As the mage walked through the faire gates, once again, he couldn't help but think about the days that have passed. For a few solid days, he didn't do absolutely nothing. No quests, no festival, and no socialization. Blasphemous, right? This being- created for the sole purpose to speak, was not in the mood for such.

Instead, he read. And for the couple of days that he was stuck inside his room, he had finished about four books, and started another one. It was when he started looking for other ones, that he realized that he needs to exit his room. He didn't mind. The whole reason he remained inside was that he forgot he had to get out. He didn't feel alone, not when he read, no. He got to meet new characters- characters which he could then impersonate, and bring his favorite fantastical book to life.

But, with all of that said, he decided that today was the day when he'd finally go back to the festival, with the aim of A) acquiring a few more books, and B) trying some new sweets. And, maybe, see the fireworks. He hadn't had the time to see any, really. He either left too early, or wasn't there at all. Well, not today! Today is the day that he sees the fireworks.

Is what he thought, before his eyes snapped to a random shop. Around it, there were many people gathered, of all ages. His own attention set on the fabled candied apples, which he had a small love for. If done right, the apple's coat wouldn't be too hard to bite through, a feat Ri had no idea how to achieve.

Then again, he was no cook.

Once the sudden shout was heard, he glanced at the shopkeeper, and then to the people around him. All normal. They all seemed as alarmed as the others around them. But, what truly caught his attention was the hooded figure, walking away from the crime scene, as if nothing had happened.

The kimono-clad young man walked forwards, the wooden sandals clapping against his feet. He didn't want to confront them yet. Instead, a determined gaze was set for their back, as he merely followed, waiting to see what else they'll do.

But, he was no sneaky assassin, his stance showing that clearly. He walked a bit hunched over, as if he'd try to blend in with the crowd. But, a tall man such as him, in a blue kimono wouldn't be that hard to spot, given that the streets' crowd was not as thick as the one sitting near the shop.

Suffice to say, Ri was quite proud of himself. The girl hadn't even noticed him! Or, so he thought. He continued to follow her, 'hot on her trail', as the saying went. Was that how it went? Well, it didn't matter. The girl took a right, and the mage followed, soon finding himself in a closed-off street, with the girl's back towards him. "Hey." He called out, as his steps carried him forwards, to the figure's hood. The girl's words made him stop only briefly, before his hand took hold of the hood, and yanked it back, to reveal her face.

Or, the shadow that replaced her, that is. He took a step back, as it dispersed, his eyes now focusing on the shorter girl above him.

"I"m not old." Was the only thing he said, as a small frown formed on his face. He didn't speak as she did, but his frown never disappeared. A game, she described this as. Now, he was no Rune Knight, or some law man, but even he didn't like petty theft. Especially when it's done for amusement, and not out of need. This was a chase, not a game. Cat and mouse. And he will soon become the cat, given that he does intend to indulge her.

With that said, the mage threw his wooden sandals to the side, to be able to run without breaking any of his ankles, before turning his eyes back to the girl, "Let's make a bet." He began, "If I win, no more theft from you." A smile spread on his frowny features, as his arms crossed, "But, if -you- win, consider me gone."

The mage stepped forwards, before leaping upwards. With a small thud, he landed on the same railing as the girl, a friendly grin now spread across his face. "The race starts now. And it ends at sunset." With one hand he pointed towards the sun's position, which was right above them. Theoretically, they should have at least four to five hours, but knowing Ri, it might as well take more.

He knew this won't be easy, but just to start the game off, he began walking towards the girl, and as soon as he reached arm's distance, extended his hand to touch her.

The mage knew he wouldn't be able to win so easily. The girl wanted a game, after all. And when one wants to win, they do anything in their power to do so. Or, that's what Ri thinks. As his hand grasped at only air, he righted himself, and watched the girl's actions with a smile spread on his face, "You can call me Ri." He simply spoke, to answer her earlier question.

His eyes then set on the tall wall she seemed to have been able to scale with no problem whatsoever. On one hand, he was quite amazed. A short girl such as her could do such acrobatic feats. On the other, he knew he was stupid for just thinking that, since magic was a real and true thing in their world.

He then looked around him. He knew he could easily scale that wall himself, given his own magical properties, but he debated whether to play the girl's game or not. He chose not to, just as a way to make himself look 'cooler'. With that thought in mind, he began walking forwards, before his foot slammed into the ground, and he was sent upwards, five of the six meters already traversed. His hands then reached for the wall's edge, to grab onto it, and not fall to his doom. That was that challenge done, he would have thought, as he pulled himself up, in a few seconds then standing near the girl, on the same wall, "Giving me tall walls won't win you anything, you know." He spoke, while keeping his own child-like smile.

"I think I'll be the one winning this bet." He continued, while stepping forwards, yet again, and reaching for the girl, to tag her. He knew she wasn't going to let him that easy, but truth be told, he was having his own fun as well right now. The only kind of action he had gotten these past days was one told in his books, and damned be if he didn't want to make the most out of this day.

When the girl fell off the tall wall, Ri quickly rushed to its edge, to see in what state she was. A sigh of relief would have escaped him, as soon as he saw that she was quite well and alive, even doing a fancy trick to make him follow her. And follow her, he will, for if he didn't move fast enough, he'd lose her trail. His eyes switched between the various obstacles, silently muttering about how he'd be able to pass by them. Why did people leave all of their junk wherever they could, again? Ah, yes. Because they're lazy. That was fair. After all, Ri cleaned his hotel room only when he had to leave.

The wind blew through his yukata, as he stood on the tall structure, silently thinking about how he'd jump down without breaking any of his bones. He had never tried any type of artistic-running before, so he didn't know any trick to lessen the fall, but he had to get down somehow. If he did, he'd be able to easily follow her, given his speed while running. Now -that- was a thing he was confident in.

He sucked in a sharp breath, mentally preparing himself for the next ordeal: Actually getting down. He squatted, and took hold of the edge of the of wall, -slowly- turning around, and letting his whole body dangle. Well. That was almost two meters gone. Five to go. Another sharp breath, as he raised his foot to prop it on the wall, and pushed himself forwards. His aim was to get more speed, and actually roll- like someone who knew what he was doing- when he landed.

His plan didn't work, for as soon as he let go of the safe wall, he yelled, clearly scared out of his mind by the height he was at. He landed, first on his feet, and then- copying what he saw others do- he threw himself to the ground, rolling on his side, until he slammed into one of the stacked benches.

The mage groaned, and brought a hand to his head, to try and stop both the pain and the dizziness from completely delaying him in his chase. He then slowly stood, and looked around, a groan escaping him. A broken bottle there, a broken chair over there, and about fifty carpets somehow stacked upon each other were just the start of his nightmare. Why did he accept the bet? Why was he this stupid?

Ri walked forwards, making sure to not step in any broken glass. He was a mage, but even he couldn't heal wounds. After all, he 'wasn't a miracle worker'.

It took him close to five minutes to even exit the alley, and by that time, the girl would most likely be long gone. Another groan, as he began walking forwards, silently muttering curses to himself as he looked left and right.

With a slightly louder grunt, he began jogging, despite the weird looks he was getting. Jogging was one thing. But jogging in a yukata, and bare foot was another.