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or all the years Farrin had lived in Japan now, that being four, he still knew awfully little about the country's traditions and celebrations. The last time he ventured out with Natsumi, it was to check out something kind of like this. The Ikigai Matsuri. This time, however, he was faced with a whole week of celebrations. Golden Week, apparently. Normally, his each and every day's itinerary involved training of some sort. First, it was just with the Above & Beyond agency, then Hero Prep as well, and now UAU. The boy didn't stop training. That was something he was slowly trying to rectify. Luckily, again, Natsumi was there to help. 

Farrin's circle was, without a doubt, expanding, yet still relatively small. Besides Sada, there was Kenta, who he also knew from Hero Prep, and a few others bordering on full-fledged friends. Natsumi, however, already proved both friendly and capable. She was definitely in that circle. So, with his friend at his side, he ventured into the city's celebrations once more. Luckily, she wasn't one to obligate him to any odd social situations. If he were interested in anything in particular, however, she would surely be quick to answer. 

"Thanks again fer' comin' out 'ere," he said as the two students walked further into Tokyo's heart. "So, I'm guessin' you n' yer family celebrated out 'ere through the week often, right?"

Small talk was the devil, but in this instance, Farrin would deal with it. It was genuine curiosity this time around. Natsumi was a fount of cultural knowledge, so it was time to dive in and see what this was all really about. 

[attr="class","FarrinLeft"][attr="class","fa fa-cog"] Symbol of Heroism [attr="class","fa fa-cog"]

[attr="class","FarrinQuote"]Even if it's already been decided. Even if it's set in stone. I'll smash that future!

[attr="class","FarrinBot"][attr="class","fa fa-cog"] Tags: Natsumi Taiyou
[attr="class","fa fa-cog"] Notes: Write Notes Here

[googlefont=comic Sans][googlefont=Kaushan Script][newclass=.FarrinLeft]font-size: 28px; color: var(--AC1);font-family: Kaushan Script;text-align:center;padding:5px;transform: rotate(270deg); float:left;position:absolute;margin-left:-180px;margin-top:240px;[/newclass][newclass=.FarrinLeft i]font-size:20px;-webkit-animation: FarrinSpin 12s linear infinite; -moz-animation: FarrinSpin 12s linear infinite; -o-animation: FarrinSpin 12s linear infinite; animation: FarrinSpin 12s linear infinite;[/newclass][newclass=.FarrinQuote]font-size: 13px;color: var(--AC1);text-align:center;padding:5px;[/newclass][newclass=.FarrinTrick] }@keyframes FarrinSpin { 0% { -ms-transform: rotate(0deg); -moz-transform: rotate(0deg); -webkit-transform: rotate(0deg); -o-transform: rotate(0deg); transform: rotate(0deg); } 100% { -ms-transform: rotate(360deg); -moz-transform: rotate(360deg); -webkit-transform: rotate(360deg); -o-transform: rotate(360deg); transform: rotate(360deg); }[/newclass][newclass=.Farrin]--BG1:#121212;--AC1:#4874a1;--LC1:#f8f8f8;[/newclass][newclass=.FarrinBG]width:500px;overflow:hidden;background-color:var(--BG1);padding:0px 0px 10px 0px;background-image:url(https://i.imgur.com/n8HI7dC.jpg);background-size:cover;border: 10px solid var(--BG1);display:flex;flex-flow: row wrap;align-items:center;[/newclass][newclass=.FarrinTop]width:500px;height:255px;background-image:URL(https://i.imgur.com/w8WWsMd.gif);background-size:cover;border-bottom: 10px solid var(--BG1);[/newclass][newclass=.FarrinContent]width:430px;min-height:400px; color: var(--AC1)!important;font: 400 11px Comic Sans;text-align:justify;line-height:12px;padding:5px 10px;margin-left:50px;[/newclass][newclass=.FarrinContent h1]width:30px;background-color: transparent;height:30px;font: 800 30px Comic Sans;text-align:center;margin-right:3px;margin-top:3px;margin-bottom:-2px;float:left;color:var(--AC1);text-transform:uppercase;padding:5px;border:3px double var(--AC1);line-height:30px;[/newclass][newclass=.FarrinBot]width:425px;border:1px solid var(--AC1);color: var(--AC1)!important;font: 400 11px Comic Sans;text-align:justify;line-height:12px;padding:4px;margin-left:55px;[/newclass][newclass=.FarrinBot i]font-size:11px;-webkit-animation: FarrinSpin 12s linear infinite; -moz-animation: FarrinSpin 12s linear infinite; -o-animation: FarrinSpin 12s linear infinite; animation: FarrinSpin 12s linear infinite;[/newclass]

