"This is your guild?" Misa said as Cross stopped in front of a small building.

"No, this is Tabitha's Boutique," Cross said. He pushed the glass door open, wincing slightly as he did so. Whatever Misa had fed him had left him feeling considerably better, but he was still a fair way off from being completely healed.

A bell rang somewhere off in the back of the store and a moment later a tall, dark skinned woman with sharp cheek bones and even sharper eyes appeared. She swept forward, her shimmering blue dress billowing dramatically around her.

"Cross! Darling, It has been far too long!" She held her arms open for a hug before stopping as she took him in fully, her hands pulling back. "You're filthy."

"Hello Tabitha. I had… An interesting trip," Cross said with a small shrug.

"Well that just won't do, now will it?" Tabitha waved her hand. "Don't worry, we'll get you fixed up in no time."

"Actually, I'm here for her," Cross said, stepping to the side and jerking his head towards Misa.

"Oh? You've brought a friend? How wonderful! Ah! Isn't she just darling? Those eyes, so bright. Hmm that hair could use work, but it's so healthy and thick. Such a wild beauty you've brought me. Well, we will have to make sure she has the perfect outfit, won't we?" Tabitha sang as she strut over to Misa. She shot out her hand and caught Cross by the shoulder as he started to slide away. "I hope you know you won't be leaving here looking like that, though. I do have a reputation to uphold."

Cross forced a smile. "Understood."

"Wonderful. Now you just wait there and wait while I work my magic on… What is your name dear?" Tabitha said as she released him and turned her full attention in Misa.

"Artemisa."

"Artemisa, oh what a beautiful name." Tabitha began to circle around Misa, pulling the cloak from the girl's shoulders in a flash of movement that was almost too quick to follow. "Oh my, what an interesting outfit. I actually rather like it, I don't believe I've ever seen fabric like this before. However, it is more of a summer look, I believe. Hmmmmmmm."

Cross lifted up a hand. "She's a bit… Shy. So maybe not a full fitting today, Tabitha. Just something nice she can wear. Something weather appropriate."

Tabitha let out a dramatic sigh. "Cross, you can't just bring me such a perfect canvas on which to create on and say something so… so boorish!"

"She's going to be here for a while, you'll get another chance. It has just been a long trip.”

Tabitha ran a hand down her face, pulling at her bottom lip. "Fine! But let it be known, one day I shall create the perfect outfit for this exquisite creature. Don't you worry about that dear."

"I am not worried," Misa said.

"Wonderful!" Tabitha began to circle around Misa, her eyes roaming up and down. "Hmmmmm, slim build, a rather small bust, perhaps a corset? Or maybe something ruffled? Ah, the skin is pale but I see a touch of green? Eyes like emeralds… should we contrast? Or double down? Dear, how do you feel about lace?"

"I don't know."

"Hmm, may I?" Tabitha asked as she reached out to touch Misa's arm. Misa hesitated for a moment before slow nodding. Tabitha gave her a warm smile and pulled up Misa's arm. "Yes, as I thought, quite nice muscle tone. A shame it is winter, muscles like these live to be shown off. Same with that stomach. Oh, and these back muscles. Are you perhaps a gymnast?"

"I am not a gymnast."

"A shame," Tabitha said as she dropped down to look at Misa's feet. "Can you walk in heels."

"I don't know."

"Ah. That would be a no then, but we can work on that." Tabitha stood up and gave one last look before nodding to herself and making her way back into the depths of the boutique.

"Sorry, I should have warned you. Tabitha is a bit… intense," Cross said.

"It is admirable to be so devoted to your craft," Misa said. "You could take inspiration from her."

"I take back that apology.”

"What is a corset?" Misa asked after a moment of silence.

"What?"

"What is a corset?"

"Uh, it's a…." Cross frowned and worked his mouth from one side to the other. "It's like… so it pushes… It uh…. It's like a support thing."

"Support for what?"

"Ah," Cross ran his hand through his hair and just gave a small shrug.

