#kuromipuzzles

I subtly got a little close to her. I looked at her for a bit and didn't took long for her to notice... I slightly smiled with my second mouth (one to pronounce my emotions much more) as a silent Hello along with a small wave of my hand... Why is she giving me a straight frown...? Did I do something wrong? Did I interrupted something? Maybe- Oh, she slightly smiled back, albeit faintly with a raised eyebrow. Okay, she looks forward; I follow. I don't think it went bad, just neutral. Nothing verbal, but at least, I'm trying. Huh? It looks like someone also wanted to talk to her, the same ghost-like person (Loyboo by @alelathedragon) who loudly boasted to see the Art Department (I won't blame him for being too happy. Plus, for my ears getting hurt, all forgiven). But he seems to be hesitant before changing his mind. Hm... I'm... considering if to at least, make brief contact since he appears too shy; I don't want to overwhelm anyone. (Wonder if there's a unique way to interact with him, after seeing his Boo tie)

Anyways...

During the rest of the tour, I hope to gain enough courage ask for help from the three guards if they could look for my lost drawing. But um... I feel like it won't be easy. Swag seems to be a little too rude after his interaction with two participants (sorry). Chris seems like it, but it looks like he seemed a little stressed with Swag's antics; guess I rather not give him trouble with finding my lost drawing. Hm... Lucian, the third security guard who ushered me and a few others being the last ones, who knows. I hope that while I'm looking around, he could get the hint; but then again, what if... oh. Up ahead, we are close. I navigate very slowly into the crowd without interrupting anyone, and avoiding some that give me vibes they would immediately not like me for the smallest thing, but I think it's just my anxiety making me think things that have not happened yet. I have to admit, some of them scare me (sorry).

(If you look at my broken left side of my face, I'm doing my best not to think about it getting bigger, or a new one to show up. All I can say, it will never heal as it isn't a physical one)

I keep on to my umbrella.

Alright. Finally arriving to the Art Department.

Mr Puzzles stands and everyone stops as the main doors to the Art Department is. And then, a peculiar floating woman with a color picker for a head (and a paintbrush tail, that's interesting) appears past the door. She greets all of us, very excited in her tone. I even notice the color on her head and fingers change color based on her current mood.

“Colores, head of our Art department and funny enough the younger SISTER of Lucian over there.” said Mr Puzzles to everyone, introducing the head of the Art Department.

Colores, as in Colors; that's a nice name. (Hello Colores) (My name, Rayas, means Stripes in Spanish, I love stripes). And she's Lucian's sister, interesting. I couldn't help, or if anyone else did, look back and see Lucian wave at his sister... She didn't waved back. I wonder what is the reason for sibling rivarly or squabble going with them, but I'm not part of their story to learn more (I'm just a visitor); and not even thinking of leaving what I call, an Imprint. Direct or Indirect, I won't get into it.

“Well, as Mr. Puzzles has already told you, I’m in charge of this department. Ah- you know what? Just come into one of the studios!”

Colores lets everyone else into one of the offices of the Art Department. Many rows of seats, pin boards and screens on each row. This room is VERY big, big enough for at least... no more than 35 or so. There's posters around, sketches, concept art, and ideas of many sorts. I noticed that most, are for stuffed toy concepts. Why do I feel, we will all get a free plushie today? But alas, this place is nice. So... what else the Art Department can produce? (I wonder if blankets and tote bags are also made here, the concept for making them that is. If a tote bag, maybe I could use it to carry anything the tour offers for free)

Hm, while everyone is settling, I was just about to start make small interactions when Colores spoke again.

“The Art Department is responsible for all the designs you see around the studio from merchandise to websites, although the latter with the help of the Social Media Department! In general we always work closely together with other departments. For example also with the Film Department when it comes to ads!”

Not just the Social Media Department, even the Film Department works with the Art Department? Huh, well, that's a good strategy, even if have no experience with advanced marketing (only from what I heard).

“Among other things we also take care of the fanmail.” added Colores.

