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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( he should be more bothered by the potential audience, but Steak's running on something sudden and animalistic, struck by the fact that this is simply how Nippon works, that this place thrives off such actions and interactions. he isn't doing anything that Nippon doesn't expect, nay, encourage by the very way it works.

but the comment about comfort, at least, that's a request he can attempt to fulfil. )

Do you... know anywhere?

( he knows, distantly, that there's probably something outside of this room, but right now that logic is muffled by the ache in his pants and the heat of the body against his. )

[Dohalim isn't fairing any better at all; really, it's amazing how he can keep himself standing, considering how heavily he's leaning against Steak. the prospect of having to move away from him isn't one he's looking forward to, but he manages to push himself away for a moment, fixing the folds of his kimono]

Not particularly... But I'm sure we can find some place.

[not waiting for an answer, Dohalim takes Steak's hand and leads him away, out of the ballroom and into the corridors of the palace. if it's anything like his own former palace, there should be unoccupied rooms that they can slip into. through the haze of his arousal and near desperation, Dohalim pulls Steak into the first room he sees, thankful that there was no one else in the room (as far as he can see at least). he doesn't move close to the Food Soul just yet, but closes the door behind them, before gesturing to the room]

Will this suffice?

( it is incredibly hard to think straight, and Steak is certain if he could, he would immediately realise that he's making an incredibly stupid decision. but this place seems to love incredibly stupid decisions, so...

following Dohalim it is. he breathes a sigh of relief when they only have to go as far as the first door they see to find some privacy, and... a bed.

convenient. )

It's fine.

( those few brief moments between the ballroom and here did not clear his head any (either of them), and he doesn't waste time with a full review of the room before his hand reaches out and tugs Dohalim in by the fabric of his robe, pulling him into another hungry, open-mouthed kiss. )

[there isn't much resistance, if any at all, as he lets himself be pulled close to Steak, just as hungry to kiss him back. if this were any other time, he'd at least take some time to scope out the room, or take the man to the bed to get more comfortable, but right now, all he wants and needs is the closeness of the Food Soul against him.

his leg slowly starts to creep up along Steak's as his arms come up to wrap around his shoulders to keep him steady, that need lighting him aflame with no desire to be put out. no, he wants those flames to be fanned, to engulf him completely, and leave him wanting more. he just hopes that Steak doesn't disappoint.

Dohalim only moves to break the kiss to catch his breath, the flush of red on his cheeks present under dark skin]

We should... Move to the bed...

( it's surprisingly easy, were Steak in his right mind, to be pulled along the current of Dohalim's desire. he can't, doesn't want to, resist right now, and as he feels the leg begin to creep up his, his hands drop down to Dohalim's thighs, fingers digging into muscle and flesh before urging the other man upwards and lifting him off the ground with the kind of ease which comes with being a food soul.

he knows what he wants, what Nippon wants him to want, and tonight he'll let it get its way. let it consume him in all the desire and hedonism which this place spurs on. )

Why? I can fuck you anywhere.

( he could press him right against the nearest wall and fuck him without hesitation, but... hm. he supposes there isn't any lube there. maybe the bedside tables are better equipped for that. )

[usually Dohalim would make some sort of comment about how crass Steak is being right now, but he isn't really in any sort of position to admonish him while he has one leg wrapped around the other man's waist, with the other curled around Steak's. pressed flush against him, Dohalim can feel his own heated need against fabric, his cock wanting more than what is currently given to him.

leaning his head back to look at Steak properly, a hint of challenge under the
literal glowing lust in his eyes]

Then what is stopping you?

( honestly absolutely nothing but the fact that there is fabric in the way that he needs to shove away with his hands before they can actually engage in anything.

damned clothing. why must it exist? it's not like he even gets that cold all that often—

(at some point, after the fact, the sane part of Steak's brain might realise just how quickly things escalated here, but right now he doesn't give a damn. fine. he'll be a stupid, hormonally led human for a night. it's fine.) )

Is this— ( his question starts as he begins to align Dohalim's hips, grunting as his cock teases the entrance, hot, addictive friction almost causing him to forget the important parts.

right. lube. that's gotta be in one of those bedside tables, right? he's just gonna haul Dohalim with him, pressing him into the wall as his hips rock into him, stroking the length of his cock against bare skin while he blindly reaches and—

ah! there's the bastard. he rushes to uncap it, to smear slick fluid over his hand and then his cock, gently urging the head of his cock to meet that spot and push inside— )

... better?

[Dohalim is a little aware of how strong Food Souls are, by proxy of what Red Wine had told him, but he didn't know just how strong they really are until Steak starts lugging him around the room easily. and as a man who appreciates muscles and strength on a person, being carried around like he's made of air only does more to him as he presses himself closer to Steak.

the friction, however good it feels, is not nearly enough to calm the raging storm in him. but as he feels the cool slickness press up and into his entrance, Dohalim's back arches off the wall slightly as his legs wrap tightly around Steak. a low moan slips from his lips as he shifts his hips down more to slide more of that cock in him, wanting not much else other than to be filled with it]

N... Nearly... Nearly better.

