015 | Sky Full Of Stars

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone!
What: Tanabata Festival
When: All day July 5
Where: The Near Shore
Summary: The Heavens are throwing a party and you're invited!

Edit: OVERFLOW is here!



With Tanabata drawing close, the Heavens have decided that there is nothing wrong with a little celebration for the annual occasion. So they have invited everyone on the Far Shore as well as a large number of people from the Near Shore to attend a festival for Tanabata. Tanabata festivals are not uncommon in this area, so the Near Shore residents are none the wiser, though some of them are a little uncertain about where this street they've never heard of popped up from...

Tanabata is a festival held to celebrate the one time a year that the lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi can meet across the vast expanse of the Milky Way. Many birds have been working their tail feathers off to create a bridge for the two lovebirds and that bridge - perhaps unsurprisingly - touches down on this street, in the middle of the festival.

The Heavens have prepared entertainment, food stalls, and as many tanzaku as might be needed for everyone to write down wishes, along with plenty of bamboo stalks to hang the wishes from.

New arrivals will find themselves ushered to the festival and offered traditional clothing after their normal briefing at the Meeting Hall.



Stalls

There are festival stalls of every kind present, all run by shinki dressed in white robes and bearing the golden chrysanthemum of Amaterasu. Many of them seem a little bruised still, but they are happy to smile for anyone who comes to the stall they are running. There is food, games, and drinks available of all kinds, so feel free to roam around to your heart's content sampling everything that you can.

Performance

A large stage has been erected at one end of the festival street. The Heavens know that there are many talented gods and shinki present, so they are more than willing to clear spots in the scheduling for those people to perform. Anytime a Far Shore resident isn't on stage, there are plenty of Near Shore acts to go on, ranging the gambit from traditional music and instruments all the way to a rock band that has somehow found themselves here for the celebration.

Wishes

Pieces of paper called tanzaku have been strewn about a number of bamboo shoots all over the festival. There are brightly colored decorations on the bamboo and the papers themselves exist in every color of the rainbow as well. Attendees are encouraged to write down any wishes they may have and hang them from the bamboo, a normal Tanabata tradition. Wishes can range from 'I want a soda' to 'World peace' and anything in between. Obviously, some of these wishes may not be able to be granted during the time of the festival, but gods and shinki alike are encouraged to answer any wishes they can as well.

NOTE: Please report any wishes your characters answers to the first comment on this post along with a link to where the wish is answered. There will be small bonuses awarded for answered wishes.

The Bridge

As stated previously, the bridge that will allow Orihime to meet her lover touches down in the very center of the festival's street. It may be made of tiny pieces, but the bridge itself is sturdy. While it may not be able to take just anyone who sets foot on it across the Milky Way, you are allowed to walk along the bridge yourself, though you will always find yourself turned around after a short time and heading back towards where you stepped on. Lovers in particular are encouraged to walk the bridge together to deepen their bonds, but be cautioned! If you walk onto the bridge with someone, you might start feeling affectionately towards them even if they are your sworn enemy! Such is the power of love on this day.

In Summary:

• Enjoy the festival
• Watch some quality entertainment
• Make and/or answer wishes
• Meet Orihime
• Traverse the bridge
• Have fun~

Comments

[godsoffortune]

Comment here with any questions you have and any wishes you fulfill.

[arealhardnose]

[Being brought back here has brought back all her memories of the Far Shore and the way the bureaucracy of heaven runs. Elsa wants to write something scathing, something that will let them know she hasn't decided to trust them, but the last time she did something rebellious (and the time before that), it didn't go very well for anyone. Right now, she has no shinki to put at risk, but that will change soon.

So instead, she puts together a wish that speaks to the effort she'll put into this second chance at godhood she's been given, one that sounds like she'll play along, while reminding her of what her goal here is.

The wish she hangs from the bamboo is just one sentence:]

To be the best goddess I can be.

CelePara Talent Agency’s Four Seasons Celebration ♔ OTA

[priforprince]

[ In addition to the stage so generously provided to acts whose center isn’t a raging narcissist everyone, Apollo’s temple is awash in light tonight, and the double doors are flung open. Won’t you cross the lawn and enter the castle?

An introductory video in the lobby welcomes you to “CelePara Talent Agency’s Four Seasons Celebration,” an event conceived after Shikyoin Hibiki’s heart was moved by the story of separated lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi. So that Orihime could find love and beauty all year round, Hibiki has taken it upon herself to host multiple forms of entertainment tonight, one for each of the four seasons. The performances accompanying each season are staggered throughout the evening, so there’s no need to worry. One person can experience the year’s majesty in its entirety.

Past the lobby, the amusement park built into this castle is fully operational. Whether you’re a roller coaster, spinny teacups, high drop, or merry-go-round kind of person, it’s guaranteed you’ll find something to move your spirit. You may even recognize some of the people assisting with the park!

Perhaps best of all, however, are the four concert halls representing the four seasons. Hibiki is overseeing one, of course, and her shinki Venus is looking after another. But Spring and Autumn are special treats.

For tonight, the CelePara Talent Agency introduces its two debutantes. Surely you wish to witness this epoch-making moment…. ]

[[ ooc: feel free to use this post as a mingle! tag into the different performances offered or just do your own thing in the castle. we’re here to kick barry goodman’s ass with a preemptive strike in a meaningless battle Entertain! ]]

Winter Stage ♔ Shikyoin Hibiki

[priforprince]

[ This concert hall is set up for a dinner show, with round drop-clothed tables seating up to 4 and chairs all facing the stage. Holly garlands deck the, well, the halls, and golden bows glitter against the greenery. Crystal chandeliers with nutcrackers and fairies atop them light the proceedings below.

An immense Christmas tree takes up one corner of the room, piled high with presents. The dinner itself is served buffet-style, but traveling the length of the expansive options takes you through a complete Prench réveillon, from oysters and foie gras to turkey with chestnuts to, of course, several different types of bûche de Noël log cake. A variety of wines are available for those of age; sparkling beverages are provided for the younger guests.