Tabitha returned and stopped beside Misa. She placed down a number of boxes and glanced at Cross. "Go outside for a bit, Cross."

"Outside…" Cross looked out the window. "It's snowing again."

Tabitha began to unpack the boxes. "Yes."

"Can't I wait in the back?"

"You're dirty. I won't have you near my precious creations in that filth, now scoot." Tabitha waved him out the door, closing it behind him and pulling the curtains shut, obscuring any view inside the building.

"Okay," Cross said to no one as he wrapped his hands around his chest protectively, shivering slightly. "Sure. That's fine. I'll just wait out here. In the snow. With no coat. Right, then. Super."

Cross continued to grumble for almost a full ten minutes, moving his weight from one foot to the other and occasionally blowing into his hands to warm up his quickly numbing fingers. He was mid-gripe when the door behind him suddenly opened and he was met with a blast of warm air. Sighing in relief Cross hobbled back into the building, brushing some snowflakes from his shoulders.

"Look upon my work and be amazed," Tabitha said, throwing her hands towards Misa. "Because of your request I had to work with what I had on hand, but I assure you there is nowhere else you can go that would give you such wonderful results. Now, I decided to go with a long-sleeved ruffled blouse, black to accent her pale skin. Pairing that with a long cardigan accents her small frame, green to really bring out her eyes. Now if you'll look here-"

"Tabitha." Cross held up a hand. "I don't need the specifics. She looks fine."

"Fine. She looks fine?" Tabitha threw her head back. "Gods why have you burdened me with such simplemindedness? Is this my trial? Must I be both teacher and creator?"

As Tabitha continued her theatrics Cross glanced at Misa. She was staring at herself in one of the many floor length mirrors that adorned the walls. Her expression was unreadable, but that was nothing new. Seeing Cross in the mirror she turned to look at him. Cross found it oddly difficult to meet her gaze.

"It's a bit strange seeing you in actual clothes, and shoes," Cross said after a moment. "But you look… Nice."

Misa gave a single nod.

"Nice? Oh, you poor, stupid boy. One day you will learn how to speak to a woman. Or maybe you won't and you will die, sad and alone. Such a handsome face wasted. But there is always another handsome face."

Cross resisted the urge to roll his eyes and placed a stack of gold on the counter. "This should cover everything. Thanks Tabitha. I'm sure we'll be seeing you soon." Cross gave a wave over his shoulder and started to walk out when Tabitha caught him.

"Oh no, Cross. No, no, no, no, no," Tabitha's perfectly manicured nails dug into his shoulder. "Did you really think I would forget? Now it's your turn."

Misa glanced at Cross and though her face did not change, he swore she was laughing at him.

xXx

"I'm bored," Makina said as she watched Romeo tinker with one of his bombs. Beside him, Banksy was sprawled out across the table. The thief had been spent quite a bit of time sleeping since the incident. Lexi had said sleep helped speed along recovery, but Makina was sure he was just being lazy.

"Want to fill up some more containers?" Romeo said, holding up the glass sphere. "I can always use more. You've probably got the purest magic around."

"It is not probably, it is a certainty that my divine magic is the purest form that you mere mortals will ever have the honor of experiencing, and no!" Makina made a face at Romeo as he simply shrugged and continued to work.

Makina's eyes scanned across the table and fell on Lexi. The shadow mage had a collection of weapons spread out on the table in front of her and had been slowly working through each piece, inspecting and cleaning them with infuriatingly slow precision. It was enough to make Makina want to scream at the monotony of it.

"Lexi," Makina said.

"Yes, Maki?"

"I'm bored."

"Yes, I heard you say that before."

"Help."

"I cannot."

"Why?"

"Because, there is no such thing as being bored, there are only boring people." Lexi said, smiling as Makina's hands balled into fists. "Oh, I know what you could do."

"What?"

"Well," Lexi held up a knife and spin it on the tip of her finger. "You could clean your room, for once."

Makina stuck out her tongue. “I don’t like cleaning.”

"I am well aware." Lexi put the knife down. "Well we aren't scheduled for another team assignment for at least a week, so you are free to take a request."

