The firecracker smiled brilliantly at the shopkeeper’s reassurance, “Oh yes indeedy! It happens to me more often than I’d like to admit, but hey, it’s a great way to meet more monsters!” she agreed as he accepted her handshake. Whether not Irwin had a resilience to fire, Fia wouldn’t know, for the sentient elemental had some level of magic to her flames so that she could make her flames and fireworks harmless whenever she was near other monsters. After all, it would be unfortunate for the otherwise for she would then have trouble interacting with others or picking up objects without burning them.

After the interoductions Fia turned to the nearest item on display and pointed at it, “Oooooh! That looks positively flaming!” she began before tilting her head to the side slightly with a mild look of confusion, “…but I have no idea what it is. What exactly do you sell here?”
There was a brief pause at the following two questions before she cast him a sheepish smile but such a smile soon evolved into erratic movements as she pratered on, “Well, she’s actually a new friend so I don’t know that much about her – which is actually pretty cool because it then means I could learn so much more about her! There’s nothing quite like meeting someone super cooly-cool-cool-goose yanno? Have you met Riverperson before? Like, have you even had a boat ride with her? If not surely you’ve heard of her at least? Caaaaause if so it’s for her! I have a sneaking suspicion that her favourite colour might be blue though! Dark blue. Or do you think it’s a bad assumption because it’s the colour of her cloak? I’d like to get her something special since she’s been absolutely blazing!”

Fia’s vibrant green eyes lit up at the sight of the jewel-encrusted box, “Holy bunsen burners that is absolutely beautiful! Did you make it? I haven’t seen anything quite so eloquent before!” she cheered with high praise and without hesitation fished for her wallet from the small bag she carried, ready to pay for it without a second thought. However, such an excited smile soon faded to an embarrassed one. There was a reason why she hadn’t seen something as beautiful as that box before; and that was because she and her family didn’t exactly have a lot of money to throw around, “Oh, um, on second thought, I might be running a little short for something like that… maybe you might have something smaller or of a lower price range? Eheh?”

Next thing the fire elemental knew her phone started blaring two consecutive alarms which urged for her immediate attention; it was so sudden thay it provoked a startled yet harmless crackle and pop from Fia's hair. She then fished out her phone from her small handbag and her delightfully vibrant, lime green eyes shot through the screen several times.

"Oh soot and ashes!" Fia exclaimed, taking on a tone that sounded like she just spat out a disgusting swear and before long her eyes earnestly looked back up at those gathered at the table currently, "A client who I booked a party - with you Luis as part of the entertainment - had just requested to move it from tomorrow to tonight and what's worse, the singer for that same party has called in sick and can no longer perform!" she proclaimed with distress whilst she reverently tapped the tip of her nail to her teeth as her mind raced to anxiously raced for a quick solution.

The fire elemental's gaze briefly gazed at the table where they were waiting to see if any other monster would sign up to join the slam, but alas, her work and clients was something she prioritised over an leisurely event she had frequented. Especially since, Fia didn't exactly have a whole lot of extra cash to fling around to reject the change of plans.

So, Fia stood up and gave Yanezi an apologetic look, "I'm sorry Yan, we're gonna have to skip out on this one duty calls! I'm sure that you'll have a grand time still!" she announced before taking both one of Luis' and River's hands in her own, "Sorry but we gotta go, I would ve super grateful if you guys wouldn't mind missing out tonight and River, maybe you could help me with last-minute solutions along the way I would greatly appreciate it! I'm really, really sorry!"

With that Fia, Riverperson and Luis were hurried towards the exit, but before they disappeared from sight, Fia gave one final, energetic wave to everyone present and then the door slammed **** behind them, sealing the cafe away from the frosty wind outside.

---

(This post also includes the exit posts of Riverperson and Luis, as per requested by their respective RPers.)

That endearing glow which crept out from that hood was but another reason for Fia to keep smiling. There was something about different lights that the firecracker found alluring - perhaps it was something she felt safe or akin to - but it also added an air of mystery to the River Guide. It was exciting really, for Fia, as it was a gentle reminder that there are just so many layers and things to learn about every monster. What could be more wonderful than celebrating everyone's uniqueness?

A light sigh of relief escaped from Fia, "Oh good, I'm glad!" she replied before blinking with some surprise , "Oooooh? Well I'm excited to see what else you're wearing then! You already rock that cloak as it is ehehehe!"

