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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Mm, that, right now, is also a preference of mine.

[there's a pause, before Dohalim laughs softly, shaking his head]

I... Am not sure I'd be the best company, but if you're up for it, I'm also fair game.

[after all, Dohalim would rather the physical contact than being trapped in his own head. he raises his glass to Aether]

To our past lamentations. May they stop haunting us, even though I feel they never will.

I haven't slept more than an hour at a time since November. I can't imagine I'm any better.

[There's some deep, deep sleep deprivation going on in that trauma-addled mind of his right now. Perhaps almost as hard as dealing with that is the effort he's been making not to let it show, which might just explain why he's finding it nice to just give in and commiserate with someone else who is just as miserable as he is.]

[He raises his glass in turn, before nearly draining that one as well. They should have brought a second bottle, perhaps. Especially given what the crane makes him say next--]

Actually, I probably can't even get it up, I'm so tired.

[...]

[JUST HANGS HIS HEAD WITH A SIGH]

...Ah.

[well, as sleep deprived as he is most nights (usually not being able to sleep without the help of some sort of nightcap), Dohalim can't say he's that sleep deprived. at least, at some point throughout those restless nights, he had been able to get more than an hour, more or less (though, then again, he considers anything longer than four hours a success). he feels for Aether, and relates to him on some deep level. he's already had a little help with his own hang ups, maybe he can help with Aether's.

Dohalim slowly pushes himself up with a sigh, propping himself up with one arm as he leas over to gently brush his hand through Aether's hair, before stopping to cup the side of his face]

Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?

[Aether doesn't look up until he feels Dohalim's hand on his face. It occurs to him only now that Dohalim is probably the only person to know exactly how severe things have gotten. He may have told Diluc about the insomnia and the pain he was carrying, but even with Diluc, he couldn't be 100% honest about everything that was bothering him.]

[Because it was far more than one thing. Everything separate would be painful, but manageable. But everything happening all at once, and with the possibility of time resetting and being forced to go through it all over again weighing on his mind, it's reached a point where it's too much for him to handle. Which in and of itself, isn't something he's used to feeling. Or at least, never alone.]

[Which is why, when he opens his mouth to speak and once more try to double down on not talking about it, what comes out instead--]

--I miss my sister.

[of all the things Dohalim was expecting Aether to say, the fact that he's missing his sister wasn't one of them. though, he could relate to it on some level. having to contend with his own emotions of abandonment (both from the past and recently, having lost two friends he'd made in Nippon); the fact that Dohalim holds people close to his heart almost as closely, he can almost feel the pain Aether must be going through]

I am sorry.

[what more can he say on the matter? aside from the nagging need of commiseration, to let slip something anecdotally relatable in hopes of comforting the blond]

I also understand completely. You feel empty, but heavy at the same time, yes?

I don't know how I feel. It just... hurts.

[Even now, sometimes he swore he could still feel the ache in his chest from when their bond snapped as she vanished right before his very eyes. Was it the proximity? The strength of the bond they shared? Or because his soul had already been so heavily damaged? Maybe it's all of the above.]

She was here for a little while. But... now she's gone.

I don't even know when I'll see her again. Because before I came here, I was traveling and searching for her after we were separated. And she's... the only family I have.

[ah, yes, that all too familiar pain of bonds being broken; when those he'd met here had left, he, too, felt that pain of his bonds breaking. though, it didn't seem to hurt him as much as it seemed to hurt Aether; is it possible because of the closeness he'd shared with his sister? or, is it the more tragic idea that Dohalim, himself, is so used to carrying a deep pain in his own heart that it... just didn't seem to claim him as badly as it did to the other? the magic here is still such a mystery to him, but that's something he'll figure out later, when he doesn't have more important things, and people, to tend to.

letting go of Aether for a moment, Dohalim shifts around carefully, so not to fall over, sliding closer to him, before gently wrapping an arm around Aether's shoulders and pulling him against his chest]

There is not much I can say about this, but I do understand what it's like to feel alone. But... At least she is still alive?

[As soon as he's pulled in closer, he leans in and rests against Dohalim. Despite really not knowing much at all about each other, the kizuna flowing between them seemed to increase with the change in position, causing the end of Aether's ponytail to start tinting the same color red as Dohalim's hair.]

She is, but it's... complicated. Complicated in a way that it wasn't while she was here.

[If she was simply alive and well back in Teyvat, he'd still be sad, but the pain of her absence would be less so, he thinks. It's the added complications and uncertainties that make it that much harder to exist without her.]

Something happened to her in the time we spent apart that... changed her. She became the sort of person who would hurt innocent people, and align herself as an enemy of humanity.

