January | Event: Trials and Trains

[jikan_mod]

Trials and Trains
↲ OOC Plotting
As the refugees settle in, they might begin to notice strange things happened around them. Even now, receiving a fortune from a temple or shrine will cause whatever is written to come true. Time surges grow more frequent, and soon, other supernatural effects start to appear. A young refugee couple walking down the street at night may start to radiate light from their chests when they hold hands. A male refugee begins to sparkle after being offered a free helping of extra meat from the cute waitress at his favorite restaurant. And the elderly refugee couple next door who bicker all the time find themselves plagued by mysterious horns growing out from the sides of their heads.

None of these effects seem to last very long, but they're distressing enough that soon, reports begin flooding in asking the NRL scientists for help. It seems they may not have fully explained just what circumstances the refugees have found themselves in.

What is Kizuna?

In response to the reports, the scientists at NRL put out a message over the network about a special emergency meeting all refugees must attend on the 15th. Once everyone is gathered in the auditorium, they proceed to explain the cause of these happenings: Kizuna, an experimental type of magic that was responsible both for saving Nippon, and for allowing everyone from other worlds to stay here.

"From what we've gathered, Kizuna is a type of bonding magic. It can create bonds between anything, and has been used by the Yokai for thousands of years in things like marriage ceremonies. Of course, it's never been used on this scale before. You see, the only reason you're all able to exist in this world and communicate with all of us... is because we created a bond between you and the country of Nippon itself."

It seems what they know about Kizuna is rather limited. It's not as though it was chosen by choice; there were no other options. As such, they'll be willing to answer any questions the refugees might have, offering as much information as they're able to give. They earnestly wish for the refugees to trust them, with many apologizing once more for any negative effects the Kizuna may have on them.

The scientists will be answering questions in Q&A format. All characters who attend will hear the questions and answers given. These questions will be asked and answered ICly, so please leave any OOC questions about the event itself to the OOC question thread.


For Science!!

With the explanations out of the way, characters will be given the choice to simply go about their day, or volunteer to stay behind for some testing. Now, the scientists have no desire to turn the refugees into their guinea pigs. Rather, they simply want to verify that Kizuna is the cause of all of this, and reassure everyone that it's entirely safe. And for that, they have a few experiments they wish to perform.

Characters are welcome to participate only in the tests they feel comfortable with. While most characters are unlikely to notice anything while bonds are being made, others may feel a tingle, a warmth in their chest, or simply a sense of being more at ease once a bond is made. The extent of these feelings is completely up to you!

Cuddle Science Nanjikan Research Lab, Tokyo
The first is the simplest, but arguably the funniest. Kizuna is theorized to grow stronger with physical contact. Likewise, multiple Kizuna bonds being located in a single place is thought to cause an overall increase in kizuna output. And to test this, characters will have to form cuddle piles in both an attempt to foster Kizuna growth, and increase its output. It's all very scientific -- characters will have small devices pinned to their sleeves to monitor Kizuna levels, as they flop around in piles of soft, warm pillows together! But just because it's for science doesn't mean it's not awkward. Go on. Give your neighbor a snuggle.

Next is a test for bondability, or rather, how easy it is for bonds to be created. Characters will hold speed-dating style introductions with one another, as well as with control-subjects who haven't created any Kizuna bonds. Without making physical contact, characters must introduce themselves, and then proceed to exchange compliments with one another back and forth. They will be encouraged to try and find a commonality between each other in the hopes of fostering a small bond. Of course, should they decide to fling insults instead, no bonds will be created... er, unless they're into that.

The last test is a bit more vague. Characters will be told the test is related to magic resistance, a theoretical property of Kizuna. They will be given two cookies to eat. One cookie is completely normal, while the second cookie contains a minor spell that will cause the character's hair to temporarily change color. However, in reality -- they're both completely ordinary cookies. The real test is for something far more dangerous: the theory that Kizuna can manipulate reality. Will your character fall for it? Unless they truly believe the cookie is magic, nothing will happen. But if they do, and their hair changes color, the scientists will look grave before explaining the actual test, and then excusing themselves to go compile the data.

Anyone who participates in all three experiments will be rewarded with a small amount of money that they're free to spend on whatever they'd like, and will also be offered the opportunity to come back once a week for continued testing. All subsequent experiments will be paid. It's not enough to make a living, but for those who just want some extra spending money, you can't go wrong.

Party Train

Before anyone can leave, the scientists have one more gift: an unlimited rail pass. Trains and trolleys are the most common forms of automotive transportation in Nippon, and while they can see the appeal in having most refugees stay in Tokyo, they want to be sure everyone knows they're free to travel as they please. For all that it may be temporary, Nippon was their new home. And besides, surely it would be best for them to enjoy their time here as much as possible! The less time spent agonizing over the fate of their worlds, the better.

Loop Line Lag Nihonbashi, Tokyo
For those wanting to travel around Tokyo itself, it might take a little practice to figure out where the different lines intersect and transfer. But by far, the line they're sure to ride the most is the Loop Line that circles Tokyo. Once on this line, you'll be connected to every district of the city -- forever, unless you tranfer off of it. As the name implies, the Loop Line is a single circular track, not connected to any other lines. While plans have been made to connect it outward, with the flow of time only now starting to move, it's no wonder that plans for new infrastructre have suffered the most.

But for those who are unfortunate enough to board the last train on friday night unknowingly, they'll find that the train never arrives at a destination. Looking outside, they'll see the same cityscape looped every time they pass through a tunnel, the outside world trapped in an endless dusk. While the world may have been freed, small time loops such as this still pop up every now and again. But it seems commuters are used to this. While many people in Nippon are understandably wary of the lingering time loops, some have chosen to embrace them. Friday Night Loop Lines become wild parties that last well into the night, with free food, drinks, and nonstop music. With individual groups responsible for the quick set-up of each car, there's a wide variety of unique themes to choose from. One car is a masquerade, with masks provided upon entrance and a wide selection of ridiculous costumes. Another, themed around a new type of music gaining popularity at home and abroad. Another appears to just be a cat cafe-- how did they sneak these on the train?? New themes pop up every week, so go wild!

It won't be until the trains begins running again at 6 am that the train seems to catch up with the present time. After going through one more tunnel, it will abruptly become day and stop at the next station, and the party goers pack up to leave before the rush of weekend commuters.

Pleasure Ride Nihonbashi, Tokyo
But not everyone is here just to party. In the back two cars of the train, things seem to be quieter. It would be easy to assume this is where actual commuters who simply missed the previous train go to rest for the night, but no. The moment the door to the train car is opened, characters will be struck by the powerful aroma of incense. All around the car, the lights have been covered by colorful shades, flooding the entire car with a dim, amber-colored glow. Sitting by the door is an older woman in an elaborate kimono, her obi tied in the front, with a voice that's almost intoxicatingly sweet: "Won't you stay awhile?"

This isn't any ordinary incense. It's aphrodisial incense brought in from Yoshiwara, and was specifically crafted to draw in customers from the street and entice them to stay. While the first train seems to be rather tame, full of passengers lounging and openly flirting with staff and fellow passengers alike, the second train is far more risque. The lights are almost completely turned off, and between the darkness outside and the rumbling sound of the train running along the tracks, there's an illusion of privacy, with the atmosphere growing hotter and heavier as the night goes on-- even with everyone staying more or less fully clothed. Those looking for a little heavy petting or more need look no further. After all, what happens on the Loop Line stays on the Loop Line.

Welcome to Yokohama

Outside of the Loop Lines, refugees will now be able to easily travel to the nearby city of Yokohama. On their way there, they might notice the landscape is fairly dramatic. As the train leaves the city limits, looking out into the horizon reveals that much of Kanto seems to be fairly barren outside the cities, with large and unfamiliar bodies of water making it seem as if the train is passing over the ocean itself at times. But things seem to even out once they reach the city. And there's far more things of interest to be found in Yokohama proper!

