activities very seriously and she was one hundred percent committed to all things Abe no Seimei.