jikan_rpg | December | Event: With A Bang

December | Event: With A Bang

Minimize

In the weeks following that rather heavy announcement, anxiety and unease become familiar emotions among the refugees. Eventually, rumors begin circulating throughout the city, as the "first" anniversary of the time loop's end draws ever closer. Even without concrete evidence, it seems some among the native population have started to believe that time will simply loop again as well.

But the refugees have more than a few powerful allies on their side, and with a little bit of work and a little bit of love, they'll find a way to move forward into next year.

For The Big Night

As the day of the potential loop draws near, all refugees will find themselves receiving a special invitation to a Winter Gala being held at the Imperial Palace in Nihonbashi on the night of the 24th. The refugees themselves are the guests of honor, with the Emperor of the East scheduled to be making an appearance. Surely this can't be a coincidence, right?

But unlike the casual atmosphere of the Western Emperor, here in the East, this is likely to be a far more formal affair. Thankfully, they'll have a few opportunities to prepare themselves before the Gala itself.

Dance Dance Perpetuation Yoshiwara, Tokyo
For a fancy Winter Gala being held in the Imperial Palace, it goes without saying that there's going to be dancing. And for those who don't know how, they'll find a certain dance troupe in Yoshiwara is offering free lessons for all refugees attending the Gala.

The dances range from a formal Waltz to traditional dances native to Nippon, with the instructors patiently teaching the steps and correcting dancers as they practice in their studio. They even offer to let the Refugees borrow some of their costumes to practice dancing in more restrictive wear.

But their patience has a limit, and their offer, an ulterior motive. Because the costumes they offer are no ordinary costumes. Built into the fabric is a special magic-conducive material that connects to a small magi-tech device hidden under the collar of each outfit. And when activated, this magi-tech will cause the wearer to move against their will, following the dance routines programmed into the device. Supposedly, these are used for training beginners, as well as ensuring that dancers who need to sync up with one another can do so seamlessly.

Of course, the reality is they're mostly just used for hazing newbies, because the sensation of having your body dance dance dance the night away against your will is unpleasant. But hey, at least you'll remember the steps!

Binary Blowout Shibuya, Tokyo
Over in Shibuya, the Central Station Department Store is holding a special winter sale for couples purchasing matching outfits for ringing in the new year. Thankfully, couples won't have to do anything embarrassing to prove they're together in order to get the sale, and merely need to buy one half of a matching set at the same time.

For the most part, these outfits will consist of traditional kimono and hakama sets. However, it seems gender equality was not taken into consideration for this sale, and with few exceptions, couples looking for up to 75% off luxury clothing may find themselves forced to pick who gets the masculine hakama set in muted colors and who gets the bright and colorful floral kimono set (complete with matching hair accessories). Unfortunately, this seems to extend into their more Western styles as well, perhaps to a more extreme degree. Flapper dresses and fancy suits? Well, at least the sizes are inclusive?

Thankfully, given the cost reduction, it's still worth it to buy the full set versus buying only one half. But seeing as the sets do need to be purchased at the same time by the couple, and the ever so helpful employees will insist on giving each person a proper fitting and even offer professional photos, this may just end up being a more embarrassing experience than they expected.

Winter Wonderland

At last, the day of the party arrives! The palace is tucked away in a large garden in Nihonbashi, set atop a man-made island with a moat surrounding it. No doubt a common sight when traveling through the city, this will be the first time any refugees have been allowed to enter the castle grounds.

Inside the castle proper, the entire main hall has been fitted with a wintry theme, complete with magi-tech powered snowflakes that aren't cold, but fall gently from the ceiling and disappear before touching the floor. As the guests of honor settle in, the Emperor himself makes an appearance, dressed in extravagant blue robes and speaking in a soft, gentle voice.

"Greetings, my dear time refugees. Although previous circumstances prevented me from extending you all a proper introduction sooner, tonight I shall hope to make up for it.

I am Karu, Emperor of the East, and the one responsible for initiating the Time Refugee Project. Although it is customary in Nippon to address me by my title, Tennō, I do not wish to impose such formalities on all of you. Call me as you will.

I am well aware of the many difficulties our world has imposed on you. Hence forth, I hope to become a more reliable ally for all of you in this world. It is my hope that together, we can move forward towards a brighter future, both here in Nippon and in all of your home worlds."