"Mrgh," Makina laid herself out across the table. "When is Cross returning?"

"You are more than welcome to send him a message and ask."

"I do not want to ask, I want to be told!" Makina snapped.

Romeo reached over and ruffled her hair. "Nothing wrong with relaxing every now and then. Just chill out." He looked at Lexi and beamed as Makina batted his hand away. "Get it? Chill out?"

Makina took in a deep breath and looked up at Romeo. "Idiot?"

"Yes?"

"Be gone." Makina swept her hand back and sent Romeo flying from his chair with a gust of wind.

Romeo slid across the floor before coming to a gradual stop. Sitting up he shot Makina a cheeky grin as he held up the two glass spheres that now glowed with the ice magic contained inside. Standing up he brushed off the smattering of ice crystals that clung to his clothes. "Thanks, Maki."

"See, now you are helping. Isn't that nice?" Lexi smiled as Makina groaned and put her head against the table. She tilted her head to the side as the front doors opened and a familiar figure slouched in. Lexi put down the knife as she stood up. "Cross."

"Are you wearing a silk shirt?" Romeo asked and was promptly ignored.

"I'm home," Cross said with a small wave as he headed towards the table slowly, Misa following close behind, her sharp eyes flicking from one guild member to the next. "Ah, right then, so this is…"

"Are you the reason my servant has taken so long to return?" Makina interrupted, jumping from the table and landing in front of Cross only to be abruptly pushed aside by Romeo as he dashed forward and came to a skidding stop in front Misa.

"Hello!" Romeo beamed as he took her hand and gave it a gentle kiss. "My name is Romeo Lovejoy, a joy to love. I must say you are a stunningly beautiful figure. A spot of sunlight on this dreary day. Pray tell, what is your name, if I may be so bold to ask."

"It's bolder to kiss someone's hand, you jackass." Banksy yawned, the sudden commotion drawing him from his sleep.

Romeo's smile did not waver. "Please, ignore him, he's unimportant, small, somewhat slow."

Misa slowly turned to look at Cross. "If he your friend?"

Cross sighed and rubbed at his temple. "I guess?"

Misa's eyes turned back to Romeo. "If that is the case, I will allow you to release my hand. If you do not, I will remove it for you."

"Ah. Understood." Romeo released her hand and took a small step back.

"Everyone, this is Misa." Cross tried the introduction again. "Misa is…. Misa is going to be staying at the guild for a while."

"I see," Lexi nodded and extended her hand towards Misa. "It's nice to meet you Misa. I'm Lexi. You've already met Romeo. Despite how he might seem, he’s harmless. That is Banksy and the little one is Makina. Please, don't hesitate to ask if you need anything during your stay here."

"I'm not little." Makina grumbled.

Misa stared at the extended hand. Cross waited half a beat before giving her a small nudge with his shoulder. Slowly, she reached out and took Lexi's hand. "Any question?"

Lexi nodded. "Of course."

Misa lifted her other hand and pointed at Makina. "Is that child a Goddess?"

The room when silent, save for Makina who slammed her foot against the ground and balled up her fists.

"I am not a child!"

"Amazing." Misa said softly as she moved to Makina, staring down at the girl through narrowed eyes. "I have never seen such power."

Banksy was the first to recover. "How… how did you know that? Cross how did she know that?"

As the eyes in the room turned on Cross, save for Misa's that were still firmly on Makina, he found himself sighing. Reaching back, he rubbed at the back of his head before shrugging and heading towards Servilia's desk. "I'm going to get Misa a room key. So, everyone just… Stay calm and…. Yeah."

"I am not familiar with the Goddess Makina," Misa said as Cross walked away.

"Spirit Goddess, actually." Makina drew herself up to her full height, pushing back her shoulders. "I am Makina, Spirit Goddess of the Northern Winter Winds. Sister of Aria of the Winds."

Misa nodded. "Then you are a successor."

Makina's eyes grew wide. "You know of the succession?"