As she boarded the board she didn't  hesitate to take River's hand and the support she had offered; albeit Fia probably held onto it a little more firmer than she would like to admit. It wasn't anywhere near enough to hurt River Person's hand, it was just a reflection of a sense of unease that the flammable monster kept hidden beneath the surface. However, River's smile and reassurance did a lot to make Fia more comfortable on the water even though she kept smiling, "I don't think there would be anyone I'd trust more on a boat ride, River, thank you. That and Ridley is really cute! I love its design!"
While she did feel assured enough to let go of River's hand shortly after, she couldn't help but still leave a right hand to grasp onto whatever part of the boat she could reach from where she stood as way to feel more grounded whilst the subtle movements of the water beneath the wooden

The pink flame then looked down at her casual attire and abscentmindedly held onto the hem of her oversized shirt, "Really? It was just something I threw on but thank you! If I'm honest I don't know a lot about fashion - which I think would make today more interesting?  Ehehehe!" Fia then leaned in slightly and lowered her voice to a hushed tone, "Don't tell anyone this, but if you ever see me wearing something super nice, it probably belongs to my sister; Gloria. I don't think she minds too much though, since she hardly leaves the attic as it is!"

A ripple of giggles reverberated from Fia shortly after and the comment about visiting Zarc's shop behind his back didn't help things much either. She smirked slightly, "You say it like being bias is a bad thing!" Fia mildly teased, "Nah, for real though Zarc has a great eye for detail too, so I can see why you like some of the designer clothing he sells. Among other reasons too~"
She then winked before her expression grew more thoughtful, "I'll be happy to go where ever really... hmmm.... well Ember has mentioned one of the stores in the Capital has the latest fashion trends at the moment. I think it's called Bisou Boutique? There are lots of shops nearby too so I'm sure we could probably even find ones we weren't expecting too!"

As boisterous and exuberant the crackling elemental was, whenever River Person would pipe up with her quiet assertions, Fia would always show genuine consideration and interest in whatever she had to say; which often resulted in her quietening down so that demure voice could be heard clearly, “Still! I appreciate you going out of your way to come here!” she then made an elated gasp, “Well if you write in your free time I bet you have some really thought-provoking things to say! But only if you’re comfortable doing so – if not tonight, there will always be a next time. I’d like for you to enjoy yourself as much as possible.”

A few sparklers were set off from Fia’s hair when she heard the decourous monster’s endearing statement, “I know I don’t have to but I want to~” she giggled as she paid enough for two modest orders and then added to the employee, “Thanks! You’re the best Niskel!”
However, seeing as River Person opted to not order anything her potion went towards the tip for the establishment. The flaming monster didn’t mind at all and she wasn’t about to force her new friend to have anything if she didn’t want to.

On her way to the table where the newly-discovered-winged-monster was, the elemental took note of who else might be here. A few faces she recognised as regulars, some were new – albeit she honestly had to restrain herself from being a complete social butterfly with complete strangers for now; since she was in the company of friends – and a few unusual individuals, such as the reptilian squad and hooded figure, whom had caught her eye momentarily or earned a double-take from her before returning her attention towards the destined table.

Now that she had propped her elbows onto the table and rested her cheeks in her hands; that vibrant smile and pair of neon green eyes drank in the sight before her. She even leaned slightly closer over the table without realising; it was as though she was drawn towards the light as she listened to him speak. Her giggle seemed to have grown with delight and perhaps even with a touch of femininity at his comical display; she had even went to compliment the shining exclamation point with a small array of ‘quiet’ fireworks around it with a few snaps of her fingers, “Oh, well you know, I drop by here often because I like the company.” she replied before the giggle and snort-laugh had blended together into a jubilant song.

“Oh she did now, did she? Well I am a hundred percent with her on that one! I don’t drop by every week, but during the times I have been here it’s been fun! I still remember that one time someone went up and performed a rapping poem; it was…” the flaming monster glanced up towards the ceiling briefly and twirled her right wrist which had set off a couple of whistling Micro-Girandola Fireworks during the process of her finding the right words, “… interesting?”

Her smile continued to maintain genuine joy and its brightness just as she continued to converse with the other, “And what a marvellous talent that is!” she asserted brightly and as he gave her the following answer she went quiet for a moment as she listened. The concoction of liquefied chemicals boasting shades of oranges, pinks and some yellows swirled underneath that translucent skin as flames danced about various surfaces of her body; even her Kind soul buried somewhere beneath those waves could potentially just be barely seen pulsing with an enthusiastic tune. Soon enough, that bright smile of hers curled into somewhat of a different one, “I think that would be just blazing!”

When she noticed River Person approaching, she enthusiastically patted the empty seat beside her – to which a few more sparkling flames crackled every time she made contact with it; also inviting her to join them.

Not even moments after the text had been sent the front door had opened with a bang! Streams of multi-coloured fireworks and sparklers poured out from the door like water gushing out of a busted dam. Amongst the flickering flames, a certain pink elemental spun out of the door with energetic style, “Yaaaaaaassss! You betcha I’m free! Kinda funny though really ‘cause I was originally gonna have a full on day but then Cole stopped by – which was great! Chatted for quite a bit whilst he decided to help realign the shelves and all that – which was super nice of him! But also not surprising, that big flaming nerd, ehehehe! Did you know he just donated some really coolie-cool lost text to the museum recently? Pssshhhaw, what am I saying? Of course you would! Then later on he and his soccer team just won the semi-finals! I’m totally gonna be there for the finals! Woohoo!” she giggled as she clasped her hands together and her radiant smile seemed to have shone brighter than her fireworks, “Oops, I rambled again! So yeah in short I had a change of plans and now Gloria is covering for me today.”

Her neon green eyes glanced up at a window on the second floor, where an eerie silhouette loomed behind the glass before mysteriously faded away. Soon after Fia’s eyes slid back on over to the winged monster, whom she found leaning against the wall all cool-like, “So, what did you have in mind Luis?”

The firecracker’s face softened when she saw how happy and contented he was. Was it because of listening to her talking -
’Surely not?’
- or was it because of something else entirely?
She chuckled, “Yeah it would be interesting to see what they would say. Now that we’re working together I’m sure you’re bound to bump into them sometime and I guess see what happens from there!” There was a brief pause as she tilted her head slightly to the side with empathy; it was pretty clear that he had his own fair share of migraines, “Yeah their epiphanies take quite a bit out of them, can’t say it’s surprising since their powers are still relatively new to them.”

Her flames crackled as merrily as her voice and when she learnt a little bit more about him, the elemental honestly was eager to hear more. She had already done a lot of talking about her family in the two, short instances they had met and bumped into each other, and being one to reach out and learn about other monsters’ lives, it only felt natural for her to gravitate towards him.

Perhaps even more than she would like to admit to herself.

“It was just an expression,” she commented light-heartedly, “but that’s a really endearing way to think of it. I would have assumed that most Telepaths, maybe, with that ability would be quite quite willing to tap into the minds of others. Curiosity after all is a strong and natural feeling – maybe even paranoia at times; but being able to have a bit of self-control with that sort of thing is quite a noble thing that others could learn a thing or two from.”

A playful brow was raised, “Oh that’s a good thing because I’ve heard it’s quite the page-turner. Even better when more than one person is reading it.” she quipped back, even noticing that she quite liked the subtle change in tone he had.

---

Fia couldn’t help but smirk a little when she noticed Cole’s wink and playful tease at his friend. The fire elemental didn’t hesitate to agree with the soda shark either after hearing her comment about families, “No arguments there! I feel lucky to be a part of it too really!” When she heard Luis’ comment Fia did a double-take on Cherry before she covered her excited smile and nose with her hands, “Oh my goodness I thought I remembered hearing about one of Cole’s friends getting that award! You were really brave for helping save those kids.”

She blinked with a bit of surprise at Gust’s question though her overall cheeriness didn’t dwindle in the slightest, “Yeah they can, but I’m not sure if they know how to control it just yet; they’re only eight years old. With the proper training and guidance I’m sure they can become excellent Seers or maybe even Oracles someday. For now though, Crematio sees glimpses of not very distant futures and the three of them together have had their moments.” she replied with a grin before placing a thoughtful finger to her chin, “Cheating? In what way? I mean, I know sometimes it can be seen as a bad thing but so far there hasn’t been any harm from it. They’ve told me that what they have seen tends to change, something about Shifts that have happened and kinda somehow made their predictions irrelevant or not remembering some of them when we’ve asked about it? Something like that.”

A few startled firecrackers were set off when a Shyren stormed in to flip a table before exiting immediately. Fia then leaned towards Cherry, watching both Yanezi and Luis leap into action, “Did she really come in here just to throw a tantrum? I thought Shyrens were meant to be, yanno, shy?”
When the pair successfully prevented the table and condiments from making a mess or disrupting nearby customers she broke out into an enthusiastic applause and upon his return she added, “Wow, you were really moving to catch that table Twinkle Toes! Ehehe!”

It was heart-warming to see Cole’s reaction to the good news and if this how he was just from looking at a picture, Fia couldn’t wait to see him meet their niece in person. She chuckled softly as she overheard him describe the new family to his feline friend before bursting out with laughter when that imitation of her brother, “Ehehehe! That’s pretty good! Who else can you impersonate?” she asked as she took back her phone. With a few taps and swipes she made the newly received photo her wallpaper before locking the phone and pocketed it.

