closed 🚗 everybody loves mushrooms

[mistsplitter]

WHO: Ayaka, Cloud, Yoimiya, and Tartaglia
WHAT: Double deito game night
WHEN: Early August
WHERE: Yoimiya's place
WARNINGS: None for now!

[ This has been a long time coming. Two best friends hang out with their boyfriends! (Or boyfriend and beau.) Fortunately, the cold weather has passed, and everything seems to be back to normal. Before ringing the doorbell to Yoimiya's apartment, Cloud and Ayaka stopped by a place to get some drinks and snacks to bring. There's tea leaves (because Ayaka...............), but it was Cloud's suggestion to buy some beers and a bottle of vodka. For snacks, a box of tiny cakes, a few bags of chips, and Yan Yans. They make for a good dessert!

Everyone's cheerful and in a good mood once introduction's have been made. Once the food's ready and everyone's seated, it's time to dig in! It's best to have a full stomach before playing a bunch of video games, after all. Whatever they may be... ]

What kind of games are we going to play? [ Ayaka does not know anything. ] There was a game that Cloud and I played recently. There was a tower made from blocks, and we would pull a block out, answer the question written on it, then put it at the top.

It was fun. The questions were a little embarrassing, though.

Comments

[monoceroscaeli]

[Yoimiya's taunt is met only with a sly smirk of his own. Looks like he was successful in getting her competitive side going, and on top of that it's even managed to get Cloud and Ayaka on board. He casts his gaze over the three of them before landing on Ayaka, amused with how she's decided to phrase her own challenge.

Very much the nature of a polite Inazuman of high status. But he can see the real message there.]

Oh ho, looks like things are really beginning to heat up in here. Do you mean to say that the Shirasagi Himegimi thinks she can best us in this little game? Well, I'd like to see your skills...why don't we move this dinner to the living room and begin? There's a coffee table out there after all, we can bring our dishes and drinks with.

[This guy is over here vibrating with how excited he is to even face them in something as silly as M▊▊▊▊ Kart. Before Ellipsa, he probably would have never even considered he'd get this much into something that wasn't fighting.]

[niwabi]

[ Things really are starting to heat up and Yoimiya couldn't be any more excited by this turn of events. Cloud's competitive side takes her catches her off guard but his declaration is exactly what she wants to hear. There's no doubt he's the one to watch out for. And Ayaka? So cool! The Shirasagi Himegimi is still polite but she's so proud to watch her friend stepping up to the challenge. ]

Hehe, I can see the excitement burning behind your eyes, Tartaglia. [ NOT THAT SHE HAS ANY ROOM TO TALK BECAUSE: ] Yeah! Let's go ahead and get started! Y'all are getting me super fired up now. We have a really fierce group on our hands.

[ Along with everything else on her plate, she makes sure to get a slice of that delicious-looking honey cake. With her food and beer can in hand, onto the living room she goes! While the rest are gathering their food and drinks, Yoimiya takes care of the preparations for their battle royale, turning on the TV and setting up the switch. As everyone arrives, they'll be greeted by the sight of a vibrant title screen with funky music and unique characters playing on the TV. Four controllers sit on the table for each of the participants, ready and waiting to be used. ]

Is everyone ready? Tartaglia and I have played this quite a bit so to make things fair, maybe we can do a quick practice match before we start taking shots, so anyone unfamiliar can get used to the controls?

[mistsplitter]

[ Heh! Ayaka has never played M▊▊▊▊ Kart before, but by now, she's played with a Switch! She knows how to work a controller. She's a little hesitant to bring the food to the living room, but with everyone already hyped up, she has no choice but to go with the flow. ]

Do you think we should get this game for the house, Cloud?

[ If Yoimiya and Tartaglia have played this before, then it must be fun even if it's just two people playing. The kinds of games Ayaka likes playing are more... quiet ones, admittedly, but she wouldn't mind learning more about these sorts of games.

She sets her plate down on a small table in the living room, then picks up a controller before settling down on the couch. ]

Let's practice first to even the playing field.

[sultanofsquat]

[ It speaks volumes to just how different everyone's predicaments are from their own worlds... To think that he'd be having a casual sitdown with new friends, on a home double date. Playing video games. The technology here was nothing like what was on Gaia. It almost feels like they're being spoiled this way. Like if they knew what was good for them, they'd take the time to cherish every passing minute. Every little moment. It all mattered. It would all be something that Cloud thinks about when he goes to sleep at night. When he wakes up in the morning and, once more, he realizes that none of it was a dream.