[if Steak doesn't move soon, though, it'll drive him crazy]

( So, what Dohalim's saying is he wants to watch Steak and Red Wine have another arm wrestling contest? Because that's a really good way to prove how strong both of them are. (Because, unfortunately for Steak, Red Wine is his equal in strength.)

It's tempting, just for a moment, to continue teasing Dohalim like this. To remain still and see what he does.

... But Steak doesn't have nearly that much forethought or planning in his mind at the best of times, and right now? Yeah, the blood that would be supplying his brain with thoughts is in a very different location.

So Dohalim gets what he wants. He gets Steak's hips moving in swift, firm thrusts, his weight pressing in against Dohalim, pinning him to the wall. Breathy, quiet grunts that seep out against his mouth, caught in the space between messy kisses and clawing fingers which dig into the fabric pooled at Dohalim's hips. )

[to be fair, if Dohalim were to watch the both of them arm wrestle each other, he wouldn't know what to do with himself but watch both Food Souls very intently. and the idea that someone with that sort of strength could easily handle him in such a way that would leave him begging for more--

it's a thought that he'll entertain on a different day as Steak thrusts into him, the leverage from the hard wall against his back gets Dohalim to lift his hips in a way where he can push Steak's cock in deeper. he wants the man to fill him, to satisfy the burning need in him. arms tightly wrap around the back of the Food Soul's neck, and in between those messy, heated kisses, soft moans and whines slip from Dohalim's lips, wordlessly begging for more]

( Well, this position isn't the most familiar thing Steak has done, but he recognises Dohalim's behaviour, at least. It's more than a little reminiscent of Red Wine in the mountains.

So, he's pretty sure he knows the right method here. Namely, fucking Dohalim as hard as he can. Which is exactly how Steak continues, his hips moving faster than before, breaking the kiss only to gasp for air and jerk Dohalim's hips closer still, changing the angle to one that draws a deep, guttural fuck from Steak's lips as his cock presses into the base, filling the other man with every last inch.

And it's only then that Steak relents, for a moment, and pauses his motions with a gasp and teeth scraping at Dohalim's lip as he steadies himself, the rush of pleasure, the throbbing of his cock inside this man, nearly overwhelming. )

[overwhelming as it may be, the sudden stillness of Steak's hips only gets him to let out a whine in protest, despite being filled with the Food Soul's cock. he can feel himself being spread out by it, but also clenching around the hot length, his own hips moving subtly in an attempt to either get Steak moving again, or to get more of him inside (if it's even possible). he lets out a few shuddering breaths as he rests the back of his head against the wall, taking a moment to calm himself down. it's not like they're any sort of a hurry, after all; they can stand to have a moment.

but the fiery burn of desire lights him up again as he ruts against Steak a little more. he needs it, he needs that release, he needs to quell that desire. if it were any other circumstance, Dohalim would comment on Steak's crude language, but this is hardly the time for a vocabulary lesson. instead, he peers into him, the glow of his irises a thin ring around blown out pupils]

Yes... That is... That is exactly what I want you to keep doing.

( They aren't in a hurry, but the mood spreads from Dohalim to Steak; that impatience to get to the edge as soon as possible. Even as delightful as Dohalim's reaction to the pause may be — any other time, he'd take a moment to taunt and gloat about that victory, but this isn't a battle. This is...

he's not sure he has a comparison for this. It's simply raw, animalistic rutting, his hips moving once more as the worst of the sensitivity subsides and he feels like he can move again, pushing up into Dohalim with the same, relentless pace he'd begun.

But he simply can't get enough at this angle. So, without so much as a word of warning (though there may be a grunt), his arms pull the other man closer, yanking him away from the wall and around to lay back on the bed, where it's so much easier to angle his hips, lift them off the bed as Steak drills into him.

So fucking close— )

[it's almost like a whirlwind; he lets out a moan as Steak starts again, breathing heavily into his ear as he pulls him close again. but before Dohalim knows it, he finds his back pressed into a bed before Steak drills into him again, fucking him hard into the soft surface, the folds of his kimono bunched up around his hips. he really should have taken care to remove them first before they started this, but honestly, right now, he could care less. he can feel himself edge closer to release, as the Food Soul angles him in just the right way, thrusting against his prostate, sending flares of heat throughout his body. Dohalim's back arches from the bed as he lets out another, much needier moan, as he lets go of Steak's neck, letting himself fall back into the bed. half open eyes blearily look up at the other redhead, irises glowing brightly]

H-harder...

[he isn't sure just how much harder Steak can or is willing to go, but gods, he wants it, oh how he wants it]

( It's fine. That's what kimonos are for, right? Or something. Steak doesn't much care either. He has all the access he needs, including the ability to wrap a hand around Dohalim's cock and stroke in quick, rapid motions as he leans over the man, holding himself steady with one hand, hips moving slower as he changes his position. Though hitting the brakes on his speed means that each thrust is, indeed, harder, the tip of his cock massaging that knot of nerves each time he buries himself to the hilt. )

I- I'm... ( He doesn't get his words out, a gasp mixing into a low curse as he peaks deep inside the other man, twitching and throbbing right against that sensitive spot, his hand curling into the bed as the other continues to roughly stroke Dohalim off, head bowed but still remaining conscious of the spikes of his horns. Still keeping just enough distance to avoid any sort of disaster there. )

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December | Event: With A Bang

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