genessia | [17th Campaign]

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[17th Campaign]

WHO: Satsuki and.. Open!
WHAT: Recognition of those coming of age as seen in the news article.
WHERE: Amagi Inn
WHEN: January 11th, 9am

To Satsuki's surprise, organizing an event like this was less intensive than she originally expected. Placing a reservation for the inn's lobby and hiring a photographer were simple matters, and the set-up didn't have to be anything high-scale since the visual theme is, primarily, Japanese culture. Perhaps she should have selected something a bit more universal?

The layout is simple: people arrive, then Satsuki gives a speech to congratulate the milestone and encourage them to forge their own paths to contribute something to the community of Genessia. Afterward they are given a commemorative gift to (ideally) retain inspiration, and from then on might mingle should they choose and/or get their picture taken.

To no one's surprise, Satsuki is adorn in a silk kimono (given to her as a gift) and sandals, and has taken her place behind a podium to give her speech at 9:00 sharp. It's long. It might even be considered boring, but there is no doubt of her passion as she speaks of her own desires to provide to the community at large. Satsuki states that she understands that it appears extremely difficult to solve the mysteries of Genessia, that the lack of answers are frustrating, and it seems there is little one can contribute to the cause but also reminds that not everyone has to aspire to be a detective, and simply providing a service that directly helps another can go a long way. The key to progress is a united community. Also, a budget. It is extremely important to have an organized budget.

With that done all that's left is to go out, carelessly spend money and get drunk. Only she doesn't say the last part.

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So what is the gift that either Yukiko or Satsuki hands over? They're small boxes that contain a mala bracelet, larger beads for men, smaller for women. For the unknowledgeable it could pass as just a fashion statement though Satsuki is happy to explain its true purpose, "They are created to assist in overcoming a fear, reaching a goal, and similar mental struggles. Generally through meditation." Perhaps that is a good enough answer. Maybe it needs further clarification, or perhaps you just want to introduce yourself.

Even the sadsackiest of Teds couldn't resist the call of fate. She may as well thrown a party for blonde men with unparalleled aesthetic taste.

Thankfully, Satsuki would be doing the talking, since Ted didn't feel he had much worth saying beyond routine pleasantries. Who knows, maybe Satsuki would dazzle him with verbal fireworks. Or lecture him on how dumb it was to believe in Santa Claus, that works too.

And yes, he is in formal wear. Black, even. Dressed so drably, he was ready for...something.

"Theodore Satchel?" For some reason Satsuki hadn't expected him to show up, not that she has a problem with it. It's pretty obvious to her that he's not his usual self so as she hands him a box (with both hands, palms up) she comments, "You appear to still be struggling."

"Oh, yes. I turned 21 last June, actually. Thanks for having this. And for noticing. I'm still...working things out." Euphemisms all day every day. While talking he multi-tasked into his present. "Beads?"

Ah, a thank you. That feels pretty good. However her heart doesn't exactly grow three sizes this day.

"I see; congratulations." with a short bow added. As for still being in a rut, it probably comes as no surprise that her frown deepens. "Mala beads. They are intended to be used to assist with meditation which in turn assists in bringing peace to yourself. Meditation is not an activity that comes natural to many."

"How are you currently 'working things out'? What obstacle is in your path?"

"Thank you." He thumbed the gift. "Oh, a rosary. I'll make sure to make use of it right away." His face turned downcast and frowny; clearly Satsuki had spread her contagion.

"Fog, if I had to give my obstacle a name. I've been thinking about my role here; what I want and what Genessia wants and what's likely to succeed. I just can't figure out a path. I know I'm meant--er, this world is meant to be defended. I gave it a shot and, well...you know how that turned out. Now I'm drawing a blank.

It's just...there's so much contradiction. If it's a bad world, as I suspect, what kind of protection do you give it? Something transformative? But what it if doesn't survive the operation? What if it doesn't want to? Can you defend the reluctant? Even God can't manage that, half the time. Is it a hopeless enterprise?

And even getting all that straight, I'm just a man, and not a very bright one. How can I contend with these dark, powerful forces? It's like boxing a tornado. There are such mighty evils at work who can strike at seemingly any time. How do you defend against that, with such meager powers as I possess?

I want to commit this crime of passion, but motive is all I have. Means, opportunity. Those still elude me. It's not so much an obstructed path as finding the path at all."

Eesh, TMI.

"...sorry. That was a bit too informal for the occasion. I hope that answered your question, at least."

Edited 2016-01-21 15:36 (UTC)

Drawing a blank. She supposes she can't say she's surprised, but she most certainly is disappointed- At least at first. The more he speaks, the more it becomes apparent that he is inspired to do something and that kind of drive is something she always enjoys rewarding.