Sightseeing Slights Kannai, Yokohama
Once the trains come to a stop, passengers will disembark at Kannai Station, located in the heart of Yokohama. With word of the refugees spreading throughout Nippon, those who chose to head straight to Yokohama will be met with a small welcoming committee, who offer them tours and maps to introduce them to the city properly.

One of these tours is a tandem steam-cycle tour. Refugees will be paired up in groups of two and rented out a two-seated steam-cycle. Unlike a traditional tandem bike, both passengers must work together to pilot it! And "pilot" is the right term to use here. Upon reaching a certain speed and pulling a few levers, a pair of wings will extend from the wheels as the bottom release a large amount of steam, causing the steam-cycle to become airborne. Thankfully, there's a particular street lined with trees to help guide them through the sky safely! Or at least, it'd be safer if it wasn't winter, and the trees hadn't become large spiky obstacles. At least they won't be responsible for damages if they crash.

Yokai Watch Zhongguo Town, Yokohama
One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Yokohama, Zhongguo Town is named for the neighboring country of Zhongguo, and is home to the largest number of human foreigners living in Nippon. While there are a number of streets representing cultures from other nations, by far the largest representation comes from Zhongguo itself, reflected in the district's unique architecture.

Because of this, it's not uncommon to see a wide variety of Yokai living in and around Zhongguo Town as well. For many refugees, this may be their first time seeing them, as they very rarely venture as far as Tokyo! Unlike humans, Yokai are a very diverse group of people, ranging from the those who appear more beast-like to those who are seemingly indistinguishable from humans. They walk on two legs, speak the language of Nippon, and pay taxes just like everyone else!

But for the refugees, they might notice something odd. Whenever they pass by a Yokai, they'll suddenly find themselves stared at, and potentially even questioned as to who they are and where they came from. While most of these questions are asked with polite curiosity (and perhaps a bit of confusion when they explain their status as offworlders), Oni Yokai will become very aggressive and may even attack refugees in small groups. While they won't explain this aggression, piecing together the insults they fling seems to imply they think the refugee has insulted their culture somehow.

If there isn't a friend nearby strong enough to help, calling out will eventually alert one of the many Samurai guards who patrol the city, causing the Oni to flee.

Scammed Port Market, Yokohama
By far, the one place tourists just can't skip when visiting Yokohama is the Port Market. A large shopping arcade stretched across multiple blocks and streets lining the port area, the Port Market is well-known for its delicious food, as well as its rare and unusual merchandise. Although the country is currently isolated due to dangerous time surges in the ocean, that wasn't always the case, so many of the wares that can be bought here are clearly not from Nippon. They range from exotic snacks to fairly dangerous-looking weapons. Are some of these even legal? But most notably, Yokohama is the only city where shops regularly sell coffee, due to the limited supply imported prior to the appearance if time surges! Better stock up before heading back to Tokyo.

Unfortunately, the Port Market is also known for something else: pickpockets. Even if one manages to catch the thief in the act, so long as they can run faster, they can pawn off their stolen goods seemingly in an instant. After which, the pawn shop will only offer it back for a price. It's so obviously a scam, but given that all security in the market is run by the very same organization backing up the scammers, there isn't too much that can be done.

But don't worry! The Market is very forgiving. They'll happily forget the payment in exchange for a few hours of work. It could be working one of the shops, spending an evening playing host to some rich old ladies, or even playing the role of the one who mugged them in the first place. Just make sure not to get on their bad side. Because the Port Market is both the name of the location, and the name of the shady organization that runs it. And they happen to be among one of the largest criminal empires in Nippon. Violence will be met with violence, and only forgiven with increasingly horrible or even illegal work. Some folks may feel right at home here, while others would be better off staying away after dark.

OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's first event! Please direct any questions to the Question thread in the OOC plotting post! Any questions involving Kizuna can be included there as well, and I'll try to incorporate any clarifications into the Kizuna page and/or FAQ as needed!

• Please be sure to read the page on Kizuna as well as the Kizuna section on the FAQ! As a reminder, you're free to utilize Kizuna effects whenever you want, all month long!

• As this event is intended to introduce both a key concept and a key setting, it might feel a little disjointed. Future events will be more cohesive!

• Remember kids: Murder is a crime. If your characters chooses to kill the Oni in the Yokohama prompt, they better have the means of destroying the evidence. The Oni themselves will not be looking to kill anyone, just rough them up.

• Characters may also choose to work with the Port Market of their own volition, if they'd like to enter the criminal world of Nippon. Like all jobs, you do not need to sign up, and are free to get creative with what they do while employed.

Comments

NRL Scientists Q&A Thread

[jikan_npc]

This thread is for IC questions asked by refugees during the NRL's Q&A session! Answers will be given ICly by the scientists, so information that is currently unknown to NPCs (such as the full extent of Kizuna's side effects) cannot be answered. Questions can be about anything, even though the focus is supposed to be Kizuna.

Feel free to reply to other characters and responses and treat this thread as a mingle, as everyone asking will be together in the same auditorium. I'll do my best my best to follow all the threads, but please try to keep any subsequent questions for the scientists as direct replies to this account so I'll see the notif!

[chichichi]

By the yokai, you said?

[ The source of the question is a short woman in a remote seat high in the back of the auditorium and her voice cuts cleanly through the quiet air that settled over the place in the wake of the explanation. ]

[terribletwos]

"How can we bond with an entire country if we don't know each other?"

It is probably hard to see the short former Nobody shouting out his question from behind a seat. Someone never learned the whole "raise your hand" concept since he's used to just shouting things at his fellow members during Organization meetings.

He also had a higher chair back then so that helped.

[reflash]

What do you mean when you say yokai? That term must be different in different worlds.

[chichichi]

Such an expansive disturbance in Time has an unnatural sound to it. Regarding the origin of this.. expanding, corrupting time loop, what is it exactly?

Ranpo Edogawa | Bungo Stray Dogs

[sweetsleuth]

1 | Cuddle Science | OTA
A. PDA
[Naturally, Ranpo decides to partake in the experiments. It sounds like a fun way to figure out more about how all of this works! Even if he's not too keen on only learning after the fact that they've all some kind of weird magic turned on them. The first one seems simple enough, and with an exaggerated stretch and yawn, he proceeds to fall back into the pillows... and probably into someone's lap, oops.]

Ah, sorry about that!

[And no, he's not moving. This seemed faster! And they're pretty warm.]

B. Actual Infomod*
[Now this one is more his style! He sits down at the table as everyone switches places, leaning back in his chair with a grin.]

If you need a good place to start-- I'm probably one of the smartest guys you'll ever meet!

[CHARMING... but for all that he sounds like an asshole, he's probably not wrong. Ranpo's perceptiveness and skills of deduction bordered on supernatural, and right now is no exception. It only takes a glance for Ranpo to see exactly what kind of compliments the person across from him wants to hear. Not a very conventional use of his skills, but-- they needed to test making bonds, right?]

[*Please only tag this prompt if you're okay with Ranpo's borderline-infomodding ability, explained here, as he'll be using it to figure out what the other person is self-conscious about so he can compliment them for it instead. If you could help me out in the brackets/narration that'd be great!]

C. is for Cookie
Hey. What color do you think my hair is going to turn?

[Ranpo's already figured this one out. As such, he knows his hair won't change colors. But will the other person fall for it? And will it work? How curious.]


2 | Sightseeing Slights | OTA
...why even put two sets of handlebars? It just seems needlessly complicated, don't you think?

[That said, he's getting on it. It looks like fun? Maybe he can get away with letting the other person do all the peddling while he just enjoys the sights.]

Well anyway, are you gonna get on? I wanna see how much this place looks like the Yokohama back home!


3 | Yokai Watch | OTA
[It wasn't quite a miscalculation on his part. It's not like he didn't know this would happen. But Ranpo was known for getting in over his head. And he couldn't just stand by as another refugee was being harassed. But while the man he saved fled to go find a Samurai guard to help, Ranpo was forced to stay behind and keep them distracted.]

