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

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.

[onerous]

Yeah, but... That's a bit suspicious too. [She runs a hand through her hair, frowning in mild exasperation.]

Well, if you want to come with me I won't stop you. But I'm sorry for the bother. [The bother that that shinki started, anyhow, so it's not even her fault sheesh.]

stalls a

[kokuyoyo]

...So are you trying for a whole hour...

[It's sort of dully said, an obligation more than anything, and Chikusa just stares as she tries for another fish.]

[onerous]

[Yuri's trying really hard not to take her frustration out on anything, to take a deep, calming breath. Getting aggravated is just going to make it easier for the paper to rip, or something, and she wants these god damn goldfish.]

I want to win some for Hakkai and Neji. [She doesn't know if it'll do them any good to get them a pet, especially not one that dies as easily as a goldfish but whatever]

...I'm not even sure they'll like it, but... I'm in too deep to not win it now. [She has to get the fish. Her pride demands it by this point.]

Bridge

[bussounoshima]

[Sharak is busy glaring at whoever the brave shinki was that dared to push a Sanzo priest in Yuri's direction. Yeah, they better run. She huffs and crosses her arms before finally turning her attention towards Yuri.

... Oh. This girl.]

Nothing's stopping you. [Sharak is a little curious too.] Come on, before they decide we need a third.

[onerous]

[Yuri pauses and then tilts her head up a little, recognizing her, but she is a little surprised she's agreed to go along too.]

You're coming? [Oops, that could probably be seen as really rude and she winces slightly at herself.] ...Not that I mind, but... A romantic walk on a bridge doesn't seem your sort of thing.

[She's joking. Sort of. But she begins to walk anyway, gesturing with her head that she can come with] ...Sharak, right? It's been a while.

Stalls B

[latentforlife]

[Shuusei should really watch where he's going. It's crowded and he's darting around like a child wanting to see everything and try everything.

He only pauses because of that yelp and looks back to see the sad girl with the spoon and the lost shaved ice. He winces a bit and looks around before coming back over, scratching the back of his head.]

I'm sorry about that, I really am. Can I make it up to you? I could buy you another, or at least get you some napkins for those stains...

[onerous]

[She glances to him briefly with a frown, before looking at the stain again.]

Another shaved ice, or another yukata? [An important distinction, for sure. She looks back at him fully, just shaking her head. Nope, she's too nice to let him go feeling bad for it]

It's fine, really. It was just an accident. [She sighs a little and attempts to lighten the mood again] And there was only one casualty, so it went well enough, right?

wishes

[revolutionfalcon]

I hope you're not expecting those to come true without any intervention from you.

[Though Shun wasn't paying particular attention to her wishes, he did happen to catch sight of at least two of the three, and it's enough for him to make a remark on it. He doesn't exactly sound judgemental, but there's something almost more like caution in his voice, as if trying to point out how bad of an idea that would be.

Though he's also obviously involving himself in the celebration enough to have put on a yukata - dark blue, with yellow feather patterns - his own hands are empty of wishes. He did one, and it's already among the rest.]

[onerous]

Hmm... Somehow I think my involvement would make it worse. [She frowns at the wishes, feeling a little self-conscious now. She sighs a little and scratches at her cheek, turning to eye Shun lightly.

The lack of wish slips doesn't go unnoticed either and her gaze lifts to meet his curiously] Not making a wish? Or did you already make it?

Stalls A

[mithrarin]

[Dust had just been curious, but the shopkeeper's comment makes him frown. If she's been spending so much time and energy trying to succeed, she doesn't deserve that sort of comment.]

[So the best revenge is to help her succeed, right? Dust drops down to a knee to get a better view, watching her move the scoop as he rubs a hand down his chin.]

The tail's the dangerous part.

[onerous]

[She glances to him then back to the goldfish, brows furrowed]

Because it'll hit the paper and tear it...? How am I supposed to avoid the tail hitting it then?

[She frowns, tapping the scoop against the water in a mildly agitated manner]

Stalls A

[sweetspringwater]

[Suijin, today in an elaborate fish-patterned kimono and her broad veiled hat dyed to match, watches discreetly from the side as the young god attempts so valiantly to capture a goldfish. The way she seems to be so stiff in her shoulders and the way the collar of the yukata is high on her neck though...
When Ixtab is handed a new paper net and settles in for another attempt, Suijin approaches and crouches beside her, her posture elegant and proper as to not unduly wrinkle her kimono. The goldfish in the tank seem to notice her presence, for they all swim closer.

Turning towards Ixtab she smilingly asks,]

Are you enjoying the game? Or do you simply wish for a pet goldfish?

[onerous]

[Yuri squints suspiciously as the fish all seem to swarm to one side, then looks up in surprise when Suijin crouches beside her. On one hand it's a sort of pleasant surprise; Yuri certainly doesn't mind Suijin, but she's can't help but feel a little nervous that she's approached her.

Like when a teacher suddenly strikes up a conversation out of the blue, even if you've done nothing wrong you feel a little nervous. Granted, Yuri did have something to hide here, with the blight and all.]

I, ah... [She looks at the paper net and then the fish, blushing lightly. It seems a bit silly now] I wanted to win a couple, for my shinki... But I'm not very good at this sort of thing, I guess. [She scratches lightly at her cheek, embarrassed.] Or maybe the fish are just playing with me too.

[She looks to Suijin again and offers, sincerely] You look very lovely today, Lady Suijin.

Stalls part A

[lookingforhead]

[Celty has been standing by for a while now, watching others enjoy the festivities and mostly keeping to the back of the crowd. It's mostly just a feeling like she belongs a bit away from everyone, but it's not like the food is much of a lure for her either, no matter how nice it looks.