Um... what? Oh, right, Mr Puzzles here is very popular, so he has so many fans. But.... why is the topic of fanmail coming from? (and what does have to do with the Art Department?)

I noticed Mr Puzzles jump, and turn away from the window, as if the topic wasn't necessary to be mentioned- Oh!

The timing! (calm down Rayas) The nearest air vent that's just above and closest to the window, my drawing just flew out of it, and very quietly (how is it flying without sound?). It sticked to just behind Mr Puzzles, on the window as soon as he looked away (phew). Again, I cannot interrupt (the fanmail convo) since it'll be very rude of me; I don't want to rub people the wrong way, especially Mr Puzzles (from this world). Just, has anyone noticed it? Hopefully not. I don't want to hear someone indicating the drawing on the window, and give away it was mine (again, it has my watermark, and no way to deny the ownership). Sigh... I'll worry later.

At the moment, the convo changed to the story of someone, a fan, breaking in the studio to... propose to Mr Puzzles? (and with a ring?). While at the same time, glance back to the drawing in brief moments to not show my anxiety, and making sure it has not moved. But also couldn't help look that Mr Puzzles' smile was straining as the topic went, but still covering it by chuckling; I cannot imagine what is like to have many fans, going to lengths to see their idol, and someone reminding him of the incident. (In my mind, I want to be honest. In Colores' place, I would not mention any further if it makes Mr Puzzles uncomfortable)

I also am aware, what I imagine the rest of the tour participants are feeling right now as the topic went. But I rather not look around to see. I can hear them alright.

“Security was raised after THAT incident, mind you.” Mr Puzzles cleared his throat.

Well, that's a good thing.

Hold on... if security was raised, and while not looking around the ceiling, wonder if the cameras caught sight of my lost drawing flying around.

“These are filled with mail from Valentine’s day. We still have to go through the majority of them, but you won’t believe how much of those are fanfic-”

(I think that's enou-)

"AAAAAAAnyway-"

Mr Puzzles loudly interrupts (ouch my ears) and quickly jumps in front of Colores before she could say more about the Valentines' cards he received (and the fanfics). This sudden action makes enough for my drawing to fly above the window, and up to and around the ceiling... and somehow not landing (is it, taunting me?) on the ground or into the crowd, but onto a hanging lamp. (please don't move from there)

I wonder, wouldn't it be by sheer timing, the drawing passed by the cameras? And whoever saw it would compare the watermark to my head? But.... who knows.

Colores seems to get back to topic at the moment. I see there's a table with what look like.... stuffed toys?

“Ah, of course! My bad, I got sidetracked… Well, I mentioned before that our department is responsible for the merch designs, so I thought: Hey, why not give something to you guys? Let’s see…we have plushies of all the cast members and Mr. Puzzles, of course!

Oh, so I was right about the possibility of everyone getting a free stuffed toy. Sweet! Hah! The same ghost-like person is super happy to receive one (look at his tail go!) Looking at the plushies, they all look cute. To be honest, I find all stuffed toys cute (and comforting); cute enough that I would want to make a sort of playroom with many plushies I can fill it with. (Sometimes, it makes me feel like a kid again. But sadly, we don't live forever; only the memories)

...Huh, no Mario plushies? Oh, right... I prefer not to ask (how could he not known...? But again, I'm just a visitor; and this place/world is different)

I got slightly startled when Mr Puzzles tossed two plushies (Saiko and Bob) to some of the tour participants, one was close to me who grabbed the Bob plushie. Apparently, the Bob and Saiko plushies are limited, since the actual Bob and Saiko are no longer part of the crew. What happened? I don't know. Does anyone? Where their attitudes too much? (hope they are still out there doing fine)

Before bringing my attention back to the table of stuffed toys, I looked up where my lost drawing is sitting. It almost looks like is about to... to...! The drawing falls to one of the cubicles...

