Laying on the bed of the presidential suite; the bed as soft as a cloud, she stared at the ceiling. A large chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Built for a wealth that she could never hope to have.
It was all too much for her. Such wealth made her feel uncomfortable; it wasn't a life she could ever get used to. She enjoyed being in her home, even if it was old and worn, it was still her home, and she loved that more than any luxury.
The room given to her by Souta was to keep her in once place; as to keep his own safety from an enraged Eren. A wise move to make, unfortunately for him, Emi had been inside the room for all of five minutes, and had already become bored. It was time to roam about.
And roam she did.
Mega Vegas; A complex of entertainment and leisure, a place of joy and relaxation. Or at least it was supposed to be.
Yet to Emi, it felt like an overly gaudy shopping centre, filled with the same shops and brands, overpriced food, and a bunch of snobs.
The only difference between Mega Vegas and any other shopping centre back home, was the lack of commoners. All the visitors of this place had a look to them. One that said they had more money than sense. Designer clothes, and expensive jewellery. Everyone was immaculately groomed, whether that be male or female.
First stop; the arcade. A massive room, filled with games, lights, sounds, and other teenagers. The most normal place she had been so far. It was a welcome sight, a place she could enjoy without the feeling of not belonging.
Walking around the brightly lit area, past rows of claw machines, she stopped at the sight the most adorable plushie. A small fox holding a heart, with bright blue eyes, and an orange coat. It was the perfect addition to her collection.
*Click*
A coin in the machine, ready to play.
*Vwoom*
The claw moved; a simple joystick controlled it. Left and right, and a small button on the top.
It hovered over the little orange fox; she pushed the button and the claw lowered. Holding her breath. 'Please... please, please.'
*Drop*
It fell from the claws grip. Back into the pile of toys.
"Awe." Emi sighed. Taking another coin from her pocket.
*Click*
'It will be different this time.' She told herself. And so, the cycle continued. Another five attempts. Another 500 yen later. Still no little fox plushie.
*Grab*
'Nearly... Please.'
*Drop*
"AHHH" She threw her hands up in frustration.
"Your new here aren't you?" A voice spoke from behind. Turning, she saw two boys. Both clearly older than her. One was dressed in a suit; the other was wearing an oversized hoodie, pompous look on the face, and a confident air around the two.
"..." Emi ignored the pair. Not one for interacting with people. Especially strangers, outside of her usual circle. Instead, she turned to the claw machine, putting another 100 yen into the machine.
"I'm Kyou, and this is Kenji." The suited boy introduced. A short, spiky haircut and glasses, he seemed to be the more intelligent of the pair. Yet, a playful look was on the boy's face, like he was constantly up to some sort of mischief.
"And you are?" Kyou asked.
"..."
"Playing hard to get are we." Kenji spoke; an eyebrow raised in curiosity.
"Allow me to help. I'm quite the claw machine expert." The suited boy walked forward, a cocky grin on his face.
"A master, a prodigy, even a professional. My skills are unparalleled."
Emi rolled her eyes. A look of exasperation on her face.
"What's your name?" Kyou asked again. He waited for an answer but it was clear that the girl wasn't going to say a word.
Kyou attempted to show off to the stranger. Placing a 100-yen coin into the machine, it came to life. He moved the controls with an expert touch, a fine-tuned precision. It moved directly above the orange fox. Slowly, the claws lowered, before they closed.
However, it was the worst attempt that Emi ever saw. It didn't land on the fox at all. Pulling up air and dropping nothing.
"Excuse me..."
Emi took the reins once more. The two boys stepped back and watched the girl play.
*Vwoom*
*Click*
The claw latched on. Pulling the fox plushie from its spot, Emi let out a small sigh of relief.
*Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding*
*Cha, ching*
The fox landed into the chute of the machine. A massive grin on her face, Emi crouched down to retrieve her prize. Holding the soft, plush toy close to her chest, a smile on her face as she cuddled it. It was so warm and soft, like holding a friendly cloud.
"Congratulations. You're a very skilled claw master yourself." Kyou spoke, snatching the fox out of Emi's grip.
"Hey." She called in surprise. Reaching out for the toy. Kyou was just that little too tall for her to reach. He held it above her head. Emi stood up to her toes. Her fingertips brushed the soft fabric.
"We have our suite in the mega rooms. Something a girl like you never have experienced before. Want to see?" He asked, waving the fox as bait, a teasing smile on the face.
Another smug look from the two boys.
"C'mon we have a lot of - HMPH!" Kenji felt the wind leave his lungs. A swift, powerful punch to the stomach. Dropping the fox into the arms of the girl who didn't waste a single second.
"Goodbye..." Emi skipped off without another thought; Mr. Heart once taught Emi to throw a punch just in case she ever needed it. Eren too, followed up on this. Teaching her some other simple self-defence tricks.
"That little... bitch!" Kenji spoke through gritted teeth. The wind had been thoroughly knocked out of the young boy. He sat on the floor, clutching where the fist landed.
"She's not worth it. Let's go get a drink." Said Kyou. Helping the other to stand, they both looked at the retreating girl, who had already left the arcade.
"Na, we'll need to teach that peasant a lesson." Growled Kenji.
"..." Kyou said nothing and instead sighed.
*Clasp* *Clasp*
A hand came to rest on both their shoulders. Souta stood behind the boys, a big smile on the young man.
"Hiya kids. I see you meet Emi. A special guest at our humble establishment. If I see you so much as look at her again, I'm going to throw you both off the roof. Nod if you understand."
Both nodded quickly, shivering in fear.
Souta let go, watching as they bolted from the arcade.
'And I thought Eren was going to be my biggest problem…'