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

[Standing on tip-toe to try and meet Itto in the middle, Aether returns the kiss with just as much gusto, lips quickly parting as he groans into it. All thoughts about where they are and what they were just doing have gone out the window, and instead Aether finds himself longing to feel as much of Itto's skin beneath his fingertips as possible.]

[Despite what his youthful appearance may imply, he has far more experience with this than one might expect. As one hand draws down Itto's exposed midriff, the other rests on his cheek and smooths past it, until he can loop his hand around the back of Itto's neck to tug him down just a bit more. He finds himself wishing they were closer to the chairs, so he might shove Itto into one and climb into his lap--]

[Of course, they aren't exactly alone here, and they're starting to get something an audience -- a few dancers hooting and hollering at the two as if to cheer them on. But Aether isn't paying them any mind, focusing only on the feeling of Itto's warm body against his own.]

[he hears the dancers, and while normally he would love it, being the center of attention, he's a little too busy for that right now. He goes with the pull, leaning down into the kiss as much as he can without toppling them both - even though that's certainly an idea, pushing Aether to the ground to continue this -

In contrast, Itto has no idea what he's doing, having never been with anyone before. Not to say he's never wanted to, but the opportunity has never come around. But what he lacks in experience he makes up for with enthusiasm, and you don't have to be a genius to figure out that being touched is just as good as touching, and getting Aether as close as possible is incredibly necessary.

So he drops his hands to the traveler's hips, fingers slipping under the slash of his kimono to grip and draw him closer, his own groan getting lost somewhere in the kiss]

[With Itto pulling him even closer, Aether shifts his legs to better slot against his waist, allowing him to easily roll his hips against him. He can feel himself already starting to get hard, and he seems eager to get Itto on the same page ~~if only to make the inevitable walk of shame off the dance floor all the more comedic~~.]

[Honestly, the crane's effects aside, it's been a while since Aether's indulged in anything like this, even by himself. Perhaps it's just taking advantage of how pent up he's been to make things escalate this quickly. Already, his mind is taking in their difference in size to further build up the anticipation he feels, wondering how it would feel to ride an Oni. Even his hands are growing bolder, one sliding down between their bodies, intent on copping a feel for himself--]

[And just as Aether's hand reaches his belt buckle, the effects of the crane very abruptly wear off.]

[Of course, it's not going to undo the horny energy they've built up on their own. But it does return to them that heightened awareness of where they are and what they're doing with each other. Aether, in that moment, is too stunned to do anything but pull back from the kiss and stare.]

...huh?

[Aether doesn't have to worry about Itto being on the same page ~~for ultimate walk of shame~~; the movement earns a deep noise and Itto's hands tightening on his hips, wordless encouragement to keep doing it. Another noise as Aether's hand moves down to his belt - and his own fingers fumble over to find where the traveler's sash is knotted—

As the crane's effects wear off he immediately realizes two things; one, is that despite no previous interest, not just in Aether that way but anyone, he would not be opposed to doing that again. and two . . . okay, it's a little embarrassing making out with someone in the middle of a party, but it only has a little to do with having an audience. Is he more shameless than he thought??

- anyway, he stares back, also stunned and a little red, but then he's a flurry of movement, jerking his hands up to Aether's shoulders to push him to arm's distance while he a couple of steps back]

Wh—what the heck, why does that keep happening?!

[It's delayed, but eventually the reality of what they just did finally sinks in -- or rather, his eyes finally trail downward enough for him to see the results of his handiwork. A man could camp under that tent.]

[But that just has him growing more flustered, face red as he awkwardly shifts in place and hope the folds of his kimono make things less obvious for himself.]

I-I don't know! There has to be some kind of spell affecting us--

[He looks around, and then up -- and when he spies the rather out of place paper crane over their heads, his eyes narrow.]

That thing wasn't there a minute ago.

[he's not looking down, thank you. In fact, he joins Aether in looking up, where it's safer and he doesn't have to acknowledge that maybe he'll have to close up the front of his kimono for a while]

There's a spell that can - uh, cause that? [geez, the magic was wild here. He spots the crane too, eyebrows furrowing] You think it's that?

Magic can do almost anything in this world. And... to be honest, it wouldn't be the first time I've seen magic with an effect like this.

[This world is too horny??]

[But now he's looking around, seeing more of the little paper cranes scattered here and there along the ceiling.]

Someone must be playing a prank. If they were part of the party, I'd imagine they'd be designed not to stand out so much.

[why is this world so horny??]

Geez, that's some magic. [he has decided that he hates it, a decision he will one day change, maybe. Who knows]

I thought pranks were supposed to be funny - or harmless, at least. [the good kind, anyway. It's probably good, though, that he can't reach any of them to tear them up - who knows how that might backfire] Stupid things—

C'mon, before another one gets us. Now I want to sit down.

[Oh................ did he dislike kissing him that much? Maybe he should try and keep his distance, just in case they pass by another.]