Mingle all you like with your fellow party-goers, or explore the presents under the tree - but be aware. The lights will go down when it’s time for the performance, and glowing illusory snow will drift down from the high ceiling.

The bells are heard before the host is seen. And then, there she is - sweeping out onstage in all her holiday finery. ]

Welcome - to the magnificent Christmas dinner show!!

[ It’s quite the medley she has prepared tonight (mercifully free of interruptions). The lyrics are enough to move anyone to tears, too.

After the performance, Hibiki can be found by the tree. If you approach her, she’ll select and offer the perfect present, just for you. ]

Joyeux Noël.

Now with July 5th Prompt

[starfestival]

[OPEN: July 5th Prompt - Just after the start of the Festival]

It might not be immediately obvious who it is walking around amongst the stalls and food and paper decorations hung with care. Orihime is dressed in a pastel purple yukata that will be shucked at home eventually. For now, she is content to mingle through the Festival, peeking around and hearing the joyous noises. She even smiles occasionally at random passersby.

By dusk, however, she will have left the festival entirely. She has to change before she can return and even with 2 attendants, it'll be a lengthy ordeal.

[OPEN: July 5th Prompt - Closing Ceremony]

It is very late, about an hour before the Festival area will be closed off. A gong sounds and a series of very large shoji screens are brought onto the stage. They all have art in the style of ukiyo-e: the floating world. A narrator comes on stage at that time. He recounts the story of Tanabata in Rakugo style - with no instrumentalists and no performers. He tells how Orihime was a princess and a goddess and fell in love with Hikoboshi, emphasizing that she shirked her duties as a weaver goddess to her father, Oosama the King of the Heavens. It was thus that she received her punishment of the dissolution of her marriage, but in his kindness Oosama pardoned the lovers. For one special night, Oosama grants them a reprieve on the law of heaven and allows his daughter to be married to her Hikoboshi again and stay with him on the far side of the Amanogawa river, where other gods can teleport easily across on the same night as the magical barrier is dropped... but not Orihime. She must walk across the bridge, as she walks everywhere without her princess title, as a working weaver goddess the rest of the year.

But! Here she is, returned to her splendor for the festival, the weaver princess...

The screens slide away. Orihime was behind them the whole time on the Performance Stage, dressed in the most formal and traditional attire a princess could be. She is on her knees with a pillow beneath her, and does not stand or move from the spot - nor does she speak.

But the crowd does cheer. Then the narrator finishes the Closing Ceremonies - be sure to make your wishes known on the tanzaku and perhaps it will come true.

As everyone starts to file away to return to games and food and one last walk across the bridge, most people approach Orihime to look at her and bow to her, but especially the Near Shore people do not speak to her at all. Being in her presence is seemingly enough. Some do whisper hopes that their wishes will be granted the same way that Orihime's wish to see her beloved came true.

---

OOC: July 7th Prompt has been moved.

[fullcowl]

A. Stalls | OTA

[He's wearing a yukata that looks as though it was designed for him specifically. It's a deep warm green with a faint stripe pattern. The sash around his waist is a nice, clean white.

It's a festival and Izuku generally enjoys them. He's still a little on edge considering what happened last festival, but with so many gods and shinki working on it this time around, things sound go off just fine.

And he's a little hungry. Look everything smells amazing.]

They have cotton candy around here, right?

B. Wishes | OTA

[Izuku hovers quietly to the side of the bamboo and the papers. It looks a bit like he's considering taking some of the prayers. "Don't let my parents know I ate all the ice-cream" "Good grades" "One million yen" "A job"

But if you find him a little bit later in the night, he's putting up his own wish. "Strength to confess."]

C. Bridge | Shouto

[He's standing at the base of the bridge, looking over it like he's not entirely sure he wants to try crossing it. It's... romantic, right? Walking on a bridge with the person you... l-love...

Right now, he's waiting for his partner to come by. He promised himself, tonight is the night.

He's going to tell Shouto how he feels.

Maybe before walking on the bridge.]

H-Hey...

[He feels like he's blushing, but maybe it's dark enough Shouto can't see that.]

B

[lostinshadows]

Deku~

[Have a sing-song voice, shortly followed by an arm naturally wrapping around the younger man's shoulders.]

Finally found you.

Fushimi Saruhiko | OTA

[monkeyblue]

Stalls

[Well, this is the stupidest thing. So he's dead. And they're having a tanabata festival. What sort of afterlife is this?

At least they were smart enough to provide him with a yukata, since his leather jacket and jeans were much, much too hot. They said they'd make sure his clothing got to his new home.

Whatever.

Fushimi wanders around the stalls, not especially interested in most of the food. He grabs a drink--some sort of soda--and isn't paying attention when he nearly runs into someone. He doesn't apologize, either, just steps around them with a scoff.]

Tch.

Performances

[Fushimi is not watching the performances.

Fushimi is scrolling through the app store on his phone and installing any game that looks interesting.

Fushimi is a terrible audience member and isn't even muting the sounds his phone makes.]

Wildcard

[Hit me!]

stalls

[arealhardnose]

[Fushimi is one of many people Elsa doesn't recognize. She has no idea if he's new or if he's been here a while, but he looks displeased, so she decides to talk to him.]

Well, if that wasn't an opportunity for us to introduce ourselves to one another, I don't know what it was. [Hint: she does know. It was you being rude, Fushimi.] My name is Elsa, the god Menrva. Who might you be?

[timeshields]

A. Stalls

[Homura is dressed up nicely for the festival. This... is a lot more people than she's used to being around.

She's quiet as she pokes around the stalls. Occasionally she stops to consider a small accessory. Especially if it's pink.]

... Would she like this?

B. Wishes

[She looks at the bamboo trees and the colorful paper. There are a lot of wishes here, and while she doesn't particularly interested in those... she writes her own.

"To stay."]

A! >.>

[welcome_home]

Would who like what?

[ Nanako appears behind her as if out of nowhere, dressed in the yukata Kanji had made for her for the occasion, her hair done up in pink ribbons. She smiles brightly as she peers around Homura, her eyes widening as she spots the pretty things the other girl had been looking for. ]

Oooh. Are you buying someone a gift?