The games though, those are fun, but she's not particularly good at them herself and it's not long before she gets frustrated and quits. As she walks away however the Shinki at the goldfish scooping booth catches her eye, well, visor. Her attention turns to Yuri, feeling sympathy for the poor girl.

She wouldn't cheat for herself, but maybe...She crouches down a bit, behind and off to the side. She waits for the game master to be distracted at just the right moment, and when he does a tendril of shadow slips through the water. The paper on the scoop tears once again, but this time the shadow veers upwards and gives the fish a little push, bouncing it back into the air.

Whether Yuri can catch it in her bowl is up to her.]


(ooc: I need to finally get around to playing Fatal Frame 5 >< )

[onerous]

[Yuri notices the shadow first, but it doesn't quite register with her. When she has Hakkai in his vessel form she can utilize shadows similarly, so it doesn't even make her question at first. It's about the time it pops the fish out of the water that the thought of, 'wait, I didn't make that...' crosses her mind, and she scrambles to catch the fish in the bowl with a soft 'plop!'

She stares, bewildered, and then looks up at the shinki attendant to get her attention.] Um? I-- got one...?

[The shinki seems pleased with Yuri's apparent success and takes the bowl to go bag the fish; Meanwhile, Yuri's already trying to seek out the person who helped her. Celty stands out in the crowd for a variety of reasons, so her gaze zeroes in there first. Her head tilts, a silent question. 'Was it you?']

((OOC: SO WORTH IT. Very sad as per Fatal Frame rules, but it's visually so nice and i love it. /hand on cheek. Do the thing.))

Stall B

[bartenderizing]

[ Honestly, Shizuo had seen the young woman back when she was trying to catch the goldfish. Unfortunately, he watched for about 5 minutes, but didn't do anything because there was a small child around trying to pull him and his lookalike around to each food stall. Not trying to help then had mostly bothered him because of how much it looked like she was about to cry.

Which is why he had a plastic bag with two swimming fish in it. Completely aware of how awkward this was, it took another few minutes before the tall blond started to approach the shorter woman.

Right in time for the shaved ice to land in front of his feet. Unfortunately, the height difference made it hard to see her expression (though it's not as if he had the tact to know how to act in the first place. Which he was aware of.) This really wasn't her night, was it? So he holds out the bag for her. ]

Here. You, uh... Seem to be having bad luck tonight.

[onerous]

[She sighs deeply, before looking up in surprise at being addressed. Shizuo is a lot taller, and a bit...intimidating looking, to be honest here, so she doesn't know what to do at first when the goldfish are offered to her.]

Um.

[She looks at the bag and then to him.] For me? But-- Why? [She quickly shakes her head] Not that I mind, I'm grateful if you're offering it, but... [Why??]

stalls a!

[shadowrevenger]

[She was here the last time Ren was here playing this game, and she's still here when he comes back from playing a different one, and the only thing that seems to have changed is the size of the pile of scoops next to her...

He accepts a new scoops from the shinki manning the game and curiously looks over to watch what she's doing as he crouches down a little ways down the tank. After a minute of obviously watching her and not actually starting to play himself, he finally speaks up to try to help.]

You need to be a little more gentle.

[onerous]

[Though Yuri's outward expression doesn't change too much, she's aware that this guy is just. Watching. Staring. It's a little weird, but she stubbornly sets her jaw and ignores it. She's got a game to win!!

His advice is met with a sharp frown-- easier said then done, since her frustration was starting to come through in how she handled the scooping and all. She took a deep breath and set the scoop aside, frowning continuing as she eyed the fish.]

I don't think I can be gentle right now.

obligatory bridge idk

[tuishou]

[His own yukata is-- plain. Unadorned. Something some fifty year old big name in an office would wear to an occasion that necessitated traditional garb. It's strict brown in color and the only trace of light-almost-white blue is the belt. Neji doesn't seem to mind what an old man he looks like, and Yuri should be used to this by now. No, the only odd thing is that his hair's down and he's glad it's not raining and that it's not too windy and that he specifically sets out, at this time, to track Yuri down and let her know that this entire celebration was still bull because

that's it?

It's not that he's out to criticize (that's be painfully stupid), but he's feeling... every version of this story so far has been horribly underwhelming, there has got to be something else to it that maybe Yuri hadn't felt like saying before (he can't, reasonably, blame her).

He finds her, stops a distance away and forces himself to move closer because that's-- what he'd set out to do, anyway. The bridge is ahead and Neji only graces Amaterasu's shinki with a baffled sort of dismissive look before he turns to Yuri and-] You said it'd be a bridge of birds.

[onerous]

[Yuri stares a moment, baffled. Birds? What?

--Oh. She looks at the bridge in question, frowning a little.] That's what the stories said. I suppose it'd be a little impractical to be a bridge of real birds... It'd probably hurt them if you stepped on them. Damage their feathers.

[Or something?? Yuri huffs a little resigned laugh as she begins to walk towards it anyway,
fully intent on continuing her desire to cross it.]

I was disappointed too.

Bridge

[thirdbeauty]

[Yuri's not the only one curious about the bridge. What Natsuru wasn't expecting was that she'd end up herded over towards someone by an attendant shinki.]

Wh-?! H-Hey...!

[She sputters and stammers, clearly flustered by this sudden attention. It's only after they've been basically shoved together that she looks and notices that she actually recognizes the other girl.]

Oh! [Bashfully, she runs fingers through her hair and attempts to look more composed. It's probably not working.] Yuri-san... you wanted to see the bridge too?

[onerous]

Natsuru-san. [She nods her head both in greeting and in affirmation to the question, turning to look down the bridge.]

I wanted to see where it might lead to. If you wanted to see too, we could go together? Since that shinki seems to think it's important we go in pairs or something... [Yuri shakes her head in mild, exasperated amusement]