jikan_rpg | December | Event: With A Bang

December | Event: With A Bang

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In the weeks following that rather heavy announcement, anxiety and unease become familiar emotions among the refugees. Eventually, rumors begin circulating throughout the city, as the "first" anniversary of the time loop's end draws ever closer. Even without concrete evidence, it seems some among the native population have started to believe that time will simply loop again as well.

But the refugees have more than a few powerful allies on their side, and with a little bit of work and a little bit of love, they'll find a way to move forward into next year.

For The Big Night

As the day of the potential loop draws near, all refugees will find themselves receiving a special invitation to a Winter Gala being held at the Imperial Palace in Nihonbashi on the night of the 24th. The refugees themselves are the guests of honor, with the Emperor of the East scheduled to be making an appearance. Surely this can't be a coincidence, right?

But unlike the casual atmosphere of the Western Emperor, here in the East, this is likely to be a far more formal affair. Thankfully, they'll have a few opportunities to prepare themselves before the Gala itself.

Dance Dance Perpetuation Yoshiwara, Tokyo
For a fancy Winter Gala being held in the Imperial Palace, it goes without saying that there's going to be dancing. And for those who don't know how, they'll find a certain dance troupe in Yoshiwara is offering free lessons for all refugees attending the Gala.

The dances range from a formal Waltz to traditional dances native to Nippon, with the instructors patiently teaching the steps and correcting dancers as they practice in their studio. They even offer to let the Refugees borrow some of their costumes to practice dancing in more restrictive wear.

But their patience has a limit, and their offer, an ulterior motive. Because the costumes they offer are no ordinary costumes. Built into the fabric is a special magic-conducive material that connects to a small magi-tech device hidden under the collar of each outfit. And when activated, this magi-tech will cause the wearer to move against their will, following the dance routines programmed into the device. Supposedly, these are used for training beginners, as well as ensuring that dancers who need to sync up with one another can do so seamlessly.

Of course, the reality is they're mostly just used for hazing newbies, because the sensation of having your body dance dance dance the night away against your will is unpleasant. But hey, at least you'll remember the steps!

Binary Blowout Shibuya, Tokyo
Over in Shibuya, the Central Station Department Store is holding a special winter sale for couples purchasing matching outfits for ringing in the new year. Thankfully, couples won't have to do anything embarrassing to prove they're together in order to get the sale, and merely need to buy one half of a matching set at the same time.

For the most part, these outfits will consist of traditional kimono and hakama sets. However, it seems gender equality was not taken into consideration for this sale, and with few exceptions, couples looking for up to 75% off luxury clothing may find themselves forced to pick who gets the masculine hakama set in muted colors and who gets the bright and colorful floral kimono set (complete with matching hair accessories). Unfortunately, this seems to extend into their more Western styles as well, perhaps to a more extreme degree. Flapper dresses and fancy suits? Well, at least the sizes are inclusive?

Thankfully, given the cost reduction, it's still worth it to buy the full set versus buying only one half. But seeing as the sets do need to be purchased at the same time by the couple, and the ever so helpful employees will insist on giving each person a proper fitting and even offer professional photos, this may just end up being a more embarrassing experience than they expected.

Winter Wonderland

At last, the day of the party arrives! The palace is tucked away in a large garden in Nihonbashi, set atop a man-made island with a moat surrounding it. No doubt a common sight when traveling through the city, this will be the first time any refugees have been allowed to enter the castle grounds.

Inside the castle proper, the entire main hall has been fitted with a wintry theme, complete with magi-tech powered snowflakes that aren't cold, but fall gently from the ceiling and disappear before touching the floor. As the guests of honor settle in, the Emperor himself makes an appearance, dressed in extravagant blue robes and speaking in a soft, gentle voice.

"Greetings, my dear time refugees. Although previous circumstances prevented me from extending you all a proper introduction sooner, tonight I shall hope to make up for it.

I am Karu, Emperor of the East, and the one responsible for initiating the Time Refugee Project. Although it is customary in Nippon to address me by my title, Tennō, I do not wish to impose such formalities on all of you. Call me as you will.