OTA

[onerous]

[Stalls Part A]

[Yuri moves carefully in her yukata, grateful that it's covering her up enough to hide the blighting that's started to move down the back of her neck and shoulders. It hurts, but she's enduring, and while festivals aren't really her style...

Well. The goddess of suicide needs some pick-me-ups now and again, right? Besides, it's been a long time since she's last gone to a festival!

She didn't miss some of the games though. She crouches by the goldfish scooping, eyebrows furrowed and mouth turned down in a severe frown. There's a small pile of broken scoops next to her as she continually tries--and fails--to scoop a goldfish into her bowl. If you happen to be pausing to watch for any length of time, the shinki running the stall gives an amused smile.

"She's been at it for 20 minutes now."

Yuri makes an irritated noise, both at the shinki calling her out like this, and the paper ripping on her scoop again that lets a fish get away. Wordlessly the shinki hands over another scoop and Yuri sighs and starts again.

Send help.]

[Stall -- Part B]

[The best part of waking up festivals is undoubtedly the food. There's just something about street food that's... special. It just tastes better this way.

Unfortunately, the festivals can also get a bit, well, crowded. And that means bumping into people sometimes, which is not ideal when you're carrying shaved ice topped with syrup. Someone jostles Yuri's shoulder and she yelps lightly, fumbling with the container, but it's too late. The shaved ice falls, most of it managing to hit the ground (or maybe someone else) and the front of her yukata.

She stands there, staring down at herself with an expression of dismay, still holding the spoon she was going to eat with. Alas, poor shaved ice, she hardly knew you.]

[Bridge]

[Obligatory Bridge Prompt.

Okay but really, Yuri's curious about the bridge and seems a bit disappointed at first.] Wasn't it supposed to be a bridge of birds...? [That would be impractical, yuri, jesus get it together.

Still, it didn't mean she wasn't curious as to where it would be going, but as she steps up onto the bridge and starts to walk it, a shinki attending the bridge seems keen to matchmaker. Or something. Male or female, it doesn't matter, because Yuri's being herded over (or maybe you're being herded over instead).

"It's dangerous to go alone! Take this with you!"]

What-- Dangerous? [Yuri sounds baffled and the shinki smiles. "Well, not really, but it's better to walk with someone! Go on, have fun!"

Yuri stares at the retreating shinki then turns to the person she just got paired up with.] ...I just wanted to see where the bridge led.

[Wishes]

[Yuri hesitates for a long time, looking at the slips of paper in her hands. It seems silly to wish for something that can't be accomplished overnight, but maybe it'll give her a little boost of luck. She did, at elast, refrain from wishing her blight gone. That would be stupid if anyone were to see her hanging it up.

Instead on one paper she's written "To repair my relationships with my shinki," on another "I wish my shinki to find happiness," and another, "I want my shinki to get along."

They're simple wishes, okay? She looks all around in the hopes no one's paying too much attention before hanging them up with a sigh.]

Bridge

[rainbowmaster]

[Johan steps up just as the shinki runs by, blinking once before he turns to look at Yuri.

He gives her a smile, though it might. Look a bit bemused by the shinki's sudden reaction.]

I don't think it's dangerous; the shinki did say it would just be better to walk with someone else.

[toremainbehind]

[Stalls]

[It’s not very surprising to see Izumo dressed for the occasion. He can occasionally be found near the stalls, perhaps eating a snack or two, or possibly even checking to see what the stalls have to offer.

Just don’t be too surprised to see a familiar young kid tagging along with him, and possibly even riding his shoulders.]

[ooc; Just comment in your tag to lemme know if you want Goten to be found alongside Izumo!]

[Performances]

[While not one to perform himself, Izumo certainly doesn’t mind watching what other performers have to offer.

Of course, he’s chosen a rather quiet place to sit and possibly has something to drink (alcohol if talking to adults and water/juice/soda when talking to kids) as he watches. He looks on in amusement, entertaining himself as he sips his drink.]

[Other, closed to Eric and Goten.]

[It’s been a long day, and Izumo’s been checking the festival around with Goten and Eric.

And it’s hard to pretend not being tired around two people he’s gotten close to.

Time for a nap, perhaps?]

[Wildcard]

[None of these prompts work for you? Hit me with anything!]

Gimme dat saiyan bundle of energy

[bartenderizing]

[ The gods were certainly kind, as the two didn't show up to the festival in the same colors. Izumo had the striped blue and Shizuo's was a solid goldenrod that had the occasional large butterfly on it. Which... Made more sense (and really dorky) if you saw Yona's yukata. This was probably also one of the few times when the blond wasn't wearing his sunglasses.

Honestly, Shizuo wasn't enjoying things as much as he could be, if only for the earlier discovery that he was still concerned about. That didn't mean he wasn't eating what he could or trying to enjoy everything. Which meant he had almost half a dozen skewers of varied takoyaki and yakitori in one hand and a crepe in the other.

It doesn't quite connect that the small kid that was right there was also hanging around the other bartender. ]

Ah- Hey man.

[lostinshadows]

[Performance]

[For someone who’s never really seen a performance before, Lavi is very fascinated with whatever performance is currently on.

He might be recording some of the performances.

However, anyone who later stumbles across him may see some of the performers trying to get him to join them.]

[Wishes]

[While not one to make wishes himself, Lavi can’t deny the way it does seem appealing.

So, he can be seen being nosy and reading the wishes, eventually putting one up.

”I wish to understand people better.”

Someone come and help this shank grant his wish.]

[The Bridge, Closed to Allen]

[Can you meet me? We need to talk.

It was a text he had sent Allen not too long ago, leaning against the bridge. He sighs a bit as he slips the phone into his pocket.

All he had to do now is wait.]

Wishes

[goeshyper]

[ Tsuna just happens to writing down his wishes, and he places them up at the same time as Lavi's. The other's wish coming into his peripheral, and Tsuna peeks at the paper, seeing his wish. To understand people better? Even he had some difficulty, but thanks to his intuition, he is able to see people beyond who they present themselves to be.]