It's a reality worth protecting and fighting for. So even for one night...he'll drop his guard. Cloud may not turn into some jumping lunatic of giddiness, but as the group all move their meals to the living room (Cloud only has some Beef Stroganoff left,) there's a content look on Cloud's face as he makes sure to take a seat by Ayaka's side. If they're all sharing the same couch though, he's taking the outside. ]

That or that one called M▊▊▊▊ Party. [ A beat, as he picks up his controller and gets paired up with the little docked console by the TV. ] Or both.

[ Don't ask why. But as they select their way through the options, picking the first thing that comes up (50cc...plebs...), the first order of business is to pick characters.

Don't ask why the character stood out to him, but... ]

The one with the shades is cool.

[ He means Not!Roy Koopa. ]

There any big differences between the characters?

[monoceroscaeli]

[Gathering up his plate and drink, the Harbinger happily takes it out to the living room to set it down on the coffee table before returning to the kitchen to fetch the fire-water with four shot glasses for them to partake from. Naturally, that's set in the middle of the table to loom over the participants, the prize punishment for doing poorly in the races. Though having a practice round doesn't sound bad, it's always good to have a warm up no matter what you're doing...

Tartaglia parks himself right on the floor in front of the coffee table where his food is, sitting like a little kid who thinks they're about to spank the competition.]

I think they're fairly balanced, [he answers Cloud as he picks up his own controller and chooses not!Yoshi as his character.]

Some are heavy and go faster than others, but losing control of them is far easier than ones who are lighter...I personally like something more in the middle. Whatever I may lack in speed I can make up for in precision driving. You'll see what I mean, hahaha...

[He looks confident in himself there, eagerly waiting for everyone to pick their characters so they can play.]

[niwabi]

[ Now that everyone has settled in, Yoimiya lets the cute couple get comfy on the couch, opting to sit down next to Tartaglia on the floor. Character selection has always been fun, now with added excitement of seeing the choices of the two unfamiliar with this game. She's already amused by Cloud's choice in Not!Roy Koopa and looking forward to who Ayaka gets drawn to. Controller in hand, she makes a beeline for her favorite, Not!Toadette. ]

Oh! I haven't tried M▊▊▊▊ Party yet. Maybe we can all play it together one day, I'm sure it will be lots of fun.

[ "Fun" she says... FAMOUS LAST WORDS, NAGAOHARA YOIMIYA. ]

Yeah! The heavier characters have better speed and they don't get bumped off as easily whereas the light ones aren't as fast but they have good acceleration and are easier to control. Once you get used to the game, you'll develop a preference for certain weight classes. The character I'm playing is the light side. Although, I'm mainly choosing her because she's adorable.

[ Cuteness matters too! ]

Whenever everyone's done choosing their characters, we'll get to select our vehicles next! There are tons of options from karts, to bikes, to something called an ATV. Like the characters, some of the vehicles weigh more than others, have better handling or faster acceleration.

[mistsplitter]

[ Oh! The character selection seems very interesting. Hopefully everyone is patient enough as Ayaka goes to every single character, though. Her eyes light up when she sees Isabelle, though. She remembers this little character from one of Lumine's games!! :D So that's who she chooses in the end.

Nobody ask her why. It's because Isabelle is familiar... No clue about the weight thing everyone else is talking about. ]

This game sounds very complicated, if you have to consider so many details.

[ But she imagines it must be fun! Ayaka enjoys shogi and go. That requires so much strategy. She just has to start seeing these characters as pieces with their own roles and she'll have a better understanding on what to do and how to win. ]

Lumine let me play a game with her that had this little dog. She's very cute and friendly.

[sultanofsquat]

[ If Yoimiya hadn't taken her place by Tartaglia's side on the floor, after some reluctance, Cloud might have joined him. ... Not one to be outdone. But also boys will be boys. But as he customizes his cart and gives a lookover what's good between handling, top speed, acceleration... His character is a bit heavier, so he's faster. Just takes time getting there. Huh! Kind of like his fighting style with a large broadsword. Funny how these things work out.

So while Yoimiya and Childe get cozy on the floor, Cloud instinctively finds himself scooting in a little closer to Ayaka on the couch. But not enough that she didn't have space to work her controller.