[Natsumi Taiyou]

Again, the young Natsumi would find herself in the company of Farrin for another thrilling adventure. Today’s adventure is the Golden Week celebration, another festive gathering that she would have a lot of knowledge about. The Golden Week was often seen as not just a vacation for the younger generation who were still in school but also for the generations ahead, as most companies also shut their doors to allow their employees to enjoy some well-deserved time off. The streets would not only be littered with people of all ages but also with the sound of music. The music of choice is jazz, a Golden Week staple. And although the duo wouldn’t be as close to the true heart of the music, which resides in Osaka, the locals in and around Tokyo would do their best to try to liven up the festivities. Although they were on a bit of a vacation, it was always a hero’s job to remain vigilant, and as such, Natsumi would still be keeping up with her training and her studying, but this outing was a chance for her to relax, if only for a bit, and enjoy herself. This would ultimately work in her favor, as her desire to become the class president had been overwhelmed with her amount of work, which she herself would be far too embarrassed to admit, but she was certain that after this adventure she would find a balance in her schedule to continue her aspirations. As the duo walked further into the heart of Tokyo, they would be met by the sites of people both young and old enjoying themselves, whether it was simply karaoke or people simply having a few drinks with friends and taking time to catch up. Natsumi couldn’t help but smile as she thought back. This was one of her most favorite holidays, as after the initial small opening ceremony held to start off the week, she would have a few consecutive days with her parents with little to no worries about them having to go off to the office unless it was an emergency. "You’re welcome. I couldn’t let you come out by yourself!" Natsumi would return with a warm smile as she responded. "Yes, this was one of my favorite times. I didn’t have to worry about my parents having to run off to the office to do any last-minute work." Farrin

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T

hings were rather calm, at least compared to the Ikigai Matsuri. It wasn't as though the city wasn't celebrating this week off. There certainly were a number of festivities, but the scales leaned more towards relaxed rather than energetic. People were still having fun, families smiling and laughing, elderly folk moving to and fro, likely to nearby shrines for what he heard was Showa day, and youngsters running around in nearby parks. No matter the activity though, everyone walked as though the weight of their daily lives had been lifted off their shoulders. 

Farrin, however, watched with analytical precession. Even outside of his temporal state, the world still moved rather slowly in his eyes. That, and his many heroics classes and the practice patrols he went on, only further honed his senses. Even while relaxed, he kept an eye out for potential danger. 

Forcing himself to dial down that part of his brain, he looked Natsumi's way once she replied. "Sounds nice. Some time wit' the folks when they're no playin' on the political stage," he started, considering the few worthwhile memories he still had of his parents together. It only took a moment for the thought to pass. "Well, I know today people have off fer' Showa day, but there are other holidays through the week, right? Like Golden Week is sorta a conglomerate o' holidays? What else they've goin' on?" 

Slowly, Farrin's tension eased. The practice patrols really had him focused, but things were genuinely calm today. No ne'er-do-wells stirring up trouble. No thugs hustling people for money. These little outings had proved to be among those few times Farrin had left campus without some trouble finding him. Hopefully, it would stay that way.   

[attr="class","FarrinLeft"][attr="class","fa fa-cog"] Symbol of Heroism [attr="class","fa fa-cog"]

[attr="class","FarrinQuote"]Even if it's already been decided. Even if it's set in stone. I'll smash that future!