"Elves are long lived. Our history dates back even before the Spirit Gods began. Before Humanity had even taken its first steps," Misa said as she tilted her head to one side, then the other. "Even though you are young, your presence is amazingly large."

"Of course. A goddess will always possess more power than a mere mortal, elves included."

Misa nodded. "However, that is simply raw power. In terms of control and skill you are quite face behind her." Misa lifted her hand and pointed at Lexi.

Makina's face flushed. "How dare you!"

Lexi took a step forward as she stared at Misa's ears. "An elf?"

Misa glanced at her. "Yes."

"You're an Elf."

"Yes."

A large smile split across Lexi's face and her hand came up to her mouth. "I never thought… I didn't…"

"An Elf, eh?" Romeo slid between them. "That explains so much. I thought your beauty was too perfect to be just a human."

Lexi narrowed her eyes. "Romeo…"

"So, what about me?" Romeo asked, remaining oblivious to the growing danger both behind and in front of him. He snapped his finger and produced a series of sparks. "How do I match up?"

Misa barely glanced at him. "You have a moderate amount of power and even less control. To put it in terms you may be able to understand you are on par with him." She pointed at Banksy.

"Ha." Banksy slapped the table. "I don't even have magic. It's just residual from my rings. You suck Romeo."

Romeo was undeterred. "No worries. That just means I need some practice. Maybe you could give me some private lessons. Me, you, maybe a bottle of wine? Some cheese? Do elves eat cheese? Never met one. Until now, but I really want you to know you are giving a wonderful first impression."

Cross returned with a sigh. He tossed a key towards Misa who caught it with a deft hand. "Misa, your room is on the top floor. End of the hall. Servilia will have it furnished for you later."

"Thank you."

"Cross don't be rude. You need to escort a lady to her room, especially in a new place." Romeo admonished. He offered his arm to Misa. "Since Cross lacks such manners, may I have the honor?"

Misa stared at Romeo for another moment before turning back to Cross. "At the top?

"Yeah.”

Misa nodded and began to walk away.

Romeo took a step after her. "Have you eaten? After you rest maybe I can take you out? You don't look like a city girl. How about I teach you all about city life. I don't mean to brag but I have kind of been everywhere. I mean, I can show you the world. What do you say?"

Misa stopped and slowly turned to look at him. "You are quite an annoying person, you know."

"I have heard that before, yes. How about this. If fine dining and long walks aren't your thing, how about some sparring. You said my magic power is moderate but you never know, I might surprise you."

"Right, then," Cross sighed as he took a step back. Lexi mirrored his decision as a dangerous glint appeared in Misa's eye.

"I would advise again that, human."

Romeo grinned. "I'm tougher than I look."

Misa began to take a step towards him before her eyes flicked to Cross. He gave a very emphatic shake of his head. Misa stared at him for a long time before letting out a long breath through her nose. "Perhaps another time."

"Oh, I guess that's my win then," Romeo called out as Misa began to walk away.

The elf froze. Very slowly she turned her head to look over her shoulder at Romeo. Romeo's smile widened and he spread his arms wide, lightning crackling over his fingertips.

Misa's arm swept up and a tangle of vines launched through the air from her extended hand. Romeo sputtered in surprise and took a step back. He started to pull his hands together to defend, but Misa's vines were faster. They quickly wrapped around his arms and pulled them tight against his chest. Misa flicked her hand up and the Vines shot upwards, burrowing into the ceiling and dragging the screaming Romeo along for the ride.

Misa slowly lowered her hand, the vines severing themselves at her wrist and retreating back up her sleeve. She looked up at Romeo who had gone silent

"It would be better if you did not speak to me. Ever," Misa said before she slowly walked away, leaving Romeo swaying from the ceiling. He watched her go with a blank expression, her soft footsteps echoing through the silent guildhall as she ascended the stairs.

"Oh, I like her," Romeo finally said, a smile forming on his face as he looked down at Cross who had his face resting in his palm. "Also, I think we can all agree… That was pretty hot, right? Right?"