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Entry tags:
- !event,
- !npc,
- alchemy stars: navi,
- bungo stray dogs: ranpo edogawa,
- case study of vanitas: noé archiviste,
- d. gray man: allen walker,
- dogs: giovanni rammsteiner,
- elfen lied: lucy/nyuu,
- food fantasy: bloody mary,
- food fantasy: red wine,
- food fantasy: steak,
- genshin impact: aether,
- genshin impact: arataki itto,
- genshin impact: childe,
- genshin impact: diluc ragnvindr,
- genshin impact: gorou,
- genshin impact: kaedehara kazuha,
- genshin impact: kaeya alberich,
- genshin impact: scaramouche,
- genshin impact: vennessa,
- genshin impact: venti,
- genshin impact: xiao,
- genshin impact: zhongli,
- hades: hypnos,
- servamp: kuro,
- tales of arise: dohalim il qaras,
- tales of arise: law,
- tales of the abyss: luke fon fabre,
- xenosaga: albedo piazzolla
December | Event: With A Bang
With A Bang↲ OOC Plotting
Minimize
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."
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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no subject
[He's so caught off-guard by that little admission, that he hardly thinks about it when he asks the question that really shouldn't be asked--]
Is... there someone you are interested in, then?
[He doesn't know much at all about Scaramouche save for the basic details of his creation, and that he's kind of a pain in the ass to talk to if he doesn't like you -- a category that Aether happens to fall into. And while some part of him wonders whether trying to mend that gap between them would help make life here a little less complicated, another part of him really doesn't want to bother. For all that they keep crossing paths in terrible ways, there really was no reason they needed to get along, and Aether didn't exactly want to anyway.]
[But alas, the former seems to be winning tonight thanks to a persistent bit of abject curiosity.]
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He can't deny that he feels more than the usual annoyance and disgust around certain individuals, kizuna making it impossible to deny even if he were to attempt to. If he feels anything past the initial bond of, whatever it was, he's yet to acknowledge it to himself. Something of which he isn't about to do in front of someone he'd rather not be talking to right now.
Yet instead of a 'no' or 'it's none of your business', words he doesn't want to hear tumble out.]
I wouldn't be if he would stop acting like he cares--
[Scaramouche bites his tongue, eyes wide at the admittance. While it's not the worst he could have said, even that is too much for him. He doesn't have friends, he doesn't need them, and he's not weak towards people that show him even the slightest compassion and concern. He's a Harbinger, not some soft idiot.
His face is definitely slightly red.]
That isn't important! I'm not the one sleeping around, Traveler.
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l-lol.][Much like every encounter between them, he considers whether it would be better to just leave. But somehow, that feels like it would be losing in some way, so he doesn't want to. If Scaramouche doesn't want to talk, then he can be the one to leave!!]
I'm not sleeping around-- anymore.
[Though the truth spell is pretty annoying. Which is the only reason this happens--]
But maybe if you did, you'd be in a better mood for once.
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[The Harbinger latches on to anything to get his mind off of what he had just admitted, keep himself from thinking on what such an admission means, the whys. Feelings he doesn't want to look at.
Mocking the Traveler makes for an excellent distraction, it comes easy to him, something that's always been entertaining to him. Riling him up has always been fun, and he's ready to make some snide comments to fully draw his thoughts away from anything else when the Traveler says that.]
If it were that easy do you really think I wouldn't have done so already?
[While yes, he hadn't done anything of the sort since arriving in Nippon, he doesn't think it would change anything. Besides his good moods might not be considered an improvement to some.
Was that admitting he knew he wasn't happy? Something to think about another time.]
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[Bless whatever gods exist that he isn't forced to elaborate on that. Though arguably, what comes out instead is much worse.]
But I'm emotionally vulnerable enough right now that I'd probably sleep with anyone if I thought there was no risk of developing feelings for them, so maybe it's not that hard if you have no standards-- really?
[He can't even be mad at Scaramouche?? But why does that have to be true??]
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Thankfully Aether continues on rather quickly, not that what he says next is much better. Maybe asking questions he doesn't want the answer to would be preferable, because while seeing the Traveler so willing to admit vulnerabilities and troubles is entertaining, there's something that just feels wrong about it all.]
What happened to you?
[He can't help the confusion that spreads across his features, the way his tone grows softer as though he can't make fun of the man like this.]
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[So Scaramouche better buckle up, because he's about to get far more than anyone else, whether Aether wants to share that information or not.]
My sister disappeared and it broke our bond, the damage this world did to my soul became irreversible and I had to have them heal it in pieces, someone I thought was my friend led me on and broke my heart and I don't think I can ever forgive him, I had to give up my house because it was too painful to live there alone, I feel like I'm just intruding in the relationships of everyone around me, and I haven't slept for three weeks because everytime I close my eyes for more than an hour, I'm haunted by everything your world has done to me.
[He stops with a gasp, his expression looking-- well, understandably horrified.]
[Unsure of what to say or even what to do, all that comes out is a very soft--]
Did you... get all that?
no subject
What's actually been said however is interesting, the information slowly processing in his mind. Lumine is gone, which is a shame since she seemed far more interesting than the Traveler. Aether's soul is damaged, he's had his heart broken, and all of that seems fine enough if it doesn't get in the way. However given how the conversation was going, and how all their previous meetings in Nippon had been, it was something that was absolutely going to get in the way.]
You've gotten weaker than I remember.
[There's nothing to comment on when it comes to the man's sister, he knows what loss feels like, has had it consume him much as it has many others, but he doesn't care for the Traveler for this instance to bother him.]
