[attr="class","ihead"]

[attr="class","ipad"]

ENDING

[break]
new years comes to an end and with it the fraudulent flames extinguish one by one. night settles over the littleroot shrine and the shrine maiden retires for the night. tomorrow, she'll finish brushing the temple and take down the numerous decorative tags that line the temple's torii. this year's turn out has been exceeding expectations, an optimistic hope shining through such turbulent times.[break][break]

---

[break][break]

the temple bell tolls at midnight. it clamors with a resounding pang that rings in the transition from last year's tragedy into the good fortune laced in the fate of those who find the time to visit during the holidays.[break][break]

it stops by kyle lopez 's wish, taking the time to read the tag before letting out a wild, shrill laugh. "doggies? haha, that's so silly! what a cute thought." the tag burns before the spirit as it wisps to another.[break][break]

Bailey Cooper is next and this time it sizzles as the tag deteriorates. "ah. what a good wish. being humble is such virtue, hehe, yeah!!" it bobs up and down, commenting with the tone of a mischievous rascal, still not quite sated.[break][break]

"now where are you, teehee~"[break][break]

every tag bursts into small flames as the spirit passes. it continues to search for one worthy of its attention. Alexei Ivanov is next. "you should see a doctor, kiddo. get well soon!"[break][break]

it is FERNANDO SILPH 's that catches his eye. the bright red VICTORY sparks something inside the sprite that causes it to reach out. the moment it makes contact it reels itself back, screeching erratically. the raw feeling emanating from the tag seems to inflict an immeasurable pain - it's under attack! in a frantic panic, it combusts the tag into instant ashes. "too much power. you don't need my help. aaaaaaa!!!"[break][break]

"get."[break][break]

the spirit rises. [break][break]

"me."[break][break]

it flies into the night sky in a tizzy spiral.[break][break]

"out of here."[break][break]

none seem to be a match for it and the manifestation of the new year almost gives up.[break][break]

almost. [break][break]

there's still one tag.[break][break]

"so you want to know more about the avatars, huh? hehehe. you're mine then, teehee."[break][break]

Lucas Lane will feel it plague him during his rest. an invasive being starts to pry at his mind. the way it seems to wedge into his consciousness seems familiar - like the articuno from the aurorus ball. it offers him a pact:[break][break]

"i'm looking for my avatar but i need your help! become my oracle, a host for my consciousness as we set out on the search, and in return i will teach you about the wonders of the world. together, we can do this. it'll be a good, collaborative experience! trust me, i promise!"