...Understand people better? Maybe you're taking notice of the wrong things. Everyone wants to be understood, but sometimes people don't make it very easy.

[subtract]

[A - Stalls]

[He probably could've gotten away with staying in his armour like he usually does, but it's been awhile now since a certain set of clothes mysteriously appeared in his temple... and, well, he was curious. And it turns out they're pretty comfortable, so formal wear it is. Just for one day.

... though he starts to regret it once he's actually out in public and people are staring at his sparkly, glowing outfit, but it's too late to go back and change now. Maybe if he stands up straight and ignores all the weird looks no one will make any comments about it. Yeah.

Formal wear aside, Add is busying himself with hunting down only the finest of sweets out of all the food stalls, because what's the point of a festival if you can't have desserts? He eventually finds a place to sit down and eat his amanogawa, which he has... way too much of for one person. There are several of the jellies piled up on the plate he's sampling, plus six more loaded plates balanced on his assistant drones hovering around him. In fact, he may have accidentally caused a shortage with how much he's hoarded for himself, if you were hoping to get any for yourself... perhaps he could be convinced to share?]

[B - Wishes]

[Add can be found prodding at some of the wishes, scoffing loudly and making comments to himself about some of the "stupider" ones. he doesn't seem particularly bothered that other people can hear his "critique".]

Why wish for things like good grades or a raise? You should be spending that time working hard towards your goal, not asking the gods to hand it over to you... ah, "a girlfriend"? If you're that desperate I doubt anyone would want you...

"Make Click Powerful! Season 2 happen"? What the hell does that even mean?

[... but despite his scoffing and rude commentary, later on in the night a new wish appears to hang from the bamboo. On a purple tag written in Add's neat and compact handwriting: "to be reunited with my friends."

Maybe he's not superstitious, but it doesn't hurt to try.]

[C - Bridge]

[This bridge makes no damn sense, and realistically it shouldn't be able to support anyone's weight, but after passing by it a few times he can't help but be curious...

Although, he's reluctant to actually go out on it, as evident in how he's very cautiously testing each step forward like the entire thing could collapse at any moment. His dynamos are hovering close to his feet, ready to catch him in case that actually happens. Maybe he could use a bit of a push?]

C

[chronobreak]

[Okay, he can't take watching Add's pussyfooting anymore.

Ekko just steps into the bridge with all the confidence of somebody who knows they can undo their mistakes.]

It's sturdier than it looks.

OTA!

[papas_bunnydoll]

❚❚❚ Wishes: Part I

[Tot's always loved the story of Tanabata. It's sad and romantic and in good years it has a happy ending. Until the next year.

She hopes that Orihime gets a good visit this year. It's hard missing the ones you love.

Of course, that makes her think of those she'd like to see as well. Maybe she could make that her wish this year? Or maybe she should think of something else… Hopefully no one is waiting to write their wish down, because she's going to be a while.]

Tot's not sure what to wish for.

❚❚❚ Wishes: Part II

[Finally decided, Tot writes out on a bright pink sheet of paper: I wish he remembered me so I don't have to worry any more.]

❚❚❚ The Bridge

[She's not there to cross the bridge herself (unless someone wants to). Instead, Tot's standing nearby watching others walk over it. She just wants to see Orihime get to cross it. That's the whole point of Tanabata after all! ]

❚❚❚ Wildcard

[Tot's going to be walking around and taking in the entire festival! She won't be hard to find in the yukata made for her. Watch out for that parasol as well if you plan on starting any trouble.]
((ooc: Got an idea you want to do instead? Go for it. I'm up for pretty much anything. Not sure - pm me or hit me up at purkle))

bridge

[kokuyoyo]

[Chikusa is also watching people cross, brow furrowed very faintly- easy to miss especially in the dim lights away from the main portions of the carnival. This whole thing...]

...This seems... performative.

[rainbowmaster]

[Stalls]

[Being new to the festivities, Johan is eagerly seeing what exactly it has to offer. So, he’s going to try the food, play the games, and even try out some drinks.

Johan isn’t in a yukata, never actually going out of his way get one, but someone should convince him to find and wear one, anyway. After all, it’s never too late.]

[Wishes]

[Johan is checking the wishes, seeing if there are any he can grant. All of them makes him smile a bit, suddenly feeling a little homesick.

Ruby nuzzles against his cheek, once more in a solid form as she tries to comfort him.

He pats her on the head before adding up his own wish.

”I wish I to get to know my new friends better.”]

[Wildcard]

[None of these work? Hit me up!]

Wishes!

[darkestbefore]

[ Yona had also been browsing her way along the wishes, casually glancing through them. She glances up to spot Johan doing the same thing just as Ruby leans up to nuzzle him. Recalling the little creature doing the same to her, Yona pauses for a moment before hesitantly approaching, unsure if she was intruding on something private or not. ]

Johan?

Sakura ❀ OTA

[festal]

❀ Stuck in the crowds

( After things have been explained to her, an anxious looking girl ventures into the crowd. It's hard to tell if she's pushing her way through or if others are pushing her but as she makes her way through, she squeaks, )

Sorry.... I-I'm sorry! Oh...! Pardon me...

( She's like a small boat in the water, being tossed and turned about as she apologizes to everyone she bumps or brushes into. Actually, it's worse because if she was on a boat, she'd probably feel more secure. She feels like she's out in the water and could really use a life raft right now. )

❀ Sweet tooth

( After adjusting to the environment, she seems to be handling the crowds better now. Its just like the festivals in Hoshido, she thinks, and she makes her way to a nearby stall selling baby castella cakes. Her eyes are bright and she looks thoughtful, like she's pondering making a purchase...

...Because she's going through a lot right now and could really use a sweet pick-me-up. )

❀ Wish upon a star

( Holding a piece of folded paper tightly in her hand, she reaches up for a particularly tall branch, standing on her toes to grab a leaf with her fingers and pull it down to her level. Yes, she's short, but height isn't really the problem right now-- its more the angle of the branch she's reaching for. She tries to tie her wish to the end but her fingers slip, sending the branch whipping back up into the air, )

Ah!