You're far too soft you know. You need to sleep - I won't tolerate you dying from exhaustion. So you're dealing with loss, everyone does. That's just how life is, it hurts, and nothing makes it better. So if you want to intrude then do it, better that you embrace it. It's not your problem if anyone takes issue with it. They're your friends aren't they? They'll understand or you'll get rid of them. But honestly I'd trade you, a broken heart sounds a lot better than none at all.
[Scaramouche tenses up the moment the words pass his lips, gaze turning downward. The only good of saying things like that now is that they'll soon forget it all. He shakes his head, nothing he can do at this point.]
How am I ever to strike you down if you're too busy moping about.
no subject
Are you... trying to make me feel better?
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Scaramouche seems insulted that Aether would even dare imply he was attempting to make him feel better. Acting as though he wasn't a feared Harbinger, or that he was capable of anything remotely kind towards another person - that he could be kind towards someone he'd tried to kill.]
You're not fun like this.
[There's nothing further than selfish reasoning, and he's intent on telling it to himself and Aether until they both understand. He's not even good at this, so it wasn't as though he expected it to get very far.]
You're dwelling too much and that's not helping you. Sleeping around isn't going to help you either.
[A finger aggressively prods Aether's chest, the Harbinger glancing back up at him.]
You're the Mighty Traveler, capable of using the elements with barely any effort. Are you really going to let loss and heartbreak take you down? You're better than most, so start acting like it.
no subject
[He can deny it all he wants, make it sound like it's just for his own selfish desires -- but those selfish desires still involve putting Aether in a good mood. He still sounds a bit incredulous about it, but even if Scaramouche tried to insist otherwise, the truth spell overhead likely wouldn't let him.]
[And somehow, perhaps out of the sheer novelty of it all -- it puts a smile on his tired face, and even draws out a soft laugh.]
It sounds to me like you have a pretty big heart for a guy who claims not to have one at all.
no subject
[Aether could insist that what he was doing was attempting to improve his mood, but the Harbinger refuses to admit it to himself. His words dance around the subject, and he knows given the magic so far that he has no control on if he says the dreaded words or not. He's certainly against saying them, ready to clamp his own mouth shut if he has to.
That the Traveler finds some amusement in the whole ordeal only forces a scowl onto his face, wholly displeased with the laugh. Even if it was an improvement in the other man's mood, why he was supposedly saying the things he was, he doesn't have to seem happy about it. Not when it's at the thought of him making an attempt rather than the words he's actually spoken.]
It's hardly a claim. She never made me with one.
no subject
[..........]
[Okay, he'll revisit that in a second here, but this part can't just be glossed over.]
Hold on, did you-- did you just say you want to make me moan?
[BRUH, PHRASING]
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[Scaramouche doesn't see what's so confusing about what he's said so far, even the things he hasn't wanted to say seem to have come out clearly in his mind. He knows the Traveler isn't the smartest person around, but certainly he can understand what he's saying. The man isn't that dumb.]
You're moaning about how bad your life has been recently and I have nothing to do with any of it. It's not nearly as entertaining to listen to as it could be.
no subject
[............]
[Is it just a Thing with really really old people to accidentally talk in double entendre? The few eavesdroppers around them are giggling.]
You have to know what that sounds like.
no subject
[Was there something he was missing? Aether makes it sound that way, but going over the words in his head he still doesn't see what the issue is.
He ignores the quiet laughter off to the side, taking it more as people having their own conversations, or if they were listening - a horrifying thought - it was at the Traveler's confusion, not his own.]
It sounds like I'd get more enjoyment from being the one to put you in a fowl mood?
1/2
I believe your friend here is implying that your words suggest you wish to engage in sexual relations with one another. Why, if you're really looking to make him moan, why not put that mouth of yours to better use and--
[A nearby attendant clears his throat, and Katsuragi quickly straightens up
an impossible feat, clearlyand follows suit with a nod.]As you were, gentlemen.
[And there he goes.]
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His expression twists, a mix between confusion and insulted, ready to make it very clear that they are not friends when one of the attendants and takes the Emperor away. He's not certain if he likes the Emperor of the West.
Turning his attention back towards Aether, there's the faintest red dusted across his cheeks. His words sounded nothing of the sort, but if that was indeed what the Traveler was thinking his words meant then he needs to make something very clear.]
You're cute, but I'm not interested right now.
[Not... quite the words he wanted to use.]
no subject
--"right now"? What, as opposed to later!?
[Oh good, they have matching faces now.]
no subject
[This is by far the worst meeting he's had with the Traveler. The words have come out of his mouth and he knows what they mean, but he's certainly not ready to acknowledge any of that. Why can't Aether just pretend he didn't hear anything, make it easier on the both of them.]
I wasn't planning on changing my mind! Why is that the first thing you think of?
1/2
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[It's like a matryoshka of mortification. Every exchange of dialogue just spawns something new and much, much worse.]
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[Because there is no way he would ever make such comments as though they were some poor attempt at flirting, or propositioning. If he were to flirt - and it wouldn't be with the Traveler he's decided - it would be far better worded and very clear that it was flirting he was doing.
He huffs, crossing his arms in front of his chest. Okay, he can just say something to fix this.]
I can't say I'd be opposed, since you were so intent on having me think about it. I don't hate you that much.
[Or not.]
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Well, I wouldn't be opposed either. Almost everyone I've been with treats me like I'm made of glass, and you wouldn't.
And-- besides-- I don't want to hate you.
[Now it's firsthand shame.]
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Tucks this thread in