[It's not hard to miss for anyone walking by. A group of blue-faced oni have Ranpo surrounded in an alley, one of them screaming obscenities in his face. And yet Ranpo doesn't even flinch. At least, not until one of them pulls a cheapshot, sneaking behind him to shove him to the ground. He falls all too easily, immediately curling up -- because he knows what comes next is that they're going to start kicking him, and he needs to protect his head.]

[How much longer until help comes? Two minutes? Thirty seconds? He figures it depends entirely on who's coming to save him. But whoever they are, when they do show up, he uncurls just enough to call out in a tired voice--]

What took you so long?


4 | Port Market | OTA
Say, what do you think they're selling down there?

[Ranpo gestures to a narrow set of stairs going down, seemingly leading to an underground section of the market. A sign nearby clearly states more shops are down there -- but the vibe is certainly different from the tourist-friendly one given off by the shops up top. But then, that's all the more reason to explore, right?]

Wanna go take a look together? We should be practicing the buddy system in a place like this, don't you think?


5 | Wildcard | OTA
[Feel free to hit me with something else, or change up any of the above prompts to suit your character! Or hit me up at my plotting comment if you wanna plot a thing!]

3.

[floatsaway]

[Hey, Ranpo, I heard you were holding out for a hero?

Well, a hero does indeed appear!! And though she may not be larger than life, Ochako is strong and she is fast indeed. Not the best, at least of her blass of serious bruisers, but she's no dang pushover. With a combination of her quirk and the martial arts she learned from Gunhead, she rushes down the alleyway and leaps, cracking one of the Oni that was about to go in for a kick on Ranpo with a jump kick of her own.

She's not costumed this time around, having finally bought some street clothes with the money she got from those experiments (o-one pair...was all she could afford...), but Ochako can still fight like it's nobody's business. She releases her quirk as the Oni falls backwards, dizzy and nursing a now bloody now, then goes to stand before Ranpo protectively. She may be small, but the ferocious look in her eye could turn people to stone alone. This is what she was meant to do - save people.]

S-Sorry, I only just heard fighting down the alleyway. Are you okay, Ranpo-san?! Did they hurt you?

C2

[telltaleschemer]

It's a counterproductive design considering there's also a lack of safety measures on it.

[Yet Poe still gets on. Lucky Ranpo? Because it looks like Poe's lanky legs will be really good for pedaling. He gives them a tentative push without grabbing said handlebars first- because they shouldn't be going anywhere with that tiny amount of force.]

...There are also easier ways to go sightseeing.

Ichiyo Higuchi | Bungo Stray Dogs

[mobileforces]

1 | Loop Line Lag | OTA
...did I fall asleep, or is this actually happening?

[One minute Higuchi was sitting on the train to get back home, and the next she's being given a masqurade mask and told to go change into a costume at the end of the car? She stares blankly down at it for a few moments as she watches the scenery outside go by, running past what she swears is the same billboard she saw five minutes ago. She then looks up, over at someone else who likewise seems to look out of place.]

Do you think the other cars are like this, too?


2 | Pleasure Ride | OTA 16+
[After exploring the train for a little while, Higuchi finds herself in the back two cars. At first, it's a relief to find a place that's actually quiet. She finds a place to sit down, taking a drink when offered, and suddenly finds herself feeling more at ease than she has since she arrived. As wild as all this was, it was nice, too.]

[But there was something else buzzing just beneath the surface. A strange feeling -- a desire for closeness. She finds herself sitting closer to the other people in the car, leaning against a stranger's shoulder, and letting a woman whose name she doesn't even know pet at her hair. Sure, she's feeling a pleasant buzz from the alcohol, but not so much that she feels drunk.]

[And yet even this didn't quite feel like enough. And after chatting for a bit, curiosity gets the better of her -- and she points over at the door leading to the last car. She's seen people passing in an out of it, but with the small walkway between the cars making it impossible to see inside from here, she can't see just how much darker the inside of the car is.]

What do you think is going on in there? Wanna go take a look?


3 | Scammed | OTA
[As soon as Higuchi heard about the Port Market, naturally she became curious as to how similar it might be to the Port Mafia back home. The answer is... well, it is and it isn't. If anything, it looks like the kind of organization that her world's version started out as. Which was kind of a fun way to think about it, really.]

[Still, while finding permanent employment was a necessity and she knew it'd be easier to slide into something she already knew, she's sure the grunt-level work she'd have to start at would be unpleasant. And wouldn't you know it -- upon inquiring about a help wanted sign and working her way into a backroom deal for a real job with the Market, she's told she'll have to start a trial run at a few different jobs to find one that suits her. In a way, it felt kinder than the mafia back home -- but it did worry her what would happen if she "failed" the trial.]

[Which is why she can be found working a few different jobs over the course of a few days. On her first day, she's made to play hostess at a subpar geisha bar, completely dolled up in make-up and kimono, spending the whole evening entertaing creepy old men. At least she gets to keep her clothes on. But it's pretty clear no one employed here has actually been trained as a geisha.And so, for anyone forced to work here after being scammed, Higuchi will help them with their make-up and kimono -- and threaten to pull a gun on any creeps who try to get handsy.]

[But after a few days of that, she's transferred to a very sketchy bar where she's forced to alternate between human table and human ashtray. Understandably, she only lasts a single day, ending her evening sitting on the side of the road and trying not to cry over her burned palms.]

[Now, unlike any unfortunate souls who were scammed into working for the market, she was here by choice! And oh, how stupid she felt. Maybe this was a mistake.]


4 | Wildcard | OTA
[Feel free to hit me with something else, or change up any of the above prompts to suit your character! Or hit me up at my plotting comment if you wanna plot a thing!]

2

[thesettingsun]

[Dazai has a cup of sake in his hand and a slight flush on his face from drinking.]

With you? Of course.

[Even if he weren't tipsy, his curiosity would get the better of him.]

Gershom Alter | Original

[accidentallich]

[A: Cuddling]
[Of course Gershom is happy to help with anything the scientists need, but -

Well. They're asking him to cuddle with people. And he doesn't mind that, but that means asking people to cuddle with him, an undead abomination.]

Um... are you alright with this? Nu, I can go somewhere else...

[B: Speed Dating]
[Oh, he's heard of these! Never participated in one - they weren't really a thing in medieval Spain - but this is a lot easier than the cuddling thing.]

Erm, hello! I think we're paired up this round?

[C: Wildcard]
[idk i'm easy]

B

[terribletwos]

Roxas smiles when he sees the skeleton he met the other day. "Oh, hey, Gershom. How have you been settling in with everything?"

He remembers Gershom had been super shy about being around people. He hopes nobody has done anything to make that worse after he had to leave the guy to find a place to stay for the night.

Genbu Onishi (WoL) | Final Fantasy XIV

[protectorofsmiles]

A |Loop Line Lag/Pleasure Ride/just...train things in general??? | Gen is ota but sexy stuff 18+ pls

Genbu does not look comfortable. At all. He wasn't sure how he got on, but his curious nature got the better of him, and now he's in this thing called a "treyn". And it started moving, and him? He started panicking. Refugees and locals will find him going through cars, confused and afraid, and occasionally distracted. There was a lot going on here!

"Oi, how do I get off this thing??" You'll hear him say occasionally. Where will you find him? In the darkness of the aphrodisiac room? Or relaxing with kittens in the cat cafe? Or randomly dancing to this funky music playing called "jazz"?

Or will you catch him in a fleeting moment of panic between activities as he once again worries about leaving before something catches his eye again?

B | Your choice | OTA

[ooc: If there's something you want to do with Genbu that's not train related, come at me! There's just so much to do, I don't know what to go with. I'm going with paragraph style RP because it requires less html coding which is a pain on mobile.]

a

[casaposa]

[The incense laden carriage is intoxicating in a strange, surreal way-its thrall had been too overbearing to ignore and he can't say he hates it in here. This place knows how to set a mood, even if he never asked for it to begin with.

The shuffle next to him-someone moving around is the only way he can tell there's another party nearby.]

