New Years Eve/Danmaku Event

[betel_geuse]

"OKAY, LADIES, GENTLEMEN, AND UNDEFINED OTHERS. HAPPY NEW YEAR and WELCOME to our grand event! The topic of the day is DANMAKU. THIS IS IT, FOLKS. This is gonna be the next big thing in Genessia. Here and now, you're gonna learn what danmaku is, what it takes to win, and how YOU, YES, YOU can be a part of it!" Betelgeuse announced, moving around the small stage area and waving his hands around. He was full of energy and doing his best to impart that energy to the crowd. "NOW. I know a lot of you, LIKE YOURS TRULY, may never have heard of danmaku or only know a tiny bit about it. Fortunately, MY GOOD FRIEND AND BUSINESS PARTNER KOISHI, is from a world where danmaku is a big deal, THOUGH WE'RE GOING TO MAKE IT EVEN BIGGER!"

Betelgeuse paused to let people give some applause and to give the information a bit of time to sink in.

"Koishi is going to explain danmaku to you, then I'm gonna introduce you to some of the different activities we have for you to explore. So, without further ado, give a BIG GREETING FOR KOISHI!"

Koishi twirled once, appearing on stage in a small shower of hearts. After the mask incident back home the little youkai had gotten very good at ensuring she was seen on stage. She was dressed in her usual green and yellow though she was probably somewhat cleaner than most were used to seeing her. Satori had made sure she looked fully presentable on the stage.

"Hello! I'm Koishi Komeiji!" Her third eye was bobbing and weaving excitedly. "I'm a satori youkai and I'm from the great underground in Gensokyo. Because everyone there is super powerful if people fought then everything would break and that would be bad. So we invented danmaku to settle fights without killing anyone instead!" At least she was being clear for once.

She held up her arms, a spark of magic shooting up from her hands and exploding into hearts in the sky, spiraling outward and dissipating after a short distance.

"Danmaku is a lot of fun. It's a duel about beauty and skill and finesse. Not about power. And anyone can play! Even humans. Even if you don't have magic. If you do have magic, Danmaku is really really simple to learn. If you don't, then it's a bit harder, because you need to use other things! Most important though is to have fun! If you don't, then there is no point! It's also super pretty and fun to watch so everyone will have a good time I hope, okay?"

"Thank you, THANK YOU. You all are doing great! Now that ya know a bit more about the game, generally, it's time for some practical demonstrations! At each booth, you'll find experts to give you some practical know-how and HANDS ON experience. Cause anyone can tell you, the hands on stuff is always the best part, right??"

Betelgeuse chuckled at his own perverse humor, before walking over to the first booth.

"This here is where you'll learn pattern creation! This is the brass tacks of danmaku, folks! This is where you do your strategy and SHOW OFF YOUR STYLE! Fast or slow, intricate or basic, find out the uses of each!"

"Now, this next booth is another chance to show off CREATIVITY. Here's where we show you what sorta things you can THROW AROUND. All those pretty patterns you're gonna learn are made of something. Now, keep in mind, these are just EXAMPLES. Feel free to think up your own stuff. STYLE IS IMPORTANT. Balls and stuff is just the beginning, though balls never go out of style, in my opinion!"

"Booth number three is target practice! We all need some of that, right, guys! Believe me, hitting what you aim for is half the battle, well, once you find the target," Betelgeuse chuckled, giving a lewd wink. "SO. Come up and practice, work up all that HAND TO EYE COORDINATION. Believe me, everything is better when those work together."

"Later on, after you get some practice in, we'll have two demonstration matches. The matches will be Mamizou vs. Koishi and Remilia vs. Satori. Should be quite a sight! It's not all work, though, folks! We have a dancing area, food booths, drink booths, and some play areas for the kiddies! Being New Year's and all, we'll also have FIREWORKS, and not just the ones you'll be making with all those end of year kisses, neither! SO, eat, drink, and prepare to DUEL YOUR HEARTS OUT!"

Comments

Food court

[betel_geuse]

As promised, there are stalls with food and drink. Come here to mingle, refuel, or just hang out and watch everyone else.

Koishi... Don't eat EVERYTHING...

[koishi_komeiji]

Since the events had yet to start (It wasn't midnight yet, after all.) The little satori could be found at the food tables, drifting around it, sampling various dishes and asking people what is good.

Really Koishi... You should be focusing on your upcoming duel. Not stuffing your face!

