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Entry tags:
- !event,
- alchemy stars: navi,
- elfen lied: lucy/nyuu,
- genshin impact: aether,
- genshin impact: arataki itto,
- genshin impact: thoma,
- genshin impact: zhongli,
- hetalia: vietnam,
- original: klaus vanderboren,
- original: korollan,
- original: setsura yamaguchi,
- tales of the abyss: asch,
- the untamed: jiang cheng,
- tolkien: maglor,
- unholy blood: vael
February | Event: Festival of Lights
Festival of Lights↲ OOC Plotting
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As the Lunar New Year celebrations draw to a close, all that remains is Yokohama's famous Lantern Festival. In preparation for this day, hundreds of thousands of lanterns have been carefully crafted and can be seen all over the city of Yokohama.
But while the festivities chiefly involve the culture and traditions of Zhongguo, over the years, many new traditions have risen from Nippon's own unique culture.
Lantern Festival
Held at the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations is the Lantern Festival, meant to both welcome the beginning of springtime, as well as say goodbye to the previous year. While folktales surrounding its origin tend to vary, here in Nippon, it began simply as a way for natives of Zhongguo to share their culture with the people of the East.
Throughout Yokohama, brilliant displays of intricate lanterns can be found on various streets and corners, but the real show is in Zhongguo Town proper. Every street and balcony is lit up with lanterns of all shapes and sizes, and almost everyone is dressed in traditional Zhongguo attire. Join in the festivities while they last!
Tyger, Tyger Kannai, Yokohama
While beings similar to Human and Yokai live throughout the world of Gaia, it's only in Nippon where Yokai are referred to as Yokai. Different nations use different terms, and in Zhongguo, the polite term for a "Yokai-like person" is Yaoguai. And while it may be difficult for the refugees to tell the difference, there is one thing that makes Yaoguai unique: while Nippon's Bakeneko tend to be very small, the Tiger Yaoguai of Zhongguo easily tower over nearly everyone, with some even forced to bow their heads when passing under doorways.
Due to their ubiquitous nature, the Tiger Yaoguai have become something of a staple around Zhongguo Town, and it's not uncommon to see at least one of two lending a hand at the various booths selling food and lanterns for the festival. Especially with just how much of the festivities are organized by a joint organization of immigrants to the East known as the Yaoguai-Yokai-Hanyo Friendship Association.
But despite coming from a land that isn't Nippon, it seems they still have some kind of connection to Kizuna. As such, whenever a refugee interacts with a Tiger Yaoguai in some meaningful way, be it accepting an order of food, complimenting them on their outfit, or purchasing one of their wares -- they'll briefly take on Tiger features. While this is mostly restricted to minor changes such as Tiger ears, a Tiger tail, or Tiger stripes, some may become more extreme, such as craving meat, hiding from crowds, or even pouncing on friends from behind.
But it's all in good fun and totally harmless! Except for those who completely transform into Tigers. Apparently this is a skill Tiger Yaoguai possess. Unfortunately, they'll have no idea how to assist a refugee in turning back, so they'll just have to wait it out.
Babysitter's Club Kannai, Yokohama
Most refugees know the pain of being separated from friends and family, but none feel this more strongly than the children who end up in Nippon. Unlike most refugees, the youngest children are placed in foster homes, and range anywhere from four to twelve years old. And while the native population of Nippon has come to see the Lantern Festival as a romantic holiday, natives from Zhongguo feel this is the most important time to spend with your family.
As such, the Yaoguai-Yokai-Hanyo Friendship Association has organized a "family banquet" for the refugee children, and has asked that adult refugees attend as well. This way, the children may find kinship in those who share the same culture. And as it turns out, a number of them do! Though they may have never met, all refugees who attend will find at least one child at the banquet who comes from the same world as them.
To facilitate this, the banquet hall is divided into dozens of tables, where guests are asked to go around in a circle and share facts and information about their world and culture, in the hopes of bridging gaps between people and making connections. But seeing as just stating facts and trivia gets dull after a while, the children suggest turning it into a game of two truth and a lie instead! And if you guess the lie correctly, there's a candy with your name on it waiting as the prize.
Just remember -- there's children here. So keep the facts kid friendly.
Fun and Games
Whether because of the diversity of the city they love, or because it's an excellent business opportunity, the Port market is running a number of special promotions throughout the festival period, and even for the rest of the month.
But given this is the Port Market, one should exercise caution and make sure to keep their guard up. After all, it may seem like an ordinary business sector on the outside, but the Port Market is Nippon's largest criminal organization, so it's not unheard of for their business schemes to play a little outside the law.
Amusement Parking Lot Port Market Territory, Yokohama
While Zhongguo Town is the center of the festivities, the actual best place for watching the lanterns is the harbor. Past the Port Market itself, a long pier serves as a bridge, connecting the waterfront to a large man-made island. And here sits the Port Market's crowning achievement: Daikokuen, the only floating amusement park in the world.
While not as robust as Osaka's Shinsekai, Daikokuen features a giant ferris wheel, a steam-powered carousel, bumper-boats out on the water, and an underwater elevator to give guests an up close look at some of the sea creatures that reside in the harbor.
The ferris wheel is perhaps the most popular attraction. With fully enclosed gondolas, a glass skylight to view the stars, and a bar offering drinks to patrons before boarding, what could possibly be more romantic? Well, how about bribing the operator to stop the wheel for an extra twenty minutes so riders can join the hundred meters high club?
Thankfully, there's an option to disembark at any point in the ride, provided you have the means of getting down, since the doors don't lock. Or is that just a safety oversight? Well, given how many people want to pause the wheel on the night of the festival, it's better than being trapped inside.
Bounce 'n Flounce Port Market Territory, Yokohama
With couples out enjoying the bright lights and atmosphere, of course businesses are going to take full advantage of this. One such business is offering special couples packages, with an additional price reduction for throuples. And even fourples! That's not a word, of course, but their sign sure says it is!
The deal includes a candelit dinner overlooking the pier, all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink for approximately one hour, and a private "fun cabin" with a skylight so they can view the lanterns floating above as they enjoy some physical intimacy.
Yeah, this one's a scam.
While the dinner is legitimate and reasonably delicious, the view is far from romantic. This is a business pier, so while they can certainly see the water, they'll also see mostly cargo ships and hear the sounds of steam-powered machinery. And not to mention that the water here isn't exactly the cleanest, either. Lovely!
But the biggest rip off of all is the "fun cabin" which is, in fact, an inflatable bouncy house disguised with prop walls to look fancier than it actually is. But hey, if you're into that kind of thing, it could still be a good time!
New Year, New Me
As the evening draws to a close, most will find their way back to Zhongguo Town for festival's finale. Thousands of small lanterns are released into the air, blanketing the sky with tiny lights that slowly fade out of sight as they ascend. And with this, so too do the people say goodbyes to who they were last year, and welcome the new year and their new selves.
Match Made in Love Kannai, Yokohama
While the Lantern Festival has come to have romantic connotations in Nippon, not everyone has a honey to celebrate the holiday with. But that's just fine, because the Yaoguai-Yokai-Hanyo Friendship Association has organized match-making services for the duration of the holiday period, with most matches taking place during the festival.
Ordinarily, match-making is a very traditional affair, often conducted between families rather than individual. However, given that many immigrants from Zhongguo have been unable to see family due to travel restrictions, the customs involved have changed, making it possible for the refugees to take advantage as well for a very low fee! And better yet: it's all for charity! So all the more reason to take part, even if just for fun!
First, participants will be asked to submit a brief profile for the match-maker to go over. Then, couples whose profiles seem to match will be chosen to sit and have tea together, with a list of questions for them to answer or discuss. Should they decide to take the next step, they'll be invited for a romantic stroll through a Zhongguo-themed garden, where the low lighting and soft music will hopefully inspire some romantic feelings...
But seeing as these aren't professional match-makers, sometimes the match-ups will be a little hit or miss. Especially in cases where sexual orientation has not been taken into consideration. Oops? Well, at least it's all for a good cause!
Snack Attack Kannai, Yokohama
Now all of this is well and good, but what about the food? Of course there's no shortage of delicious delectables to munch on over the course of the festival. But by and far, the most popular and classic dish is Tangyuan, balls of glutinous rice flour boiled in soup.
There's a variety of flavors to be found at various stalls, but one stall in particular seems to be the most popular. And it's no secret as to why: the food has been enchanted to contain a number of special effects.
The tangyuan flavored with any variety of fruit cause feelings of giddiness and excitement, causing even grouchy old men to skip on their heels like a child.
Those flavored with osmanthus flowers will act as though heavily inebriated, despite the treats containing no alcohol.
The pumpkin paste tangyuan are enchanted with a basic truth spell, but one out of every ten will instead produce a confession spell, causing them to blurt out facts at random that they may have been keeping a secret.
And finally, the ever popular sesame paste tangyuan is imbued with a love spell that causes those who share a bowl together to temporarily fall head over heels in love. Perhaps it's because this effect only works when a single bowl is shared that explains why it's the most popular...?
All of these effects are carefully detailed and explained on the menu, but only in the fine print. So it's possible a hungry customer may simply choose a flavor without thinking. But not to worry, as the effects are very mild and will wear off within a few minutes... unless you eat the whole bowl. It may take over and hour in that case.
OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's February event! Please direct any questions to the Question Thread in the OOC Plotting post.
• Most Lantern Festival prompts will be ICly held on the 15th, but certain prompts, such as those taking place in the Port Market, will be available all month.
• Children from player character's worlds can be nameless npcs or actual child characters from that character's canon, and may be considered auxiliary-NPCs.
• Bribes for the ferris wheel don't have to be considerable, and don't even have to be money if your character is creative!
• Yes, the bouncy house is soundproof.
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no subject
I'd like to meet him.
[He perks up at the idea, at least, waiting for the kids to reach a consensus. He hasn't really spent much time with children - there were a few who had come onto the Colossus, but he's not sure how many of them really count. Most of them had more responsibility then he thinks kids are supposed to have, sometimes. Just one of the downsides of the world he came from, maybe.
Still, after a bit more of a debate, the kids reach a conclusion. The traveling must be fake - it seems many of them think travel is more fantastical then anything, probably because it's impossible to leave Nippon for anywhere else.]
no subject
[It's an interesting conclusion, he thinks - Vael can't help but wonder what it means to conclude that travel is less likely than actually not having any friends.
Eventually he decides they're kids, and they probably aren't really thinking of the ramifications of his words. Once they've settled anyway, he raises a hand, card between two fingers.]
You've all got it! I'm a little like this king of hearts. [As he talks, he beckons one of the children to approach and slips the card into a pocket, whispering for them to go back to the others with a wink.] No matter how far I travel, home will always be home. In fact, this card seems to have already decided it's fine far enough - where do you think it's gone?
['gone?' Someone asks, and the kids all look at each other, then at Vael's volunteer. The latter reaches into his pocket, only to find it empty. And, while Nippon is a land of real magic and the power of bonds... there's no practical reason for a card trick like that, especially for children. A little chatter later and they all turn to the tall man in their bewilderment, a murmur breaking out as Vael cuts the deck he's been holding to reveal the king.]
As they say - home is where the heart is, and this king of hearts knows that most of all. Fearlessly, he's returned home - but left a little bit of himself with each and every one of you today. My friend-- [Turning to the navigator, he gives the shorter man a charismatic wink.] would you check your pocket for me? And once he has, everyone else should, too.
[If he does check his pocket, Navi will find a little paper heart hidden inside. In fact, he and every single child here has one - when and how Vael managed it is anyone's guess. It makes for a compelling finale though, all these kids holding up their little paper hearts.]
no subject
Well. Knowing how would ruin the fun of it, wouldn't it? So he doesn't question it, just holding the paper heart up and waving the kids off. They seem to have enjoyed the show and have been utterly charmed by Vael, but they can't stay and talk to the magician forever.
(He would almost be insulted none of them have asked him any questions, but he can't blame them for being enamored with the older man.)]
...So.
[Now that they have some peace and quiet.]
Daniel? Are you the one that named this lion?
[It's a weird name!]
no subject
(As to the kids, at least, there's probably plenty of opportunities for them to ask a million invasive questions, godspeed navi...)
But then they're alone, at least more or less, and Vael turns his attention to the younger man with a faint hum.]
Do you think it's strange?
[A not so wild guess, maybe. Also sir, you know of a dog named Franz, how is this that weird?]
He's just always been Daniel, though - that's the name he had when he was brought into our magic troupe.
[putting away his cards, Vael shoves hands into pockets and shrugs.]
We practically grew up together, he and I. I promised to free him from that situation once, before vampirism was even a thought in my head. Shall we?
[... maybe it's not so surprising that he didn't have any friends, with the way he says that.]
no subject
...
He hopes.]
No, it's just the not kind of name I would've expected you to give him...
[It's no worse then a name like Other End. Or Allen.
Though Other End and Allen also weren't animals...
He frowns a bit - this absolutely makes him not having any friends much more believable - but he feels like pressing on "that situation" will ruin the good mood Vael seems to be in. Something to talk about later, maybe, though with what he knows... It's probably not great!]
Lets go see him.
[...]
Lions are cats, right?
no subject
[which says a lot about him, even if the other doesn't know what a Korean is. as to the conversation of where he came from... eh, he'd have to try his luck.
maybe later indeed.]
Ah-- yes. Do you not have them where you're from? [an earnest question, asked easily.] Lions are usually seen in other countries, unless they're part of a couple of styles of entertainment. Males usually have fluffy manes.
[as he leads the way, he does pause to glance at Navi. going there is fine, but he figures he should probably... warn him.]
Ah... right. Daniel is friendly, but he's about eleven and a half feet tall. So... he takes up a lot of my little space right now. The couch should still have plenty of room though.
[Once they've reached said space, he's quick to open the door - the light is already on, probably for Daniel's sake. The animal isn't hard to find, and as Vael steps in to let his new friend do the same, an extremely large head is turning to stare intensely at the Caelestite.
As mentioned, Daniel is huge, with broad paws and scars that stand out on his back and shoulders.]
no subject
[He knows nothing about Korean and he's just assuming it's either a place or a language. Probably.
Anyways, to answer the question -]
I'm not really sure, honestly. The wildlife where I'm from... I don't know much about it all and things are always changing, but I've never seen a lion or met a demi-human or Aurorian with lion-ish traits.
[Though the mention of a fluffy mane does kind of remind him of a certain Shadowlord.
And even with the warning about how huge Daniel is, he's not prepared for actually seeing the lion in the flesh. He pauses in the doorway, before shuffling inside. He looks the cat over, noticing the scars, and his brows furrow. When he speaks next, his voice is quiet.]
Those scars... What happened to him?
no subject
[he's not bothered by the question - it makes sense, right? Navi's not from anywhere like Earth and that much is clear.]
I've never met a demi-human before now, so I think we're even on that.
[Daniel rises to his feet with a rumble of noise, a guttural growl from the depths of his throat - and then he pads toward them both. Vael doesn't seem the least bit worried though.]
Those are... ah. He's protective. [it doesn't explain much, he knows, but he's reaching out to pat Daniel's head when the lion stops in front of the Caelestite. he'll recognise it, maybe, from demi-humans like Philyshy - or Sariel's cat, perhaps, more specifically. Daniel is purring, leaning forward to bump his nose against the smaller man's face. he's powerful enough that it's liable to push the other a bit, though similarly... it's not hard to tell he's more excited than anything.] We sorta grew up together, as I mentioned. It'd take a little... explaining, I guess, for it all to make sense.
They tried to keep from scarring him on account of being important to the magic troupe - more important than me, anyway - but he kept getting in their way.
[again, it's a kind of vague and detached explanation, as Vael ruffles Daniel's fur.]
I don't think anyone really knew about it outside of the troupe, of course; I certainly don't talk about it much. Do you want something to drink? I... don't keep food, but I have plenty of drinks.
no subject
[He imagines it's quite different from anywhere he's been before... He can't imagine Vael somewhere like Lumopolis or an Undercity, and he's not so sure he'd care for Umbraton much, either, even though the city is just a collection of misfits.
The explanation is - like many things Vael says - concerning, even if he can't say much with a lion nearly knocking him off his feet. He has to steady himself, and he looks up at Daniel for a moment before carefully reaching up to stroke a hand over the lion's snoot. Growing up with him... Daniel must have protected him, too, though he can't say from what, exactly.
More importantly, though, he can feel the adoration coming off of the lion in waves, and it brings a soft smile to his face.]
He really appreciates what you're doing for him.
[Vael might notice he says it like it's an indisputable fact, not just something the teenager is assuming.]
no subject
[he exhales a laugh.]
Honestly, I didn't know much about it until I was well into my twenties - don't really remember much from before then.
[the navigator doesn't answer his question, but he doesn't really mind - stepping around Daniel (a feat, given that his big tail is swaying like an excited pup's at basically all times), he pulls out a couple bottles of water.
he pauses at the comment, and for a moment there's a degree of shyness in the older man. really, of all the things to say...]
... I'm glad. I told him, after all, that I'd get him out of that situation one day. [Daniel doesn't seem keen to leave the teenager's side - it's also just as clear he already likes the Caelestite, rubbing right into the stroke of a hand over his snoot. as he sits, Vael exhales a relieved sigh.]
Which, I guess, demands some explanation, doesn't it? [despite the story being tiring and depressing, he doesn't actually... think he minds talking about it with the younger man.] The magic troupe we were part of was... ah... not great, we'll say.
I was always their scapegoat, anytime anything went wrong. That's most of what I remember from before Daniel arrived.
no subject
[Big and bustling... It makes him think of the Undercities of Illumina and the lower levels of Lumopolis. Those cities had been overwhelming, and Nippon has been as well if not even more so with all the people from so many different worlds converging together.]
So you didn't get to see a lot of the place you grew up?
[Which is something the Navigator can relate to, of course. He saw nothing of Astra until he was seventeen - younger than Vael was, but he wonders if he felt the same way that the Navigator did when he was finally able to see the world outside of the underground.
He continues to pet Daniel, giving the Lion a fond smile.]
What happened after Daniel arrived?
[He sees the scars on the lion, and it... doesn't paint a pretty picture.]
Oop, cw: abuse
[settling down after giving the other his water bottle, Vael watches the two. Daniel is quite happy to accept pets, snuggling right up to the Caelestite despite just having met him. It's nice to see, he thinks. Kind of a relief...]
But for me, most of the outside world was just seen from the eyes of someone learning to pickpocket and entertain, yeah. Even as a part of a pretty popular magic troupe, it's all through the lens of the circumstance. Why we were there, how we got there.
[Which brings them to the elephant in the room. The actual goings-on, everything that happened. Vael makes a sour face, taking a drink of his water.]
Daniel has always been too trusting. He's big and intimidating, but... he's always been like this. One day, I guess he decided I was worth protecting. It wasn't unusual, me being the easy excuse.
I didn't have anything. No one to talk to, nowhere to go, so I just... took it. Didn't really matter what they did - if I was still alive, I guessed that was that. [He can still remember a lot of it. Broken bones, bloody noses. Endless streams of verbal abuse levied at him...] Daniel changed all that.
Lions are... expensive, especially as stage performers. They didn't want to scar him since it would be obvious there was mistreatment happening. [His eyes close for just a moment, before he reaches over to scritch behind one of Daniel's ears.] But he got between them and me every time. Never really intended to hurt anyone, I think.
Anyway, they just threw me in the cage with him, after a while. I was taking care of his wounds, and he... God, he was trying to comfort me even from the start.
[And Vael had lashed out, both out of fear for Daniel and frustration at his own helplessness. He may never outgrow that guilt, all things considered.]