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.

↲ navigation

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[that something flutters again as he leans his head back just enough to get a good look at Red Wine. eyes watch him for a moment; he can see the amber speckled in Red Wine's irises, a kizuna effect that he's long since grown accustomed to seeing. it always seems to put a smile on his face to see such a subtle show of their bond, but the fact that it's painted in such a way that he can always see it whenever he looks at the man only makes him appreciate it more.

Dohalim doesn't want to lose Red Wine, either. he doesn't want to forget him, forget what the Food Soul has done for him, or what he's made him feel. can he even deny the bond that had grown between them, and seems to continue to grow, entwining the both of them and pulling them ever closer? no, he can't. but the feelings that followed...

there's an attachment he has for the man that shouldn't be there. but can he keep denying himself such feelings at this point? should he, especially if time could possibly reset? should he deny himself such a thing right before the possibility of it slipping through his fingers? he doesn't know, and it only serves to worry him more.

but the smile is there never the less, soft and adoring]

Have you, now? You've not grown tired of my company, yet?

[It hadn't started with either of them aiming to grow feelings out of this. It was something that was supposed to be convenience and nothing more. Something to make sure that Dohalim had an outlet that wasn't drinking so much that he went numb. Red Wine had never meant to grow so fond of the man, never meant to want to spend time with him outside of their liasons, and yet now here they were and he was outright admitting that he had those feelings.]

Tired of your company? [He smiles again, shakes his head again, moves his hands to place them both on Dohalim's hips to draw him gently nearer. It's a testament to how things have developed between them, perhaps, that there is nothing arousing about this... only a warm closeness.]

I don't think that I could ever grow tired of your company, my lord. [The Food Soul tells him affectionately.] If I found you at all tiresome you can be certain that I would have informed you of it already.

[it's an answer Dohalim isn't all too surprised Red Wine gives him, though, as his smile sobers up for a moment, his eyes are locked in the other man's gaze. he isn't sure what he's looking for in those rich red eyes; perhaps a white lie? but no, Red Wine would never, even if it benefitted him, Dohalim's sure. his hands slide up to rest on the Food Soul's shoulders, before leaning in for a gentle kiss. he didn't know it was something he wanted to hear, but now that Red Wine's words hang in the air, Dohalim can't help but embrace that fluttery feeling in his stomach as its warmth spreads through him.

it almost makes him forget that there's a possibility that time can reset itself. no, Red Wine is right in that regard; why should he spend time dwelling on that which has not happened yet? not when Red Wine was with him now, pulled close to him. the moments he had, and have with the other are far more important.

when Dohalim finally pulls back, the soft smile is back on his lips]

I am not at all surprised by that. You don't seem like one to skirt around what you don't like.

Ah, then you've noticed that about me?

[Red Wine laughs, a flash of white teeth and sharp fangs that he feels no shyness about showing off. Dohalim knows very well how careful he is with those teeth, after all, never once drawing blood even when he goes about marking him.

Perhaps it's the kiss, or just the closeness that has the faint flush colouring his pale cheeks. Maybe he's a little drunk already. He leaves his hands on Dohalim's hips and the grin fades to a warm smile that matches the one being bestowed on him in fondness.]

Even someone with a potentially infinite lifespan doesn't have to waste time with people that don't bring value to their existence. [He moves one hand up just to rearrange a curl of hair on Dohalim's forehead.] As much as you might not want to believe it, you bring value to mine.

I can't imagine how.

[the words are muttered softly as Dohalim leans in, moving to rest the side of his head against Red Wine's shoulder as he presses his face against his neck. the Food Soul might be feeling the flushed heat radiating off his face; it seems the cold air isn't doing much to cool him down; it must be from all of the wine he'd drank earlier.

to be honest, Dohalim really isn't sure what value he can offer to Red Wine; the man had given him so much, but what has he given in return? not nearly enough, he's sure, but it's something he won't admit out loud, not wanting to ruin the moment. no, Red Wine already deals with so much of what's going on in his head that tonight, Dohalim has to give him a reprieve.

through that anxiety that follows said thoughts, however, a warmth peeks through; one that reminds Dohalim that the man pressed up against him has willingly chosen to spend this time with him, even with all of his hang ups and worries and self loathing. even outside of their debauched intimacy, the Food Soul likes being with him. the thought alone is almost enough to completely push his intrusive thoughts away for the moment, as he smiles against soft, pale skin]

But, whatever value I do bring, I'm glad for it.

