open post

[trustheart]

Who: Chris, and you! [open post]
When: May 20th-May 30th, except for the 21st, because she busy ICly that day
Where: Both the Far and Near Shore
What: General Open Post

[Singing in the Park]

[Chris didn't know when she'd started receiving prayers like this, but it was a welcome change from the kind she usually received while playing the role of Ishtar. In this case, a young guitar player was trying to become noticed, and wished someone would come along to help him...

... and well. Chris had wanted to get out and perform in public more.

And so she was standing in the middle of the park, looking embarassed... but also singing, and with a smile on her face as the young man played accompanying music on his guitar.]

...Those times when I felt like crying, and those times when I did~
You were always there for me, "Don't lose your way," you said to me...
As you came closer and grasped my hand, You, my special someone...!

[ooc - This is technically taken from another series, but I needed something softer and which fit her character, so let's just handwave that part.]

[All work and no play make tiny god something something]

Oh come on!

[Today, Chris found herself at an arcade in the Near Shore, playing one of those Cardass type arcade machines. As it turned out, CanColle cards suffered from the same horrible distribution rates as the actual mobile game, and Chris was dead set on earning that rare, limited edition "Tommy-chan" card.]

Alright, you stupid son of a bitch, this time I'm winning that card, or you and I are going to have words.

[And so Chris shoved another yen coin into the machine, and narrowed her eyes, focusing on the gameplay... which appeared to be some weird hybrid of a strategy game, a rhythm game, and bullet hell involving anthropomorphized firearms? Somehow, it worked.

But she was determined to see this through... even if how well she did barely had a limited influence on what cards she earned.]

[Living on a prayer]

[Today? Today was about work. Chris had gone on a scouting, err, outing to gather information in advance of handling a prayer, but somehow, she'd managed to be caught unaware and was now deeply involved in a battle against an ayakashi that had been ruining a farmer's crops.

Said ayakashi looked like a very demonic, very large crow.]

Son of a bitch son of a bitch son of a bitch...!

[She'd already transformed into her gear form, but for now, she was focused on leading the enormous bird away from the populated area. Which meant running, and not being able to fight back. Continuing to curse to herself, she sent a text message to anyone she had in her social network, imploring them to see if they could come help...]

[Shopping]

[It was summer now, and Chris couldn't keep relying on all the clothes that Ginia and Irisviel had lent her. They were all more fitting for colder weather or formal occasions, and she needed something light and breezy.

So, she went out on multiple days, hitting clothing stores, malls, and shopping centers, shopping for clothes. Not just that, but things to decorate her temple. And... on several days? She'd found herself in shops she didn't normally frequent at all, like jewelry stores and shops that sold Japanese antiques. She could be found in such places, looking unsure of herself and staring hard in concentration at their wares.

She had a friend's birthday coming up after all.]

[wildcard]

[If you want to thread with Chris but aren't feeling any of the prompts, just PM my journal and we can work something out!]

Comments

[private to Tsubasa, dated 5/19]

[trustheart]

[Tsubasa was still asleep. That had left Chris feeling lonely, but also, she had to keep things tidy for her now that Rita was no longer Tsubasa's shinki and she was on her own. Both things had led her to go to Tsubasa's apartment, doing general things like cleaning (it had gotten easier after the first nightmare), dusting, feeding the koi... and doing things like making Tsubasa breakfast, lunch, and dinner in case this happened to be the day Tsubasa happened to wake up.

So far, all of that food had been eaten by her, Luger, and on some occasions, Ginia.

In any case, she was done cleaning for the day, and was in Tsubasa's temple's kitchen, preparing an afternoon meal. Curry and rice this time. Don't worry, Tsubasa, she'd make sure it got eaten before 9 pm, no matter whether she woke up or not.

This was going to be incredibly embarrassing once she did, but for now, Chris enjoyed the routine somewhat. It felt... normal.]

[locked to Iskandar]

[trustheart]

[Chris showed up wearing a jacket, a white blouse, a long skirt, and simple shoes she'd picked up for walking around in rather than fashion. Chris was normally fashion conscious, but this was an older friend, and it felt like it was an excuse to dress casually, not to show off.

She was nervous, though. She had been asked by Waver to spend time with Iskandar, so she'd called him up and asked him if he wanted to go out for burgers like they'd discussed prior. She hoped it wasn't too transparent... she didn't want Iskandar to feel like she was doing this out of obligation, after all.

Nevertheless, she headed into the temple, hoping for once the building would allow her to get her to where she wanted to be for once.]

Something something gacha hell - 24th?

[unlucky7]

[Gacha is cold, unrelenting, a system that cares not what suffering it brings. Numbers and probability care not in a system designed to drain the player of their money. Ginia watches with her arms crossed, her coin purse at the ready, but also unsure whether not she should encourage it. On one hand, it is keeping the economy going and that's a boon to Ebisu.