You want off already? What? Can't find anyone to suit your tastes in the dark?

Uraraka Ochako | My Hero Academia

[floatsaway]

i. Honeyed Words

[It wasn't that Ochako herself was affected by the oddities associated with Kizuna, but she's certainly seen a few people over the past few weeks who were (mostly on her outings doing small odd jobs for money, in hopes of getting another outfit that wasn't her Hero Costume or kimono she was gifted at New Years). It was a bit startling at first, but after getting a notice on her communicator with an explanation from the NRL, and a request to test the effects of Kizuna...Ochako was indeed a bit curious about it. Magic, they called it, associated with Yokai...not at all like the quirks she and her classmate have, which were hereditary and passed through genes.

Curious, and wanting to learn more - honestly, anything to help the flow of time and get her and Bakugou back home to their world - Ochako decided to take part in some of the tests and experiments. There was one that had to do with, erm...s-snuggling, that was a bit out of her comfort zone, so Ochako politely declined when asked about it. But, there was another few experiments, where one could fling compliments to others in hopes of forming a Kizuna bond. That Ochako knew she would absolutely excel in. So, once the testing started, she's going to hail down the nearest person she sees, waving one arm above her head excitedly and bow at the waist before popping back up quickly.]

Hi!! My name is Uraraka Ochako!! Um...I think you look really nice today!

[After that experiment, Ochako is feeling really good. How can you not, giving people praise and compliments, and receiving it back yourself? Making people smile was one of the reasons she wanted to become a hero - Ochako loved seeing people happy and smiling, and wanted to be a Hero that lifted the heart of people, and made them smile as well.

So, with those good feelings in her heart, she will partake in the cookie test, nibbling on the cookies with a quizzical look on her face.]

Mmh...will this really work? [Magic is still a hard concept to grasp. Ochako wants to believe in it - she's a highschool teen and 100% reads magical girl manga - but what with quirks existing in her world giving the equivalent of magical powers (or, well...superpowers) it's hard to completely believe. So, there are times where her hair with shift and change colors, like and ombre from her natural brown to a pink hue at the ends, but...never lasts more than a second or two. She just can't fully believe. Not without experiencing magic - actual magic, not some quirk or stage show.]

ii. Off the Rails

[Once the experiments were done and other, and Ochako got paid thank god holy shit, she was delighted to also receive an unlimited rail pass. This means only one thing - shopping. She desperately needs clothes, and now that she has some extra spending money..she may be able to put her bargain shopping skills to the test and make out with some new threads. This kimono is pretty and all, but it's not the best to move around in (especially when she had her hero costume's shirt and leggings combo under it, in case she needed to move fast).

But first thing's first, Ochako needed to get from point A to point B. And that means taking the train. So, as Ochako beards the Loop Line, she has no idea what to expect, and blinks when it seems like people are...g-getting ready for a party? There's music playing, people dancing, food and drink (non alcoholic for her, she's only 16!) being served, and everyone seems to be having a good time. Confused, and feeling very out of place, Ochako asks an older woman who was sipping on something bubbly, and is given the run down with a smile and a flushed giggle. Oh...w-well. Not that she was expecting, but!! When you can't beat them, join them, right?

The first car will have Ochako dancing and partying, finally feeling the swing of the music in her soul and that toe-tapping and head bopping evolves into full blown movement. She's actually a surprisingly good dancer as well. After being taught by Mina for the Cultural Festival, Ochako kept up with Mina a little bit and learned a few other, simple moves. There's a flow to how the young teen's body moves, and it's definitely in step to each beat of the music.

After the excitement though, Ochako is exhausted, and needs a bit of rest and relaxation. Within another car, Ochako finds that tranquility in the form of a proper Nippon tea ceremony. Considering the girl's name quite literally translated to 'tea child', Ochako is delighted by what she sees and instantly partakes when a kindly-looking gentleman invites her to sit and enjoy. She hasn't really ever been to a tea ceremony before, so she misses a few of the steps, though is gently reminded by her host. He's far older than her, perhaps in his mid forties or even fifty, but he's calm and respectful, and tutors her with a gentle and kind hand.

It really is just a warm, quiet, relaxing time after the bustle of the party. Munching on one of the ultra sweet confections - since matcha tea brewed this way is quite bitter - Ochako raises the bowl of tea in her right hand, turns it clockwise twice in her left palm, and drinks. Her host applauds her with a smile, saying she's a fast learner and the two converse politely together. He asks about her, and she about him, before Ochako notices he's looking past her and bows. Looking over her shoulder, she realizes that he's inviting someone else to come sit as well. Perhaps it's you?

However, this time around, the gentleman will not be serving. He'll chuckle and motion for Ochako to do the hosting next, to which she balks a little bit.]

Eeeh?! M-Me?! But...b-b-but I'm no good at it! I-I'll do it wrong, and...a-and--!

iii. Small and Ready to BRAWL

[Finally, once the train has reached an actual station at last, Ochako is feeling a bit fatigued, rubbing her eyes a bit and fixing up her hair. She did manage to rest a little on the train - there was another car that was a delightful little cat cafe, and she enjoyed some snacks as well as cozy snooze with some kitties. Honestly, it was quite hard to leave that car...

But, she really really needs clothes. So, with a goal set, Ochako is well on her way. She marvels at the new city before her, taking in the sights and people, not seeming to be overly bothered by the Yokai that wander the streets (probably because she doesn't know they're Yokai, and assumes these are the equivalent of body altering quirks). An elderly kitsune smoking a pipe directs Ochako to a store where she can get clothes, and she thanks him with a deep bow and a smile.

Finally getting some proper clothes (and essentially spending all her extra money...sob), Ochako begins to idly wander about. She has a bag with her kimono and hero costume tucked away inside hanging by the crook of her arm, looking around excitedly and trying to make a mental map of the place before, uh...she's given an actual map by an Oni and its friends.]

Oh, thank you so much!! That's so very kind of you! Ehehe, everyone here has been so unbelievably kind ever since we showed up. Thank you all so much for your hospitality! [There's a long pause, and the Oni all look amongst themselves a moment, as Ochako blinks and tilts her head to one side. Hm? Did she say something wrong? She's just about to ask when she feels one of the Oni place a firm hand on her shoulder, and Ochako suddenly feels very, very alert all of a sudden.] Ah, eh...i-is something the matter?

[The Oni holding her says nothing, but it's clear the air has changed between them - it's more charged, and Ochako looks a bit unsure. She raises her hands, about to apologize and try to make peace with the Yokai, but never gets the chance. She's shoved, hard, by the one holding her shoulder, and falls to the ground with a yelp, dropping her bag and scrambling to her feet.]

H-Hey!! What was that for?! You can't do something like that to someone! Who do you think you-- [Oh, that sure is an incoming kick, and Ochako rolls away and hops to her feet, scowling. Okay, she tried the nice way, so time to try the "fuck you" way. Taking on a very obvious battle pose, Ochako's brows furrow into a tight knot, and her smiling face becomes hard and steely.] ...I'd really rather not fight, so please stand down now. I don't know what I said or did, but you're being very rude, and I won't stand for it.

[Not deterred, considering Ochako is...very small, the Oni all guffaw and make moves to grab at Ochako again, to which she expertly dodges, bobbing and weaving and using her small size to get low and retaliate. Quick, open-palms jabs and strikes - Gunhead martial arts.

Stunned and holding onto where they were struck, the Oni glower and begin to double down on their efforts to actually fight, but so does Ochako. Because they're exchanging blows, and one particular punch comes close to striking her, claws graze her rosy cheek on the right side, but she deflects the hand and grabs the Oni's wrist with both hands, all ten fingers touching...]

That really...wasn't...wise!

[Activating her Zero Gravity quirk on the Oni with her touch, the poor Yokai begins to float up as its gravity is removed and it become weightless, little more than a very solid balloon as Ochako maintains a steady grip on its arm as it flails and shouts. Its friends try to come to its rescue, but Ochako now has an improvised weapon and she's not afraid or unwilling to use it.