( She reflexively jumps back to avoid being hit in the face and looks around to see if anyone noticed. It doesn't look like any of the mortals have but... )

Wildcard

( Choose your own adventure! You can reach me for plotting at eski )

Stuck in the Crowds

[sweetdeath]

Oh geez, are you okay?

[Did she call for help? -- Or, at least: did she call for a six-foot guy in what looks like a hot spring bathrobe more than it does proper festival attire? Because he's stopping next to her and holding an arm out to stop one of the mortals who was just about to run straight into both of them. The guy lets himself be redirected without fuss. It's not totally obvious whether he's even seen the two of them or not, in fact.

Asato smiles down at the young woman. Poor kid, this is a big crowd for her to be stuck in on her own.]

Hey, it's pretty crowded out here! Where are you headed? I can walk you there.

Ota!

[mermaiding]

[Stalls]

[FOOD. There's food! Festivals are literally The Best as far as Oona's now concerned. There's grilled fish and grilled octopus and takoyaki and--

And Oona wants to spend money on none of it. She's snitching pieces here and there when she can, but when the attending shinki start to get wise and pay closer attention, Oona switches to plan B. She immediately attaches herself to the arm of someone near any food stall that catches her eye. Her yukata is already scandalously short and deliberately half-falling off one shoulder, and she grins]

Hey, hey! It looks good, yes? Human food can look and smell so nice, but have not tried many of these before! Have you? Can try together, yes? [She then immediately turns to the attendant and holds up two fingers] Two! [And then back to the person whose arm she's on] Well? Give them money!

[Wishes]

[Oona doesn't seem to realize that she can just use like, one or two papers or something. She's currently taken about 50 and is trying to find places on the bamboo for them all. (Stop her from climbing, not just because it's dangerous but her yukata is too short for this--) A couple flutter out of her grip without her notice, but they all are variations on the same theme: "want salmon," "want tuna," "want a takoyaki," "want 10 takoyaki," "want 5 iyayaki," etc. Most are food, but some have things like "want a kiss" or "want pretty necklace."

There's one, though, that's been much more carefully written then any of the others, and Oona spends a long time staring at it before she begins to hang it up. She then seems to get some doubts though, because she doesn't finish the movement and steps back with the paper again, frowning.]

Stupid. Wishes do not come true so easy. [Printed on this one is "I want to turn back into a mermaid. I want my tail back."]

[Bridge]

[Of course Oona's going to want to see this bridge everyone's making a fuss over! She hums, pleased, slowly nibbling on a big candied strawberry as she eyes it]

So, once a year, meets lover here? And is only time she can meet him? Ah, romantic and tragic... [Oona sighs happily. Who doesn't love a good romantic drama? She hums again, the sound sounding vaguely inhuman-- it's music, sure, but it sounds like several different people humming at once, in tones that probably shouldn't be achievable by human voice alone. It somehow gives the vague impression of sympathy and hope as she begins to walk across the bridge herself.]

Stalls!

[misterfrumpyface]

[Erk immediately pulls his arm away, looking downright affronted as he smooths the sleeve of his yukata. Who is this woman? He doesn't know her. He's certainly not buying her anything. And why...

...Why are her clothes falling off her shoulder?

His annoyed glare is rendered much less effective by the blush that colours his face. Still, he tries his best to maintain it.]

I'll do nothing of the sort. You ordered the food, and you can pay for it.

[sweetdeath]

Food Stalls

[Man, there's a million booths here! And, even better, the food is free! Tsuzuki loads himself down with two handfuls of delicious grilled things on sticks, dripping sticky soy glazes, and scoots out to the side of the stall to stuff his face out of the way of the line.

He inhales, eyes fluttering briefly closed with absolute bliss.]

This is Heaven!

[Except, wait --

Worry blossoming over his features, he turns to look back at the stall. The shinki running it, despite his pristine white outfit with the fancy golden chrysanthemum seal (and the less-pristine apron over his nice clothes, which has absorbed a couple of sauce splashes) looks like he's got bruises up one side of his face, and even a couple of mostly healed burns. It's like he got clouted with a torch.]

-- Hey, are you okay? What happened with your face?

[The shinki's busy with his next customer, but if you're in line, maybe you can help out...]


Wishes

[Asato's a man of simple needs. He's got a stack of brightly colored papers and a nice brush pen and he's scribbling away with his tongue sticking slightly out the corner of his mouth.

As he's done, he's folding each piece of paper into a nice, neat little strip so that he can tie it around a piece of bamboo.

I wish that everyone here has a good day

I wish that my god turns out to be nice

I wish that if I left anybody behind they'll be OK

I wish for a chance to get to taste Krispy Kremes

From there, the wishes get increasingly focused on having the chance to check out new and interesting food shops. It's not hard to spot him hanging them in the trees. Anybody want to treat a guy?

You might have to do something about his clothes while you're at it. He's technically in a yukata, but it's not a festivalgoing yukata. It's a plain old light blue cotton robe, the kind that you wear at a hot spring resort in between soaks, and all he has on his feet are a cheap pair of zori. They might not let him into a restaurant like this.]


Bridge

[It's made of tiny fragments of straw and stick, but it's sturdy anyway, and it arcs far, far up from the street as though it really is about to end on the other side of the Milky Way. Asato can't see the other side from this end, not over the sharp arc of the bridge, but he's looking up with a childlike wonder on his face nonetheless.]

Wow...

[He lowers his voice to a conspiratorial whisper.]

Hey, do you think we'd get in trouble for climbing it?

I bet the view from the top is amazing.

Bridge

[katanas_and_tea]

[Takuma looks over at the man, having heard the whispering and smiles over at him.]

There's only one way to find out. I'm sure the view will outweigh the consequence of us possibly getting yelled at.