Rayas, it's okay I told myself. No one will notice it (if anyways). Relax. Remember the Tour rules, no wondering off. You'll eventually get the drawing back. You have not crossed the bridge... yet

Attention back to the table of plushies ranging from Mr Puzzles, SMG3, Tari, Meggy, Boopkins, and the limited Saiko and Bob plushies.

“So PLEASE, take one of your liking. Max is two.” Indicated Mr Puzzles as he moves away.

Well, guess I could get myself busy with receiving a free stuffed toy. Two per person. Well, looking that I'm holding my umbrella, I'm doubting if I'll receive two plushies max; my hands might be too busy. Looking that Colores is randomly giving them (is there or no choice to which plushies everyone gets?), I sort of though I saw from the corner of my eye, someone break from the group? (It's actually Astro by @the-masked-astro)Did they saw my drawing and went to look for it? If yes, then guess they'll bring it back to me. With my watermark of my head and name, it shouldn't be hard to know who owns it.

As I'm getting close to the table of plushies, I'm starting to think that maybe... I can ask Colores if she can allow me to get my drawing. But then I went against it, because after making things awkward with Mr Puzzles out loud, I feel like I don't trust telling her. What if she sees it and loudly praises it, and it gets Mr Puzzles' attention? Whether Mr Puzzles likes it or not (mostly), I don't think I'll want to have all attention on me (I cannot have that. Too many eyes). Not that I'm scared of Mr Puzzles rejecting it, and maybe toss it in the trash/tear in half, it's how I'll take it and have me to destroy it; anything I make from where I'm from and where it is made from, only I can unmake/destroy it.

(Note, this is the first time I meet a different Mr Puzzles. And... especially, too early to meet this special one. Maybe I should have abandoned the drawing...)

But... these are just thoughts of anxiety. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. It hasn't happened yet.

Now close enough, I focus back on the plushies. There's still more left, and deciding whether I just want one; considering I have my umbrella, one is enough. I wouldn't mind much which one, I'm between Tari and Mr Puzzles (from here). The former, because blue is my favorite color, and close to the color of my split hair; and because like her, I'm also shy, but I'm a slow-to-warmup. Mr Puzzles' plushie, a unique one; and it has the colorful cape-like coat. Hm... I could receive the latter as another thing to make me feel less nervous when around Mr Puzzles. (Or maybe, imagine if I get the fun idea that if by lucky chance, find other unique Puzzles Plushies from different places? And set them, like... a collection?)

I'm now very close to Colores now. What plushie do I get?...

Not the now rare Saiko (luck for the ghost participant) and Bob, or Tari,... but Mr Puzzles. (Guess I might start the Puzzles Plush quest, LOL). I smiled politely to Colores. And as I turn around to walk a couple of steps...

"Why, I like the creativity on the vest you put on." Colores complimented at me. "Especially the bow on the back. Oh and your blue puzzle piece tie clip."

I turn around and smile lightly.

'Thanks,' I thanked her.

(Colores by @4thwallbreakerdraws2)

I... I couldn't believe one of the heads of Puzzlevision Studios would talk to me; a compliment. Well, the uniform isn't the official uniform, but I crafted it as best as I could to follow the standards (and I hope I left the receipt back home). Besides, I saw some add their tastes to it, so I was right to add the stripes on the back, right shirt cuff and the mismatched striped socks (I love stripes). I... I almost forgot about my lost drawing there. Maybe things will go... fine?

"I cannot help but, notice, you seemed, worried?" asked Colores as she slowly keeps giving out plushies with her tail while facing me. (didn't know she could multitask as well) "Is everything okay?"

Was it very obvious? Or maybe she has a strong sense of empathy? Or maybe she noticed the meaning behind the blue puzzle piece tie clip? Sigh, guess I'll be honest with the issue of my lost drawing, but I'll be vague; and not point where the drawing is. I knew to always say the truth, but if anything else, prepare another truth for later.

Slightly fiddling with my new Mr Puzzles plushie and then my blue puzzle piece tie clip... As there's very few participants. And even though Colores doesn't have an actual face, I still get nervous when trying eye contact; a weakness I'm trying when meeting new people.