Yes, she most certainly is using one dude to beat up some other dudes.]

You made me rip a hole in my tights!! These are new and I paid a lot of money for them! Money I don't have!

iv. Wildcard!!

[None of these prompts work for you, ping me via PM or on Plurk at MelonFlavored and we can plot something out for a set scenario!!]

iii

[thatsmymagic]

[ It's been a long day of many surprises, but Akko is still bursting at the seams to see everything this world has to offer. And what it apparently has to offer here, about three feet away from her, is a fight. Akko immediately drops what's she's doing when the Oni pushes Ochako and reaches for her wand, but it seems Ochako has things well in hand!

...As if that has ever stopped Atsuko Kagari from butting in. ]

Hey! Knock it off, all of you! [ She shouts, standing next to Ochako defiantly, with her wand pointed like an accusing finger at the grounded group of Oni. ] What are you doing?! You can't just push people around and attack them!

[ This clearly agitates the remaining Oni, one of whom lunges for Akko's wand and finds itself flung into the air instead. It hovers ungracefully next to its floating friend. Akko huffs. She'd been shown lots of respect so far and she doesn't understand why they're acting like this towards Ochako, who didn't do anything wrong as far as she could see. ]

You should be ashamed of yourselves!

Bakugou Katsuki | My Hero Academia

[detonating]

💥For Science!! 💥

[1; "Compliments"]

[Waiting at one of the tables with arms folded over his chest is an ash blonde teenager with spiky hair and probably one of the crustiest scowls one has ever seen. He’s not amused, with any of this, and it shows.

It’s for money, he tells himself, as he mentally prepares himself to try to compliment a complete stranger. It’s to get home, is the follow up thought, as he realizes that this is just a disaster waiting to happen. He doesn’t compliment people unless they really deserve the praise, and even then, it’s guaranteed to be in the form of a thinly veiled insult.

Whatever, he’s participating and that should be helpful enough, right? As his current partner walks up, Katsuki unfolds his arms and straightens up in his chair. Giving his company a once over, before tsk-ing to himself.]

Let’s get this shit over with. [One thumb points to his chest with his terse introduction.] Bakugou Katsuki.

[2; Tastes Like Purple]

[With the weird back and forth of (not!)compliments over and done with, it leaves the last experiment. He’s given two cookies and told that one has been laced with magic, and immediately he just looks completely disenchanted as he examines them in his hand. It’s not the potential change of hair color that has him stopping to think before stuffing his face, it’s actually the implications behind the entire thing. Supposing that the magic isn’t just one big load of bullshit, the idea of the villainous shit that could be done with that kind of power is kind of hard to overlook.

It’s only after designating someone else his secret guinea pig and watching them eat both cookies without serious consequence that Katsuki takes a bite of one. The look on his face says more than enough; that he thinks these cookies fucking suck, but eventually he makes his way through choking them both down before turning to the person standing closest to him.]

So? [Because he can’t exactly see that the tips of each spiky strand of his hair have started to turn purple. Magic, a month ago, would have sounded like complete bullshit to him but uh…. Considering he’s not even living in his own world anymore, his uncertainty shows in the slow spread of color in his light hair.]


💥Party Train💥

[1; Masquerade]
[The fact that someone managed to shove a mask into Katsuki’s hands at all, with the mood he is in, is a feat in and of itself. He downright refuses to put on any costume, and the best anyone is going to get out of him is the mask being tied on. Begrudgingly, and only because he gets sick of carrying it in one hand.

As he walks down the length of the people filled train car, the mask obscures his peripheral vision enough that he shoulder checks another unfortunate passerby. Irritated with the mask, with the unwanted contact and with the fucking time-loop train ride from hell? Katsuki is rounding on them, hand snapping up to tip his mask to rest on the top of his head as he barks at the person.]

Watch it, would ya?!


[2; Cat Café]

[Come one, come all, for an incredibly rare display in one makeshift Cat Café! Presenting, Bakugou Katsuki--aspiring hero and notoriously short fused, (literally)explosive teenager- asleep. In public. Under a pile of cats in his lap. Mouth opened slightly with a relaxed expression, mask from the masquerade resting on the top of his head, slightly askew. It’s picturesque, and if you have a camera, get that shit on lock down before it’s too late! If you don’t? Find a pencil and paper and draw it, or commit it to memory, because this is a once in a lifetime view. Only brought on by the fact that he has an unusually early bedtime that he has missed, on top of the fact that his sleep has been beyond restless ever since he got here.

Listen, it was relatively quiet in this car when he got here, and that enough was a selling point for the anti-social teen. The cats were relentless, and eventually he’d decided to stop nudging them away and lay his head back. It was the little orange tabby kitten that made a bed right on his shoulder that somehow lulled him to this point. Warm and purring, right near his ear… the perfect white noise. It was a fucking disaster waiting to happen, a perfect storm. A kitten, and prolonged exhaustion combination.

Don’t wake the monster…. Or do, but he’s going to be especially unhappy about it. Potentially of the making a murder unhappy variety.]


💥Wildcard!💥

[Open to any other ideas! Just poke me detonating | papapapanic | meganlodon#0267 @ discord if you wanna hash something out!

💥Yokohama💥 [Closed to hemostat]

[detonating]

[Katsuki was more than ready to get off of that train ride from hell, and the only thing that helps to relieve the itch of boiling irritation, induced by having to endure that many people for that long, is to walk. As far away from them as he can, because he needs to clear his damn head. That’s a hell of a lot harder to achieve with chatter all around him.

Hands stuffed deep in his pockets, that’s exactly what he does, choosing to ignore pretty much everyone and everything around him. That doesn’t mean he isn’t observing, though, and after quite a while of wandering, there’s a sound around that catches his attention. Voices, but there’s a tension in them that keeps Katsuki’s interest as he approaches the corner of the building he’s walking by. His pace doesn’t change, even as the sound of trouble gets closer, and it’s when he finally makes the turn that it does. The sight he is met with has him kicking into high gear without his even realizing it--a girl who has been boxed in by one...two… three strange looking dudes, looming menacingly. The look on their faces says it all, they mean business… and unfortunately for them, so does Bakugou. The uncertainty about what is going to become of all of his dreams in this place is completely washed away, and for the first time since he arrived here… he’s lighting the fuck up. A murderous grin stretches wide across his face as his hands are yanked out of his pockets.]

Hey!

[That stride with intent has him clearing the distance rather quickly, and his right hand twists, palm up and crackling dangerously.] It takes three of you bastards to corner a girl?! [The explosion that gets leveled right near the closest oni's head is big enough to let out a deafening crack. The only warning before his other fist, his famous right hook, is smashing right into the shocked face before him. The other two spring into action immediately, and everything from there happens fast. At some point in the tousle, between dodges and jabs, Katsuki catches a painful blow with his mouth. The satisfaction of knowing that his teeth definitely fucked his opponent up isn't enough to dampen the visceral fury that always comes with the sting of a landed hit, and the explosive hero decides then and there that he is done fucking around. One hand comes in between him and the oni that had hit him, and boom. The blast is powerful enough to send the both of them flying back, with the blonde easily catching his footing on reflex as the oni slams into the ground some distance away.

Apparently, someone who can make explosions with his hands is an intimidating prospect. Katsuki watches as they start to retreat, and he even starts to follow when he catches his rescue out of the corner of his eye and stops. Fuck. He can't just leave her here, not without backup to check her while he pursues. That's a buzzkill.] Tch. Trash. [Katsuki turns his head to spit the taste of blood out of his mouth, before raising his hand to wipe at it. Split lip and cuts on the inside of his cheek from it smashing into his own teeth. Just another day in the life of an aspiring hero, or some shit like that?

Finally, he glances over to his remaining company with a hard frown.] The fuck're you doing out here by yourself?! [Because that, Katsuki, is how you talk to someone you've just saved.]

