1195/Christmas Shopping to Save the World

Christmas Shopping to Save the World
Date of Scene:	23 December 2014
Location:	New York-199999
Synopsis:	VEGETA GOES ON A DATE WITH TWO AWESOME LADIES
Cast of Characters:	20, 238, 663

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Vegeta (663) has posed:
It's early in the evening, and after a bit of coordination, Vegeta arrives in the middle of Times Square, which is as good as a shopping mall, waiting on a street corner for Beli and Toph. He's in full saiyan armor and pretty much impossible to miss as people rush by and a few slow down to take pictures of him and his odd outfit.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
R    The way from the Stark Tower is short, luckily. And it's easy to miss the blind girl perhaps as she walks down the street. She is clad in the clothes of this world, with a green scarf wrapped around her throat and lower face, and with a neat and stylish grey winter coat and matching pants.

%tHer feet however are bare... and she does earn a few confused looks.

    But she walks right up to Vegeta, figuring that not many people wear battle armor... Even if she doesn't turn her eyes to him, she stops in front of him with a neutral look on her face. "You are that Vegeta guy, right?" she not so much asks as comments. "Toph Beifong. I volunteer for Christmas duty."

Beli Klum (238) has posed:
    This is, quite possibly, the most absurd thing Beli has had to do all year. She's not going to remark on it much for now, though.

    The rephaite glides down into Times Square, broad wings flapping as she banks up above the ground before letting herself settle onto the street corner where Toph and Vegeta are. She's chosen to wear a dark blue jacket today, long enough to cover her arms, and slightly longer boots for the same effect. Of course the jacket has to have a slit down the back for her wings, but she manages.

    Wings retract into her back, and her halos vanish, rendering her a slightly more normal-looking girl aside from her glowing, near-white skin. Having to look down at Vegeta is unexpected, but aside from a lingering stare, she doesn't remark on it much more than a shake of her head. Best not to point out the height disparity against someone so proud of himself.

    "Vegeta, Toph," she greets, her soft voice ringing with soft bells and rumbling like a live volcano. "I suppose we are all ready to go, then?" A glance back to Vegeta, one tinged with no small amount of confusion and curiosity. "So...what exactly are you looking for, anyway?"

Vegeta (663) has posed:
Vegeta turns around to stare down at Toph, nose wrinkling as he looks down at her lack of shoes. "Barefoot. Are you some sort of peasant? I'd think someone around here would at least spare shoes for some peasant girl." He looks up at Beli then, arms crossed. "You don't say a -word- about this to anyone, Witch. I'm looking for a present, for Serori. Or more than one, I don't know. Things women like. You're women, so where do we go?"

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    The moment Beli arrives Toph blinks, though she only turns towards her when she actually lands, and she grins as she reaches out to punch her in the arm. "Heya!" Okay, so they are here. As for malls? "There are many places to buy stuff here if you got the cash. Also, I expect you to behave, considering my supervising officer kinda owns property in this city," she states.

    As for her status? Toph lets out a laugh. "I'm a first class citizen of the Earth Kingdom... I'm hardly poor. I just don't like shoes," she snorts. It is kinda amusing, not to mention that he is indeed getting a present for Serori. "Hmmm. Let's go see if we can find something for her. She likes to fight, right? And food." With that the blind girl turns and starts heading down the street. And when they arrive at one of the fancy department stores, Toph heads inside. On the way they might notice that some people turn and glance at Toph, some whispering amongst themselves.

Beli Klum (238) has posed:
    Oof. Beli winces a little at the punch to the arm, though she manages an awkward smile as she rubs the spot a little. Not exactly one for roughhousing, this one, is she? When she looks back to Vegeta, though, her expression shifts back to confusion, one hand lifting to the back of her head for an awkward rub. "...for Serori? Well...I am not sure I would consider her someone to like something stereotypically 'girly', but...I suppose we could give it a shot, if Toph has some idea?" Yes, ask the socially awkward recluse to help with shopping for people. Perfect idea. "And it is Beli. 'Witch' is not the worst I have been called before, but I /do/ have a name," she adds with a slight frown.