At least there wasn't a bounce house at this party or they might NEVER get her out of it...

[koschei_oakden]

Koschei was doing his own sampling. He'd understood the danmaku instructions. It was interesting. Koschei loved learning new things and this different method of dueling could be fun, strictly as a hobby. Seeing Koishi, he decided to approach. He hadn't met many people, yet, and felt he should be making friends...and possibly potential allies, should he ever need any.

"Hello. You're one of the hosts of this festival. I believe the...other mentioned danmaku is from your world?"

Koschei wasn't really sure what he thought of the man who had acted as host, so far. They didn't have used car salespeople on Gallifrey and few Time Lords engaged in such raunchy humor. Koschei wasn't even sure what species the host was.

[koishi_komeiji]

Koishi looked up from the table, a tentacle gingerly holding a cupcake steady. She swallowed the cookie she had been munching on. She hopped clear over the table, setting down slowly.. Clearly she had powers of flight. "Yeah! Hello Mister!" She seemed friendly enough, reaching up to tip her hat back a little so she could see him more clearly, her luminous eyes quite bright from the excitement.

"Yeah! Danmaku is from Gensokyo. Everyone uses it. It's a lot of fun and really effective. You should try it too. But first have some food it's so good!" She shoved he cupcake rather invasively toward him. "You're full of so many splashes of color. It's all pulsing. It's really interesting!"

[koschei_oakden]

"Thank you," Koschei replied, good manners covering his surprise. He took the cupcake with adolescent enthusiasm, taking a small, quick bite. "What colors do you mean?"

His clothes were festive enough, but had a very small range of colors. Everything Koschei wore was black, except for his shirt, which was richly red, an echo of the Prydonian colors.

[koishi_komeiji]

"Nonono! The colors in your mind! I can see them all. They're vast and deep and interesting. Completely unique! Are you human, mister? It's not a normal mind. But I like it a lot! You're very interesting."

She floated up closer to his height, her head tilted slightly. "Also the colors pulse in time." She clapped four times quickly, pausing, before doing it again. "Are you psychic, mister? Are you listening to psychic music? There was stuff like that back at home before Chireiden!"

[koschei_oakden]

"No, I'm not human," Koschei said, a bit proudly. "I'm from Gallifrey, a future Time Lord. You must be a fairly powerful psychic, yourself, if you can see my mind so easily. I do have some psychic ability, but I don't hear music."

He added that last a bit too hastily, then gave a shrug, trying for carelessness.

"I am talented at hypnotism."

[koishi_komeiji]

"Ohhh! That would explain it..." She smiled brightly. "Satori youkai are very psychic. But I'm voided so I'm kind of backwards psychic."

Her smile dissolved, pursing her lips as she leaned in, her third eye drifting up, nudging his shoulder gently. "Satori youkai are very good at hypnotism..."

She tilted her head the other way. "You shouldn't lie mister. I always know when people are lying and I can't lie myself. Your mind is pulsing like you're hearing a beat. Are you okay? You're crackling strangely. Why are you so upset?"

[lookprofessor]

"Oh--hi, Koishi! I was wondering when I'd see you!"

He's listened to the basics of danmaku and is confident now that he'll just be watching the festivities for tonight. Though...he isn't sure how he feels about deliberate fighting.

"Happy almost New Year."

[koishi_komeiji]

She perked up instantly when she heard Luke's voice, turning, her eyes lighting up as she darted over to him, picking him up and spinning him around in the air. "LITTLE HUMAN!" It was like she hadn't seen him in forever... or maybe it was just the sugar.

Regardless she put him down quickly, offering him a cookie and a cupcake. "Here! Little Human! Try these. They're so delicious!"

[lookprofessor]

He jumps slightly at her enthusiasm, startled. "Hi! I...I told you I was coming--ah!"

Spun in the air, he wiggles slightly, immediately feeling off kilter. When she places his feet back on the ground, he wobbles a bit before taking the cupcake she offered.

He takes a taste of the frosting, and then a bite of the cupcake with a smile. With no tentacles to speak of, the cookie stays with her. "Oh, it is very good!"

[koishi_komeiji]

She continues to offer him the cookie. "I forgot you told me. But now you're here so I remember. Sometimes I forget things. But that's okay. Everything always seems to work out!"

She looked over at the danmaku tables, pointing at them. "Little human. You should try making some spell cards. I bet you would be really good at it. Your mind is just right for thinking up all sorts of clever things." She hopped up and down a little. "I can't wait to see what patterns your mind makes. They'll be great!"