Naoto Shirogane | OTA

[fortune_detective]

A. A Perplexing Arrival

[How and why Naoto has come to be where she is are both complete mysteries to her. In fact, the only two facts that she can state with any certainty are her name, and that she is, in fact, dead. A rather sobering affair all told really. And there seems to be very little alleviation that can be found at this so called "Meeting Hall" she somehow wound up in front of. She is given very piecemeal information from individuals who clearly seem to have things that they'd much rather be doing than answer any of her questions. All she is told is that her God will tell her everything she needs to know. Other than that, she is directed to follow the crowds and enjoy a Tanabata festival. Needless to say, Naoto considers this a less than satisfactory course of action. However, pressing the matter as to where she is and why she's here does not seem like it will bear any fruit in her current location. And so, somewhat begrudgingly, Naoto joins the scores of people making their way over to the bright lights and colorful decorations of the festival stalls and events.]

[As she goes, she surveys the faces of those that walk about her. Naturally, there are none that stand out to her in a way that might be akin to familiarity. So instead, she sighs and resigns herself to trying to glean some new information from perfect strangers -- not exactly out of her comfort zone, but certainly still tedious. If you happen to catch Naoto's attention or meet her gaze as she surveys the crowd, she will attempt to make her way over and start a conversation.]

Excuse me, but could you perhaps answer some questions of mine?


B. Stalls

[Well, this was a festival after all, wasn't it? Confusing circumstances aside, it is hard not to get sucked into the generally, all-around positive atmosphere that surrounded her. Naoto cannot help but sport a small smile as she takes in all the various stalls that are setup and the various offerings each one provides. The first two or three she visits, she attempts to innocuously interview the white-robbed individuals regarding the lingering questions stemming from her sudden arrival. Yet, she finds herself making little to no headway with any of the stall purveyors, much like with those individuals at the Meeting Hall.]

[It seems that it really would be all up to her God to explain everything to her. She lets out what has to be her umpteenth sigh of the night, and attempts to still find some enjoyment from this festival setting. Thus, she can be seen strolling about, watching the people -- perhaps almost as though she's looking for someone in particular though she has no idea herself as to who that could be. She may even be sampling something sweet from one of the stalls or taking a few sips from a drink she procured from another.]

[Feel free to approach and strike up a conversation with the half-amused, half-melancholy Naoto if you feel up for it.]


C. Wishes

[As Naoto tours the Tanabata festival, she occasionally stops and watches some individuals write down and hang up their wishes on the bamboo about the area. She watches them with a kind of benign interest. She can tell they are mortals still of the living, something she no longer is. Yet, she feels little to no provocation to approach any of them and strike up a conversation like she has attempted with others previously. No, instead, something tells her to leave them be, and so she does while still spectating from a reasonable distance. After the wishes are hung up and their authors depart, Naoto's curiosity compels her to check out a few of the tanzaku that dangle from the bamboo.]

["I wish to become thinner."]

["I wish to receive a big promotion in my near future."]

["I wish for better grades on my next round of exams."]

[She chuckles softly as she reads. Then, out loud to no one in particular, she notes:]

Well, these do not exactly sound like the most original wishes. Then again, I'm not exactly sure what I expected. Something more grand or more personal I suppose.


D. Bridge

[The bridge is probably the most impressive part of the whole festival. Naoto finds herself drawn back to it every so often just to take it in once more. She was lucky enough to be around to witness the crossing of the two lovers, Orihime and Hikoboshi. Her heart stirs as she watches the two of them, the separated lovers finally reunited after a whole year. Together again if only just for the short time. It's hard not to be affected by the pure expression of love displayed by the couple on the bridge. Naoto drops her gaze for a moment, hiding her face behind the brim of her hat as she quickly wipes a few bubbling up tears from her eyes.]

[Afterwards, the bridge apparently opens up for others to walk upon it if they choose. However, Naoto stays off. While she appreciates the spectacle of the bridge itself, she does not have much interest or desire in inspecting the bridge more closely, or for that matter getting caught up on that bridge with some random stranger. That's just a little too awkward for her.]

[Instead, she's content to sit a little bit away and watch others attempt to cross the bridge together. Feel free to take a seat next to her if you'd like, strike up a conversation with the semi-distracted young woman.]

A

[toremainbehind]

Certainly. What questions do you have?

Hajime - OTA

[birdstheword]

✂ --- Stalls 01

[In a true Hajime fashion, she's buzzing around the festival with boundless energy. First here, then there, oh but over there is interesting too! There's just so much to do! She's easy to spot in her particularly brightly colored yukata with her hair tied up in a bun with a matching decorative clip. She's quick to stuff her face and whirl around to get the nearest person, fimilar face or not, to join her by shoving cotton candy in their hands]

Try some! It's super tasty! There's so many things to eat. I'm going to jog lots tomorrow!

✂ --- Stalls 02

[If she isn't munching away on taiyaki or something sugary-sweet, she's trying her hand at the games. Particularly the ring toss and cork gun games--though she's awful at the cork gun. The poor shinki that explained the game already got shoot twice so he's now stand far to the side as Hajime takes another shot and misses.

But she also has difficult time at goldfish scooping. Kneeling down by the small pool, Hajime is on her 3rd net. No matter how she tries, she's either to fast or too slow. Trying to scoop out gold fish with a flat paper net isn't as easy as it looks. But she's not giving up!]

Here fishy, fishy~!

✂ --- Wishes

[It may seem a little greedy but there are two wishes Hajime can't pick between so she goes ahead and scribbles them down on two different papers. Her handwriting is loopy and its all done in pink glittery gel pen ink. She ties them both up and goes on her merry way, humming all the while. One has doodles of two smiling faces while the other ends with a bunch of star doodles. The wishes read:]

"To know my friends that have left this world are okay"
"For my shinki to be happy and open themselves up to their friends or make more friends! *PS Including with each other"

✂ --- The Bridge

[Hajime lingers by the bridge for a good while. She's already spotted a few familiar faces meet there and eat face. She's grinning from ear to ear and snapping pictures with her cellphone. Souvenirs of precious moments, you know? But even if you aren't making out on the bridge, she's more then happy to run up and ask for a quick photo or selfie even! ---Or you might not get asked as there's a loud CLICK and a flash.
The best pictures are the most unexpected ones!]

Stalls 01

[lostinshadows]

[Er...

Lavi blinks once when he suddenly finds himself with cotton candy, looking a little bit taken aback by it. He recognizes Hajime, it's hard not to, and he was hoping to possibly avoid her.

Seems like that isn't possible.]

Ah-- [Sorry, he's a little loss for words.]

Leo | OTA + Closed to Aymeric (you stalkers)

[brynwieldr]

Stalls

[Leo's never been to any sort of festival before and this is quite the lively one. He doubts the festivals back home were anything like this, but maybe he could take this idea to Xander.

Or just talk to Takumi about it. It'd be a good cultural exchange, he thinks.

He won't be playing any games unless prompted, but he is very interested in the food. And not getting it on his nice purple yukata. Talk to him?]

Bridge and Booze -- Closed to Aymeric

[Later in the day, when everything is winding down, Leo tracks down Aymeric and holds up his bottle of birthday bourbon.]

Need a break?

stalls

[tacomeme]

[Speak of the devil, Takumi finds Leo pretty easily. His yukata is not as eye popping as Leo's- a restrained blue. But his hair is braided, and the shorter layer actually left loose]

Thinking of what to eat?

[tuishou]

Wish

[Listen up, men: He wants you.

Yes, that's ridiculous and humiliating and no, Neji Hyuuga isn't enough of a jackass to write anything down on a little slip of paper. No, he's the sort of jackass who believes that hard work-- or, better still, destiny, will get him what he's after this evening. Need elaboration? A barrier. Neji is after a barrier. A solid, physical someone to act as a buffer or distraction from this self-destructive spiral and (hey, if it worked to keep Orihime and-- the other guy on task, why shouldn't it work for the two morons in his house?)

he'll probably be staring, to be honest. With a tired frown on his face and eyes dull with concentration (was concentration supposed to be sharp?). This is, after all, very... demanding work. There are several factors to consider: neatness, some semblance of self-respect, respect for others-- physical attractiveness? (How is he ever supposed to judge that?) It's also been a very tiring last few days leading up to this, so the unwavering stare from the boy with white eyes and long hair could, actually, be entirely accidental.

Any man (or moderately masculine woman-- or anyone, as the night drags on, who isn't a child) can also find Neji just... standing close every now and then, seeming to mind his own business but always-- around. What's up with that?

Someone please give him a reason to never remember this.]

[thekillerwhale]

[Makoto is indeed a very tall, very solid, physical someone who is a man and pretty handsome on a general scale. Athletic to boot.

But

Oh...uhm....this is unnerving.]

Ah...do...do you need something from me?

[mersunary]

Stalls
[After being given the rundown that all new residents receive along with her assigned, allegedly 'soulless' shinki, Soleil is released into the festival to enjoy herself. Plenty of the attractions catch her attention, wanting to see what sorts of things she might be familiar with and what among the offerings might be totally new to her. Her appointed shinki, a fairly tall and stoic looking fella who looks particularly un-thrilled in her wake, is getting dragged along for the ride.]

Haha, oh wow, what's this? [She seems pretty intrigued by the shooting gallery game, inspecting the cork-gun with intense curiosity. Rather than asking the shinki running the stall about the ins and outs, however, she'll turn to the closest person passing by,] Hey, excuse me! Do you know how this game works?

Performance
[Her shinki, by this point, has been relegated to his vessel form, a simple steel sword, and strapped to her side, which probably looks a little silly with the traditional clothing she was dolled up in at the beginning of the festival, but hey. What else is she supposed to do with him while she watches the performances that are being put on for the guests of the party?

Which all really translates to 'she doesn't want him harshing her buzz while she watches these cute girls sing and dance for the crowd'.]

Haha, they're so talented, aren't they? [Is she blushing? She looks positively start-struck, regardless.] It's really enchanting.

Wishes
[So, you just write something down on the paper to make a wish, and then hang it up? It sounds like a cute little tradition, and before she makes a wish of her own, she sort of wants to poke her nose into what other people are writing to get an idea of what's expected.]

Health... [She turns another one over, looking pensive,] Good test scores... [A lot of pretty simple things, huh? Wait - this one's different,] A pair of some girl's socks? [Well that's. Uh. Unlike the others.] Hmm.

[Maybe she'll run into yours? Maybe you want her to stop being a nuisance and get some manners??]

Stalls

[lilys_poise]

I know how to play!

[She learned at the last festival. Clearly this makes her an expert.]

It's really fun~ I'll show you.

Sakura Kinomoto | Cardcaptor Sakura

[magickmistress]

[ Stalls ]

[ Sakura is a mix of being both awed and wary. Everything was happening so fast. First she finds out she's a goddess and now a huge festival?! Expect the unexpected indeed! ]

[ But also, there is no Kero, no Tomoyo, no Syaoran, and thus she is left to navigate on her own. She had just been Tomoyo with another one of her fashion projects, so while everyone was dressed appropriately she felt pretty ridiculous in the dress she was wearing. But she was Sakura Kinomoto! She would take everything in stride! ]

[ She's peeking around every stall, trying to find any clues about what's going on, or if she should accept the way things are for the moment and try to have fun. ]


[ Wishes ]
[ She's hung two wishes, one that could be granted, another that is a little more impossible. ]

[ 'I wish that everyone back home is okay.' ]

[ And. ]

[ 'I wish I can meet the other Greek gods and goddesses!' ]


[ Bridge ]

[ She's staring at the bridge in awe. She knew about this legend! And then people who loved or cared about each other walked across it. She could feel her heart doing 'thump-tha-thump's in her chest. Only a little bit ago, she would have wshed it could be her and Yukito walking across the bridge but.. that seemed like a far away dream now. ]

Hoooeee... it would be so amazing to go across the bridge with a handsome guy...!

Bridge

[rainbowmaster]

[A kid? No, not a kid. But definitely someone younger than him.

He tilts his head, smiling when he hears her words.]

Really? And what kind of handsome guy did you want to walk the bridge with? [He's teasing a little, so excuse him.]