He still has no idea about items yet. That's going to be a shock. Out of the corner of his gaze, he spots Ayaka's eyes lighting up at the sight of Isabelle. Cute...

Ayaka and Isabelle both. SFDLKJA ]

It's probably pretty balanced if it's meant to be played by everyone.

[ As he fusses over what wheels to go with, he blinks when she mentions Lumine. A familiar name! It's been some time since he last saw her. ]

What was it called again? Something that had a buncha critters in it...

[ ... The Slick tires look sick. He's picking those. adfslkjh ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[Once Yoimiya sits down next to him, he scoots closer to her, pressing his arm lightly against her own. He wants to be ready for when they're at each other's throats during the race, pushing up against each other and smack talking while trying to overcome the other. He gives her a small smile, one that has sly tone to it, letting his own competitive nature come to the forefront for the rest of the night's activities. Bring it, lady.

At this point, Childe has his preferences so he quickly chooses everything he wants for his character, waiting patiently for the others to go through and pick what they want. Though he may be familiar with M▊▊▊▊ Kart at this point, he's not familiar with most other games. Tartaglia is surprised to hear that Isabelle was in another game. Huh.

He turns around to look up at Ayaka and Cloud, curiosity painted across his face.]

Oh? What sort of game is she in, then?

[The way Cloud says that gives him no clue on what kind of game Isabelle is from at all. He would also like to know the name, plz and thank you]

[niwabi]

[ Ta-da! Her set up for Not!Toadette is finished, now just waiting on everyone to complete their builds so they can begin playing, she's practically bouncing with excitement to teach Ayaka and Cloud the joy of using items in this game. Soon, they'll be well-versed in the art of the blue shell. As she's forming evil plans in her head, she can feel Tartaglia's arm brush ever so slightly against her own. Glancing over at him, she totally catches the sly undertone in that competitive smile. She giggles, giving him one last gesture of sweet affection by nuzzling her head into his shoulder, all the while her own smile is laced with mischievousness. Bring it, sir.

Oh! The cute animal game! She has yet to play it for herself. Come to think of it, that game might be more Ayaka's speed rather than the chaos that's about to ensue. ]

Isabelle is so cute, a perfect match for Ayaka.

[ YOU ARE VALID CLOUD! Ayaka and Isabelle are both adorable. She flickers her gaze from the adorable couple on the couch over to Cloud's Build-A-Kart session on screen, intrigued by his choices. The slick tires are very slick! Somehow, they seem fitting for him. ]

I haven't played the game she's from but I heard so many good things about it. Supposed to be really cozy and adorable. Maybe one day, you can teach it to all of us, Ayaka.

[ There's fishing! Tartaglia might like that... or maybe it's too cozy and peaceful for him waisogh. ]

[mistsplitter]

I believe the game is titled A▊▊▊▊▊ Cr▊ss▊▊▊. It is a game where you play a human who recently moved into an island, and you somehow end up helping run it. There are villagers that come and go, and you can plant flowers, dig up fossils, and go fish. The manager of the island is a very cute tanuki, and Isabelle works for him.

[ It truly is a very cute game!! :D If she had her own Switch, she'd definitely own that game on the console. Perhaps if Cloud is amenable to the idea later on, they can get one for their house. Ayato can even play, if he likes!

Her car is pink. It's cute and girly and Ayaka is happy. She could stay here and customise things all day. The race must start at some point, though! ]

Let's all play that together another time. We have a competition at hand, don't we?

[ Someone can choose whatever track to play on! Ayaka has no idea and will just go with the flow. ]

slow poke is me i will rectify this ;;-;;

[sultanofsquat]

Sounds relaxing. Had a long day? Fire that up and go fishing...

[ He's starting to realize he's a fan of more interactive and action-packed things. But he can already see the merit. As he's already selected his build for Not!Roy Koopa, he's prepared to go as well! It's just a matter of picking a cup and the tracks within. The CPU difficulty changes with the speed... Huh. 50, 100, 150, 200cc... ]

I could watch you play that.

[ Which means that, while it's not a priority, they...may or may not be considering an upgrade to their house. inb4 Ayaka and Cloud ask Ayato like kids asking their parent SFDKJHA ]

Yup. [ It's time to race. And while he's no lightweight when it comes to drinking, the beer he's got? Already helping in loosening him up. His interactions with Tartaglia have surprised him- setting him at ease when he was so worried about his status as a Fatui Harbinger and how battle hungry he was. But here and now? He's starting to realize that there's a time and place for everything. Every one has their jobs. Their duties. Sides to take. And right now...

They're all on the same side. These were days that he never would have imagined being a part of. But day by day, Cloud is feeling a sense of belonging. What he values with his companions back home, what he'll come to learn in due time? That was important. But it's the final destination he has in mind, and where he wants to be and who he wants to spend the rest of his life with... ]

Gonna pull out all the stops when I figure out the controls.

[ He's happy. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[He's not sure if he'd like a game like A▊▊▊▊▊ Cr▊ss▊▊▊. He'd definitely give it a try, see how he likes it, and if anything else he'll just give it to Yoimiya instead if he doesn't. He's not picky, he'll at least try anything once. But if Ayaka likes it, it's probably got some merit, right?

Either way, he'll put that info in his back pocket for now, flipping through the tracks without anyone's permission to do so now that people have chosen their characters. This is supposed to be a warm up, so he eventually chooses the easiest track for the beginners, setting it to 100cc (can't baby Cloud and Ayaka too much, not when 200cc is going to be in the cards later) and gets ready.]

Well, you're in luck, since this should be pretty simple to figure the controls out on. I think this is called M▊▊▊▊ K▊▊▊ Stadium, and it's not too difficult. And...no shots on this one, is that okay Yoimiya? It wouldn't be fair to make you all drink so much right away.

[Tartaglia grins back at all three competitors. Just because this is a baby track doesn't mean he's going to go lightly on them.]

[niwabi]

[ She hums to herself in amusement that Tartaglia is already starting off with 100cc for the newbies. It's not 150cc or 200cc but she has a sneaking suspicion the thrill-seeking Harbinger will ramp it up to the hardest difficulty before the night is over. ]

Of course! Since this is just a practice round for Ayaka and Cloud to get used to the controls, it wouldn't be fair for them. Besides, it wouldn't be fun if you got too drunk from the get-go.

[ A smirk curves on the corners of her lips, playing tit for tat right back at her boyfriend. Sorry both of them are so immature LOL. Since it's the first round, she'll go easy on her two friends but Tartaglia? No mercy.

3... 2... 1... Go! The race has begun! Even though this isn't her first time playing, her eyes shimmer with excitement at the bright, colorful graphics. How cool would it be to race in a setting like this, the technology of Ellipsa is surely astounding. Now that they've started, she begins with the explanations. ]

So as we're racing, you'll run into these prism boxes that give you power-up items. They're random but can give you the advantage and turn the tide during the race. There are a lot of different items but for example...

[ Lucky day! In her arsenal, she manages to snag a red shell. ]

Mushrooms give you boosts, you can chuck banana peels that make karts slip if they run over it and there are a variety of items you can throw at the other racers. On me, I happen to have a red shell, there's other colored shells that have different effects. The one I have hones in on the kart in front of me and this is what happens when you toss it...

[ Her maniacal laughter fills the air as she chucks it right at Tartaglia. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ What does no shots mean FDASGDS Ayaka has no idea!! She's really just listening to everyone, now that they're progressing with choosing what's what and who's who. She got the gist of the controls, but executing them is a different challenge altogether.

When their race begins, Ayaka's little kart begins to move, too! She doesn't care so much about being left behind just yet, more concerned about understanding what to press now that it's actually happening! If she's last place? No worries. It's just one round! And it's easy to get back up and start over in the next game. ]

I see. Then it must be advantageous to get these boxes.

[ And as she passes a whole line of them? She misses. FDSAGDS ]

Oh! [ Darn it. She looks pretty disappointed in herself for that. ] Next one, for sure...

[sultanofsquat]

[ 3... 2... 1...! Go! Aaand Cloud spins out right at the start. ]

The hell? [ A beat. ] Am I not supposed to hold the button before we start?

[ You literally answered your own question, Cloud. At least this is a good chance to get used to the controls. In fact, he uses this time not to care about being in first or last yet. He accelerates, turns the corner but barely makes it. He notices some of the computer racers? As well as the more seasoned Yoimiya and Tartaglia? Seem to be taking the corners better. ]

How're you guys turning the corners so good? We got a drift button?

[ "Next one, for sure..." ]

Least it looks like they come back fast enough— Woah there's a boost.