However this time around the kind of reward she has in mind is something that she could benefit from as well.

She ignores his apology. "Those are excellent questions; though I am afraid I cannot grant answers to any of them. What I can do, however, is grant you an opportunity."

"I was hoping you would find a solution with your comrades, but since this is where we are now I suggest that your mantra be 'Resolve' as that desire comes with a heftier price. Keep in mind I am not saying the chosen path is incorrect, it rather places greater responsibility upon yourself."

"A sacrifice, you mean." Ted hated making those. Still, her offer of opportunity piqued his interest. "My comrades...it feels as though I've lost them along with the job. It's not that I don't trust them, just that...we might not have shared the same vision. Meant the same things. I don't know." He straightened his posture.

"What did you have in mind?" This sounded something like the fateful next step he was looking for."Something to do with your school?"

Satsuki's eyes half-lid as if replying 'I said what I meant to say'. That said, she can't help but feel even greater disappointment with the news about the other three. Satsuki is most certainly not the 'Friendship is Magic' type, but she wouldn't have guessed they'd fall apart so quickly and it isn't clear who is at fault. Oh well; it isn't her problem anymore.

"Last year I worked on a project with Chihiro Fujisaki whom shared a somewhat similar passion. She passed the initial test, but did not use the relic in a manner I expected. But to answer your question, the school is only part of it."

At least they weren't Yoko-Ono'd.

Ted wasn't great with Japanese names, but that one gave him pause for thought. "Oh, the one that came from that horrible boarding school. How is she doing these days?" He remembered too late that he was gone. And he'd never put two and two together to make the connection that 'she' was a 'he', either. Isn't Ted just a blast at these things?

"...test, relic, project. It must be something very special to talk so sphinx-like about." Hey, if he can't play fun rhetoric games with people, Ms. Frownster over here definitely can't.

"I have lost contact with her for some time," Satsuki murmurs. "Which is not an uncommon occurrence for her, but I suspect she may no longer be in Genessia."

And it's fine, Ted, Satsuki didn't know either.

As far as Satsuki is concerned, she can do whatever she wants! If he's making fun of her, she doesn't seem to catch on to it. Is it special? "Naturally." she replies, "Come with me."

She asks Yukiko to cover her for a moment, and should Ted follow along to the hallway, she goes into more detail. "The relic is a material that multiplies your strength, resistance to physical damage and draws out whatever other innate abilities you possess. In small amounts it is somewhat harmless. In larger amounts you run the risk of being consumed by that power without proper training- That is why your resolve must be unwavering."

Of course that's only partially true. She mostly wants him to display his resolve so she knows she isn't wasting her time.

"Ah..." It seemed synonymous with death, these disappearances, but without any of the comforts of ritual or funerals. Wasn't anything he could do about that, he supposed.

Dutifully, he walked, both excited and trepid. This must be fate; what happens next. He was silent during the pretext that was as vague as his problems. "It sounds Faustian. I hope it's not the devil you're taking me to; I know how his deals pan out. This material you're talking about; is it something you've dealt with yourself? Does this come from theory or experience?" At this point he's more curious than doubting. As for resolve, well, he wouldn't speak to that effect. Actions are so much louder, anyway.

His thoughts weren't 100% focused. His innate abilities...would that mean...? No, no that would hardly count. But then she did say "material". Agh, the thing shouldn't be thought of. Maybe it'd let him compose even more elaborate and flowery speeches. Satsuki, beware what you might unleash.

Satsuki feels the same way, really. Granted it's annoying not having definitive answers, but alas.

And, frankly, Satsuki could most certainly be the Devil in this circumstance, "Rest assured you will never have to worry that I would bother to enable those delusional parts of your personality."

"I wear a considerable amount often, I am rarely seen without it, actually. However if any of my fellow underclassman tried to adorn it, they would become consumed by its power." she then notes, expression as serious as always. "That was, sadly, learned by experience. Fujisaki volunteered to test if those from other worlds could wear it and, as I stated before, fared rather well. But she did not do much with her newfound powers."

Frankly, Satsuki is pretty eager to see what power would be released from Ted. Maybe he'd become a paladin. That'd be something.

Edited 2016-01-26 04:05 (UTC)

That made him laugh. "Is that so fantastic, given what you must have seen in this world? And here I thought you orientals were the mystics. Then again, I've seen the Japanese statistics. Grim stuff." Comedic relief to take his mind off of whatever fate awaited those who couldn't handle this strange material.

"That was...very brave of her. Shouldn't be surprised, given my last experience with her character. Why didn't she? Do anything, I mean." That raised his confidence, at any rate. She was petite and mousy; Ted could definitely handle it, or so he thought. Besides, he was Guardian of Everglade. If that didn't toughen him up for whatever weirdness she had in store, nothing would. But then Ted is the confident sort; not so much in himself as the world in general. Things going wrong simply didn't come into it.