On the other hand, reckless spending is a practice that shouldn't be encouraged and she worries a bit about her god's health with how intently Chris is playing.]

I know superstition means nothing when it comes to gacha games, but maybe you should try a different machine? Or take a break to reset your luck?

[Beat.]

I could take the game card and rub it on Ebisu's office door to see if some luck rubs off on it.

singing in the park

[priforprince]

[ Had there been a prayer in this vicinity....? It’d tickled Hibiki’s consciousness, attracting her attention sufficiently to attract her physical presence, as well. But it seems fools rush in where gods prefer a majestic stroll. The prayer has been answered.

Well, it’s not like Hibiki isn’t getting something out of this. She remains a ways away, watching. And, of course, judging.

In matters of entertainment, whose opinion could be more valuable? ]

[towards_okeanos]

[The Stone Menace is unusually calm this time. There are traps, no surprising turns ending with a solid stone wall or pit of sharpened stakes. On fire. For good measure.
No one is getting lost anywhere. The corridor from the main entrance looks almost mundane. Like a proper, poorly lit, ancient temple hallway.
Though the poorly lit part is definitely a departure from the norm. Even the sacred fire looks somewhat subdued. Smaller and less bright than usual. There's barely enough light to show the way and certainly not enough to reach the walls and illuminate the reliefs there.

Iskandar is in the common room on the couch in front of the TV. Endless parade of hideous forms to blow up pass through the screen. Nothing ambitious. Just some random, mindless shooter. There is an empty wine bottle on the table and one more on the floor underneath it. No glasses though. No plates. Nothing. Just the bottles.
He's up the moment he notices he's not alone anymore. Tosses the pad on the couch and goes to greet Chris.]

Chris! You could have texted me! I would have met at the entrance. There was no need to go all the way down here. I hope the Temple wasn't giving you any trouble on the way?

[He smiles.]

So? Have you chosen the venue? Where are we going?

[beyondtheblade]

[Tsubasa had no idea what the hell had happened, but as she woke up, she felt stiff as all hell. Not as much as she maybe should have once she gets to realize how long she's been out, but the lack of being mobile of late is something she feels inherently.

Her temple is otherwise quiet, so it's not hard to detect someone working in her kitchen. She moves cautiously at first, almost ready for something bad to happen, but relaxes as she sees it's just Chris.]

Ah... Yukine?

[trustheart]

[Chris looks up with a start at the sound of someone moving through the halls. She figures it's either Luger, or Ginia, coming to check up on things, so she doesn't look away from her cooking.]

Yukine? Neither of you have ever called me tha-

[She looks up with a start again. And then she turns, and her face immediately lights up.]

Senpai!

[Don't worry, the resulting embarrassment will come soon.]

[trustheart]

[Chris blinks, and then chuckles nervously.]

Oh, uh. Sorry, I guess I should have done that. But the old place didn't really give me any trouble today, if it matters any.

But anyway, I found a good burger joint. I think you'll really like it!

[Her criteria? The one that was most similar to the kind frequented by Genjurou.]

[trustheart]

No. No cheating. No surrender.

[Chris grits her teeth as her focus becomes even more absolute.]

This is a matter of pride, now.

[... Yeah, we might have a problem here.]

[trustheart]

I'm glad just watching from this place, I'm glad to just admire someone so radiant and magnificent-

[And there's Hibiki, as if on cue in the cosmic comedy of errors that is Chris's entire life, right at the point the lyrics get weirdly specific to reality.

Chris can't help it. She sputters and chokes, and soon enough, the music comes to an end. Chris assures them she's fine, she just has some vocal strain, she'll be back in a second. She leaves them with her partner's guitar playing, which people seem pretty taken with... after all, wasn't that the point of this?

Either way, she sidles over to Hibiki, and speaks while smiling through gritted teeth:]

HeyShikyoinwhatareyoudoinghere?

[unlucky7]

[...This could be a problem.

Ginia looks through her coin purse to see how many 100 and 500 yen coins she has on hand. As an avoid UFO catcher and rhythm game player, she has her fair share with bills she can break down further.

Hopefully it doesn't come to that.]

May Tommy-chan feel your will and devotion.

Going to keep the other cards?

1/3

[towards_okeanos]

Nonsense! Don't fret over it. It's fine. You know, you're welcome here anytime. I'm just happy the Temple managed to behave for once.
It got a bit moody lately.

[Right. The Temple. Of course.]

I just switch everything off here and leave a note for Waver.

