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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[That makes two of them. Zhongli was not keen on how public this conversation was, let alone the fact it was clearly mortifying Aether.

Not that it is particularly stopping him from responding, because even when he intends to occupy his mouth with drink, one thing Aether says demands an instant response.]

Do not call yourself that. Emotional and physical intimacy is nothing to feel shame over, when all parties are in agreement and enjoying themselves. If anything I am glad-- Childe cherishes you, as do I. Why would I have issue with it?

[Neither Childe or Zhongli had many close friends, people they could truly be themselves around. That Aether was one of them spoke volumes.]

As for... Childe and I, there is nothing to 'get between', at least... nothing we've spoken of.

[Said hesitantly, because there's something to be sure, but... putting a name on it yet escapes the both of them.]

We deeply enjoy each other's company and are certainly intimate, but neither of us have expected such a thing as hm... what do mortals call it?

[He pauses, considering. Monogamy implied something more... official, than they were. But...] Exclusivity?

Edited 2021-12-24 03:53 (UTC)

[...oh.]

[Ever since things fell apart with a certain someone, he's been rather on edge with regards to certain relationships in his life, worried that he might make the same mistakes -- or that those mistakes might have already been made, and can no longer be undone. But he didn't exactly know how to address something like that -- more so, given the incident in question isn't one he wants to talk about anymore.]

[Perhaps that's why he feels immediately relieved and at ease at Zhongli's rather simple answer. So... this was okay? He wasn't going to lose their friendship should his own feelings ever blossom into something more than that?]

[It feels like a physical burden has been lifted off his shoulders -- one of the many that's been weighing him down this past month. And though his face is still quite red from the earlier focus of the conversation, his expression has melted into a soft smile.]

[He opens his mouth intending to say something about what a relief that is to hear, and how grateful he is that Zhongli is such a kind and understanding person, and that Aether really appreciates their friendship and it would make him happy to explore something more intimate between them.]

[But this thread started out way too cursed for something that pure, so what actually comes out is--]

I would hope so, since Childe already told me it was both of us he--

[CLAPS HIS HAND OVER HIS MOUTH]

[...]

[Just gonna grab Zhongli by the hand and start dragging him away somewhere else. Why didn't they do this earlier?? They're both dumb smh.]

[Kind and understanding? Maybe, by some points of view. Zhongli understood the benefits of monogamy from a social aspect, but not all societies or even eras had expected such a thing, and he certainly had no intentions of enforcing such ideals on those he cared for. To expect a restrictive contract when none had been drawn or discussed was ridiculous, especially in such a place as this.

Mostly, though... he did not want Aether to talk down to himself. Aether was a precious friend, someone he would not tolerate being talked down... by others, or by himself. If only he could see how brightly he shines, see himself as others do.

And he would have said as much, if this thread wasn't as cursed as it was.]

Aether? You...

[And then Aether is covering his own mouth, dragging Zhongli along with him. The poor ex-archon is left stumbling after his much shorter friend for a brief moment thanks to their height difference.]

[Alas, Zhongli is being dragged well away from the groups of people on the party floor and into one of the more out of the way hallways that lead to the deserted upper floors. But he stops short of going that far, just wanting to make sure they were away from any prying ears and eyes -- and hopefully out of range from whatever was causing the truth telling.]

[At which point he turns, cheeks still red as he looks up at Zhongli.]

...guess we should've done this from the start, huh. Things like that have been happening all night.

[Zhongli lets out a huff of a sigh when they finally stop, reaching up to straighten his jacket and tie with a slightly sheepish look.]

Perhaps you are right.... I have not had a great many run-ins myself, thankfully.

[That doesn't mean he's not mortified now. There's still the barest hint of color to his cheeks as he coughs discreetly.]

At the very least we have some privacy now.

[He nods, the color in his cheeks only growing when he sees Zhongli is just as flustered as he is. Privacy had it's own problems, it seems.]

[It would be easy to change the subject and just pretend none of that happened, but seeing as he is staying with him and Childe, it would only make things awkward not to clear the air. And he's rather tired of things being awkward between him and the people he cares about. But at least this way, they could hopefully talk normally.]

Say... did you really mean all of that back there?

[Is he referring to the feelings or the threesome? It's a mystery.]

[Well hey, changing the subject and pretending things never happened is what Zhongli and Childe have been good at so far--

But Zhongli would rather be honest with Aether. If he did not find offense in his bold openness earlier, then this would be a chance to hopefully make things clearer between he and his traveling friend, if Aether was agreeable.]

...I did. Even if I had been capable of lying at the time, which I likely was not-- [Because these cranes were rather awkward like that.] I would not lie about such things to you.

[The fact that his expression blooms into a soft smile likely indicates he was asking about the latter as opposed to the former -- though seeing as Zhongli's answer would apply to both, the flush in his cheeks still remains.]

I was hoping that was the case. To be honest, it's something I've been worrying about for a little while now, but I wasn't really sure how to bring it up.

