Summer, July 23rd to the 27th - Tokyo

[zenoh]

Who: Ayame Sasaki, her CR, friends of her CR, and anybody who so happens to run into them. Basically OTA
What: Ayame invites her friends (off-screen) for some picnic and chill
When: July 23 - July 27
Where: Tokyo Subarchway
Warnings: None, but would adjust if needed

--

July 23 - Lunchtime - Picnic:

[ It was a hot day in Tokyo, with temperatures reaching in the high 90s with high humidity. But fortunately Ayame manages to make things bearable for this special day, tinkering with the local weather just a bit to make the temperatures perfect for some time outdoors: covering the sun with some clouds and . Setting up at Shinjuku Gyoen - a popular park in the middle of the city, Ayame finds the perfect spot underneath the shade of a tall tree where she places two mats on the grass with baskets and coolers full of food and drinks that she yanks through some cleft out of thin air. With her are her three pets: a large wolfdog named Himiko who is happily prancing around in the shade, and two cats Hibiki and Sisko who just seem interested in the baskets they're pawing at.

Ayame left a portal to her exact location for her friends to easily access whenever they enter the subarchway, so they wouldn't have to travel far or get lost. But this means others get to see this portal too and enter at their own leisure should they be curious. If they ever want to see the city, there's always time for that later. In the meantime, Ayame would greet them warmly while Himiko perks up to see who it is. The dog barks loudly in greeting making Ayame grunt in warning to the dog not to be overly enthusiastic. Taking some packaged food out from what seems like a bottomless basket and her back turned to the portal, Ayame invites kindly anyone to join her on the mat, whether they be a friend or a stranger. ]

Ah, hello. Are you hungry? Thirsty? Sit down if you'd like. I might have gone a bit overboard so I bought too many...

[ Ayame turns, smiling kindly at whoever enters the portal with a sheepish hint on her features. Tucking a wisp of her hair behind her ear, Ayame relaxes on the mat alongside her pets. Everyone is free to choose from a wide variety of boxed lunches before them! ]

July 24th-27th - Anytime - All over Tokyo

[ Picnics aren't your character's style? That's fine! Ayame would be available all week and even passed that. She might actually live in here instead, so she can be found in different places. There's scenic places to have a pleasant stroll in, visit, take pictures, go shopping or dining! The list goes on and on, so for plotting hit me up with a PM or at Oksy or just make your own starter if you have an idea! ]

Comments

action, at the picnic

[captain_by_the_book]

It smells delicious, all of it. I missed your food while you were away.

[ Cassian's looking quite relaxed by his standards as he arrives with Starky the corgi on a leash and another picnic basket in his other hand. Bespin the Pachirisu is scampering around his feet - nearly making him trip three times just on the way from the portal to greeting Ayame, while Hoth the Vanillite follows at a more sedate pace. ]

I asked Hoth to come along, she's good for helping people cool down if it gets too hot...

[ And then he puts down the basket and just sizes Ayame up, expression earnest. ] It really is good to have you back.

[zenoh]

[ Ayame's eyes briefly wander to notice the corgi and Pokemon that Cassian brought along. With a gesture for her friend to take a seat, Ayame puts a couple more bento boxes on the mat while Himiko whines to say hello to Starky ]

How thoughtful of you, but I made sure it wouldn't be uncomfortably hot and humid today.

[ Ayame said, vaguely referring to her abilities in messing with reality. Hibiki looks at Hoth while still being a lazy cat and taking up space ]

Thank you. I hope to do more for this world now that I'm here once more, and to get to know my friends better.

[ Her hand gestures to the unopened bento boxes, still encased in the paper sleeve packaging. ]

I have samples for you to try, all from different regions of the country. Since we're limited to only the capital of Tokyo, I figured these boxed lunches are the closest way we can travel outside it's borders. Do you have a preference on what meats would you like to try first? There's beef, chicken, pork, salmon, shrimp and crab.

[captain_by_the_book]

You've always done a lot for this world... but I would like getting to see you more often. We were both so busy all the time.

[ And he's likely to be busy again now, but it won't be quite the same.

He regards the collection of bento boxes thoughtfully. ]

I think I'd like to try a little bit of everything, if I can, but for starters... Shrimp or crab? I don't eat them often, or at all. Might as well go out of my way today.