So even if I do find her again... if she remembers everything that happened, then... I still don't know what I'll do.

[There's an uncharacteristic sense of hopelessness in his words. This is arguably the lowest point he's reached in a long time -- all while carrying the weight of so many things on his little shoulders, without anyone else to shoulder the burden. And the alcohol and sleep deprivation haven't really helped matters, either.]

[Dohalim is becoming more and more aware of the fact that he's really not good at comforting people on such a personal level like this; he's good at providing relief from physical injuries, or meeting the needs of an entire group of people as a whole. he knows where his strength lies when it comes to other people, but this... this is a little too outside of his abilities. he can't let go of his own personal matters, so he's not sure how much he can offer Aether aside from what he's doing right now.

perhaps he's more ignorant of what people around him want and need, and what he can offer and provide. what does he say to something as heavy as this? Dohalim finds his mind racing, trying to pick at something, anything he could say to Aether, to give him faith in an otherwise hopeless situation. it's ridiculous, he'd been able to give motivational speeches to the people of his realm, give them uplifting words and pull them out of their own tumult. sure, it'd been for his own selfish purposes, but the people were happy. and he likes to think that he had a hand in their happiness. but even that was ignorant in and of itself, all things considered, and all things he chose to ignore.

Dohalim lets out a soft sigh and lifts his other arm, wrapping it around Aether, pulling him into an embrace. hopefully, as a sign of empathy, empathy he just can't seem to put into words]

...I will admit... I'm not sure what I can say, right now. I want to ease your pain, but I am rather... Obtuse at times. My apologies.

[Vaguely, it occurs to him that he's never actually expressed these thoughts out loud. They've always been there in the back of his mind, that worry that he may never actually reconnect with his sister, that his journey has been entirely futile, and that things would never go back to the way they were before they were separated. Maybe it was unrealistic to hope that they somehow could, but... would he really be able to carry on with his journey if he didn't believe they would someday reunite? He's not so sure...]

[But he's pulled out from those sad thoughts when Dohalim gently pulls him into an embrace. It wasn't a comfort he was expecting -- in truth, he wasn't expecting anything. Awkward moments and physical intimacy aside, Aether may as well be a stranger to him.]

[After Lumine disappeared and shattered their bond, after he broke down and wept from the pain of his fractured soul, and after telling the healer to simply fuse it together in an eternally fractured state-- after all that, Aether told himself he wouldn't cry anymore. He was tired of feeling so fragile all the time. Wasn't that the whole point of healing his soul in the first place?]

[And yet as he moves to lean against Dohalim in turn, he can feel his eyes beginning to sting with tears -- and quickly takes a deep breath, fighting to blink them back.]

...I don't think think there's anything anyone could say that would make me feel better about it.

But... I can't talk to a lot of people about this, so just this much, it-- it helps.

[strangers they may be (Dohalim has to make a mental note to actually ask Aether's name, at some point), he's more than okay to be whatever kind of support Aether needs at the moment... even though he feels he's doing a poor job of doing so. but feeling him lean against his chest does tell him that he's doing something right, at least.

and although Dohalim isn't sure if Aether's saying that only to reassure him, he's glad to be able to do this.

moving around again, but still not letting go, Dohalim stretches his legs out a little and settles Aether in between them, tucking his head under his chin. Dohalim eyes those furry ~~cute~~ cat ears, reaching up to gently rub at them in an attempt to provide more comfort]

I am more than willing to lend an ear if you so need. If I cannot offer you any wise words, at least let me offer to listen.

[The shift in position feels even more comforting than the last, with Aether held almost protectively against Dohalim's chest. Drawing a deep breath, he breathes out with a shudder, unable to stop the few tears that flow down his cheeks. But despite that, he really does feel better like this, feeling as though he doesn't have to hold back just for the sake of it.]

[He nods before briefly falling silent, as though considering whether or not to take up Dohalim's offer. But after a few moments, he decides to speak up again.]

Before she disappeared, I... I had a bad falling out with a friend, too. I told him I was falling in love with him, and when he rejected me, he almost broke our bond over it.

Everyone's told me I should talk to him to try and fix things, but... after how he talked to me the last time we met... I don't even know if I want to be friends anymore.

[Dohalim has no idea the true extent of just how cathartic this actually is for Aether. When he says he can't talk about these things, he means it -- everything is intrinsically tied to all the people he knows back in Teyvat, many of whom are here in Nippon. Trying to share his own feelings would no doubt end with unwanted advice to try and make both sides happy -- when really, Aether knows he needs to start focusing on himself and his own happiness. Otherwise, he may just never sleep again.]

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December | Event: With A Bang

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