'Well, I... brought something (half true) that I made, ...but I lost it (half true). And I've been trying to see if I can find it... and... I'm too nervous to ask for someone if they seen it (still true), and to give it back if they find it. It has my watermark of my face in a corner... (true) I... I'm sorry, I didn't want to bother...'

I sigh in defeat as if sounding I'm giving up. I feel an hand on my shoulder. It was Colores, see appears to want to reassure me.

"Oh I see... Is it a drawing?"

I nod. I have to be honest.

"No worries, I'm sure what you lost will turn up. If anything, I'll try. For now, enjoy the tour." Her head and fingers change color to a pastel tone to it, what I assume was a calming and reassuring tone. And a pat on my back.

Walking to join the rest, this helped me calm down, as she hands out the plushies to the last people (some didn't get one, or some weren't interested). And... I'm considering if I should have told her that my drawing is just... Wait, I glanced just a little to the back before my focus was back on what next of the tour, Mr Puzzles and the same wandering participant (wearing blue and orange; complimentary colors) (and also in the drawing) were coming back... And the participant, doesn't seem to have noticed my drawing, nor have it as they came to join back the group empty-handed. (... crap. Pardon the expression)

Sigh... what now? (so much to have my hopes partially up)

While Mr Puzzles and Colores chatted a little away from the group, I'm mentally debating whether to go and recover my drawing. But... the rules are the rules. (I cannot be the second person to break away) Well, the least I can do before everyone settles, I can try to meet a few new faces then. While the TV head with the purple teeth and Kuromi cap was the first to interact, and even when she was polite enough to greet me her way, her straight frown... I sort of felt discouraged to speak to her again (unless her frown was just an act, maybe I can try again). There's still the other TV heads, but... I don't know; I'm still curious though. Looking around... There's a robot rabbit (Bunnybot by @selfshippinglover), but he appears to already be socializing with his own group (characters by @scimagic and @michaelscorneroftheinternet), a fish and human mix, and another person with glasses and Puzzlevision logo on their left lens; so no. How about... the ghost-like person with their limited Saiko plushie?

He seem very shy for some reason, like, he wanted to ask questions like he stated during his boast; or maybe they want to talk to someone. But he's hesitating. He's clinging to his notebook, writing stuff down. Hm... Okay, I can do this. Just a brief interaction. Um... hold on... I... I think I saw Mr Puzzles ending the convo from far away. But I thought I was very sure there was enough time to talk approach him. Sigh...

"Well, then...Since last time worked so well, how about I let you choose the next department AGAIN? (has his voice been loud before?)

Mr Puzzles has announced to start another vote. Everyone huddles over towards Mr Puzzles. Well, seeing that my drawing is still where it is, I think it's time for me to-

"...and don’t think about SNATCHING something that belongs to the studio, as great as some of the artist tools and merch look. Camera sees ALL and that jazz.~” Mr Puzzles added. And points to the cameras.

Well, I don't think anyone would (be bold) steal property from the studio. That's why security is there everywhere.

Wait... Oh, Oh no. I can't get my drawing! If I stray to do so, the cameras will see, and everyone would assume I stole something! I... I can't... Ugh, how unfortunate. Watermarked or not, I can't risk it.

While looking at the voting area, where everyone is gathering to cast, I pray a vote to the closest department if my drawing flies into a vent and goes there... (I voted after 5 participants did theirs)

Actually... while everyones wait for the results, I think I can do a last, very brief interaction with the ghost participant after voting after me.

I slowly approach him, but not too close as not to make him nervous. Hope he notice- oh okay, he is; and he's nervous, and confused. Now, after seeing his Boo tie earlier before reaching the Art Department, time to see if this approach works. I hold my Puzzles plushie and umbrella in arm, and cover my eyes with my other hand, but fingers slightly parted to see his reaction. (I hope he doesn't find this offensive, since if he's associated with Boos, Boos get shy if looked directly and would cover their faces. The least I want is to offend someone. I just want to at least, make just one friend, but at the same time making sure he isn't overwhelmed in his space)

"Hi," I greeted him, with one of my ears moving as if waving since my other arm was busy with my umbrella and plush Puzzles. "Rayas."