I am well aware of the many difficulties our world has imposed on you. Hence forth, I hope to become a more reliable ally for all of you in this world. It is my hope that together, we can move forward towards a brighter future, both here in Nippon and in all of your home worlds."

After delivering his speech, he can be found mostly surrounded by his attendants and just quietly enjoying the atmosphere. While guests are welcome to speak with him, they may be quick to notice that he's not quite as eloquent when his words aren't pre-written.

Sus Snax Imperial Palace, Nihonbashi
Beautiful decor aside, the Gala has a live orchestra supplying the music, which seems to be of a more classical affair, with a Nippon-like twist. Dances will shift from playfully energetic to slower and more romantic as the night draws on. Enjoy a slow dance with a sweetie? It might just be your last chance before time resets at the end of the night.

And of course, no party would be complete without plenty of food and drink. Drinks are unlimited, with no shortage of beer, locally-brewed sake, and very expensive wines imported from before the time surges made international travel too dangerous. Should the Emperor really be giving this out for free? If asked, the attendants managing the party will simply explain that the Emperor is not very fond of alcohol, and wishes to share the collection he's acquired over the years with those who will enjoy it.

But at some point after the party has begun, some rather mysterious snacks make an appearance. Although looking like perfectly innocent manju, just one sniff will reveal the unmistakable scent of Uki weed laced within the sugary treat. How did someone smuggle these into the Imperial Palace of all places?? Well, as long as no one's a killjoy, the attendants won't recognize the scent, and the snacks will remain until they've all been eaten!

But what of those looking for a little... privacy? There's far more to the palace than just the main hall, and with just a little sneaking around, they'll find a door that leads to the upper floors. Despite being closed off, it looks like some of them have been decorated for the season as well, although it only takes a glance to see that most of the rooms are clearly unused. Wasn't this the Emperor's home? Well, regardless, there's still plenty of futons to be found in the closet of each tatami-lined room, so there's no reason that guests can't have a little fun in secret.

Mistleno Imperial Palace, Nihonbashi
It seems there's some other sort of trickery afoot at this Gala. All around the main hall, and even in some of the private hallways and outdoor areas, colorful paper cranes can be found hanging from doorways and ceilings. There's only ever one, and they seem to following some kind of colorful theme. Naturally, it should come as no surprise that these little fellas are enchanted, with different effects triggering depending on the color of the crane itself.

The red cranes will cause whoever walks under it to kiss the first person they see. A second variety, with a glittery sheen, will instead make them seek out someone they've never kissed before for a smooch.

The orange cranes will cause whoever walks under them to spontaneously teleport to the side of the last person they were thinking about, whether they want to be there or not. It seems someone thought it was funny to stick one of these above the bathrooms...

The green cranes will only cause an effect if two people walk under one at the same time. This crane will cause their minds to switch places, putting them in the other person's body. Passing under additional green cranes while the effect is still present will cause another swap, until no one knows who anyone is anymore.

The blue cranes will cause whoever passes under it to suddenly confess something out loud to the first person they see. Thankfully, it doesn't have to be a major secret, and may even just cause them to offer a spontaneous compliment, or admit they've have a little bit of the Uki snacks from earlier.

The purple cranes will manifest a random Kizuna effect that may linger for the rest of the night. This can be anything, from a mild physical change like growing flowers in their hair, to a severe mental change like intense levels of possessiveness.

And the pink cranes are of the most predictable sort, causing whoever passes under one to become almost insatiably horny. Thankfully, these ones are the rarest.

But how long will the effects last? Good question! Although none will last past midnight, the range seems to be anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. If pointed out to the Emperor's attendants, they'll immediately begin trying to remove them, but the cranes will simply take flight and flutter to another hidden location. So they weren't intentional, after all... so who put them there?

Party Crashers

As the evening progresses, the source of the mysterious Uki and magical paper cranes is revealed, when a number of Yokai abruptly crash the party. But this is no ordinary group of party crashers, as they're all dressed in imperial regalia, and are joined by the Emperor of the West himself, Katsuragi no Mikoto.

"Salutations, my dear guests from another world! Please, do not let me and my entourage disturb you! You see, I simply have very important business with a certain Karu-chan who stood me up last summer... no regrets, right?"

