December | Event: With A Bang

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With A Bang↲ OOC Plotting

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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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[baneofallevil]

[ Having known Venti for as long as he has? It's easy to pick up on things, and in this case? The fact the other was so quiet the entire time, told him that Venti was just as worried about the upcoming possible reset as he was.

If this were a physical enemy he could take down to solve the problem? He already would have done so, and without question. This whole situation was out of his usual realm of expertise, and maybe that's a part of why this whole looming prospect did scare him so much. For now he just took comfort in this second, dancing with Venti up until that moment the song began to wind down to it's end.

Then there were lips against his cheek that brought Xiao back to the present, alongside the smile as his arms tightened just a little around the other. ]

I love you too, Venti.

[ He'd remain there like this until his boyfriend said or did otherwise, as he did say something about going somewhere quiet to talk after that dance. ]

[notgrande]

[ He gives it a moment - being comfortable in the other's arms like this - before he'll decide to step back and take Xiao's hand. Somewhere quiet. It's important for them to talk about this event coming up. It's important for them to see how the other feels about what may happen. But even should nothing happen, Venti knows that it's a good time to just say what they must and leave nothing up to fate. He likes the idea of not leaving things unsaid between them anyway.

He slots his fingers between the other's as he grips his hand, green eyes locked onto his face for a few moments before he guides Xiao towards a private room. He's sure that it's meant for something else, but it's nice and quiet and the perfect place to talk. And that's precisely what he intends to use it for.

He hadn't said anything as they moved there. Xiao already knew Venti's intention since he had made it clear. But he will speak up once they're alone. ]

I like the quiet.

[ He's not sure, now that he's here, what to say. He's never had issues with words, but this seems so delicate. ]

Are you worried that we could wake up tomorrow and...this is what it was the day we ran into each other here?

[baneofallevil]

[ There was absolutely no questions asked as Venti grasped his hand with their fingers intertwined sweetly, and just went with him to the room that was separated from the loud party going on around them. It was much quieter here, which allowed him better focus on his boyfriend and less on the numerous sounds that almost had begun to make his head hurt.

He considered the question asked of him, brows drawing into a small frown. That was a very good thing to consider amidst the possibility of things going that way because the first time they ran into each other here had been very different and there may not be any solid promise things would flow so smoothly as it had here.

It may have been selfish but Xiao couldn't see himself going through a world without being able to see Venti smile, the way he held his hand and showed him so much kindness and gentleness that he learned to love. To know that he was worth that love from someone else who he'd long since admired from afar, and knew that they loved him this much in turn. ]

...I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. This... you... I don't want to lose everything we've went through these past months.

[ This was the first time he'd ever admitted such a thing to Venti, a quiet and honest thing he had no intentions of hiding from him. ]

[notgrande]

[ Sure, he didn't know the answer exactly, but he had a feeling that Xiao was worried. He was worried, too. It was hard not to be at least a little concerned. He's lot a lost in his life, but Xiao... Xiao has been a part of it for so long, even from a distance. And while Venti wouldn't forget him, to know that he could forget almost a year's worth of building a life, a relationship, was unsettling. He had a happiness with Xiao that he hadn't felt for -- well, he's not sure. It was so natural for him to love him.

Part of him thought that deep within him, even with a reset, those memories would never fade. He loved Xiao that much.

His eyes fall, shifting to their hands - fingers intertwined between them. And he speaks earnestly. ]

Me too.

[ It runs so much deeper, though. ]

I'm so afraid that we'll lose these months together, Xiao.

[ His attention shifts up towards Xiao's face so he can watch the other's face. He wants to catch the smallest shifts in his expression as he listens to what Venti is about to say. ]

I had to tell myself something, though.

[ He lets out a quiet breath, a small breeze kicking up around them. ]

It took me over two-thousand years to realize I was waiting for you, Xiao. And if things were to reset... I think I would wait two-thousand more years to feel the way that you make me feel. I would, without a doubt, find you again. I'm sure of it.