A small pause. Confusion... but then he smiles at last. (did my approach worked?)

(Also, I know Boos are known to play pranks, so please don't play a prank. Everyone is on tour, and no disruptions of any kind is tolerated)

(In addition, I'm sensitive...)

(And I also hope no one finds this strange, but hope some understand what it means)

"Hi." He finally said, sounding less nervous I think. "Loyboo."

(Hello Loyboo) (Phew)

Looking back at the votes...

Oh.... a majority seem to want to go to the Film Department, next.

Everyone is slowly leaving the art department one by one (hope it isn't going back down the stairs). One glance to my drawing... Still there.

...

Goodbye I guess...

Just... I just hope the cameras saw the drawing, and/or maybe someone sees it, looks at the watermark, and goes to give it to me... Sigh... I hug my Mr Puzzles plushie and umbrella for a semblance of comfort. I want this whole tour to go fine; and the drawing of mine, not ready to share it here, I just want it back.

(Or better yet, wish no one finds it)

I was walking at a slow pace, I might not realized I gotten behind the group, in the back, but close still. And after moment, the last one to leave the door, like 10 steps made, I felt a hand on my shoulder. It startled me since there wasn't any participants that could have been behind me. Let alone Loyboo (who seems to prefer being in the back), yet he's in front of me; but will he notice?

"Keep going," I looked up, and it was Lucian. The one with a neon sign head; and Colores' sister.

The group has slowed and then stopped for the final voting results (pretty sure the Film Department), but not yet the next instruction Mr Puzzles says, and Lucian's hand is still on my shoulder. Why...? I didn't do anything wrong...? I kept hugging my plushie and umbrella.

And not saying a word, Lucian lets go of my shoulder, and hands me a rolled paper in front of me. I was confused at first, but even if I didn't unrolled it, I pieced together what it was...! Lucian's head displayed the word "Alright"

"Don't lose it, Alright? He said, with the most relaxed tone in his voice.

All I answer, was closing my eyes and nodding, and whisper a thanks. And sounding relieved.

I don't know how Lucian found it, or what happened back at the Art Department since he's the last one, and Colores stayed where she's at, and after the group left. Plus, did he finally took notice, or was it his sister? (I don't know) But I'm glad that weight of self-consciousness and anxiety was off my shoulders. Thank you Lucian.

Sure enough, I unfurled it just a little, and it was the drawing. Phew. I tuck the drawing into my vest, and inner vest pocket. Feeling confident/calm now, I slowly went through the crowd; and carefully navigated the open spaces to go through the crowd.

What a relief to finally getting it back (I wouldn't mind if I didn't find it, as long as no one sees it; it can get lost in a place no one would see and know who did it. I can draw a replica, but polished). I think the Tour will go smoothly, and have less worries.

(hm... Patience is a virtue... Good things comes to those who wait. Yeah, good things have happened)

Well, I have crossed (part of) the bridge... but I think not until the Tour is over.

The Film Department is possibly next. Wonder where that is. If it's in a different indoor block, or a separate building. If the latter, pray that there's a use for my umbrella if the sun is harsh, or light rain is to happen.

(Why do I have a nagging feeling, that my drawing won't stay in my vest and might fly off again? It's probably nothing. And hope that even in my mind, I didn't jinx it)

_______________________

Author's note, I hope I didn't overdid it. But I was having fun writing this. And... couldn't render some of the the illustrations, but the actions are shown.

The lost drawing in Question Below

(Between The Star and AV Puzzles is Astro by @the-masked-astro , one of the participants on the tour) All Ocs/AUs belong to their owners and can be found here Puzzlevision Mass Attack