[lookprofessor]

It doesn't take him long to finish the cupcake and he cheerfully moves on to the cookie he's being offered.

"A spell card?" He glances over to the tables Koishi is gesturing to and tilts his head. "I'm not sure I'll be good at it. And I really don't like fighting. I just thought I would come and watch."

Little Human, as he's been dubbed, shifts his weight uncomfortably. "Are you sure it's safe? Getting hurt isn't fun at all..."

It says something when Koishi finds you adorable.

[koishi_komeiji]

"Yes you would. I can see how your mind moves through its thoughts subconsciously. You could make some really nifty things if you tried. I bet you'd be great at it." She dropped her arms, reaching forward to squish and knead his cheeks. "It's like a puzzle! And your cheeks are still squishy! You're the most adorable human ever!"

Luke is watching!

[lookprofessor]

Koishi had mentioned the danmaku party a a few times, and curiosity is what's ultimately brought him to see. That and the fact that he's got nothing else to do for the holiday.

So he's poking around the food court. His uncertainty has not stopped him from munching his way around.

And then, there was a raccoon.

[mamizou_futatsuiwa]

Though she intended to show her real form during her battle against Koishi, it was the more familiar form of the bake-danuki that Luke would suddenly find standing behind him.

"Oh, well if isn't Locke." It isn't obvious if she is still trying to keep up that charade, or if she is just teasing the young boy. "You seem to be in good spirits." Considering the last time she'd spoken with him, that was a good thing. It had been a bit more drama then she had expected, but it left her wanting to do what she could for the cute little thing. She merely had been preoccupied with what else had happened that day. But this day she was taking a break, and it was the perfect time to catch up. "There'll be quite the show in a bit. I hope you'll look forward to it."

Grandma Mami! <3

[lookprofessor]

Luke turns with a start, eyes wide. He's a bit perplexed by being called Locke; it reminds him of the fallout with Satsuki and he momentarily cringes.

"Miss Marion."

He's not sure exactly what he's supposed to call her, not when she calls him Locke again. Luke fidgets with his hat, biting his lip. "People are going to be fighting. I hope nobody gets hurt."

A pause, and he blinks. "Happy almost-New-Years."

[mamizou_futatsuiwa]

Ah, but perhaps she should be a little nicer to the boy. He seemed a sweet enough child, a little kindness couldn't hurt. She had used the name Locke a nickname, but it was perhaps a poorly thought out gesture. She puts as kind a smile onto her face as she can manage.

"But I believe that the need for those names has passed. All they would do is raise unneeded questions. But...oh dear me, you likely don't even realize! I never told you my real name, after all. I can guarantee you that when those fights start, no one will be harmed. After all, I will be in one of them. You're a smart boy. That should be all the information you need to figure out which of those four names is mine. Or perhaps I should say three, as you know that I am not Koishi!"

[lookprofessor]

"Of course I know you aren't Koishi," Luke replies quietly. He might be considering a smile. Maybe. "And I know you aren't Miss Satori, too."

The blue-capped boy scuffs his shoe in the dirt, crossing his arms as he puzzles out her name with the information given. "Miss Mamizou, how come you haven't told me your real name before now?"

Does she not trust him, either? Sorry, Grandma Mami--she's still so associated with the catastrophe that he can't quite separate her from the associated emotional distress. It will come with time, though right now he's still anxious about the danmaku battles.

"You promise nobody will get hurt?" Luke finally glances up at her, frowning.

Behold, greatness!

[symphonyofdestruction]

If you didn't know who they were, the two girls wandering the food courts might look like just a pair of normal party goers, intent on soaking in all the festivities and enjoying themselves. Chances are many people will know at least one of them, though. While Nonon had stayed by Satsuki's side ever since she'd arrived, the little musician had not done nearly as much to put herself into the spotlight.

Even at a glance one might not recognize the Nova city guardian and her friend, though. Neither of them is dressed in their normal attire, instead the two of them are wearing kimonos. Nonon's is decorated with the silhouette of a snake winding upwards as if it wanted to bite her on the shoulder.

For some reason the pink haired girl seemed to be in a rare good mood. It likely had something to do with the fact that, despite all that was going on, Satsuki had agreed to attend with her. "It isn't so bad to have a little fun every now and then." Satsuki's kimono had been a late Christmas gift from the girl, and she was glad it was not going to go to waste.

and optic blasts!