"It is quite exasperating. Nothing quite brings your sanity into question like a talking triangle, mystic or no." Satsuki murmurs. She wishes she had never witnessed it, really.

"To this day I do not know. Perhaps the final result ended up being the kind of strength she was not seeking after all; she was rather fond of computers and seemed most comfortable immersed in technology. That said, after the ceremony I will make preparations. If you are still interested in a few days, then I will arrange personal training and we can discuss your plans from there. Does that sound acceptable?"

"Hah. I think you'll find the sane ones are the ones who see things. The ones who insist upon mundanity wind up in the asylums. Yes, that does sound acceptable. I can't refuse anything as things stand. Thank you for your attention. Though I am curious where we're headed. Or is it a surprise?"

".. Hmn." The sane ones? That is almost surprisingly profound. She'll keep that quote in mind, Ted.

"My intent was distancing ourselves from prying ears," Satsuki then explains. "It should come as no surprise that I prefer to keep a number of things to myself. Part of it is due to my experience with.. Kazuya Mashima. I regret every moment I have shared with him."

Somehow she manages an even deeper frown at the name, is if the very mention leaves a bitter taste in her mouth. Good god she loathed him.

"I suppose that is all that needs to be said for now."

Almost profound, eh? He'll take it!

"Always the thinker. I think whatever I wind up doing, it will require the utmost discretion. My thanks again for giving it before I asked; may I do better than Kashima in that. Well, I'll go try out this rosary and see where it leads my brain. I'll see you in a few days, Satsuki--er, Kiryuin." He nods and heads back to the party, eager for time to pass.

Koishi hadn't accepted a gift. She did, however, bring one. Satsuki would find a charm made of carved bone that had somehow been fitted around a piece of orange glass or crysal. The bone was carved into the images of various monsters in celebration. The kanji for strength had been carved into the base of the crystal and darkened slightly.

The entire thing hung on a white silk string and was small enough to fit in the palm of the hand.

Oh come now, Koishi, you already gave her a gift for her birthday! There's genuine surprise expressed when given another, and upon seeing the charm- Well, she doesn't exactly smile, but she manages to appear pleased; in a manner that's far easier for the satori to pick up on than your everyday person.

The imagery, frankly, is delightful, and she cannot say she recognizes the stone type. At least not right away. The little one always finds such interesting art. "Thank you, Komeiji. But you have already bestowed a number gifts to me already. This really was not necessary."

"Of course it was." Her voice was whisper-quiet, followed by a soft laugh. It took a moment to spot her since she seemed to be trying to remain hidden. She hadn't really been invited after all. Eventually she dropped her cloak enough to be spotted standing off to one side. Actually standing. After all, it was rude to float in a kimono.

"It's just a little something. It's such a charming human tradition. It's a part of the oldest memories given to me when I was young. It would be a shame to see something like that broken."

"I suppose.." with a hint of reluctance. At this point Satsuki is used to Koishi's presence being full or faint, as long as she doesn't pull any 'boo!' tricks. And while it's true that she had placed an age limit, it perhaps could have been made more obvious that friends and family were welcome. Alas. Either way she didn't intend to scold the youkai.

"Oldest memories..." she repeats, as she takes a closer look at the bone. "Thank you, Komeiji, I will take good care of it."

A chance to meet some others your age. Umetaro Nozaki is also on the prowl so be prepared to have a picture taken in your sweet duds. You... are in formal attire, right?

If that paparazzi was prowling around taking pictures of people, he damn well better get her good side! (Spoilers: All sides are her good side). Dressed cutely in a frilly black dress, Tiara had decided to take a few minutes away from 'work' to socialize. Of course, this sort of function wasn't really Fang's scene, and no amount of fussing could get him into formal attire. But it didn't stop her from trying to insist he come! Even little Cui was with her. (He has a bow, it counts as formal.)

If nothing else, the good food had to be a lure. So as she walked about, her silver hair brushed until it was shining in soft waves down her back, her red eyes scanned the room curiously.

It's been a while since Satsuki's seen Tiara, and if she didn't know any better she could swear that is gothic Lolita attire. Though, the same could be said of her normal attire so maybe that's just a thing of Tiara's world. Satsuki won't question it, she rather likes the familiarity anyway.

There's nothing fancy on the tables though, just your standard business morning refreshments: bagels, coffee, orange juice, fruit and the like. Oh.. She never caught Tiara's last name so.. Well, Satsuki ends up skipping names as she approaches. "It has been quite some time. Congratulations."

Well, did it really matter if her attire was gothic lolita? It was adorable, and she looked adorable. Silver hair against black fabric? Quite delectable thank you very much. "Oh my, Miss Satsuki, how do you do?" She smiles a polite greeting to the former Guardian. "Congratulations..?"

Yes. Yes it does. To borrow a phrase, 'Heil Von Karma Von Karma is law'.

"I am rather well. Your attire is quite exemplary. Where did you get it from?" Which is true. She's still annoyed with how the elections went, but it's far more productive for her to move on. She's got things to do! Not to mention she absolutely loves being surrounded by so much Japanese culture. Like a pig in mud.

Tiara's confusion actually confuses Satsuki. "Are you not coming of age?"

Using my joke ~~that I swiped from someone else~~ Pay me! Only don't because I'm not a Trump. :>

"Why thank you. There was a lovely little story in Genessia City that seems to specialize in attire similar to this - it is the closest thing I could find to attire I would find at home."

Tiara's confusion confusing Satsuki confuses her in turn. "Oh my - that is true, but I fear that the official day has already come and gone in my own home." Pause. "Is today yours? I fear I neglected to bring a gift."

~~Pays you since you're Trump~~

Satsuki waves her hand, "While I appreciate the thought, that will not be necessary. This day applies to most of the youth here, actually. In my country, those that have or will turn twenty are recognized on the second Monday of every January."

"I hope that the tradition will catch on here in Genessia, for those that come of age here may also find themselves in need of encouragement."

~~Noooooooooooo only Trump would ever want to be Trump! Q_Q~~

"Ah, I see! What a lovely custom. I'm certain that it will be a welcome one here. In light of the things that have been occurring, a little encouragement will go a long way for a lot of us."

Praise, delicious praise! It may not appear obvious to the naked eye, but Satsuki is absolutely stoked by the positive feedback from the frilly one. Yes, she is most certainly a genius, isn't she?

"I am happy to hear you agree. Though is it just you and.. 'Cui', is it? Where is Fang?"

Tiara nodded, smiling at the little fairy on her shoulder. "Correct, his name is Cui. I'm afraid Fang has chosen not to accompany me to this function. He is not suited for such affairs anyway."

In other words, he found out that there wasn't a good enough spread for him to go and sample goodies. Also, Tiara's been working him to the bone, so he's been getting his rest.

Working him to the bone? Yes, good, that's how it should be! In the meantime Satsuki finds herself staring at the fairy for a moment longer. He's a little too cute if you ask her and sadly she did not bring her animal companion to show Tiara a truly elegant creature.

"I see. Going back a moment, you say you have already come of age. What age would that be in your world?"

She tells Fang that all the time and he doesn't believe her. IN fact, he always mouths off at her! ... well that part she didn't really mind.

"That would be 18. What age do young women reach adulthood where you are from?"

"The age of 20 for men and women both." Satsuki replies, though she pauses a moment and her brows furrow in thought.

"I do not believe I have collected enough data for this affair after all. Considering the numerous cultures in Genessia, the ages of nineteen through twenty could be considered too restrictive. Do you think I should have included those turning eighteen?"

"Oh my...I see. I imagine the age of 20 is the most common for most cultures." Tiara mused thoughtfully. Though Satsuki -was- asking her opinion, so Tiara nodded. "In the interest of not offending those of other cultures, who might be more sensitive to the matter - it would probably have been best to include the range of 18 to 20, yes."

"Indeed. Then I shall note that for next years ceremony, provided we are still present." After all there is always that odd chance of vanishing. "Thank you."

Satsuki bows to Tiara, then pauses a moment to see if her company will say anything else before excusing herself. A socialite she is not!

A rosary, eh? He didn't take Satsuki for a Catholic. Surely this must be some sort of sign. Could these beads be the answer to the ultimate question: what next?

Better get started. Ted passed the wooden beads through his palm, trying his darndest at that meditation thing the orientals are always going on about. This kind of solitary introspection was a strange task for him, which could be seen in the fatigue on his face. Come on beads, work your magic. Somewhere, the next step to be taken just had to be unlocked.

Come, give the poor guy's brain a break.

Edited 2016-01-20 23:25 (UTC)

And there was the little youkai, dressed in a formal yellow kimono she had worn to Weiss' party with her hair back and some obsidian jewelry carefully- Wait, why was she here? Koishi was over four centuries old. Well beyond the age of such things...

At least she wasn't making a pest of herself and was sitting on a chair off to the side, well within tentacle reach of the party's snack table, watching the going-ons with surprisingly quiet interest. Next to her she had a clay bottle of strong-smelling sake that the party had certainly not provided from which she kept a crimson dish filled. Knowing some of the people here, it wouldn't be long before she was spotted, but, for now, she was content to watch the humans celebrate.

Besides, she could always bother Satsuki later.

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[17th Campaign]

Introductions/Gifts

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General Mingling

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