[ In which he promptly hits the wall because he doesn't turn fast enough. FDSJKL It's okay. It's okay, Cloud. Night and day difference. It's going to be a night and day difference. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[He fights a maniacal chuckle as Cloud spins out, moving ahead quickly in the ranks just as he's done in the past when playing with Yoimiya. The computer isn't that good anyway, and 100cc isn't even a challenge in his eyes. As Yoimiya goes ahead with her explanation, his eyes widen when his gaze flicks over to her screen to see the red shell she'd just gotten- which she subsequently chucks right at him, the only person in front of her.]

No, no-!

[Of course, there's no dodging, and he didn't have any defenses, having gotten a mushroom that doesn't exactly get him out of harm's way. Yoimiya zooms past him, but he's as determined as ever to catch up. Poor Ayaka missing the item boxes though...he remembers when he used to do that too ;;]

Yeah, Cloud, watch my screen for a second.

[Since he's trying to catch up to his rude! Very rude! Girlfriend, he shows off his drifting skills.]

This is the drift button, [he says as he lifts his joycon up for Cloud to see. Better to show than to tell in this case.]

You want to hold your joystick in the opposite direction of the curve, [he says as Yoshi banks another curve, not losing any speed at all as he goes around it and passes one of the computer players.]

You'll get a little boost at the end of it if you do it right. That's how you catch up to little rascals who throw red shells at you...

[niwabi]

[ Watch out, we have a blonde gremlin on the road, cackling like a madwoman. Karma might eventually come to bite her in the butt but for the time being, she's howling with laughter, reveling in snatching up the lead from right under Tartaglia's nose. Just try to catch up with her, Harbinger! She must be stopped at all costs.

Impressed by her boyfriend's teaching skillls, she listens to Tartaglia explaining drifting with a big ol' smile on her face. No doubt that Cloud will become a drift master if this keeps up. Still, she's keeping her eyes peeled on the competition, unable to get rid of this feeling that Cloud is the dark horse of this competition...

At some point, she comes across Ayaka driving along in her pink car. Hello friend! :D Even in a game, Yoimiya is always ecstatic to see her. The power of the Shirasagi Himegimi is strong, enough to quell the fireworks maniac on the road as she opts to cruise alongside her dear friend. ]

Don't worry, Ayaka. When I first started, I kept missing the power-up boxes as well.

[ In the distance, a few more of the prism boxes spawn. Ganba, Ayaya! ]

Here's your chance! Take your time and focus on grabbing one.

[mistsplitter]

[ There is something oddly endearing about Tartaglia teaching Cloud some things. She came here a little nervous because this is the first time Cloud is meeting her best friend's boyfriend, and she wasn't sure if they would get along. Yoimiya and Tartaglia are wonderful hosts, making her and Cloud both feel welcome tonight. She must thank Yoimiya later on, perhaps if they have some time in private. Or she could just visit another day and they can talk about it.

She supposes that it's fine if she loses this game. Or the next. She's having fun like this, in the midst of her best friend, her beau, and a Fatui Harbinger. ]

I will get it this time! [ Thank you for your words of encouragement, Yoimiya! And Ayaka does manage to get a power up, which causes her to let out a soft little "Yay!" It gives her a lot of confidence that she can get through this race and not end up in last place. ]

I did it, Yoimiya!

[ Isabelle now holds a fire flower.

... how do you use this thing... Ayaka is looking at her controller now and fiddling with the buttons to see what might work. She maaay accidentally throw a fire flower at someone in the process, but she also would not have figured out what she pressed to get it to happen. :' ) ]

[sultanofsquat]

Huh?

[ Said dark horse decides to take things slow and not worry about his placing for this race as he watches Childe's portion of the screen. His racer starts drifting! And sure enough, at the end of his demonstration, he gets a little boost along the way. Cloud doesn't realize it (and unless pointed out, he'll remain blissfully unaware), but his eyes appear to light up at the revelation. The idea that he'll actually know what he's doing now! That the rest is just going to fall into place.

And sure enough, it starts becoming easier as he races around the next corner leading to a rampway. Off the rampway is where the glider opens up as well. ]

Now we're talking.

[ He sounds so serious, but the life in his eyes tells a different story entirely. He's having fun. ]

Thanks, Tartaglia. You get a pass next shell or banana I nab.

[ A homie pass. ... but that also means that for this warm-up round, the girls are free game. Speaking of which...he notices the way Ayaka starts mashing her buttons when attempting to throw a fire flower. He's not close enough to her to be in vicinity of the shot yet, as he holds his remaining two bananas behind himself from the last item box he got, having placed one down, ]

Left shoulder button, Ayaka.

[ Watch what happens. 'u' ]

TOAST HIM AYAKA

[monoceroscaeli]

[He is gaining on the lead now, putting all his effort into driving well and making sure he knocks out any CPU drivers so he can be hot on everyone's heels. Tartaglia glances back at Cloud as he begins to do better, smirking at the sight of how much the other man is enjoying himself. But there's no need to bring attention to it now, instead choosing to focus on his own performance. He can't let Yoimiya beat him, let alone Cloud or Ayaka. Time to get serious...

He gets quiet while he does his best to climb the ranks after that red shell, coming up to Ayaka now with her fire flower, boosting with his mushroom on the straightaway.]

Oh ho, seems I'm catching up. Do your worst with that fire flower, heheheh...

[He's counting on her missing completely, since she's new- he's still looking to make sure he doesn't get hit just in case, but that doesn't mean he'll be able to avoid it in time.]

Because if you don't, Yoimiya's next.

[The most devilish grin spreads out on his face, really getting into the idea of making a great comeback after all that talk his girlfriend did earlier.]

[niwabi]

[ Yay! Ayaka obtaining her first item in Mario Kart is a cause for celebration. Yoimiya beams at the sight of Isabelle with a fire flower, not even minding if she gets hit since she's so proud of her friend. By the end of this game, she's secretly hoping that Ayaka becomes a fireball-throwing, shell-hurling fiend. That will be the true victory of this game for her... ]

You did it! I knew you had it in you.

[ She hears her boyfriend's taunt and now she absolutely cannot let him catch up to her. From the corner of her eye, she spots the devilish grin curving on his lips, she smirks in response, playfully bumping her shoulder into his to further rile him up. Yoimiya has a couple of guesses as to what's going on in Tartaglia's head but whatever the case might be, she's rooting for Ayaka to light a fire to his ass. ]

Get him Ayaka! Make him eat his words.

[ In the midst of her excitement, Yoimiya is coming up behind Cloud, completely not paying attention to the bananas behind his kart. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ Oh! 'u' Even Cloud is coaching her!! She truly feels the support here. And so, following his instructions, Ayaka presses the button! She's almost sure she wouldn't hit anyone when Isabelle tosses one forward, but the ball bounces and bounces and— ]

I did it!

[ She hit Tartaglia!!! \o/ That's certainly a confidence booster, and it makes her look at Cloud with such a big smile on her face. ]

Did you see, my love? [ She hit the fatooey!!!!!!! Ayaka's ready to go home now. She feel like she just won the race!!!! Oh, but now she sounds so happy. Hopefully she didn't offend Yoimiya or Tartaglia with her outburst... ]

Ah, m- my apologies. I got more excited than I should have.

[ So this is not just a race... It is a race with some underhanded tactics, too! ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ If Cloud knew more about this game and how the Fire Flower sticks around for a few times, he'd be telling Ayaka to keep mashing the button to really let the Fatui Harbinger have it. But instead, he can't help but smirk, his voice lifting with an energy he hadn't really felt since he was a young teenager. ]

Nailed him.

[ As for Yoimiya, on the other hand...whom he can't help but notice instinctively as he screen cheats notices her coming up on him from behind...

Well...as the two of them drift around the corner and prepare to enter into the next lap, hope she doesn't mind if he drops a little- ]

🍌

Eat it eat it c'mon-!

[monoceroscaeli]

[Tartaglia is determined not to let Ayaka have it easy just because this is the first time she's ever played this game, ready to maneuver out of the way once she fires her fire flower at him. Unfortunately, he zags when he should have zigged, the attack hitting him straight on as they round another corner. The Harbinger's jaw drops a little in surprise, the tiniest of whines bubbling up out of him at his own mistake, thinking he should have been able to miss that no problem...drat.]

Beginner's luck! I'll have my revenge before this race is out, Ayaka...

[He begins to try to get himself back on track, now making a point to come after Ayaka now that she's initiated a duel hit him! Though he can't help but notice that Yoimiya seems to have her own obstacles to deal with, and his eye catches how Cloud seems to be setting her up. Chuckling, he can't wait to see the outcome of that, because who's side are you on anyway Yoimiya????]