Yukio Okumura | Blue Exorcist

[reflash]

1. Meeting
[The scientists are here, but what's more interesting than that is everyone else. Yukio is sitting quietly, in the back of the group, just watching. He doesn't look like much, a tall, serious teenager in local clothing, mismatched blue-and-green eyes hidden behind thick round-framed glasses (his pair from home, with plastic frames and polycarbonate lenses were broken to bits before he even arrived). There's a pair of guns tucked under his jacket, weird sci-fi things made of gleaming red metal.

After explanations and questions, he'll turn to someone near him.]

What do you think?

2. Experiments
[... Yukio was not expecting experiments to be this. He hates it, he can't deal with this, he smiles so incredibly politely through the entire thing.

The... cuddle pile is the first thing, and the worst. That kind of physical contact isn't something Yukio's used to (right?) and he's starting this off just sort of... sitting awkwardly in a corner.

Compliments are easier. Smile politely, pick some obvious feature (eye color, outfit) and say something gently nice.

The last test is the easiest, because Yukio is curious about how much magic resistance he has. A bite of the cookie turns his hair white-blue. And then, the explanation. Yukio listens, frowning.]

3. Loop
[A party. Yukio can deal with it politely for a few minutes, but it's loud and busy and he's pretty sure that the drink someone pressed into his hand is a lot more alcoholic than it tastes.

There's a car that has a cat cafe in it, and Yukio sits there for a while, a somewhat oversized orange tabby curled up on a seat next to him.

But there are people here too, too many, and they're all chatty and busy and ready to be social. So he leaves, eventually, because there has to be somewhere quieter.]

4. Last Car (Yukio is 16)
[The last few cars on the train are a huge mistake, Yukio processes that the second he's greeted at the door, and he steps back, blushing already but it would be really rude to refuse that gentle command.

Which leaves him tucked in to a corner of the train car, watching people talk and laugh and flirt, and getting steadily redder.]

2

[accidentallich]

[That makes two of them who are Obviously uncomfortable with the cuddle pile.]

Ah... H-hello again. Funny running into you here.

Tsukuyo | Gintama

[tsukky]

For Science!!

[ Tsukuyo isn't sure how she had ended up agreeing to take part in this experiment. Still, here she is sitting face to face with a stranger (?), with whom she is expected to somehow form some kind of "bond" with. ]

Let's just get this over with.

Party Train

Loop Line Lag
[ It was just supposed to be a nice, normal, simple train ride - just something to get from Point A to Point B. Of course, like seemingly everything in this place so far, it's not that simple.

Thankfully for everyone in else in the carriage she hasn't touched any of the alcohol on offer- she's too preoccupied with attempting to find a carriage that is somewhat normal.

Only to get waylaid in the Cat Cafe carriage by a friendly and extremely fluffy white cat winding its way around her legs.

And this particular cat is just one of many. ]

How the hell did they get all of ya on here?

Pleasure Ride - ota 18+ plus a warning for some mild 4th wall breaking

[ She's hoping that towards the back of the train might be quieter and -

It's a strange thing - coming face to face with a fellow oiran in what is seemingly a different universe.

And if that sense of déjà vu weren't already strong enough, two further things hit her like... well, a train the moment she steps foot into the first of the last two carriages: The manner in which the occupants are acting and the incredibly strong, heady scent of incense. ]

Not this crap again. I already did this damn arc.

[ It's almost as if she's had to deal with something like this before...

If she has, covering her face with her kimono sleeve like she's attempting to do now seems to be having little effect in keeping her from being rooted to the spot, before taking a seat- unable or unwilling to leave. ]

Wildcard

[ If you want to play something else then feel free to hmu @ FlordelaMar ]

loop line ride

[casaposa]

[There's something about all these cats that puts him on edge. He's high key and anxious for an impossible to pinpoint reason. The sensation sticks with him, settles in his gut and puts him on guard.

He's never had a cat, outside of the backalley strays him and his siblings would feed scraps too. They weren't notable in the slightest and he lacks any experience with pets to make him this-

Nervous.

But he's in carriage, conned into work by an adorable barista who blushed at his advances and, well, now he's just doing his best to loops collars around their necks. Something about changing them for the spring?? He can't recall.

Tsukuyo, at the very least, is a welcome distraction. One he's happy to see.]

Who knows. It must be the time loops.

Jonathan Joestar | JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

[sunlightyellow]

Cuddle Science!!

[ Volunteering to assist with the Kizuna research had seemed like the right thing to do. Paired with Jonathan's natural curiosity and his own enthusiasm for research, it was inevitable that he would end up here.

Here being in a giant mound of pillows.

It's more than a little strange but... The researchers instructions were clear in what was required in this first experiment and besides, what real harm could a hug or a cuddle cause?

That's why you might find yourself in a pile of soft, fluffy pillows, face to face with a smiling 6'5 beefy behemoth, huge arms held out. ]

Pardon me but- I believe that we are supposed to embrace.

Yokohama - Sightseeing Slights

[ Jonathan has been fascinated during the whole journey to Yokohama, trying to take everything in. Everything is so different, so foreign- and the technology is baffling enough. Not something that he's mastered quite yet.

He's no less enthusiastic when he's paired off with someone and offered one of the tandem steam-cycles. ]

Shall we? It seems like a wonderful way to see the city. [ ...And he's got no idea that the thing is capable of flight yet. ]

Wildcard

[ feel free to hmu @ FlordelaMar if you want to play something else ]

cuddling, i love jonathan

[accidentallich]

[The piles of blankets and pillows are thick enough to cover Gershom completely, though it's obvious someone is in there by the rustling. When he's addressed, his head pokes through the pillow pile.

Sorry About Being A Skeleton. He looks embarrassed, if anything.]

Th-that's very kind of you, but, um, are you sure?

Ryuu Zaou | Cute High Earth Defense Club LOVE!

[flutteringprince]

Loop Line Lag

[Ryuu could get behind this! The music was old, but honestly the beat and tempo were great. He probably should be worried about a train that never arrived at its destination, but a couple regulars advised him that the loop itself actually ended the next day. So hey, why not enjoy it?

He could be easily found dancing in one of the dance cars. Either with a regular commuter or you, Ryuu was all bright smiles and high energy. It was so easy to get caught up in the fun atmosphere that by the time he made it to the dining car, he was flushed and even a little dizzy. But he stumbled to an empty seat and grabbed a cold (non-alcoholic) drink on the way and eagerly refreshed himself. He people watched as he did, fanning himself lightly as he decided if he wanted to dive back in, continue eating and drinking for a little while longer or perhaps try something else...?]

Hey! So, how are you enjoying this? Do anything interesting?

[May as well get some idea from the others, right?]

Scammed...Sorta

[Ryuu hadn't really been here long enough to have much of value on him. He had heard about the pickpockets, but he hadn't really worried about it. At best, he'd lose what little cash he had on him. He was still trying to figure out the living situation, even if the people running the place were being generous. So, imagine his surprise when he felt a tug at his wrist and nearly toppled over as the tug nearly yanked his arm off!]

H-Hey! What's the big idea?

[The would-be pickpocketer was also looking at him with wide eyes and then continued to try and take the loveracelet off his wrist. Ryuu tugged right back, eventually yanking his arm out of the surprisingly strong grip.]

You're not gonna get that off, so don't even bother!

[That seemed like an awful lot like a challenge, didn't it? Of course, which is how Ryuu found himself having to fend off pickpockets of every shape and size. They couldn't be sly about it, not when the prize stayed firmly fastened to the owner's wrist. Ryuu gave an exasperated cry when it happened again.]

Would you guys knock it off? You're gonna tear my arm off at this rate, I'm telling you, it's not going to come off! I can't even get it off myself!

[Help, please?]

Wildcard

[I was kind of short of ideas, but if you're interested in anything specific, let me know! We can deffo work something out c:]

Loop Line

[shutter_hime]

[Kokoro didn't need to fan her face - she didn't sweat, after all - but she did feel a little tired from all the dancing. And the guy she'd been dancing with? A cutie.