[attr="class","FarrinBot"][attr="class","fa fa-cog"] Tags: Natsumi Taiyou
[attr="class","fa fa-cog"] Notes: Write Notes Here

[googlefont=comic Sans][googlefont=Kaushan Script][newclass=.FarrinLeft]font-size: 28px; color: var(--AC1);font-family: Kaushan Script;text-align:center;padding:5px;transform: rotate(270deg); float:left;position:absolute;margin-left:-180px;margin-top:240px;[/newclass][newclass=.FarrinLeft i]font-size:20px;-webkit-animation: FarrinSpin 12s linear infinite; -moz-animation: FarrinSpin 12s linear infinite; -o-animation: FarrinSpin 12s linear infinite; animation: FarrinSpin 12s linear infinite;[/newclass][newclass=.FarrinQuote]font-size: 13px;color: var(--AC1);text-align:center;padding:5px;[/newclass][newclass=.FarrinTrick] }@keyframes FarrinSpin { 0% { -ms-transform: rotate(0deg); -moz-transform: rotate(0deg); -webkit-transform: rotate(0deg); -o-transform: rotate(0deg); transform: rotate(0deg); } 100% { -ms-transform: rotate(360deg); -moz-transform: rotate(360deg); -webkit-transform: rotate(360deg); -o-transform: rotate(360deg); transform: rotate(360deg); }[/newclass][newclass=.Farrin]--BG1:#121212;--AC1:#4874a1;--LC1:#f8f8f8;[/newclass][newclass=.FarrinBG]width:500px;overflow:hidden;background-color:var(--BG1);padding:0px 0px 10px 0px;background-image:url(https://i.imgur.com/n8HI7dC.jpg);background-size:cover;border: 10px solid var(--BG1);display:flex;flex-flow: row wrap;align-items:center;[/newclass][newclass=.FarrinTop]width:500px;height:255px;background-image:URL(https://i.imgur.com/w8WWsMd.gif);background-size:cover;border-bottom: 10px solid var(--BG1);[/newclass][newclass=.FarrinContent]width:430px;min-height:400px; color: var(--AC1)!important;font: 400 11px Comic Sans;text-align:justify;line-height:12px;padding:5px 10px;margin-left:50px;[/newclass][newclass=.FarrinContent h1]width:30px;background-color: transparent;height:30px;font: 800 30px Comic Sans;text-align:center;margin-right:3px;margin-top:3px;margin-bottom:-2px;float:left;color:var(--AC1);text-transform:uppercase;padding:5px;border:3px double var(--AC1);line-height:30px;[/newclass][newclass=.FarrinBot]width:425px;border:1px solid var(--AC1);color: var(--AC1)!important;font: 400 11px Comic Sans;text-align:justify;line-height:12px;padding:4px;margin-left:55px;[/newclass][newclass=.FarrinBot i]font-size:11px;-webkit-animation: FarrinSpin 12s linear infinite; -moz-animation: FarrinSpin 12s linear infinite; -o-animation: FarrinSpin 12s linear infinite; animation: FarrinSpin 12s linear infinite;[/newclass]

[Natsumi Taiyou]

"That’s right!" Natsumi would respond happily to Farrin’s responding question. Although he was just beginning to learn the culture, customs, and traditions of Japan, his knowledge was better than that of more foreigners who frequently visited or even chose to move to the island. "The Golden Week is made up of four holidays: Showa Day, which is the birthday of an old emperor; Constitution Memorial Day, which celebrates the day the Constitution was enacted; and Greenery Day, which is a special time for people to commune with nature and be thankful for all that it has provided. Then there is Children’s Day, which is a day to celebrate the happiness of children and their personalities." She would give a bit of information about each day, but of course there was more she could have added. All but Shōwa Day had some kind of custom that they could take part in, from building tours to raising carp-shaped windsocks. This being her favorite vacation time of the year and Greenery Day being amongst one of her favorite holidays, she could go on forever with this to say about the holidays, but she found it best to not overload Farrin with a bunch of trivia all at once. She was certain he would be able to retain it all, but she didn’t want to pull his attention away from enjoying the moment, as this was something she was struggling to learn herself. With her upbringing, she was almost always told to be vigilant—not that it was necessarily a bad thing with cameras and reporters at every corner, but after a while, it became impossible to completely turn off, regardless of her setting. Natsumi would chime in again. "Today there’ll be quite a few people visiting shrines and museums to pay respect to Emperor Shōwa." Farrin

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indfullness. It was something Farrin was supposed to practice. Living in and appreciating the moment for what it was rather than thinking about what had passed and what was to come. Perhaps more difficult in his case than others. The past and future were embedded in him in more ways than one. It wasn't simple recollection and imagination. His quirk constantly fed him what might be and what had been. Layer that over seven years living in survival mode and then four years spent in training, and Farrin's mind rarely quieted enough for him to take in a moment. It was only in the middle of a scrap or with a small handful of people that he could center on the here and now. Natsumi was slowly becoming friends enough that she ranked among those few. 