After a brief kerfuffle, the two emperors quickly take their leave to the very private balcony that absolutely no one can sneak into or blatantly peek at from the windows, not at all. Those hoping for a steamy scene may leave a little disappointed, but the lingering glances and shy smiles shared between the two say plenty on their own.

Boom Boom Boom Nihonbashi, Tokyo
Although the party may have been winding down before, once the Yokai join the group, things grow very lively very quickly. The classical music playing on the dance floor is replaced with some swinging jazz tunes, and dancers may find themselves literally dancing on air, as the Yokai use their magic to allow for weightlessness on the dance floor. They're being very careful that no one falls, and those affected will find their dance steps unaffected by the chance in altitude, but it's sure to be a little disorienting for some.

In addition to the Uki-laced snacks from before, drinks bearing magical effects are also brought out, with each effect carefully labelled to prevent accidental ingestion. The blue soda bottles cause drinkers to grow or shrink in height or size, in varying degrees of strength. Some may simply grow to a respectable six-feet tall, while others may find themselves shrunk down to no more than six-inches tall! The red berry-flavored drink causes those who drink it to become overtly flirty and confident, earning it the nickname "suave soda". And the mysterious sparkling sake causes those who drink it to become imbued with powerful Kizuna magic, causing severe Kizuna side effects to manifest. Strangely, it seems this one effects Yokai very differently, as the intended effect is simply a magical amplifier. Oops?

But aside from escorting their amorous emperor to his long-awaited date with the other emperor, the Yokai accompanying him have one last present to offer the refugees to make the evening even more magical. As the night grows late, a special spell is cast upon the ceiling, making it entirely transparent. And following a brief countdown, a spectacular show of fireworks is played overhead, visible from all over Tokyo. Magical in nature, the colorful bursts often take the shape of creatures, bounding across the sky before bursting into a brilliant show of light and magic.

By the time the show comes to end, few will have noticed that the clock has long since passed midnight.

Your Best Friend Everywhere, Nippon
It's not until the sun begins to rise that the last of the party goers begin filtering out of the castle and into the streets. Although none of the people sleeping in their homes are aware, it seems yet another time loop has been successfully stopped thanks to the refugees!

...sure, they did cause this one, but it still counts for something!! Though it seems they'll be left with no definitive answer for exactly how the time loop was prevented in the end. Maybe someone just needed to let loose a little for once?

Over the next few days, things really do seem to be progressing as normal. And more importantly, the people seem to be in even higher spirits than before. As another year safely passes by without any word of another loop, the native population begins to feel a true sense of relief, as if this year was proof that the time loop was truly over. Perhaps this is why scienz_rulz_1899 was so insistent that no one else find out the truth: because she knew just how important this peace of mind would be for the people of Nippon.

As thanks for their efforts, all refugees will find a gift addressed them to delivered to wherever it is they're staying -- and regardless of where. How did it find their way to them? It seems she still has her secrets! Each gift will include either a box of fancy pastries, a bottle of wine, or a small amount of money for those who can't enjoy either. And alongside that, an item from their home world that they would be happy to see again.

And at the bottom of each box is a small card, printed in their native tongue: from your best friend, Tomoko.

OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's December event! Please direct any questions to the Question Thread in the OOC Plotting post.

• While there is no official dress code, characters will ICly be encouraged to dress up for the occasion! For outfit ideas, consider searching 1920s fashion trends and Taisho era fashion!

• Feel free to make the effects of the paper cranes and drinks as mild or as strong as you'd like! Only the sparkling sake is alcoholic.

• Attempting to destroy the cranes will cause them to fly away. With effort, they can be torn up, but the effects they cause will linger unless burned to ashes. They are not living creatures, so don't feel bad about it.

• Characters who are in one of the upper floors when the fireworks begin will also experience an invisible ceiling. However, thanks to the way the magic works, the floor will not be invisible, and those on the floors below will not see them fuckin'. Unless you want them to, in which case, exactly one room will have this effect for all you exhibitionists out there.

• The item received in their gift from Tomoko/scienz_rulz_1899 can be normal or magical in nature, but it must be something they would want to see again, and something that would realistically fit in a large box. They do not need to attend the Gala to receive this item.