    With that, Beli folds her arms over her chest and strides after Toph, glancing around at the available stores. "She seems to have a fondness for lizard-like creatures as well. Or...is that thing a lizard? I cannot tell, come to think of it. I guess it is close enough..."

Vegeta (663) has posed:
"Why the hell do people keep staring at you?" Vegeta asks as he follows Toph's lead, occasionally shoving someone out of the way. "I have no intention of killing these people, I need this place intact. High production merchant planets are useful." he explains, then nods. "She does, obviously, like any true saiyan."

"I don't know, I've never seen this lizard thing." He looks back at Beli, staring hard. "Beli, then. Fine."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    "Oh, you're talking about that thing I drove off on Hawaii?" Toph asks over her shoulder at Beli as they walk. "And we will find something. Though I doubt she would want something /girly/." No, somehow Toph imagines that Serori would like many of the things she likes. Tough stuff. Tasty stuff.

    The question regarding the people who notice her earn a sigh. "Be glad there aren't many paparazzi here. I... I'm kinda big with the celebrity gossip this year.' With that she pulls down her scarf and turns. "Can you guys tell me where the sports section is?" She turns to Beli, knowing that she at least knows her limits in finding her way around in such a place.

Beli Klum (238) has posed:
    "You have not run into Roko yet?" Beli turns back to Vegeta again, curiosity in her expression. "He is rather difficult to miss. One of Serori's pets, an excessively large lava-dwelling reptile. Maybe you will run into him soon." A nod is given to Toph, confirming her previous experiences with the volcanic creature. "Right, that one. He is at least friendly when you get used to him."

    When Toph requests guidance, Beli nods and points off toward the required position. "That way," she says, starting off in that direction to lead Toph over. "What do you have in mind for her? She does not seem too into sports...unless you count boxing, maybe, or martial arts. I think she could throw some of those weights around already. Though...maybe Vegeta could try getting her into something new? Tennis?"

Vegeta (663) has posed:
"Celebrities... gossip..." Vegeta says these words as if to maul them over in his head, to make sure that they're really being said. "You're a little barefoot girl. What kind of sick world are we in right now?" he asks as he looks around at people with a wary sort of disgust on his face, avoiding actually touching anyone now.

"No, I haven't seen this pet of hers. I'll ask her about it later." He looks around, following Beli's lead now. "Sports... would that really be good? I don't know, I feel like it should be impressive... But football, that could work as one of the presents. Saiyan football..."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    "These are people who want something to think about besides death and destruction, imagine that... and so what is it to you that I dislike shoes and I'm shorter than you?" Toph huffs without any real annoyance. No, she's more occupied with actually finding the right store that she has in mind.

    "And yeah, sports stuff might be fun. Maybe find the biggest ball they have or something...?" she suggests and heads off in the direction Beli indicates. At least there are marble floors inside this place...

    "Soooo... you want to give her a gift, but you have no idea, huh?" It's a bit strange, really.

Beli Klum (238) has posed:
    "Saiyan football would be such a danger to the surroundings that I feel like it has been outlawed in at least ten worlds," Beli remarks with a sigh. "...which I suppose would be a point of attraction. Hm."

    Beli leans over to give Toph a reassuring pat on the shoulder, not much more than a sympathetic gesture against Vegeta's poor summaries of the people he's working with right now. She straightens up again, and as they're walking, glances back to Vegeta himself. "You know, why do you not give her something you think she might like on a more emotional level? A token of strength, or comradery, or...something. Is there anything /you/ like that you think would convey that? Something that would be like giving a part of yourself?"

    Beli suspects that this is the wrong person to be talking to about things like this, but it's worth a shot. For the good of the world.

Vegeta (663) has posed:
"What kind of little girl just -dislikes- shoes? What are you, like one of those filthy Earth martial artists who just walk around barefoot?" Vegeta asks, then nods at Toph's question. He reaches out to occasionally touch things, but largely not moving anything from its place. "I know that I want something impressive. But I don't want to do something too big like give her a planet. Only people who try too hard give women planets."