"How'd yuh' deal wit' it, though? I imagine because o' yer parents, yer' family was still hounded a bunch by the media, no? Or are they more tame 'ere? Back home, politicians are second only ta' celebrities when it comes ta'  paparazzi n' the like. Luckily, when heroes take off the garb, they're far less recognized. Worked fer' me family when I was a tyke, but was that the case wit' yer family?" 

A turn in the conversation. Farrin was certainly interested in learning about the country he now called home. But he wasn't some random variable wandering alone in the city. He was with a living, breathing being. Someone who was often now taking time out of her day to entertain his curiosities and educate him. He knew a little of Natsumi's life before UAU, but perhaps more interesting than the day's celebration were the people he was hanging out with and where they came from. On the other hand, Farrin wasn't one to share often. Maybe it was best not to ask. Still, there was little harm in asking. Hopefully, Natsumi and her family were able to whisk some time away from the cameras just to be themselves. That would've been nice.   

[attr="class","FarrinLeft"][attr="class","fa fa-cog"] Symbol of Heroism [attr="class","fa fa-cog"]

[attr="class","FarrinQuote"]Even if it's already been decided. Even if it's set in stone. I'll smash that future!

[attr="class","FarrinBot"][attr="class","fa fa-cog"] Tags: Natsumi Taiyou
[attr="class","fa fa-cog"] Notes: Write Notes Here

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[Natsumi Taiyou]

The feeling of warmth would grow as she would find herself met with the memories of her and her parents trying to blend into the crowds. Their attempts were always quite miserably received, though most would allow them to continue uninterrupted; after all, the Golden Week was a time for people to strengthen bonds with family and close friends. Of course, as politicians, they were told to try their best to avoid that level of exposure, but it was always what Natsumi wanted—to just go out and be normal—a life she always wanted but was unsure of how exactly she would live it if given the option. The ridiculous hats and sunglasses, moving covertly to avoid any long stares, and the skeleton crew of bodyguards who, despite being told to take the day off, insisted that they wouldn’t let the family out of their sights It took her a while to realize the reasoning behind their loyalty to her family, but once she did, it all made sense: above the pay, her parents often treated them like family members. Even to this day, she refers to a few members of her original security detail as uncles, aunts, and cousins. In her reminiscing, she could help but let out a small chuckle before she responded. "Some people understood the meaning of the holiday and chose to leave us in peace, and some didn’t. For the most part, my father would let me pick out ridiculous disguises for me and a few guards who were like family to us and who never wanted to leave our sides; we would all just have fun." Farrin was correct in his comment: for most heroes, without their costumes, they could easily go unnoticed. One of the benefits of being a hero was always the ability to hide your face and, instead of being a person, simply exist as a symbol, leaving your professional and personal lives completely independent of one another. But in her case, her lives were already intertwined; there could be no separation—a stark reminder. All of these thoughts would bubble over as she would wonder about Farrin’s time with his parents; did he have a favorite time to spend with them for the short time he spent together? And what was his mother’s costume like? Were her lives separate? All questions that she would find a bit insensitive to ask at the moment, except for one. "Did you have any favorite holidays? Farrin

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he past flooded Farrin's mind like a flickering film. One scene splayed out before the next came to replace it. His favorite holiday? It was a tough call. Christmas marked his favorite and most painful memories. Fire and water blended together and poured down the hatch. Sometimes it cooled. Sometimes, it seared. 

"Halloween," he answered. 