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It kind of sounds like a pain, suddenly remembering a future you should know about in the first place. [he scratches at his cheek] But you remember Inazuma now?

But hey - if you do remember eventually that's great, but don't sweat if you don't. We can do introductions over again, and I can tell you the important stuff, right?

It has been kind of a pain, actually...

[For more reasons than one. But hearing Itto so easily opt to just roll with it sets him at ease, as a smile spreads over his face. It seems this time he won't have to worry about feeling guilty for "forgetting" someone.]

[Also I keep forgetting to mention he has cat ears now, but maybe his good mood finally made them perk up and become noticeable??]

Well, in that case, why don't you start by telling me your name? I'll make sure not to forget it this time.

[were it anyone else, yeah, he might guilt them a little bit - all in good fun, of course. But really, the traveler didn't have to get involved in Itto's problems in the first place, and who knows how things would have gone if he hadn't. So really, he kind of owes Aether at least that.

. . . but did he have cat ears before?? He thinks he'd remember cat ears. He kinda wants to touch them . . .]

You better not! I'm not the kind of guy you forget easily.

I've got a ton of names, but I'll give you the list later - it's Arataki Itto, oni-in-charge of the Arataki Gang. Which - if you know Inazuma, you might've heard of us already.

[One of the cat ears twitches tantalizingly. Go on Itto, pet the cat.]

The Arataki gang...? I can't say that I have, actually.

[Vaguely he may recall seeing notices on some billboards with the name, but they didn't stand out too much in his mind. Sorry, Itto.]

[oh no . . . he must resist . . . it never goes good for him but they're so cute . . .

He waves his hand dismissively]

That's fine, you'll learn about us eventually. [125% certain of it of course the traveler would learn about them and how important they are] You and your little friend - is she here with you?

But if this isn't the first time, are there other Inazumans here?

[A nod, and another little ear twitch.] Paimon's here, too! I think she was hoping to spend most of the night in front of the snack table, so I left her to it.

[If he looks over, he may see Paimon floating between tables and probably eating more than seems physically possible. Where does it go?? We just don't know.]

But that's right! There's actually a lot of people from Teyvat here, and a handful of them are from Inazuma. There's also a few from Mondstadt and Liyue -- and at least one person from Snezhnaya.

Hah! Can't say I blame her, it all looks pretty good. [and most importantly it's free]

But geez, they're from all over, huh? I don't think I've met anyone from outside of Inazuma - not including you, of course.

[. . . okay look he tried to resist but they look so furry, he has to touch an ear] Did I miss these the first time around?

There's certainly a pretty high number of-- [EEP. He jumps a little when his ear is touched -- but doesn't move away from or bat at Itto's hand. And yes, they are as soft as they look, warm to the touch, and very much real.]

A-Ah, right, the ears... they're new, actually! Did they explain anything about Kizuna when you arrived? It can sometimes cause things like... this to appear.

[oh no this is great, he isn't being told to stop or beat up or yelled at so of course he's going to keep doing it. He's so delighted]

Cute~ I think so? About bonds and the magic here, right? They tried to explain it. [at least that much sunk in] But I don't think they mentioned anything like this.

[Meanwhile, this is the most anyone's actually gone for the ears so far, and it really does feel pretty nice?? Maybe he'll just let him keep going for a little while. This is fine.]

That's most of it. But the bonds themselves have side effects, and the way those side effects look can be pretty different. Usually my hair just changes color, and it wears off after a while. But then one day I got these instead, and-- they became permanent.

It can be a hassle to deal with sometimes, but you get used to it.

[this is fine indeed. He's being careful too, since y'know, nails. Letting him get away with it is just going to doom anyone else who has cute, furry ears]

I can see how they'd be a hassle, especially if they're permanent - but they don't seem so bad. They're pretty fluffy - definitely the fluffiest I've seen.

[RIP Gorou, basically. The nails could very well be a boon here, especially if he scratches behind one of them, just sayin'.]

I don't know if I'd call them that fluffy. You won't see too many here in Tokyo, but over in the West, most of the people you see are Yokai, so there's no shortage of people with fluffy ears. Especially in Kyoto, since it's mostly Kitsune.