He stops walking momentarily at Beli's words, considering... "I told her that she could be the queen of the saiyans, so perhaps I could have something made with the royal emblem, or some token of proof that I mean my words."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    Now there is an idea... Toph nods in agreement with Beli's suggestion. "That's an idea. If they are the emotional type, sometimes I wonder..." Toph mutters. "Gotta admit that Saiyan football sounds rougher than the earthbending tournaments from where I come from." She would pay to see that.

    Okay, now he opened up the chance for something there. At the question she turns and halts, facing Vegeta. "I am Toph Beifong, the greatest earthbender of all time," she says proudly.

    ... okay, this is getting funnier and funnier. Is this a romantic gift we are talking about, oooh? Beli might spy a mischievious grin crossing Toph's lips as she turns around and continues walking. "So maybe we should head to the jewelry store, huh?" she asks. "Maybe we can find something neat there if you want to make her feel like a queen."

Beli Klum (238) has posed:
    Beli actually smiles at Vegeta's honest consideration of her suggestion. "Yes, that is a good start. Maybe a cape? She seems to like capes when she wants to look impressive."

    Toph gets a curious blink, then. Beli takes a moment to think, rubbing the back of her head in thought. "...perhaps that would be a good option. What, though? A ring...well, that implies things. Maybe a bracelet, or a necklace, with a pendant of the royal symbol?" A pause, then, followed by a light frown. "...not that I have ever /seen/ her wear jewelry. Maybe in less practical environments? Hn..."

    A glance is given to a nearby rack, where Beli plucks up a football and spins it in her hand briefly. "...or, maybe, a football emblazoned with the royal emblem. The best of both worlds."

Vegeta (663) has posed:
"What the hell is an earthbender?" Vegeta asks, having absolutely no idea. Then at the mention of a jewelry store he gives a firm nod. "Jewels! Now that's what a queen needs. Let's go see what the most suitable thing they have is. And I want to go to a high class jewelry store, no cheap trash."

He waves off the football and crosses his arms. "Let's go. A bracelet... I think it should be a bracelet with the royal emblem." He almost starts walking, before he stops, realizing he has no idea where to go. "She'll wear it, it doesn't matter if it's in battle or not."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    A cape doesn't sound too bad, huh. But the others? "Not a ring or a bracelet. Maybe a tiara or something? Royalty wear fancy headdresses. Or a brooch of some kind." For that matter... "What DOES the royal emblem look like?" she asks of Vegeta with a curious look on her face. Maybe she has an idea.

    As for what an earthbender is? "I bend the earth to my will. And I am the first earthbender to bend metal," she informs him. So he decides to go for jewelry after all. Fine. Toph nods, then gestures for Beli to lead the way. "Like hell if cheap stuff will do it. I'll let you know if you want the pure stuff. Some of these guys try to pass off the fakes as real." Not that it will be able to fool her!

Beli Klum (238) has posed:
    The football is carefully tucked back onto the shelf again before Beli starts off toward the jewelry shop, glancing back at Vegeta with a raised brow. "...why are you so certain of that?" A sigh, then, followed by a shake of her head as she turns forward again. "Nevermind. Perhaps that would be the best option."

    A glance to Toph, then. "A crown? Are you sure? Her hair is so..." Unsure of what word to use, Beli makes a vague, large gesture around her head. "I wonder if it would even stay on."

Vegeta (663) has posed:
"So you -are- some kind of warrior. I suppose you don't come from an entirely useless civilization like some. I'll have to test your prowess some time. Hopefully you won't die, as you've been helpful tonight." Vegeta follows Beli when Toph gestures, shrugging. "Saiyan royalty isn't typically known for headdresses. A brooch could work..."

He seems to be in some intense thought, frowning and staring down at the floor. "I'm sure of it because of personal saiyan things!" he practically shouts, then grunts hard.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    "Hey, he's the one getting the gift, so he gets to decide," Toph shrugs as they wander into the jewelry store after a brief walk down the hallway... and the blind girl halts, sensing the various metals in the place. "Most of it here is pretty expensive, I guess. They /feel/ expensive." With that she begins walking down the aisle, stopping in front of the monitors as she narrows her eyes. "You want to get her something sturdy, I take it? She doesn't seem like the delicate type." No kidding. And Beli's observation makes her shrug. "I dunno what her hair is like, really. Whatever you say."