It wasn't exactly a lie. Where Christmas was something of a mixed bag of best and worst, Halloween rarely disappointed. On Halloween, after his parents' departure from his life, in one form or another, he wasn't just some homeless kid. Throw a sheet over his head, and he was just another runt running around trick or treating. Candy and gallivanting through the night with kids his age. When he retreated to whatever hovel or bridge he was calling home that night, it was with a bag stuffed to the brim with candy. Sugary goodness, he tried to ration out, though he failed every time. 

"I know people dress up n' go partyin' 'ere fer' Halloween, but back home, kids go trick o' treatin', which usually saw our parents bringin' us ta' other people's homes who had candy n' such fer us little ones. Fun times." 

From what Farrin gathered during his time in the country, there wasn't really any trick or treating here in Japan. Kids still dressed up, too, but it was more for the general costumed festivities than to actually go around asking for candy. Might as well throw the whole holiday out, says him. But then, Farrin didn't do much partying. 

Eventually, the two would pass one of the many shrines embedded in the city's streets. It was one of the most unique aspects of Japan's larger cities. Even amidst the growth of modernity, tradition stood tall. There were churches back in New York, but many were found with graffiti or were otherwise run down - all but the largest at least. Here, well, Tokyo was dotted with these shrines, and they seemed well respected. Farrin paused just outside the ground's main entrance, a path through a small garden that led to the shrine proper. A small crowd had gathered within. Praying perhaps? It was mostly older folk. Though the day's meaning was mostly lost on him, Farrin smiled. Things were calm. People were going about their lives. His sifting dreams so often fed him chaos and misery. Today, there was none. 

"It's nice. People havin' some quiet time away from the busyness o' e'eryday life. Wish e'eryone had more time like this. Ta' sit n' be, ta' appreciate the moment." 

Mindfulness. Time to set aside for mindfulness. How much healthier would everyone worldwide be if they had a little more of that? Bet there would be less crime, too.   

[attr="class","FarrinLeft"][attr="class","fa fa-cog"] Symbol of Heroism [attr="class","fa fa-cog"]

[attr="class","FarrinQuote"]Even if it's already been decided. Even if it's set in stone. I'll smash that future!

[attr="class","FarrinBot"][attr="class","fa fa-cog"] Tags: Natsumi Taiyou
[attr="class","fa fa-cog"] Notes: Write Notes Here

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[Natsumi Taiyou]

Farrin’s answer to her question was Halloween. Natsumi would find his answer to be a bit strange, but it was only due to her lack of knowledge of American culture. Just as Farrin sought to learn about Japanese culture, she would take the opportunity to learn about a portion of his. Whereas in Japan it was mostly seen as a holiday for some to wear costumes, either as a way to have fun or to attend parties, in America it was slightly different. With the mention of candy at every door, her eyes would almost seem to sparkle with the thought, although she was probably much too old to be seen as old enough to enjoy such things. She could only imagine the haul of candy that the most dedicated would receive—mounds upon mounds—enough to last a year, with the only glaring issue being how they would manage to carry it all. With the thought of this, she began to wonder and found herself enthusiastically asking questions. "That sounds way better than Halloween here; I can only imagine all the candy! Is it an all-day celebration?" Natsumi began to speak as if she were planning her own day out for an American Halloween—picture bags of candy she would be able to collect within an hour or even two—let alone the thought of having a full day. She imagined prowling the streets from sunup to far past sundown, collecting as much as she could carry before returning her candy fortune to her stash at home and then turning to set out again. The pace of their stroll would eventually slow as they passed by a large temple, with Farrin stopping as he stood outside its gates. Natsumi could help but smile warmly as she watched him inspect the temple from afar. His words were enough to remind her that not everyone has time like this to decompress and have a moment to give thanks for what they have. She would give a hum of approval and a light nod as she turned her attention back to the temple. She had been to dozens of temples throughout Japan with her parents, and everyone she had ever seen managed to produce their own beauty for anyone who was willing to look for it. Where some people might just see old structures, she saw a testament to the cultural roots of her nation, something important that should always be cherished. She was almost certain that there were temples like this all over the globe and hoped that people would manage to visit them for even just a moment of peace, but she also knew that villainy had no borders or safe places. "Do you want to go inside? Or would you rather save that for next time?" She’d ask as she watched a few of the older members of the temple shuffle by the door, pausing to politely wave the duo. Farrin

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A

 chuckle escaped Farrin. With an imaginary touch, he could see Natsumi standing triumphantly atop the glorious mounds of sugared sweets and the occasional toy. He'd spare her the details of those villains, yes villains, that gave kids toothpaste or an apple on such a sacred day. Nothing wrong with apples, but Halloween was only as good as the tooth-rotting sweets one acquired through the night. 