[He looks around searching for the remote. Not finding it he resigns to turning all the stuff manually.] I swear the damn thing was right here a moment ago. [It probably is somewhere but that two bottles of wine are not exactly sharpening his perception.
He scribble few words to Waver and leaves the note on the table. Looks around. Ah, the bottles.

Just a moment. I can't leave the mess in the common room or Satya would have my ...

2/3

[towards_okeanos]

[Iskandar freezes. There is something in a way that his jaw stiffens and how blood drains from his face that makes him look a lot older. A couple of hundred years older.
Comparing to the jabbering a moment before the silence that drops right after that is like a lead curtain.

...

eh...

still... it's just wrong to leave it like that...]

I'd be right back.

3/3

[towards_okeanos]

[Iskandar is gone a little longer than it takes to throw two bottles into the trash bin but he's looking a little better.]

Oh, right! I'm ready. Lead on!

[That's the world's best criteria. Honestly.]

[priforprince]

All aspiring to Entertainment falls under my domain.

[ Hibiki is as serene as Chris is flustered. She raises a benevolent hand. ]

As this display is insufficient to move me, however, I’ll give the remainder of the prayer to you. You may continue.

shopping

[reloves]

[ Sure, things aren't exactly all peachy again at the Metis temple, even now Zelda has woken up. But just the fact that her goddess is awake and not permanently asleep due to what Minako would claim is her fault for being not good enough of a shinki is enough to make Minako feel better enough to be much more like her usual self.

She's even out shopping today! It's been a while since she's been able to do it with all of the personal chaos going on, but that's exactly what makes this first-time-in-a-while shopping trip extra special.

And she just so happens to even spot a familiar face while she's out. Minako notices Chris standing in a jewelry store, and it catches her interest enough for her to enter the store and wave to try and draw the other's attention despite how focused Chris seems. ]

Hey, Chris!

[trustheart]

[When Minako spots Chris, she's busy staring at some bracelets with set gemstones, trying to decide whether to get one with Tsubasa's birthstone in it. And mystical or traditional? Sapphire is really more Tsubasa's color... And on top of that, is this kind of gift too much, or not?]

Eh? [She looks up upon hearing Minako's voice.] Oh, uh. Hey Minako. What's up?

[trustheart]

... Huh. I'm not sure why I heard it too then.

[Was what Ginia and several others said coming true? Was her domain starting to change based on her actions?

In any case, Chris blinked.]

Really? You're just going to step aside?

[reloves]

That's what I should be asking you!

[ Especially since Minako figures her being a lot more cheerful again should speak for itself as to what's new with her. Especially since she'd rather just put the whole period where Zelda was asleep behind her and not talk about it too much. ]

Are you thinking of getting some new jewelry for yourself?

[trustheart]

[Well, Chris certainly picked up from back then that she shouldn't pry. She shakes her head at the blonde's question.]

No, actually. I'm trying to figure out what to get for senpai's birthday, actually.

[ooc - for convenience, can we assume Minako has hung out around Chris enough to assume "senpai" is Tsubasa? I imagine it'd come up multiple times.]

Re: 3/3

[trustheart]

Take your time. I'll just hang out here.

[As he starts to head off, she leans against the wall... but that change in expression and the comment he made doesn't go unnoticed. She narrows her eyes, and by the time he returns, she's looking quite serious.]

Hey. Before we go, are you sure you're alright?

[trustheart]

I guess. I got a few I didn't have before, and the others could be trade fodder.

[Some of the people at the office collected them too, after all.

... and this round finishes. Chris steps back as the machine lights up and displays her score. A perfect run, again, but even then, the drop percentage for the prize she wants is under ten percent. Chris crosses her fingers as her three prize cards slide out.]

... I'm too scared to look.

[unlucky7]

[She'll be working her way up the leaderboards in no time with those scores. Ginia whistles lightly, impressed. As the cards slide out, she steps in to take them from the slot. If Chris isn't going to look, then she'll have to look for her.

...Hm.

Is it cruel or lucky when gacha grants you the character you want, and the right rarity, but not the right card? There's the event SR and a SR from a previous set (Western set Winnie, nice!), and a SSR Tommy-chan from the racing set. Ginia lines them up one by one in front of Chris.]

Rate up is a lie, but congrats on getting her?

[towards_okeanos]

[He could say that he's fine but that would be a lie.]

Not much. But I will.

[He smiles. A sad smile but a smile nevertheless.]

Don't worry about it.

[reloves]

[ Minako's eyes light up. ]

A birthday present?! [ It's probably not really normal to be this invested in other people's relationships and friendships, no matter their specific nature, but Minako.. is kind of not normal to begin with, so. She seems super enthusiastic about the idea of Chris buying a birthday present for Tsubasa. ]

That's so cute! What were you considering so far?

(ooc: yes, that sounds good to me!)