[Action - Picnic]

[imperishableprincess]

[With her small fortune no longer at her disposal, Kaguya has little choice other than to spend more time out and about, or stew in boredom. Although to be fair, trolling Satsuki is much easier now that she's living with her.

Ayame's another old friend from the ex-princess's first visit to Genessia, although she hadn't gotten to spend as much time as she would have liked with the other woman. And getting to visit a modern Tokyo again was certainly not an unwelcome idea.

When Kaguya arrives, she's dressed in modern attire, rather than her typical kimono. A t-shirt featuring some cartoonish dragon, jeans, and sandals.]

There's nothing wrong with being over-prepared, I'm sure.

[zenoh]

Modern attire looks charming on you, Kaguya.

[ Ayame compliments her friend so casually, even as the princess enters through a portal. Inviting her friend to take a seat with a calm gesture Hibiki is immediately drawn towards Kaguya and would paw at the princess for some attention ]

It looks like Hibiki recognizes you.

[imperishableprincess]

Thank you, Ayame. I think it suits me fairly well.

[It's certainly easier to wear than her old-fashioned clothing, although she's by no means going to stop wearing it from time to time. Kaguya does take a seat, giving Hibiki a brief glance before petting the cat that was pawing at her.]

So I see. Alas, it seems my rabbits were released in my absence, and my Pokémon are nowhere to be found.

[She's actually pretty disappointed with the latter being gone. Rabbits were easy enough to find.]

Action, at the picnic

[redhairedknight]

[The moment that an invitation had been offered for a picnic, Erza's eyes almost literally lit up, and she accepted it immediately.

Luckily, she had been convinced that there would be more than enough food (otherwise, she would have brought the usual massive supply that she takes when traveling), and she had chosen an outfit that was better suited to picnics than her standard breastplate-and-skirt combo.]

There's no such thing as going overboard when it comes to preparing for picnics! [Then again, that tends to be her opinion about most things.] And thank you again for inviting me.

[zenoh]

Good to know, and you're welcome. I'm just happy to have you around and looking great in that outfit too.

[ Ayame invites Erza to sit near her, complimenting the other woman while she was at it. Her eyes briefly sees the Fairy Tail guild mark on Erza's arm before she diverts them towards the massive spread of bento boxes on the center of the mat ]

There's a variety of meats to choose from, with beef being the most prominent choice. To think I haven't even pulled the sandwiches and desserts out of the baskets...

[ Ayame chuckles sheepishly. If anything she can preserve all of these with her powers and keep them as fresh as they were when they were made, so she shouldn't feel too bad. But buyer's remorse... ]

[redhairedknight]

[With Erza around, she won't have to worry about preserving the desserts, at least. As tempted as she is to start with that, she'll start with one of the pork bento boxes and takes a seat near Ayame.]

You certainly found a perfect place for a picnic. How'd you find out about it?

[Action]

[koishi_komeiji]

Of course Koishi came to the picnic. It was a picnic. In the Japan sub archway!

Koishi arrived in an explosion of green. Dressed in slightly lighter attire due to the heat of 3/4 sleeves and a shorter skirt, she looked quite comfortable. Over her arm was a basket full of plums and clutched in each hand were two bottles of sake. One of them covered in seals with a hand written note (likely written by Satori) cautioning humans not to drink from it. Oni sake was dangerous after all.

"Hello everyone!" The volume of her greeting would ensure that everyone noticed her. "I'm here! I brought stuff!" She quickly put her contribution down, setting a small stack of sake dishes next to the bottles before making a beeline for the food. Anything with meat in it. She was hungry.

[zenoh]

Koishi! Welcome! Come. Have a seat next to me.

[ Ayame puts her bento box down to raise her arms in cheer of Koishi's arrival. The yokai instantly became Ayame's favorite for bringing in some Oni sake. Rubbing her palms as she not-so-subtly swipes a bottle to keep close to her person, Ayame sees Koishi's hunger and offers her the choice between different sorts of ekiben from different regions of Japan. Beef is the most prominent meat in the selection, but there's the usual pork, chicken, salmon, crab, shrimp, mackerel, and eel too. ]

There's plenty to choose from, so feel free to help yourself. There's even an Western-styled bento over there, a hamburger steak. And a Korean beef short ribs one too.