My only experience with relationships like this have been here, and... they haven't all been good experiences. [...] So the last thing I wanted to do was do something that might ruin our friendship. With you, and with Childe.

[Zhongli's expression softens slightly, something sad flickering in his gaze for a brief moment. Both because he wished that Aether had not experienced that pain, and because he wished Aether could perhaps trust the both of them more. But pain could alter someone's expectations beyond what was true, and he knew that.

Zhongli reaches over, fingers brushing lightly against Aether's cheek before he cups his face with gentle care.]

I am old, Aether. Perhaps too old, in some manners-- but that is precisely why I cherish those close to me so deeply. Such a thing would not bother me, nor would it damage our friendship. As I said before: to me, the fact that Childe and I both cherish you only makes me happier, because your happiness brings me happiness.

[His gaze falters for a moment, shifting to somewhere over Aether's shoulder.] And if I expected such a contact of... lovers [Such a term felt almost inaccurate, now.] I would have already discussed such a thing.

[He can guess why Zhongli's expression shifts the way it does. Much as he'd rather forget it, he knows he can't just pretend that he didn't have his own heart broken -- nor that it hasn't colored the way he views relationships now. It's a context that's important to share, even if it's hardly a happy thing. But perhaps something warmer and more positive may help shift his way of thinking.]

[Still, as Zhongli's gaze falls to the side, he can't help but lean into it, looking up at him with a little smile.]

You know, talking about all of this, it only just occurred to me... we haven't even kissed before. It kinda feels like we've skipped a few steps.

[Talking 'bout threesomes and having borderline "what are we" conversations when they haven't even smooched yet should feel weirder than it does. Perhaps it's because of their mutual intimacy with Childe that this somehow feels natural?]

[In all truth, Zhongli was not a practiced man in romance. Living a life such as he has had not made such intimacies easy. His first contract, his first promise, was an act of devotion in and of itself, and one he held above all else, including any connections as an individual.

Even now, after all the poetry and art he's studied over his long life, such emotions are something he struggles with. But now... now he has a chance to consider his own feelings, as Zhongli, not Rex Lapis, the archon with a nation of people to put before his own desires.

Two fingers tuck beneath Aether's chin, gently bringing his chin upward to meet his eyes-- a soft smile on his lips.] I suppose I should remedy that, shouldn't I?

[They both already know the mutual interest is there. It was simply a matter of properly showing it. Which Zhongli plans to do right now, as he leans down to gently brush his lips against Aether's, his other hand coming up to curl gently against the back of his neck.]

[The moment their lips meet, Aether feels a strong flutter in his chest, as though all the little moments they've shared up until now were building up to this. He stands on tip-toe, trying in some small way to meet Zhongli in the middle -- though it hardly makes a difference with the height difference between them.]

[How many times has he thought of doing exactly this up until now? It almost feels strange to have put it off for as long as he did. The kizuna between them feels warm and comfortable, but also exciting and new--]

[But as the kiss breaks, and Aether becomes all too aware of just how red-faced he's become, he quickly redirects and more or less faceplants into Zhongli's ~~tiddies~~ chest.]

[It's an expression Zhongli may have only seen for a moment, but surely the way Aether's hair completely changes to match Zhongli's says far more about how much he enjoyed that than anything else. It's definitely the most dramatic hair-related Kizuna effect he's had so far, with only a few scant threads of blonde left.]

We should... do that again.

[He says, not moving. Is he steaming a little bit, too?? Probably.]

[How many times has Zhongli thought of this? Perhaps a few too many times to count. Aether was far more charming than he perhaps realized, and Zhongli had not lied when he admitted how much he cherished his companionship, the ease he felt around him.

Though perhaps 'ease' does not describe the heat that sparks in his veins when their kiss breaks and Aether leans into him, allowing him both the warmth of his smaller body against his and a chance to see the obvious change that's come over Aether.

To know he'd enjoyed a kiss from Zhongli so much that his hair had taken on the same shade as his own.... it roused something terribly proud and pleased in his chest, arms curling around Aether's waist to tug him just a tiny bit closer.]

We should.

[His voice seems to pitch just the smallest bit deeper, a little more roughness to his tone.

...Zhongli was not a particularly possessive god, in practice. But he did quite enjoy knowing he's left an impression.] Perhaps we should also find somewhere more comfortable for us both to enjoy some privacy.

[With his arms wrapped around Aether, he'll feel the shiver that runs down Aether's spine at the tone of Zhongli's voice. He's plenty familiar with it by now, but there's just something different about hearing it in this context...]

[His fingers curl into the fabric of Zhongli's shirt, before he peeks back up at him -- his golden eyes looking far more gold than usual with the darker hair for contrast.]

I'd like that. Lead the way?

[Of course, he has to step back for them to move -- but he makes sure to seek out one of Zhongli's hands first, holding it firmly in his own.]

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December | Event: With A Bang

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