"Well, most people go trick o' treatin' in the evenin'. Some parents will take the younger tykes out that might actually be afraid o' costumes n' such during the afternoon, but it's no' really a day we get off from work or school fer, so no sense goin' out too early," he answered, thinking back to the various ninja and hero costumes he wore while his mum took him out, and the various makeshift outfits he put together years later. Cutting eyeholes in sheets and gluing accessories to his simplistic ghost costumes was all part of the experience later on. Whatever got him the candy. 

"Yeah, let's check it out." 

Small smiles and the occasional wave greeted them. Folks wise in their years and kind in their hearts. It didn't matter that he was clearly a foreigner. Or, if anyone was bothered by it, it didn't show. Farrin stepped through the grassy threshold. Most were quiet, whispering with one another at most, but none looked nefarious. Only respectful of their surroundings and the occasion. The mention of family and friends occasionally escaped the quiet, but none were particularly loud or boisterous. 

Farrin cut to a stop a few meters out from the largest of the crowds outside the actual shrine. He wasn't about to disturb them, but curiosity had him hooked. Some were praying. Others were standing in idle appreciation. All at peace. 

"It really is somethin'," Farrin remarked, happily content with this shared moment.  

[attr="class","FarrinLeft"][attr="class","fa fa-cog"] Symbol of Heroism [attr="class","fa fa-cog"]

[attr="class","FarrinQuote"]Even if it's already been decided. Even if it's set in stone. I'll smash that future!

[attr="class","FarrinBot"][attr="class","fa fa-cog"] Tags: Natsumi Taiyou
[attr="class","fa fa-cog"] Notes: Write Notes Here

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[Natsumi Taiyou]

Natsumi would listen intently as Farrin would answer her question, and just as quickly as her dreams of candy dominance had arisen, they would be dashed just the same, or at least partially. Without the full twenty-four hours, she would have to operate in a shorter time frame than she initially expected; perhaps she would have to employ help. After a while, she would find herself getting flustered at the realization that she had put far too much thought into a hypothetical scenario. Shaking the thoughts free from her head, she would give Farrin another smile as one last thought would run through her mind: If a hero were to wear their own costume, would that technically count as trick or treating? Farrin's second answer to entering the building would come just in time to stop the candy-centered thoughts from spiraling out of control yet again; he wanted to enter the temple. Natsumi would give him a gentle nod and hum as they made their way inside the temple. As they walked the grounds, they would be met by hospitality that had almost become synonymous with the Japanese people, the smiles of people both young and old grating them both. Natsumi would respond and return both waves and small polite bows to anyone who was gracious enough to offer them some and even the few people who hadn't; it was always important to treat everyone with respect. As they would continue to move around the grounds, they would eventually reach the main center of the temple, which had amassed quite the crowd inside, undeniably all offering their prayers. Natsumi's warm smile grew simply at the sight of it, and as Farrin would stop just at the border, she would stop as well, assuming that attempting to enter the main temple might be too much for him to experience all in one day; perhaps that would simply return later, when it was much quieter and less populated, so he could have his chance to explore unhindered. She herself would pause and, in the moment of silence, bow her head, giving thanks for the adventures she had thus far and the many more to come. She was truly happy that she was able to come out and enjoy this day, even more so as she would have someone who would bring her through and get to experience the words of Golden Week for the first time. "It really is." She would respond after a short pause. "But we've got to get going; there is so much more to see." Natsumi would grin as she would eagerly head towards the exit, more excited to show Farrin the wonders of her homeland. Farrin

[Fanthes]

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✨EVENT SUCCESS!✨

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✓ What a cute read!! Great job you two! [break][break]

+ 50 TOKENS!

[break]
Farrin - 50 // 100[break]
Natsumi - 0 // 50

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Tag: Farrin, Natsumi Taiyou

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