Elise

[lilys_poise]

Pre-festival, closed to Forrest:

[Elise had been so super excited to get her festival finery. It's adorable too! It's a dark purple with a white wisteria blossom pattern running all over it and comes with a pink obi. She can't wait to wear it!

After about a dozen failed attempts to put it on herself, Elise finally admits defeat. Which is why she's knocking on the door of Lakshmi's temple pouting like a sad kitten. The yukata is crooked, and the obi is inexpertly tied in the front. Help her Forrest!]

Stalls:

[Games! Treats! Music! Elise just loves festivals! She's got a box of takoyaki in one hand and a bag of candy in the other. And is currently looking over the games. What should she play?

Hey there, random passerby! You look well informed! Probably.]

Hey! What's your favorite game?

Wishes:

[There are so many things to wish for! Elise is reading the other wishes for inspiration. People are asking for money, love, advice, success.... there are as many types of wishes as there are people wishing!

She looks down at her own blank paper and frowns.]

This is really hard...

Stalls

[battered]

["You look informed" is a very loose descriptor of this particular passerby. He's managed to get himself something tasty looking to eat, and that's real the extent of his indulgences for this festival thus far. It bodes well for his own appearance of 'maybe sort of knows what he's doing' that he can't respond right away, considering her's got a bite of yakitori in his mouth when the question is posed, but the effort of chewing and swallowing gives him enough time to stir up an answer for her.]

Baseball...!

[Uh. Oh. That's not something that's being offered in any of the stalls. It's just a general answer to what sounds like a general question. No, he has no idea how to help you. I am so sorry.]

[alchemists]

[ Stalls ]

1.
[ Elfnein had heard about these types of festivals from her friends back home, they wanted to take her to obon and show her everything after recovering from being hurt. She was wide eyed and looking at all the food stalls first, so many different types of food and drinks to pick from. If only Hibiki and Miku were here, they’d know what sort of food is the best to get. ]

I need to figure out the best place to start.

[ Alright plan of attack time, someone help this poor child before they end up in a pile of snacks. ]

2.
[ It’s time for hitting the game stalls, skipping over goldfish scooping; Elfnein finds herself at a target range eyeing a stuffed animal on the higher shelves. Taking the toy gun in hand she starts aiming, and aiming, and well trying to get a perfect shot line up that is taking at least 10mins. The shinki running the booth is starting to get a little annoyed at Elfnein and keeps trying to get her to hurry up and shoot something off the shelf. ]

Change in angle, height, and wind are almost zero. Shooting now would have me knock it down for sure.

[ Wild card ]

[ Feel free to hit me up with anything else. ]

1

[nohorn]

[ Without thinking about it, Ram has been stalking someone.

She doesn't know why, simply that she should. It's not the first time she's done such a thing, nor does she even feel any sort of ethical quandary about it.

There is simply something about this girl that attracts her so. Not in that way obviously!!

The question now is whether Elfnein would notice the stalker wearing a maid outfit half-hiding behind a pole as she watches her go from stall to stall. ]

Hiyoko Tosaka

[talkbirdytome]

Wishes:

[Hiyoko is putting up her wish with a nostalgic smile on her face.

I wish for the mad love of a fallen angel.

Perfect. Then she goes about reading some of the others. Everything from 'I want an advance on my allowance' to 'Please let senpai notice me.']

Maybe I should lend somebirdie a hand.....

Bridge:

[Hiyoko is staring at the bridge with something akin to awe.]

So this is the famous bridge. I gotta say, I'm impressed. Too bad I don't have anybirdie to walk it with.

[Ah well, she's young yet. There's still hope.]

Bridge

[kokuyoyo]

Wouldn't that just mean only ever meeting that person once a year if the weather is good...?

[No one asked him, but that's what happens when you get Chikusa in a grouchy mood (although his deadpan blank tone doesn't give it away) and he's nearby to hear you talk out loud.]

[goeshyper]

A. Stalls
[Today's an exhausting day. Finding himself in this different version of Japan, and of all things an incarnate of a god. It's a lot weighing on his mind, but Tsuna decides to take part in festival to alleviate his stress. It's something he will normally do at home, and though he didn't have his friends with him, he knows he can't avoid his current situation.

So he ventures out among the stalls, nervous among the unfamiliar faces. Though there's something about the festival atmosphere that's comforting. It has all the things he likes about them. Food, games, live music and everyone having a good time without explosions or gunfire.

If you do come up to Tsuna, he might be munching on taiyaki or yakisoba. Even failing very hard at catching goldfish,or trying to aim at the shooting range. Reborn makes it look so easy, but his head is a large target.]

B. Wishes
[ There's already a lot of wishes as Tsuna expects from a Tanabata festival. Many of wishes are about finding love, or succeeding in school. There are a few strange ones about keeping their dark secrets hidden. Tsuna gets into the spirit of making a wish and comes up with a few.

"I hope everyone at home are safe...and not getting into any trouble!"
"Don't let Kyoko-chan get a boyfriend in my absence."
"If I screw this up, give me the strength to make it right."

He places them on the bamboo, and hopes at least one of them comes true.]

C. Performance
[No, Tsuna isn't skilled, or possesses an amazing talent to display. The only reason he's on stage is to fulfill a wish. Apparently, one of the taiko drummers became ill, and one of the members must have written the note in hopes that their empty spot will be filled.

So here Tsuna is, out of his Yukata and in the guise of a taiko drummer. He has no idea what he's doing, but the other drummers doesn't ask any questions. Maybe they don't care, or are really desperate. Once they start, Tsuna is banging on the drums with his sticks, trying to keep in tune with everyone else. It's a lot harder than it looks, but Tsuna is trying his best.

The only thing Tsuna freezes on is a drum solo in the middle of a program,and Tsuna has to improvise something! Oh no!]

[thekillerwhale]

[Makoto squats down next to Tsuna as he tries to catch a goldfish. Makoto had been pretty good at these games since he was a kid, so he decides to help out.]

Here, try holding it like this. If you get the center of the paper too wet, it'll tear really easily.

[With his own paper net, he demonstrates a good way of holding it.]