[baneofallevil]

[ Even when Xiao reminded himself that it wasn't like the memory of each other would be erased, it didn't take away from the fact that they'd spent these months learning things about each other. Nurturing this love of theirs to where it had budded into what it was today, and he didn't want them to almost go back to being essentially strangers again.

Where he watched and admired this beautiful individual from the sidelines while his heart would ache from a love he would no longer remember.

He didn't want to give up their home, all the times they'd been there for each other down to the occasional time when he had carried his drunken boyfriend home from a bar. Sure, he sighed and told him he should maybe not drink as much but he'd always tended to Venti and took care of him, tucking him into bed and helping with the ensuing hangover. Every moment was still precious to him, every smile and warm touch like the one they shared now.

This moment belonged to them too, and Venti had his absolute attention here. Knowing his boyfriend shared his fear of losing those memories of theirs was something of a comfort, gaze scanning over the other's face until those beautiful eyes met his. Not even the breeze blowing around them was enough to distract him, quietly listening until Venti had finished and the emotional impact set into his chest in a way he could never truly put into words. ]

I...

[ Xiao's throat felt tight and he couldn't find what he wanted to say, eyes wide with surprise. His eyes began to take on more of a soft teal hue, and eventually a small, gentle smile soon fell across his lips. ]

...For so many years, my life only had purpose as the Vigilant Yaksha. My duty was taking care of Liyue and it's people... yet there had always been an emptiness there. I did not realize it was because of how I yearned for the company of that one who saved me that fateful night, the one who's face I could never forget along with the music that made an impression on me.

[ Sure enough, a few stray tears ran down his pale cheeks but they weren't ones of sadness. Not like the last time he'd ever shed tears in front of the archon before him. ]

You helped me realize that I was... lonely. That I lacked the company of the one I loved, not knowing even that I was capable of it.

[ There was nothing bitter or really all that sad on his face, not entirely. Not when his gaze landed now on their hands and how the touch made him feel, not realizing the wispy, dark wings that kizuna materialized from his back. Ones that looked somewhat like the ones Venti bore as Barbatos, but darker, closer to black. ]

You... were the piece I had been missing and I would wait until the end of time if it meant having you back in my life the way you are right now.

[notgrande]

[ He wondered how he had gone so long without loving someone the way he loves Xiao. While he had brief, romantic interludes in his life, he was always drifting away. Nothing he ever involved himself in lasted very long. But he found that he was always going back to Xiao. Even at home, he found himself always wanting to be a part of the Yaksha's life.

He knows now that he's loved Xiao for a long, long time. But a year ago, he didn't. He leans a little into Xiao, smiling as he caught only a glimpse of those wings. ]

Xiao, you are the love of my life.

[ He brings their hands to his lips, and kisses Xiao's knuckles. His mark on his chest glows bright, even visible through the fabric of his clothes. Small scales start to randomly appear on his hands and arms. ]

And no matter what happens, we will find each other. I promise. Today, you should kiss me.

[baneofallevil]

[ Just the simplicity of hearing Venti say such a thing filled his chest with that warmth he'd come to love so much. Every smile, every sweet gesture and being able to see those beautiful eyes gaze at him in such a way were just a few reasons why he loved him as much as he did.

As the Venti kissed his knuckles, the tattoo on his right shoulder began to glow as well. He didn't need a verbal response to the archon's words, not when it was more than obvious thanks to the smile on his face or the manifestation of kizuna that said what words couldn't. ]

Of course. Nothing in the world could keep me from you.

[ It's rare, but he can't help but chuckle softly and nod his head. Xiao moved in with slow steps and first kissed his boyfriend's forehead, then his cheek and then finally pressing a sweet, gentle kiss to the other's lips. ]

[notgrande]

[ Love is so simple, and yet so complicated. Venti loves the feeling he gets simply by being around Xiao. He loves the feeling he gets when he sees Kizuna on the other. He loves the way Xiao seems to light up warms Venti from the inside out. He presses into the kiss, a hand moving gently over his love's cheek.

This man, this man is the love of his life. And they have spent months together where this has been fact. And the thought of losing him, or not having the love frightened him. He pulls away from the kiss, nuzzling in close. ]

It's exactly as you said. Nothing can keep me from you, Xiao.