Once upon a time...

[timefather]

[ For the residents of Märchenstraße, and all the land surrounding it, the eighth of December was a day to look forward to. Looking at it from an outside perspective, strangers and travelers could easily assume it to be a holiday. At the very least, a day for a festival, if a modest one. A day that shopkeeps spent all morning preparing for, that all manner of creatures spent days traveling to the city to witness. They'd heard the talk that passed around, the rumors from those still left. But would it work? No one knew for sure, no matter how confident the stories seemed to be. But hope was very quickly becoming all they had left.

They had decorated the whole town. Streamers, banners, wreathes and garland made of autumn flowers, plus whatever the Fairy Godmother had cooked up. Oh, she was just giddy. No skepticism could be spoken around her, not if you wanted to escape the wrath of her wand! Rumor had it that she had caught wind of a few piglets squealing about the likelihood that their magic would fail, and that they were subsequently transformed into the band of musicians who could be found performing in the park.

Well, at least the music was festive.

Of course, the decorations weren't for the newcomers alone. Autumn was coming to a close in just a few weeks, and Old Man Winter would take the reigns like he did every year, and their weather would turn cold and harsh. The chill was already there, cool and biting when the wind picked up speed. Lady Autumn was much preferred to the citizens of the city with her gentle nature, even if she failed to show up, finishing her work in the orchards instead. That was what they liked about her.

It was mid-morning when Father Time was found outside of his tower, checking one of the numerous pocket watches he kept on his person. "Unnecessary, but comfortable," he called them, and closed the watch again. It was twelve o'clock in the afternoon, and where empty space had been just seconds before, now they were. Sitting on benches, lying in flower patches, scattered about the city and outside of the gates in peaceful slumber. They would awaken to the bells of the clock tower. Some, to many friendly and relieved faces all around them, some to grateful ones carrying gifts of food and clothing and magic, and some to fearful, cautious faces. Regardless of how the town treated them, they would awaken to a celebration of their arrival, and choices to be made, and the books. Each and every one. ]

Comments

[under_the_wire]

I've yet to figure that out. I suppose if they succeeded, it might become obvious, but that has yet to happen.

[He's not really the type to do either that often, much to the consternation of some of his friends back home.]

It must be tied to the names on the books somehow, but I've only come across one that meant anything to me.

[The more he's thought about that one, the more he's sure that what the children were trying to steal from Mogget had to be a metal vessel of some sort, but it was going to take more intelligence gathering to verify that.]

[direhit]

Maybe you should test it out yourself. Just saying. It might be easier to deal with than having people touching your hair and all!

[Experiment Ja'far! Then you'll find your answer.]

A name that you recognize? What was it?

[under_the_wire]

There was a man with a book that said "Genie of the Lamp." I'm quite familiar with djinn, and though he didn't seem to be one, I could at least tell him what I know and -- ah!

[It's kind of a strangled, distressed sort of "ah!" While he was talking, he'd decided to take he girl's words to heart and fuss a bit with his hair. Pulling on it had done nothing. Plucking a hair out had done nothing, not even hurt enough to make him tear up so he could test that. However, when he'd combed his fingers through the small bit of hair not covered by his keffiyeh, he felt something fall out into his hand. When he looks to see what it is, he finds it to be a small, perfect emerald.]

What?!

[direhit]

[She wasn't about to interrupt him with questions, but with that startled sound she peers at him and his hand.] Is that--

[There really was no mistaking it. A perfect green jewel sitting in the palm of his hand and glistening in the sunlight. He seemed a little like the type to have jewels on him, at least from the way he dressed, but all he did was run his fingers through his hair...

...] Did that just come from your hair?

[under_the_wire]

It did, but how?!

[He tries again, and sure enough, another jewel falls into his hand.]

This must be why they were trying to touch my hair when I woke up.

[But then what will happen if he laughs or cries? Part of him in rather disturbed, but his thoughts immediately go to how much money could be made. If the supply was endless, he could support his country for quite some time, at least until he went bald from stress and constant hair combing. He's adding up the potential figures in his head when he realizes that the poor girl he's talking to is probably staring at him like he's a madman.]

