Targa tightened her cloak as she trudged through the snowy streets after getting off the boat that took her to the pools and water events, her new swimsuit and skates tucked safely in her bag. Beside her, Monty, her every loyal moogle companion, hovered cheerfully, his little wings flapping against the cold. The air was crisp, and the snow covered buildings lining the streets made the entire town feel magical. Even so, Targa’s mind lingered on the events of the day, particularly her new friend Karina and her strange but endearing companion, Sunshard. "Monty, I’ve been spending time with a new friend. Her name’s Karina, and she’s a werewolf." Monty twirled in the air, his little scarf spinning with him. "A werewolf, kupo? That’s a bit unusual for you, isn’t it? You don’t make friends easily." He tilted his head, his expression curious.

Targa chuckled softly. "You’re not wrong, Monty. But she’s different... I find her kind, straightforward, and a bit awkward in a way that’s actually… refreshing. She doesn’t have that guarded nature most people do when they’re around me. She’s open, and she doesn’t judge. At least, not that I’ve noticed. Her little companion Sunshard on the other hand, he seems weary of me." Monty nodded, his wings flapping harder as he hovered closer to her in an effort to keep himself warmer with body movement. "Sounds like someone worth keeping around, kupo. What about this Sunshard?" Targa sighed, thinking back to the creature. "He’s a mystery. He’s loyal to Karina, clings to her like she’s his entire world. But he’s cautious... especially of me. I get it. Creatures like him can sense things most people can’t. I don’t think he trusts me, and honestly, I can’t blame him. I'm a vampire."

Monty gave a thoughtful hum. "Maybe he just needs time, kupo. You can be… intimidating, you know. What’s he like, though? Is he just protective, or is there more to him? Also you shouldn't hold the fact your a vampire in such disregard. It was forced on you and you aren't evil like most of them. Besides, us moogles sense good in people. That's why my pom pom gem glows around you. Basically us moogles can sense the kindness in other people. Whenever we spots a pure hearted person, we tend to go to that person and shower them with happiness and glowing our gem. You're a pure person so this Sunshard is just sensing something else.... or it' something else entirely. No need to speculate anyways. We here to have fun!"

Targa smiled faintly, glancing up as the heated pool area came into view. "Strange, but there’s more to him. He’s got this way about him. It's like he’s always thinking, always observing. He’s cautious, but I think he’s got his reasons. And Karina? She’s the kind of person who makes you want to trust her. She’s optimistic, always trying to do what’s right, even if she doesn’t know how to get there. I think Sunshard reflects that in a way. He’s her protector, and I think she sees the good in him, just like she seems to see it in me. At least that's the feeling I got from them." "Sounds like you’ve made a good connection, kupo. And you’ve needed that. You don’t let people in often."

Targa laughed as it was all too true. As they approached the pool area, the sound of laughter and splashing carrying through the crisp air could be heard. The pool was surrounded by snow, and steam rose from the warm water, creating a welcome atmosphere. People were diving in, cannonballs sending waves splashing everywhere, and a general sense of chaos filled the space.

"Friends are good to have, Monty, and yeah, maybe I don’t let people in often, but Karina… she’s different. Now that I've been thinking about it. I've been pretty lucky lately with meeting people who are nice and or helpful." She paused, watching the madness unfold at the pool. "And speaking of change, what do you say we join in the fun before heading to the hot spring?" Monty’s eyes lit up as he twirled in excitement. "You? Fun, kupo? Now this I have to see! I'm kidding, actually you'd been busy lately. Why don't' we just go soak in the hot spring instead?" he teased, darting toward the hot spring instead before Targa could respond.

The two of them approached the edge of the pool, the warmth of the steam brushing against Targa’s face. She set her bag down and removed her Monopoly suit to reveal her sleek black one piece that showed off her form in a very alluring way, but also covered enough that hopefully no parents would have an issue with her. People of all ages were trying their hand at cannonballs in nearby off in the distance pools, each splash bigger than the last. Because there were children she decided to show some level modesty than normal. As she saw them off in the distance she saw some were clearly competing, while others tried to dodge the waves altogether. It was chaos, but it was the kind of chaos Targa found herself drawn to. But for now she wanted something more private and secluded. Though she figured that the longer she stayed over here, the more likely it was that more and more would show up.

"All right, Monty," she said, stretching slightly. "Let’s see if we can make a splash of our own." The moogle laughed spinning in the air as he hovered just above the water. "This is going to be great, kupo!"
Targa nodded. " Aye, don’t worry, Monty. I plan to have fun. But first, let’s see what kind of cannonball I can pull off." With that, she stepped up, jumped with all her might, curled into a ball and crashed into the water.

WC: 980
TWC: 980