Besides, dancing all night with a cute guy was better than distressing over the fact that she wasn't going to be able to finish her finals until they fixed this time issue. Kokoro grinned at Ryuu, sipping her iced green tea.]

I've been having a great time. The music is so retro, though. Like something my great-grandma would've been into. Oh! I'm Amamiya Kokoro. It's nice to meet you!

Dazai Osamu | Bungou to Alchemist

[thesettingsun]

[Train, 18+]
[If there's good alcohol and no one named Nakahara Chuuya there, Dazai's more than happy to spend time in the party train. He drinks enough to get tipsy, before wandering in the direction of the dark car.]

I really can't see a thing in there... Want to check it out?

[Directed at any semi-attractive adult in the area. Dazai's not the pickiest in the world.]

[Market, mild body horror imminent]
[Like anyone who dresses ostentatiously, Dazai attracts pickpockets. Unlike some of those people, he's more than capable of catching up with a thief and 'persuading' them to return his belongings. Usually with the help of a giant fuckoff scythe.

Some people are very determined - or more likely, very scared of what their new employers will do if they come back empty-handed, and Dazai gets into a few scuffles.

Which leads to this: Dazai, visibly bruised, slumping his way toward the nearest stall of stationary materials. He's achey more than seriously injured, but still...]

Hey, can you pass me one of those inkwells?

[He ppppprobably should warn the customer ahead of them that they're about to see something kind of unpleasant. But he does not.]

[Wildcard]

Train

[blackbeastcoat]

[ For the most part he'd been good with staying away from the alcohol. Somewhat. At some point he'd ended up drinking at least two rather strong ones and it had him just a bit tipsy but mostly able to think for himself.

This area was quieter, but the incense was strong. Something which made him a bit easier to get along with for the most part, same went with this warmth that was beginning to bug him just a little bit. ]

Mm. I don't see the problem in doing so.

[ Oh hello Dazai. Did you want Akutagawa being rather close to you? Because he totally is. ]

Chuuya Nakahara | Bungo Stray Dogs

[darkdisgrace]

loop line - A
[Well, Chuuya had to give them points for creativity, anyway. It was actually kind of amusing how well prepared they'd been for this, and when offered a mask he accepts it with a laugh.

When he's nudged towards the back of the car to change, he has to admit he's curious as he eyes the variety of costumes.]

Wow, they really went all out...

loop line - B (OTA 18+)
[And of course he has to check out the last two cars. The alcohol is good, the people seem friendly, and he knows what he's walking into just from the atmosphere. It's the incense in the air, the state of dress of the host-- he doesn't see a problem with sticking around a little while to relax and get a bit tipsy.

And maybe, if he finds someone attractive, he might check out the last car in the back.]

Got to say, these guys sure are creative. Want to check out the next car?

Scammed
[Chuuya is not someone you want to scam. Unfortunately, he's the type of person to be well dressed and look like an easy target due to his size and pretty face.

There's at least two attempted muggings-- the first he handles easily, a touch to the guy's wrist sending him careening to the ground, his wallet quickly snatched back with a deadpan look.]

Maybe don't try that unless you're sure someone's an easy mark, eh?

[The second time, well...

He's wrangled himself an introduction. Which is how he manages to get a few 'trial' jobs. Some heavy lifting, guarding a storefront, and...

Playing a host at a local bar. Great. At least he dresses nicely? He's there to drum up customers, convince them to buy drinks, that sort of thing.]

Yokai Watch
[It honestly makes him feel like he's home more than anything else when a group of Oni decide to pick a fight. He knows they're following him, so he ducks into an alleyway to make sure there's no interruptions--

And then the fight begins. Maybe someone spots them following him down the alleyway and decides to try and intervene, but they'll find the redhead has things well in hand: He's already sent one of those Yokai flying into a wall with a well placed kick, bricks cracking beneath the pressure. There's a smug grin on his face as he nods to the others.] Well? Come on then. I've been hoping for an excuse to brawl a little.

[Someone... might want to make sure he doesn't do too much damage, actually.]

Wildcard
[Up for pretty much anything! PM me or hit me up at symbological if you want to plot.]

Scammed, but it's wildcard

[sweetsleuth]

Well, now! It's about time we've crossed paths, Mister Fancy Hat!

[Hey look. It's Chuuya's favorite person, calling out to him in the middle of a very crowded section of the market. Which, unfortunately, means Chuuya can't very well get away with making a scene unless he wants to get on the market's bad side.]

[Was this intentional?? Maybe a little. He's been watching Chuuya for a few minutes now, after all.]

Kuro | Servamp

[neetvampire]

Cuddle Science
[Kuro needs money. He wants some pajamas, some extra clothes, a nice blanket maybe--

Frankly he'll take any opportunity to get paid without working very hard for it. Which is why the experiments are a golden opportunity for him.

Though he won't be approaching them like most people, either. There's an adorable black kitty flopped in the pillow pile with various cuddlers, a device clipped to it's collar. It'll snuggle up to just about anyone who looks like they might want a cat to pet and cuddle, too! What luck.

...No one participating needs to know the cat is a person, right? Only the scientists, he assumes. It should provide some interesting data, regardless.]

Yokai Watch
[The nice thing about big cities is there's a great deal of shadows to stick to: Kuro doesn't need to worry as much about staying out of the sunlight.

It also means that when he spots someone getting harassed by Oni, he can simply return to his normal form and yank the person away-- up and away, with an agile leap towards the rooftops.]

Come on. Up and away we go...

[Where'd he come from? Well there was a stray cat nearby, but-- hm.]

Scammed
[It's Kuro's fault, really. He wasn't expecting a pickpocket-- He doesn't usually have money on him to steal after all. But he's got one item that's priceless, and unfortunately people here can sense the magic in it.

One second he's walking down the street in the early evening, the next the bell necklace that he always has around his neck is getting ripped away from his throat. He panics, horror filling his gut as he chases after the pickpocket, but--

It's too crowded. He can't keep up. And by the time he catches them, they've already passed off the bell to their boss, hidden away somewhere he doesn't know.

They're willing to give it back, but first... he has to work off the value of it.

It's an offer he can't refuse. Kuro's not sure if they know what it is, but they clearly have guessed how important it is to him. Not to mention that it's filled with otherworld magic, and that's more than enough to make it valuable.

He winds up in a sleezy bar later that night, acting the part of a human pet. He's been fitted with a leash and collar, crawling around on all fours at the beck and call of patrons. Shame burns in his gut, but he has to do this if he wants his only connection to to his Eve back. People can feel free to coax his attention for a little while, or tug him into their lap. It's apparently more than fine here.

Closer to dawn, he can be found curled up on a bench waiting for the morning train back to Nihonbashi, necklace clutched tightly in his hands and looking more exhausted than usual.]

Wildcard
[Open to pretty much anything! Hit me up or message me at symbological to plot.]

cuddling science

[accidentallich]

Hello again, kitty!

[Gershom recognizes this adorable cat, and his nervous expression (who'd want to cuddle with a skeleton?) turns to delight.]

Will you let me pet you again?

Akutagawa Ryuunosuke | Bungou Stray Dogs

[blackbeastcoat]

Yokai Watch

[ Due to it’s familiarity to him, it’s no surprise that Akutagawa has taken to walking around Yokohama when he’s not busy doing some initial jobs for the Port Market. He’s more than confident in his skills after all, mostly since his ability lends him an edge most don’t have.

Though he is surprised to see more non-humans here, they seem friendly for the most part so he’s content to mind his business. He isn’t a nosy hero type so he keeps to himself, or at least that had been the initial intention until he’s passing by an alleyway - or something along those lines - and the sounds of a scuffle catch his attention.

A curt sidelong glance shows a couple of tall, burly-looking oni yokai cornering and bullying someone.