Ah--I'm sorry. It's just rather startling.

[direhit]

[She may have been staring him that way, but it was more in disbelief over just what happened rather than consider him to be some sort of freak of nature. Brought back to her senses, she blinks wildly at him, smiling reassuringly.]

Oh, n-no! It's okay. We found out why they want to comb your hair now, so it's not that weird.

[Except it is kind of weird. Very weird. She experimentally combs through one of her own pigtails, but nada. No jewels in her hands.]

...Maybe it's got something to do with your book?

[under_the_wire]

It must. If the only other name I've recognized has been that of a magical being, it stands to reason that this one might be one too. Someone has enchanted my hair before, but I don't think this is a side effect of that.

[If it is and Yamraiha is keeping a spell like this from him, she's in big trouble when he gets home.]

What about yours? It says "Alice," correct? There must be something it allows you to do.

[direhit]

Then something about that book or that name maybe... put a spell on you? [Magic doesn't really exist in Unova, but he mentioned magic. It must exist at home for him! But would it effect him here?]

I don't know. [She glances at her own book and then to Hibiscus, who merely shakes her head.] I don't really feel any different. And Alice isn't a name I recognize with any fairy takes from home. Maybe I can do something, but I don't know.

[under_the_wire]

I'm sure the people here will help you figure it out. I take it your friend there came with you?

[He's interested in the creature, since he's never seen anything like it. He thought it was just a pet of some sort, but now it seems like it's understood their conversation enough to comment on it, albeit silently.]

[direhit]

Yeah, just so long as they don't chase after me like this did to you.

[Mei beams, reaching out with a hand to pet the top of Hibiscus' head. The snake, unfortunately for Mei, ducks and dodges that pet, if only just to show off.]

Hibi-! Yeah, she came with me from home. This is Hibiscus! She's a Pokemon, a Serperior actually, and she's one of my good friends too.

[The Serperior inclines her head for a small bow.]

[under_the_wire]

[Ja'far folds his arms in his sleeves and bows as well.]

Pleased to meet you, Hibiscus. I apologize for not giving my name before now. I'm Ja'far. How lucky you are to have a friend with you in this strange place.

[As he's been doing so far, he omits his titles, since they're completely meaningless here.]

[direhit]

[Oh, wow! He's so regal! Mei's only played princess parts in movies before, but seeing him bow makes her bow as well.]

It's alright, I didn't introduce myself either. My name's Mei, and I'm pleased to meet you as well, Ja'far.

Well, depending on how this place works, I'm hoping for a little more luck than just bringing Hibi along.

[under_the_wire]

I agree. Well, Mei, if there's ever anything you need that I can help with, let me know.

[He has a soft spot for kids, after all.]

[direhit]

I'll be sure to, and the same goes for you too! I hope you find out what these guys want from your tears and your laughter.

[under_the_wire]

[He makes a face.]

Thank you. I hope so as well.

[He bows once more.]

If you wish to be on your way...?

[direhit]

Ah, well, I don't even know where I need to go here. Maybe we could explore this place together!

[under_the_wire]

If you wish. It may be to our advantage to work together.

[Mogget had ditched him as fast as he could, but he certainly wasn't opposed to sticking with Mei. He wouldn't want to leave such a young girl on her own anyway.]

Where would you like to look?

[direhit]

Yeah, three heads are better than one. [She totally counts Hibiscus as a head okay.]

I have no clue where to start. But I wouldn't mind finding something to war to be honest.

[under_the_wire]

Something to wear? [For a few moments, he just stares blankly at her before it sinks in that, yes, other people like to have different outfits to wear sometimes. His only change of clothing was gifted to him when he was 14 and surely doesn't even fit him anymore.]

Perhaps that might be a good idea for both of us.

[What is he saying?! He wouldn't even have an idea where to start.]

Perhaps you should lead the way...

Ahhh, I think that was supposed to be eat and got autocorrected somehow ;; sorry

[direhit]

Okay. [She can only hope that she doesn't lead them into some random dangerous area. Hibiscus, meanwhile, simply rolls her eyes. Priorities, Mei, priorities.]

I might get us lost, but it might be worthwhile to explore this place around.