While there is so much to do, remember that festivities are about enjoying life and oneself. Those who put too much focus on work tend to lose track of everything else there is to have in life…
—
Libi slips on her heavy winter coat, waving to her coworkers as they two dress for their excursion out for the evening. “Another survival of the winter fest crowd,” She says. “You all be safe!”
The green-haired Melia smiles as they put on their own hood. “That goes the same for you, Libi.”
“What are you talking about? I’m heading straight home!” Libi responds, blushing.
Twin bees buzz their way past the two, stopping and spinning around, standing hand-in-hand. “There’s been sightings of some snow maiden in the streets,” one says.
“Who knows if it’s true,” says the other.
“Either way,” responds the first, “It’s best to be safe and buddy up.”
“Nah, I’ll be fine,” Libi says, “really. I’ve been working here longer than you have. I know my way around the mean streets.”
Melia sighs at that with a soft huff. Meanwhile, Genevieve trots up, “Me and Melly are going to get drinks first if any of ya are interested.”
“Oh, I really shouldn’t, Libi responds, shaking her hands. “I really have important things to do.”
Melia clasps Libi by the mittens, looking past her thick eyeglass frames and into the girl’s gray eyes. She nods and lets go, waving to her friend as she heads out with the girls.
“You really seemed concerned about her,” says Genevieve. “What gives?”
“Hm… oh, nothing.”
“Oh yes, there is,” Genevieve says, her sawtooth grin wide. “You like her.”
“What? Libi? Melia gasps. “No! She just works herself too hard and doesn’t relax, that’s all. She’ll get herself sick or in trouble or worse!
“Eh, she’ll be fine. You’re the one who needs to relax. The bar’s still open, and there’s plenty of guys who’ve gone unfucked tonight, the poor virgins.” She snickers, forming a grasp with her hand and shaking it toward her mouth.
The two bees flit about around the two, giggling and tittering.
“Hey, why don’t we get fucked up?”
“Could be a lot of fun!”
“Yeah, that’s the spirit. First drink’s on me, whoo!”
Melia shakes her head. “I suppose I could indulge… if only for a little bit.
—
“Whoooo thasss gewwd!” Genevieve says, her face is rosy, her steps uneven. The two bees trudge through the snow, supporting the goblin, both giggling, buzzing in their own communication method.
This leaves Melia alone as the only sober one among the party. “Come on, you three. You can crash at my dorm if you’d like. I’m sure Libi won’t be too pleased to have so many guests…”
She stops, blinks, and frowns. “What’s that over there…?”
“Huh? Where? I ain’t seen nothin’!” Genevieve groans.
“Here,” she says, handing her key to one of the bees. “Get her out of here.”
“Huh? Why?” The bee buzzes.
But Melia runs off into the snow, leaving the three of them as she escapes into the park.
“Huh… rude,” Genevieve says. “But let’s go crash Libi’s place, wooooo!”
The bees buzz in a unified cheer of agreement, lifting off and carrying their friend in their uneven flight.
Melia steps through the snow in quick strides, stepping up to the thing she caught. Sitting in the snow is a blue-haired maid, and clutched in her cold embrace is the Magical Girl Purity, whose skin is much too pale.
“Libi!” Melia shouts, getting in between the two of them. They pry the snow maiden from the Magical girl, wrapping their arms around the cold body.
The yukki-onna stands up with an ethereal grace, staring down at Melia with a scowl.
Melia spins around, clutching the magical girl in their hands. “What did you do to her?”
The snow maiden raises a hand, ushering a chill blast of cold.
Melia drops Purity, only to raise their arms in the air. A rumbling from the ground makes the spirit lose its step.
It yelps and falls back just as roots emerge from the ground and wrap around the yokai. Standing opposing the ice spirit, Melia’s eyes glow, their hand extended. “You messed with the wrong students of magic, you frozen bitch.”
The yokai squirms and fights against the verdant hold, screaming out in a voice much like the chill wind it produces, but it cannot escape.
This allows Melia to scoop Purity up in their other arm, draping a cold arm over their shoulder and trudging away back towards the only place they can think of.
—
“My, My, Darling, what’s this all about?” Baker asks, standing at the entrance in his original mannequin form.
“I can’t explain, but we need to get Libi warm. I’ll get a doctor.” Melia says, handing Libi over to her boss.
“But dear, you’re so cold too. You should stay in. I’ll go fetch someone.
“No… I’ll get someone. Don’t worry about me!
“But I could just ring up Tik,” Baker begins, but Melia disappears into the night.
“Oh, I see. Collith dear, get Libi into the showers. I have a call to make.
—
Secrets upon secrets there are, and even during a time of festivities. All this time, we have been looking at such duplicitous stories. Where can we find ones with a happy ending or a feel-good moment?
I suppose that’s all we have in an ongoing story like this. After all, where’s the fun in reading when everything is excellent and tied up?
Tell you what… there is one thing that can be done.