Updated info for Gloria and Scorcio~

Phoenix blinked with pleasant surprise, she wasn’t quite expecting him to follow through with her little game that she threw out there for the sake of idle entertainment. If he wanted the ball to keep rolling, she was going to help it along anyway. Amused, Fia continued to play along and leaned a little forward to rest her upper half and arms onto the table, “Well seeing as I can entrust my secrets to you, as you’ve claimed, it couldn’t hurt to tell?” she replied before opting to rest her chin on one of her hands, “Hmm, well in truth, it’s not really that difficult – not with the skills that I have, ehehe~ I often face the biggest challenges from the three youngest in the family – triplets. They really get a kick out of sabotaging the rest of us, like when I’ve arranged everything to be just so, one minute I’d leave the room then the next I’d come back to find the stuff rearranged in a completely different order. If they were cleaning out a room, they would often throw the junk they find into mine in attempt to look more efficient than me. That sort of dumb stuff has always been in good fun though.”

The flames about her hair and some spots of fire on her exposed skin rippled and flickered at the comment, “Aw, thank you, that’s so nice of you to say! I’d surely hope so though – but if you think that after only meeting recently, I suppose that I’ve left a good impression then! Yay!” she cheered; her pearly-whites gleamed through her smile.

Fia then paused when heard him mirror some of her earlier words.
‘This is the second time he’s done this.’ she thought to herself, feeling rather intrigued and her expression smoothed into a softer one upon seeing how his cheeks shone a bit more. The subtle sparkles of pale golden hues blending into the brighter whites and subtle blues seemed to suit the winged monster before her quite well; she quite liked how unique it was.

Her soft smile broadened when she heard his unusual laughter and couldn’t help but giggle along with it, finding it both contagious and how tranquil their tones they sounded together, “If I might do the same, then I’m glad for it to perhaps happen to someone whom is so well mannered, articulate and attentive.” she remarked with an amiable voice; akin to the welcoming warmth of a fire on a cold day. If there was a spark between the two, Fia wasn’t sure who was the one who had started it – even almost quite literally – nor did the importance of whom or how seemed to have mattered much to the fire elemental. Right now she was enjoying the company of a new friend.

“Amaaaaze! I look forward to it!” she replied in an almost sing-songy voice; going to the museum sounded like too good of an opportunity to pass up an experience rich with history and culture.

---

The firecracker monster chuckled at Cherry’s antics and she linked arms with her cousin while waiting patiently for Cherry to make her order. Meanwhile, her attention had been diverted to said flickering flames, “Fab! Oh, you don’t say? What are some of the interesting things you’ve found?” she inquired curiously before raising a hand over her mouth to help surpress a giggle at his jest; though she couldn’t quite hide that smile behind it very well.

Fia has always been used to be given all sorts of nicknames, so the one bestowed upon her by Gust didn’t bother her in the slightest. In fact she often encouraged it, preferring Fia or just about any other nickname over her full one.

Over his shoulder, she noticed the newcomer enter the café. She looked pretty nervous or uncomfortable over something and instinctively she raised a hand high into the air and waved at her enthusiastically, “Hi there! Welcome! Haven’t see you here before but I know that you’re just gonna love this place!” she called out.

Soon Cherry was done with her order just as Fia had encouraged Cole along closer to the table she was at earlier. Naturally, her smile brightened at the suggestion, “I think that would be fantastic idea!” she replied jovially before her attention was then brought back to Luis and Cole.

“Wow, really?! That’s pretty amazing!” she proclaimed just before she turned to her cousin with a pout and shook him lightly, “You neeeeeeeeed to tell me stuff like this more often Cole! You must be able to get to travel to all sorts of places in the Underground – how lucky! It really sounds like you get to go on adventures – I’m envious, ehehe!”

Finally unlinking arms from Cole, Fia hurried over to the table that was close to the one she and Luis were sitting at and pushed them together to make room for the added number of monsters and then took her seat opposite Luis again. A few minutes passed before her mobile phone buzzed with a merry tune and she fished it out of the small bag she had with her to see who it was calling her. With an apologetic smile to whomever company was near her, she swiped the screen to see what the message read.

Next thing she knew, her eyes widened with surprise, “Oh my furnace!” she exclaimed, turning to face Cole again, “Cole, Erruptus’ wife just had a baby! I’m an aunty! You’re an uncle! Aaaahhhh I think I’m going to cry!” she continued, almost sobbing at this point just as the corner of her eyes glistened with delighted tears. Her phone chimed again, this time a photo had been sent to her and she showed it to her cousin, then to anyone else whom might be interested. On the screen was a lovely picture of a proud Erruptus with her Rock Elemental of a wife whom looked both happy and exhausted. In her arms cradled a precious bundle of flaming pebbles accumulated together to form a sleeping humanoid form.