    The clerk plasters on an obviously practiced smile, walking up to Vegeta and Beli. "May I help you? Doing some final Christmas shopping, I take it? We have many brands here."

Beli Klum (238) has posed:
    "Alright, alright!" Beli lifts her hands at Vegeta's sudden shout, stepping back slightly as if afraid that he'll attempt to engrave those words in her skull. "If you are so sure, then we will go with a bracelet," she adds in an understanding and slightly soothing tone before turning back toward the jewelry shop. At least once she's sure Vegeta isn't /actually/ going to violence her.

    A quiet sigh is given to the clerk, then, followed by a light, weary smile. "Yes, thank you. We are looking for bracelets, specifically ones that are sturdy but...fashionable. If you have any options for custom engravings, that would also be helpful. And..." A pause, then a glance back to Vegeta. "...something expensive, I guess? The cost is his decision, but it seems we are at a 'no expenses spared' point."

Vegeta (663) has posed:
"What do you mean you don't know what her hair is like? Haven't you seen her before? You talk like you have." Vegeta stares hard at the clerk, then nods. "I want something sturdy, yes. And I want whatever brand is most associated with warriors and powerful people." He may not understand the concept of brands very well. "I am the rightful prince of saiyans, I don't concern myself with petty things like costs."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    "As a matter of fact I haven't /seen/ her before," Toph states, feeling like being mischievous. "I have met her though." The clerk smiles and nods at Beli, though she blinks when Toph snorts. "Why would you need custom engravings when I can do it much quicker?" she asks the other Unionite. But the clerk pays attention to Vegeta, how can she do anything but notice such a forceful presence? And when he states price will be no issue, she brightens up and bows slightly. "Of course, Sir! And hh, warriors...? Well, we have these lovely bracelets over here, they are quite sturdy and made of pure silver and gold with crystals in them," she says and guides the three over to a monitor with some rather extravagant bracelets and necklaces. They sure look expensive and display high craftmansship. And Toph narrows her eyes and asides to Vegeta. "They are the real deal, really pure. And the crystals are real." So it should satisfy his demand for that.

    "If you let me know what the royal emblem looks like, I could bend them into the bracelet. You think they look like something Serori would like, Beli?" Since Beli is a seeing person and a girl.

Beli Klum (238) has posed:
    Beli was about to chime in on the 'haven't seen her before' thing, but when Toph doesn't directly /say/ anything, Beli keeps her mouth shut for the moment and just turns back to Toph. "Oh...right. Somehow I forgot. Strange, considering my gift." She grins a little at that, then turns back to Vegeta and the clerk as things are hashed out.

    When they come to the bracelets, Beli takes a moment to consider them, brow furrowed and arms crossed. It's a moment or two before she finally responds with a slight nod. "...I think these will do. I admit I am not terribly immersed in Serori's preferences, but...they seem like something she would like. She does seem to have rather feminine tendencies now and then." A glance is given back to Vegeta as Beli turns around, leaning back lightly against something that is /not/ a display case. "Would you feel comfortable giving that to her? I do not really think we can 'field test' these to get an idea of their durability, but they should be able to handle some punishment if needed."

Vegeta (663) has posed:
"How can you meet someone without seeing them? Make some sense, little girl!" Vegeta follows the clerk to stare down at the various bracelets, then shakes his head. "I want something solid, no jewels, just pure, shiny gold. The most pure and shiny gold that you have." he demands, then points his finger at the floor, quickly firing the emblem into the marble with concentrated laser-like beams. "Like that, except red." There's a glance to the clerk and he says, "I'll pay for the floor."

"Though I do want to give her something that sparkles as well, perhaps a second present. A sparkly necklace, it doesn't need to go with the bracelet." He looks back at Beli and simply scowls. "I feel comfortable doing whatever I want!"

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    Hey, it's fun to mess with people at times. And Toph loves making fun of her blindness if it can give her some amusement. And this guy still hasn't figured it out by looking at her? Maaan. "Funny, really. I thought your eyes at least worked, it seems so by how observant you are," Toph grins.

    Though she blinks when Vegeta fires into the floor, and the clerk lets out a startled scream, her eyes wide in shock. And she stands as if frozen, glancing between Vegeta and the mark left in the floor. But when he states he will pay for it, she does manage to give a weak nod and a squeak of approval. "O-okay...!"

    It takes only a few seconds before she leads them further down the aisle and gestures to some solid gold bracelets. "W-what about these oness, S-sir? Will they do?" Toph follows, then toes the floor a bit around the mark Vegeta left. "If you want it red, I could always put a ruby in it for you and shape it." She turns her head slightly towards Beli. "Rubies are still red, right?" Who knows with the multiverse.

Beli Klum (238) has posed:
    Beli practically jumps out of her skin at the sudden burning of the symbol into the ground, looking down at the engraved floor with an expression of wide-eyed bafflement, then casting that same stare up at Vegeta as she stands pressed up against the desk she was leaning on. "...what is /wrong/ with you," she mutters under her breath.

    She recovers from that soon enough, though, straightening her jacket and crossing her arms again as her expression shifts to one of vague annoyance instead. Once they reach the next aisle and Toph questions her, she gives a brief nod. "Yes, rubies are still red," she remarks with a sigh. "That is still a constant. I am not sure how durable solid gold might be, especially against heat, but...well. It is your decision," she finishes, gesturing to Vegeta again. No point in asking if he's comfortable with it, as that last comment showed.

Vegeta (663) has posed:
"Of course rubies are red. Just what the hell..." Vegeta finally walks in front of Toph and leans in, blowing at the bangs in front of her eyes to get a look. "You're blind, aren't you? A blind child helping me pick out jewelry. You're screwing with me! "I have a mind to..." He raises his hand, as if he's going to slap a -blind- girl. "Tch, I'll let it go, since you're helping."

He walks over to the solid braclets, then nods, pointing at a fairly thick one. "That one. Call me when it's all done, just have it paid by my Confederacy account." he explains this while heading for the door, casually holding his hand up in parting.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed:
    There is a slight frown on Toph's face when Vegeta blows her bangs away, and she blinks, her unseeing eyes staring blindly ahead without focusing on his face. And at the question she snorts. "Yeah, I'm blind. That doesn't mean I can't be more perceptive than you, dunderhead," she states proudly. When he raises his hand, she narrows her eyes. "I'm not screwing with you. If I were, you would be the one with a red face right now. Besides..." She points directly at his hand. "Just because I'm blind doesn't mean I can't tell that you raised your hand as if you were about to hit me."

    "I fought in the WMAT, C bracket, this year. Ask Serori about it if you want," the blind earthbender snorts and walks over to inspect the bracelets some more. When he picks out a bracelet she sighs, then turns to the clerk. "I can engrave it right now and save you the problem. It can be another Christmas gift for Serori, I guess." Didn't she get her a gift? Oh right, rock candy. Might as well do this for her too.

    As the clerk unlocks the monitor and gets the bracelet, Toph turns a bit to Beli. "It could have gone worse, right? I mean, he only broke the floor and threatened to hit me /once/."

Beli Klum (238) has posed:
    When actual violence starts being threatened, Beli's frown grows more severe. She looks like she's more than willing to get into combat if that comes to it, but, fortunately for the surrounding store, it doesn't. A sharp sigh is pushed through her nostrils, and she turns back to Toph with a slightly tense expression. "True, it could have gone worse. All things considered, that /did/ go rather well, in the end." She does manage a slight grin, though. "I feel a little sorry for Serori, admittedly. But the gift should turn out nicely, at least. Thank you for coming along to help with this." Who knows if she would've managed holding herself together alone?

    Beli manages to loosen up, then, turning back to the display case. "Well, let us get this over with and send it to him, I guess. I think I am ready to relax for the night, at this rate."