Oh. Hello tag that I lost.

[koishi_komeiji]

Koishi did settle down for once (it was rude to float and eat) and she crawled over, reaching for... well, a little of everything. She was very hungry after all.

"Thank you Miss!" Already she had started on some rice too, making some happy noises as she ate. Clearly, the food was a hit.

"Be sure to share the sake, okay? I want some too. And be careful. It can be dangerous to humans." It was also the fastest way to get utterly smashed.

A tentacle slid out of her sleeve, lifting her hat and letting her take one more sake dish out from under it. It was a bit more youkai-sized than the others she had brought, holding it out. "Actually, could I have some now? This meal is perfect for it!"

[Action]

[im_gonna_heal_u]

Ayame-han!

[ Konoka hopped out of the portal, carrying her own smaller picnic basket. She figured Ayame would have done more than enough cooking but it wouldn't feel right if Konoka herself didn't contribute in some way.

It's not the most familiar ground, but Konoka is glad to be back in a place closely resembling home and all of its trappings, heat and all. Her two lead Pokemon walked beside her, with Momo the Audino skipping on her right and Yuunagi her Umbreon to her left. ]

It's nice to be back close to home... or at least an approximation. I don't think I've visited Tokyo very long.

[zenoh]

[ Ayame was taking a bite out of some beef short ribs with rice when Konoka enters the fray, making Ayame just wave at her while her mouth was occupied to say anything. Like a proper person, Ayame waits to speak until her mouth was free from chomping on some deliciousness. Ayame acknowledges the Pokemon with a glance, letting Himiko observe Yuunagi from where the dog was relaxing ]

Ah Konoka, hello.

[ Ayame chuckles sheepishly, taking a napkin to pat on the edges of her lips as she listens Konoka speak, gesturing towards a free spot on the mat for her friend to occupy ]

Yes, I feel the same way. But we take what we can get. Fortunately... I got you something that would hopefully remind you of home.

[ Ayame turns her attention to the basket next to her, taking out a box of Kyo-wagashi - Kyoto styled sweet confectioneries! Colorful and bite-sized packed in a neat box ]

I immediately thought of you when I saw that while shopping for food earlier. Enjoy it. Preferably after the meals.

[im_gonna_heal_u]

[ Yuunagi chills out somewhere along the edge of the blanket. Konoka and Momo settle down close to Ayame, but Konoka hardly gets time to relax before Ayame shows off something amazing. ]

Whoa! Those look great! I think my Dad brought one of those home one time, a long time ago.

[ Konoka seemed like she wanted to taste one, but Ayame said to save it for a bit later. Instead, she brought out her own picnic basket, which largely consisted of prepared ingredients for bentos, condiments, and things like plasticware and chopsticks. ]

I figured if we needed something else, I could help round things out.

action . picnic

[priceofmagic]

[Satou had decided to come, no matter what. No matter how much she wanted to retreat into her work or spar, or pretend she didn't deserve a break, she had determined to come.

She arrives with her own basket of treats: They're thumb cookies with strawberry jam in the middle. Results of her baking experiments. Her Espurr rests on top of the basket, guarding its contents with greedy intentions.]

Wow..! It really does look just like Tokyo! I wonder if I can find my old house here?

[zenoh]

[ Once Ayame finds out the contents of the basket, Satou would immediately be one of favorite people in this picnic. Sweets are Ayame's weakness! Seeing the Espurr creepily stare while being protective of the basket has caught Ayame's attention for a moment before her gaze returns to Satou. She's happy to see the young woman in person ]

Then perhaps we can try and see if it's here later. It's good to finally see you in person, Satou.

[ It's likely not here, but it might still be fun to reminisce and learn about Satou that way. She knew the girl is Japanese, but she didn't know about her hometown of origin. Gesturing towards a free spot on the matt, Ayame welcomes Satou and her Espurr on the matt and hands them a pair of chopsticks, letting them choose on whatever bento box catches their fancy ]

I'd love to visit the spots you used to frequent in the city. I'm from somewhere near Kyoto myself, so I don't know Tokyo very well.

All over Tokyo

[gamerrep]

Where should we go first?

[Chiaki did have some ideas, but in her mind, it all depended on what district one would want to go to. She had a list for each after all.]