Of course you can't imagine how. [Red Wine shoots back with a soft laugh. He lets his hand drop to Dohalim's shoulder, to lay flat against it with his fingertips lightly drumming over the muscle, and he looks up at the man from under his eyelashes.]

Not when you chronically undervalue yourself.

[But for something that had started out as nothing more than a way to relieve tension, Red Wine could not deny that he would feel a loss if he no longer had Dohalim around. Granted, he is no stranger to loss... but he doesn't often allow people - especially mortals - in close enough to him to reach a point where he feels he would sorely miss them.

The Food Soul shakes his head and chuckles again, idly moving his hands to straighten the front of Dohalim's clothing.]

If you could see yourself the way that I do...

[standing up straighter, Dohalim looks down at Red Wine's hands smoothing out his clothing with a small smile, he huffs out a quiet sigh]

Honestly, if the opportunity to look through your eyes is presented to me, I would gladly take it, just so I can see what exactly it is you see in me.

[his words are lighthearted enough, but there's no denying that his self esteem issues are still there. it's not that he wants to put himself down (really, he does feel awful that Red Wine constantly tries to banish those thoughts away), but he just can't help it. he knows he needs to work on it and himself; perhaps, if time were to continue on as normal, he could focus on it. maybe work towards being a better person to himself, and to those he'd formed those close bonds with. and, especially, to the man in front of him.

it's a feat, but at least it's a goal to work towards]

However, I'd much rather have you in my sights, instead.

Charmer.

[He could tell Dohalim what he sees in him very easily, but he knows that most of it would be wasted. Pretty words, no doubt pleasant to hear, but the man's self-loathing would be quick to deny them all. Still, there are other ways to show your appreciation and affection for someone outside of words, so Red Wine opts for that route instead.

There's a smile as he lightly scoffs out that single word, then he slides one hand behind Dohalim's head and into his hair, pulling him in for a warm and gentle kiss.]

How's this for in your sights?

[before Dohalim could comment back on how he'd learned from the real charmer between the both of them, he's pulled into the kiss, smiling into it as he kisses Red Wine back. honestly, this man knows exactly what to say and do to get a reaction out of him, but really, is Dohalim complaining? absolutely not. if anything, Red Wine's antics are helping to push away his own problematic thoughts.

and he can't help but truly be thankful for it. even at the edges of what could be a time reset, just being in the arms of someone he'd grown so attached to, so enamoured with melts away most of that anxiety. at least, until the end, he'd be able to spend time with the man, if it ends up being the case.

as they break the kiss, the smile is still on his lips; he lifts a hand up to gently brush a thumb across Red Wine's lips]

I think the view is perfect.

[Red Wine hums softly, smiling a little when Dohalim handles him so gently. He doesn't need it - never has - but part of him always responds entirely favourably to gentle treatment. As a Food Soul, someone who is all but indestructible unless enough damage is done (and he can take a lot) delicate touches are... not required, but appreciated none the less.

When they come from someone he has grown so fond of, they are wanted all the more.

He catches hold of that hand with both of his, sliding his thumbs lightly up along Dohalim's palm as he presses the backs of the man's fingers against his lips. Red Wine smiles against the digits, his wine-red eyes looking up from behind thick, dark lashes.]

Shall we go back inside?

[Red Wine really did know all the subtle ways to make Dohalim feel good, even outside of their intimacy. soft touches and kisses like this are things he enjoy as well; he never realised just how much he was craving them until he'd arrived in Nippon. receiving such attention from the man in front of him, however... only make him happier. and he isn't entirely sure why, but what he does know is that there's a fondness he has about whatever it is they have between them.

he has to wonder to himself, what could he call it? is it just a fondness? or is it something more?

a thought pushed aside for now, Dohalim nods]

Yes, I wouldn't mind. I am starting to get cold.

[which, to be fair, now that he's calmed himself down, he can definitely feel the cold creep up on him. even held close to Red Wine, a shiver leaves him, punctuating his point. he'll press himself against the man in hopes of warming himself up until they find themselves back inside]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

December | Event: With A Bang

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject