Frankie at the Lantern Festival

Very few people knew that Frankie kept a written bucket list in her Crystal Cavern apartment next to a map of dream destinations. Near the top, “Wear a bitchin’ traditional kimono to an event” was scribbled in. So when the lantern festival was first announced, the punkchilla was excited at the opportunity to cross that off her list. Her hopes were quickly dashed when Miyana explained the whole process of what goes into wearing such a piece and what *can’t* be done while wearing one (up to and including going to the bathroom) but quickly went over alternate versions that may be a better choice. The compromise was found in a high-low modern style complete with pink straps and buckles, topped with her shiny combat boots she was ready for the event. Or so she thought.

The day of was as hectic as a wedding: while gathering supplies of makeup and hair products, Frankie heard the cries from the shared back wall sourced to her favorite lucky charm girl Kyung-Mi. Upon further inspection, it was discovered she had a legitimate concern regarding a dish called songpyeon (One that she had personally never heard of but interest was certainly perked at the words ‘rice dough’) and getting it done in a timely manner. While Kyung-Mi gathered ingredients, Frankie ran the hallways like a mad woman kidnapping any patreon she thought would help. Everyone together made a working assembly line that managed to finish the dish in a timely matter, and it was well worth it. The small treats were absolutely delicious, only her text tone could distract Frankie from it.

A picture of Nat popped up on the phone, showing what Frankie could expect to see her in tonight; an outfit she exceptionally approved of; that woman could be gorgeous in a trash bag if she chose. Unfortunately it was then that she saw what time it was. “Shit, I am so late!” Frankie thought to herself as she rushed in her goodbyes to the cooking crew and took off out of the room as quickly as she came. Her feet knew which way to go while she tapped a message to Jun on her phone, letting him and the entourage know to go ahead without her. Once she reached her own door, Lu’s apartment opened up. The young bat girl looked amazing as ever as she stepped out, her elegant dress looked spectacular against her skintone with not one hair out of place.

“Hey gorgeous, are ya heading out already?” Frankie inquired.

“Yeah, I thought I would get there early and see what events are available.” her cheeks flushed a light hue or pink (Probably at the thought of a certain dragon leader in a kimono). It was seriously hard not to tease Lu even a little about her fresh relationship with Kat but in the end respect won over that need. “How about you? Planning on coming by?”

Looking down at her work coveralls hanging from her hips and slightly dirty tank top, Frankie could only chuckle. “Oh yeah, you know me; I wouldn’t miss it. You’ll have to hang out with your girlfriend without me for a bit.” Ducking into her room quickly she laughed even if it was just at herself, so much for not teasing.

The clock on the microwave informed Frankie that the festival had already started; her former commanding officer ringing in her mind, “If you’re not 15 minutes early, you are 15 minutes late Duscha; step it up.” Grumbling more choice words, the lone woman tore off her clothes as she marched to her room to grab her supplies. It took little time to pull on her boots and clothes, grabbing the rest of her supplies of hair products and make up as she made her way out the door to the last stop before the actual festival.

It was a quick stop at the Potoo birds place, egging the shy introvert to wear the new Captain America kimono she got on Ebay before giving a light dusting of natural colored makeup on her face. Frankie had become quite fond of her bird-girl, dragging her to any event Frankie thought Elanor could handle. This festival had close friends, was in the caverns and if she needed to get back home; it was a quick drop off with no issue. A short time later, both girls had arrived at the in progress event.

Kingyo Sukui, Lots of food, dancing, pictures, booth games,  interacting with everyone took up a majority of the night. When the paper lanterns were passed out, Frankie stared at the object in contemplation. She was a magic girl fighting crime in a mini skirt and a tail; suddenly the concept of wish granting lanterns did not seem so out of place. All around her people were asking each other what others were wishing for; some people answered that they hoped to find their significant other, others wishing for good things towards their family, or even just general happiness. Hearing people’s answers, Frankie knew what she wanted to put on her lantern. Knowing others probably expected the chinchillas wish to be something sexual or monetary, she quickly drew two stick figures bending each other over on one side, presenting it to people who wandered by and asked. The response was generally blushing or shaking of their head, Frankie could only smile. No one really needed to know she was a sap unless they took the time to know her right? The blue haired punkchilla scribbled her wish on another side of the lantern prior to immediately letting it float away into the abyss:

“I wish that every one of my friends find the happiness they seek; whatever it could be.

Signed,

Frankie”

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Artist Notes: Excuse the kinda lame story; I had a good plot but ran out of time (Literally writing this before midnight on the due date). Originally I was going to do a comic but knew I would have NO time to get it done. I was so close to just ditching the story but I just couldn't do that either ._.