He takes a step forwards, stills, then sighs. Some might go running in, such as a reckless weretiger or someone of the agency, but this was still Yokohama and they were disrupting the peace. So with that said, Akutagawa frowned a bit and started down towards this mess going on and the two oni didn’t really seem to think much of him since he didn’t look all that imposing in his dark-colored kimono as he walked. ]

If you leave now, i’ll allow you to keep your limbs attached.

[ It’s spoken simply with an underlying, serious threat to it but the two oni just took one look at him and laughed. About to go back to harassing the other person, it was then that the very air shifted and a few sharp-edged tendrils shot out from seemingly his kimono to wrap around the one oni’s large arms and yanked back hard enough to send it flying a few feet.

This was followed by what appeared to be a vicious looking beast that materialized, colored in both the hues of his kimono and a bright, visceral red that matched the energy that seemed to spark along it threateningly. ]

I won’t say it again.


Scammed

[ Were you a poor soul who just happened to be keeping to yourself and a dang pickpocket decided you were a good target? You may be in luck today as Akutagawa was feeling in a decent mood and didn’t really find pickpocketing all that tasteful as far as mafia work went.

So out of nowhere you might have been in shock that someone stole that precious item of yours and had bolted, until what appeared to be long tendrils of some kind of material shot out from behind where you’re standing and wrapped firmly around the one who’d done the stealing. No amount of their squirming freed them, the tendrils faintly glowing and sparking red as they pulled the individual back and Akutagawa stepped forwards.

He held the person well off their feet as he looked to the person he’d ‘helped’. ]

If you’re going to walk around here, be more alert next time.

[ He looks to the scowling pickpocketer, who’s mouth was covered by one of those tendrils that held them tightly. The item they’d stolen was held in one hand so the owner could still take it back if they wanted. ]


Wildcard

[ Don’t see anything that catches your interest? Feel free to hit me up with something else entirely! :D ]

yokai watch

[longsilence]

[The sudden assault by the Oni almost makes Kiki forget that this is supposed to be reality. This isn't a dream...but it's such a familiar situation for her, that the telepath doesn't try to dodge when a fist is aimed at her face. Just like the Challenger, she'll have to face another death by beating? Ah, hopefully they won't take their time like that man...

By the time Akutagawa intervenes, there's a bruise beginning to blossom on her cheek and blood has dripped from Kiki's nose onto her orange kimono. Her hair is a mess with it snagged by the fistful in the oni's large hand. She looks hopeless, standing there limply and awaiting the next impact, yet something changes in her gaze when the young woman spots Akutagawa. Recognition. So this was reality--

And the oni goes flying.

The one still gripping her hair seems to freeze while Kiki's eyes widen at the sight of the monster that appears. She's not sure what else to call it nor has any idea what it is exactly. Still, the telepath remains still beyond licking her cracked lip as the oni holding her hostage makes its decision about this new threat...Which is to make an frustrated growl and letting go in order to retreat. Its fun has been ruined while the other groans as it gets on its feet. Kiki, on the other hand, sinks to the ground and continues staring at the beast somewhat warily.]

...Thank you...

Hide | Nioh 2

[sohayamaru]

» CUDDLE SCIENCE

[ A room full of cushions, strangers sprawled all over the place, little men in white coats babbling excitedly about something called "Kizuna"... all in all, it's been a bemusing day. Yokai wander freely in the streets, humans go about their daily business, both coexisting without one consuming the other as instinct demands???? Strange. And more than a little unnerving.
Regardless of personal misgivings still rattling around in the back of her mind, Hide's brought up short as she arrives at one of the less populated pillow piles. The downside of tardiness immediately presents itself:

.....there's one pillow left that isn't occupied.

So, naturally, Hide's solution to this conundrum is to take up her perch and subtly shuffle a little closer to her nearest neighbour. It's fine. It's fine! She'll just slip a few pillows one at a time from under someone else like a very high-stakes game of Jenga, and make her own situation more comfortable. Simple and elegant, right?

Some observant individuals might find a suspicious correlation between how she's gradually accumulating pillows the more people around her get caught up in cuddling their partners. Purely coincidence. Really! ]

» LOOP LINE LAG/PLEASURE RIDE

[ Hol' up. What? What.
Now, Hide's not exactly technologically literate in any sense, but she's pretty sure spontaneous dance parties isn't something that trains were originally designed for. Going from the quiet mundanity of a normal train car (and being utterly entranced by the passing scenery) to a solid wall of music, bodies, and voices is disorienting. She can barely hear herself think.

So when she turns around to leave and walks slapbang into another person, the automatic response is to grasp him or her by the shoulders to maintain at least some illusion of personal space. ]

Hey. Swap places with me.

[ That came out a bit more... brusque than originally intended, but w/e. Good enough! ]

» WILDCARD

[ Pick your own prompt, or let me know if you'd like a custom prompt instead! ]

loop line lag/pleasure ride

[tsukky]

[ Tsukuyo is preparing herself for a last ditch attempt to try and find a way either out of this rave or off this damn train entirely when Hide smacks into her. She's not expecting to be grabbed in such a way by a stranger- if it were a man she would have probably tried to send them flying down the length of the train carriage.

As such, she just raises an eyebrow. ]

Why? I'm just tryin' to get out of here myself. You're no better off goin' in that direction, the carriage back there's been changed as well.

Kiki Asukai / ID:Invaded - Open to requests

[longsilence]

Feel free to PM me if you want a particular scenario with Kiki. Also let me know if you're okay with her telepathic broadcasting and limits to themes involving homicide & suicidal ideation.

Closed to Sigma

[longsilence]

[.....................The only reason she's here is because she needs the money. As much as she likes the festive kimono Ranpo acquired for her, she'd prefer another change of clothes. Otherwise, she would preferably be far away from a gathering of people if she could help it. Although the whole Kizuna business sounds like something that could relate to her own abilities... (The idea of being bonded with her killers makes her feel slightly nauseous.)

Sacrifices must be made, and Kiki finds herself hiding behind one of the pillows and watching others struggling with social awkwardness. As long as she stays mindful with her thoughts, broadcasting shouldn't be an issue. However, that plan sort of fades away when she spots a familiar face among the other testers.]

Sigma-san... [He gets the smallest of waves from behind her pillow. There's a fondness in Kiki's smile beyond the sympathetic embarrassment.]

Sigma | Bungo Stray Dogs

[ordinaryman]

a. Science

[Hearing that there is a forced bond between Sigma and this country doesn't seem right for so many reasons. Those thoughts swarm and repeat until they become the storm cloud hanging over him. Despite his best efforts his expression pinches with the uneasiness he can't conceal. The reason he's staying is selfish. Does he really count? Will it really work on someone like him-- an outsider to reality two times over.

Sigma adjusts the device on his sleeve and thinks about the small amount of money he'll get for it as well. Finally, he takes a deep breath and cautiously approaches anyone who looks to be alone or on the outskirts of the test chamber.]

Hey, [A well practiced smile and a tentatively offered hand.] Would you like to give this a try? If you're not already experiencing cold feet, I mean.

b. Crime Prime Time

[It shouldn't come to him as a surprise that someone here has found a way to take advantage of him. The Port Market- yet another criminally minded organization at that. It's always, always, just a matter of time... So best to get it over with.

Still, he can't help but stare scornfully at the closed (for lunch?) storefront he's been asked to sneak into. To "retrieve" some small unlabelled box from. What is this? Questionable tax collection? Oh he sure doubts it. "Go ahead and get this job started. We might throw someone else your way to help!" Where exactly does that leave him right now?!]

They can't be serious.

[But because of his ability and a well timed bump into one of the employees on the street he knows exactly where it's hidden. But getting in and out without trouble is another thing entirely. So Sigma ends up hesitating outside.]

c. Wildcard

[I'm unfashionably late to this event...! Please feel free to hit me up or change the above prompts to suit your character! Plotting here.]

A

[sweetsleuth]

[In which Sigma's made a horrible mistake, which he won't recognize until the man in question turns around--]

Hmm? Well, sure! That's the whole reason we're here, right?

[Gonna GRAB THAT HAND FIRMLY before he can flee.]

[jikan_mod]