Edited 2021-12-17 23:57 (UTC)

[Gorou is the most doomed, but now so is Aether because he's letting him in the first place. He is going to give a little scritch behind an ear though, it works on cats so maybe humans like it too??]

Mostly Yokai? I'll have to check it out.

—not just because there's more fluffy-eared people over there, of course.

It's a pretty nice place! I actually live over on that side, so I'm just here visiting for... the party...

[A h.]

[That actually feels really nice?? He trails off, leaning into Itto's hand a little bit. He hides it pretty well, but he is pretty exhausted from the lack of sleep he's been getting. And something like this is pretty soothing.]

[But more importantly--]

[It's still very quiet, but he is 100% starting to purr.]

[oh no that's adorable. Who would have thought the nails would be perfect for this? He laughs a little, keeping it up]

I don't mind wandering around by myself, but if you live over that way, maybe I'll ask you to show me around.

You really like this, huh? [a teasing lil tug on his ear before he returns to scritches]

[He seems to catch himself purring, and there's a brief moment where it stops-- but he has almost zero control over it, so it starts up again right after.]

W-Well, it... does feel pretty nice?

[...]

[Still not telling him to stop either.]

But I think this is the first time it's gotten this reaction. I guess it really did make me like a cat...

[he so isn't stopping, and really, if he does it's just to switch to the other ear. This is your fate now, Aether]

Haha, well, I bet it's because I'm a pro at this. [he wiggles the fingers of his free hand] See? Even got the nails for it and everything.

[He is oddly okay with this?? Maybe he should be a little more wary since he doesn't remember this guy and all, but he's not getting any bad vibes from him. And even if he were, it's not like he can't defend himself. He's fought dragons and archons, after all!]

[And now he's just enjoying some nice oni head scritches.]

I figured they had to be pretty long just by how it felt... is that an Oni thing, or do you just grow them out?

[And paint them, clearly.]

[maybe it's a little weird to be petting a guy you technically have only known for a few hours - but then again, that's all it took to endear him to Itto, so]

I grow 'em out. Only the horns are really an Oni thing nowadays, but years and years ago they used to have claws. I just think they look cool like this.

[he absolutely paints them]

[I sure hope Itto appreciates this as the one and only time Aether will legitimately think he's kind of cool and not just a nerd. Gonna make looking back on this meeting pretty funny, honestly.]

Well, they do look pretty cool. I wonder if the Oni in Inazuma used to be something like the Oni here? I've only ever met a few, but they seem to be pretty varied appearance-wise.

[the traveler thinks his nails look cool, he's going to cherish this moment]

There's Oni here? [Aether did mention Yokai, but he didn't expect any of his own kind. All the more reason to check out the West as soon as possible] A lot got weeded out over the years as the Oni integrated with humans, like claws and red or blue skin - so it's possible?

[He nods.]

I think they tend to live further West than Kyoto, but the ones I've seen look like the ones you just described -- with completely red or blue skin. Though I've also seen ones that looked more... purple.

[Doesn't take a genius to figure out what went on there. Red and Blue Oni gettin' along great.]

[oh, wow, that's unexpected. Both of his eyebrows shoot up in surprise]

Huh. I, uh - that's great, that they get . . . uh, get along and all. Not that we don't in Inazuma, but things are a little complicated there. At least for now.

Well, it is a different world.

[He'll refrain from pointing out the actual issue -- the way in which Hanyo are treated by full-blooded Yokai. Given Itto seems to fall more into the former category than the latter, there's no need to potentially get his mood down.]

The people here can learn to use magic, even without anything like a vision. If anything, it's a little strange that things are as similar as they are. Between the fashion and architecture, this place reminds me more of Inazuma than anywhere else I've been.

Yeah. Still, it's strange to hear - in a good way!

[he switches to the other ear now, because now he has to. Keeping things even, y'know?]

Without a vision? Really? [that's probably one of the weirdest things he's heard yet, and even then it's not really good or bad] When I first got here and looked around, I wasn't expecting a whole lot of familiarity, but - it's kind of been the opposite?

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