[Well, he nods. And thankfully, the chairs are right there, so they don't have to go too far to sit down. Honestly, after all that, he's not exactly feeling tired anymore. But it was nice to sit down and relax for a little while--]

[And watch as one of those cranes flies over towards them. They can move?? Why can they move, that's cheating??]

[Alas, all he has time to do is point up to it and then--]

I beat the Raiden Shogun in a fight.

[...a h.]

[that's part of the problem, he liked it, he just doesn't like that it was a spell making him do it.

He sits down next to Aether - and immediately crosses his legs, ok maybe that is a little embarrassing too - but - why is it coming near them? Oh no—]

—you what? [he was expecting another kiss, not a - confession?] When?!

[how in the world did he miss that]

Er... well.

[All right, so also confirming that Itto doesn't know who Aether really is -- he's starting to think that maybe they just happened to cross paths in some way. Then again, it's not like he went around advertising himself as the hero who saved Inazuma's people or something.]

[...advertising himself as the mighty traveler who beat a dragon and a harbinger is different, clearly!]

I guess... sometime before she ended the vision hunt decree?

[He's not lying, but he's leaving some pretty important information out right now.]

[if it was before that . . . he had been more focused on trying to get his vision back, and that meant making a lot of noise and making himself into a bigger menace than ever, especially for Kujou Sara. The unfortunate side was a lot of what he heard going on in the city was second hand, since the commission really don't like when you're a pain in the neck.

He opens his mouth to respond, but pauses - when they last saw each other, the soldiers had known him, like he was important despite claiming otherwise . . . ]

You said you weren't a big deal. I think defeating the Shogun's a pretty big deal!

I can't really argue against that, can I? But I had my reasons for saying otherwise.

[He can't be 100% sure, of course, but after everything that happened in Inazuma as a result of his reputation, maybe it would be better if he just went back to being a nameless traveler. He didn't really need people thinking of him as some kind of all-powerful hero when 99% of the time it just brought him trouble.]

I hope this doesn't change your impression of me too much?

[he huffs and crosses his arms, but he couldn't pull off a genuine annoyed expression even if he tried. Defeating the Shogun is a huge deal, but . . . ]

It probably should. [and in a way it does, but probably not in the way Aether would expect] But if you had your reasons for not saying anything, I guess I can understand that.

Besides, my impressions of you come from something just as important.

[. . . well, at least to him]

[Whether it did or not ultimately doesn't matter, as long as he doesn't start treating him like some kind of bigshot. That's the last thing he wants, really.]

Oh? What do they come from, then?

[Did they meet in some kind of special way, maybe?]

From helping me and my family out.

[he laughs a little, scratching at his cheek] Putting it like that doesn't make it sound like a big deal, but - you were supposed to arrest me. Instead, you stuck around after hearing what was really going on, and because of that we were able to rescue a bunch of people and stop a blockhead Oni from doing something stupid.

Not a lot of folks would do that.

[. . . he coughs, clearing his throat] Anyway, defeating the Shogun is cool and all, but not as cool as helping out the Arataki Gang.

[...]

I'd say that sounds like a pretty big deal to me. What could be more important than family?

[If someone's family was in trouble, he's certain he would have had a hard time turning down any requests for help, regardless of who they were -- or offering his assistance whether it was wanted or not.]

...wait, why was I arresting you?

Ah . . . aha, this all started because the Kairagi were going around robbing and kidnapping people. My guys saw an Oni at one of the crime scenes with different colored horns than mine [he reaches up to tap at one of his horns] so I had to get involved to find out why he'd be caught up with them.

I took the blame for the crimes in the meantime, and went on the run to track down the real criminals and Takuya, the other Oni. So, the Tenryou Commission sent you after me.

[He took... the blame...]

[He's getting a much better picture of the kind of guy he's dealing with now. Dumbass with a heart of gold, it seems.]

I guess that's one way of doing it... but were you able to clear your name in the end?

[he's trying his best, okay, even if his best is "lie about being a criminal"]

For that, yeah! The real bad guys got arrested. Takuya too, but he isn't in as much trouble as the Kairagi.

[...]

I, uh . . . still got arrested, though. I beat up a bunch of the soldiers they sent and they kind of don't like when you do that, no matter what the reason.

...yeah, they don't really appreciate that.

[Says the guy who has also fought his fair share of soldiers at some point or another during his time in Inazuma smh.]

But hopefully they'll be a little more lenient given the circumstances. It'd be a shame to see you punished for just trying to help someone... even if the methods were a little rash.

But I can't exactly say I haven't gotten into my fair share of trouble during my travels, after all.

They might, we're pretty familiar with each other. [Itto getting arrested a lot is not being "familiar" with people] But then again, they believed it was me so easily . . .

Ehh, either way, I get a comfy place to sleep for a few days.

Worse trouble than that?

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spoilers for itto's story quest

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