[weavemyownfate]

This is all a little awkward for Satsuki; she can hardly even remember the last time she celebrated the New Year let alone just hung around with Nonon- Actually that isn't entirely true, it has been only a few months since she had observed the smaller ones fashionable shopping spree.

The kimono was quite a surprise, but she ended up liking it a lot more than even she would have expected; the geta match perfectly as well. So wonderfully traditional. Now while she hadn't exactly been looking forward to the party itself, she did have plenty of interest in observing danmaku combat. Koishi was always very excited to talk about it, so the Guardian is ready to be impressed when the time comes.

"Agreed.." With all that said, one thing she is not used to is leading during party events. However as they stroll along she does come to notice a fried dough booth, which boasts other delicaacies such as fried oreos. It sounds pretty terrible for you. And yet it's siren's scent calls to the Guardian.

And optic greatness!

[symphonyofdestruction]

That had been a special occasion though. Nonon had only one outfit upon her arrival. It was good fortune that she had been wearing her goku uniform, it is not as if she would have had a second chance to go and get it if she had been wearing something else! Still, she couldn't wear just that all the time, so that shopping spree had been necessary. Sadly, she hadn't convinced Satsuki to try anything on.

But that perhaps made this even better! Even with everything going on, the little pink-haired terror had insisted, and though she knew Satsuki wasn't the let loose and have fun type, she still thought it a good idea. A single evening where the worries of an entire city didn't weigh on her shoulders. A single evening where she wasn't being accused of crimes she hadn't committed. A single evening where the two of them could be not allies, but instead friends. Someone that didn't know her well might be confused that the loud-mouthed and frequently rude girl could even think like that, but that would a person that didn't know just how much Nonon thought of Satsuki. She might be a tiny little braggart, but she still valued her friends, and had precious few of them.

One wouldn't have to be too close to the woman to see how she reacted around the food. It was unhealthy carnival food, but that was half the fun of being at a celebration, right? "You want some?" She eyes the food with a smile. Between the kimono and the actually friendly attitude, she's nearly unrecognizable at the moment. Maybe she'd be like that more often, but private time with Satsuki was next to impossible to find. She'd cherish each moment, until Gamagori arrived. And then it would be business as usual.

"Hey, I'd like two of those." She doesn't wait for Satsuki to answer yes or no. Nonon has decided you will be eating fried dough with her, and thus it is your destiny, miss Guardian! The seller is more then happy to comply. "Here." Its funny, but she almost looks very slightly a little bit shy as she hands it over. Perhaps its been so long she doesn't really know how to treat Satsuki like a friend anymore?

And optic... I got nothing. >.>

[kiryuin_shield]

It took Gama a little longer to find the pair after parking his car than it should have... but that was only half true. From his vantage point, picking out Satsuki and Nonon out of the crowd was not a challenge. However, he didn't approach at first. He followed at a distance as they wandered, allowing them the time alone they rarely got. He knew Nonon had known Satsuki longer than anyone, and almost felt like he was intruding every time he attempted to get close. However, if he didn't make an appearance soon, Satsuki would begin to get suspicious or worry. Neither of which were good.

"Apologies for the delay, Satsuki-sama. I have parked the car." Of course he couldn't allow himself to really look at either of the two. Satsuki in particular. He almost felt unworthy of her beauty, as if the light blush didn't give him away.

[weavemyownfate]

Gamagori is right, of course, if he took too long she would notice. The Guardian is a little distracted at the moment, mostly because Nonon makes good on the offer before she even has a chance to turn it down. Out of politeness really; the musician has spent enough money on her as is. Alas, it is too late. She accepts the offered treat by the time he arrives, nice and hot, lightly sprinkled in powdered sugar. "Thank you." If she's to sample the various things here, she had better control how much she eats. But since Nonon has her own, who can she pass this off to? "Jakuzure, do you make goals for yourself during the New Year?"

And really, the big man of the elite four wouldn't have interrupted much on Satsuki's account. Much like the smaller girl, engaging her Generals as friends is a somewhat awkward affair but not at all an unwanted one. If he thinks he's embarrassed now, wait until she tears the fried dough in half, papaer plate and all, then hands it to him. "Not at all, we have hardly covered any ground. Here."

And she does just that.

[kiryuin_shield]

Gamagori just looks at the treat for a moment, kind of confused as to what exactly was going on, but he accepted the gift, glancing to Nonon for a moment before falling in step behind the pair.