I believe you wanted to try an arcade first, right? I think I know where they might be.

C-C-C-Combo Breaker!

[zenoh]

[ Strolling alongside Chiaki just exiting Akihabara Station, Ayame towers over her companion and a lot of the women around them, since she decided to wear heels that only adds up to an already considerable height. ]

I'm actually torn on trying the arcade first or going directly to shopping. I did also mention getting you some new clothes, but we have all week for that.

[ Ayame spoke, eyes on a smartphone she bought for this subarchway to look up what the best arcades are in the city. ]

It seems the best rated arcade is called the Taito HEY, just a few blocks from here. About a three minute stroll. Do you want to go there? I'm not certain if it's one of those overrated tourist traps.

[ Ayame quirks a brow and tucks her phone away inside a pocket dimension, looking to Chiaki ]

We can head there and see it, unless you have other places in mind?

Action - at the picnic

[nrgsvr]

[ Mayu is all about the chill. He arrives with a sketchbook in hand. This park has great scenery. He's trying to expand his art skills beyond ecchi versions of judo techniques. He waves at Ayame. He also greets the animals, because they're cute.]

This is cool, Ayame-san.

[ He takes a seat on the mat, and immediately goes into relaxation mode.]

Resettling?

[ His way of asking how things have been for her.]

[zenoh]

[ Seeing Mayu pass through the portal, Ayame diverts her full attention to him briefly as she lowers her food to free her hands for a wave in greeting. Himiko watches Mayu curiously, tongue sticking out and recognizing his scent from a while ago. Motioning over to a free spot on the mat, Ayame hands Mayu some chopsticks and gives him the freedom to choose whatever bento catches his fancy ]

I have, yes. It's almost as if I never left.

[ Ayame answers, catching his intent. Her eyes turn toward that sketchbook and remembers Mayu's love for drawing. She herself found art as a new hobby to pursue, but she hadn't been doing any of it these past few days ]

How about yourself? Have you done anything new while I was away?

Evening, July 27| Action | All Over Tokyo

[lunarlegionnaire]

Forgot how clean it is here. Even in the red light district.

[They've just entered Shinjuku's Kabukicho, blending in with the rest of the crowd in search for a taste of the night life. Gaudy lights from bars, shops, and izakayas beckon them, competing with insistent yet unfailingly polite cries from hawkers roving the streets. Marc never spares then more than a glance; after all, many of them are herders for tourist traps. Once he ignores the sixth one in a row, he gives Ayame a rather humorously resigned look.]

I'm afraid someone's standing out a little too well.

[zenoh]

[ Having settled in her new home, Ayame feels comfortable enough to finally get herself some new clothes. Or rather make herself some new clothes by hand without using her powers. Having pride in her work like it's a piece of art, Ayame wears her latest work while out on a stroll in Kabukicho with Marc. With glasses on to complete the look, Ayame hums in response to her friend while a very faint tinge of pink appears on her cheeks ]

What? It's not often for me to go out in Tokyo at night. This is a privilege for a country girl like myself.

[ It's not just her dress that makes her stand out either. Choosing to wear a pair of high heels makes her reach 6'0" in height. With a foreigner by her side, people assume she's some sort of model. ]

Picnic Action

[sonicosuper]

*Sonico was beyond excited when she learned that her friend was back. She knew exactly where the park was, of course, excited to go back to somewhere that she hasn't been in a long time. There was just too much excitement going on here, so much so that Sonico almost goes completely past where Ayame has set up.

She quickly backtracks, her arms laden with bags full of drinks and snacks. As quick as she can she is over to Ayame, stooping to drop the bags as carefully as possible before heading straighta at her for a big hug*

[zenoh]

[ Ayame knows she shouldn't think it, but she too was happy to know that Sonico is still around instead of being back home. This Tokyo would feel more familiar for Sonico than her, though. So she's happy there's this subarchway that Sonico could go to whenever she feels homesick. Seeing Sonico walk out of that portal lifted Ayame's spirits, making her laugh as she sees Sonico almost miss her. Letting the younger woman get settled and give her a hug, Ayame returns the gesture with some welcoming words ]

Sonico, I'm so glad you made it. There's still plenty of food and drinks, so feel free to pick whatever catches your fancy.