Genessia - Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve Faye took herself into Genessia, more for a wander and to catch up on her thoughts more than anything else. She would look for somewhere to eat, and could be found in a local bar nursing a mug of hot mulled wine. Any other Christmas revellers out there?

Nova City - Christmas Day

Faye isn't much for the holidays - she's never really had the friends, family, loved ones for that. Gren had promised her that he'd show her how fun Christmas could be. But he was gone now. So what else was there but to go to work? That was what she usually did on a Tuesday. So, in the morning, Faye took herself out on patrol. There no doubt wouldn't be much to see or do, what with most people staying warm and dry indoors, celebrating Christmas. But who knew what could happen? She may as well patrol just in case.

[There's a few short, soft lines of a rather playful Christmas song under her breath as she waits for the feed to start, then a bright smile once it's up and running. She's sitting in front of her fireplace, it appears, with her eevee crawling up her shoulder, a blanket draped across her, and a book in her lap.]

Hey! Would anyone be up for going out tonight, or this weekend? My treat, of course, [she offers, pushing her hair back and making an apologetic face over her shoulder as the little Pokémon topples back from the motion. Oops.] Things went well last time, and I thought maybe it would be fun to do during the holiday season as well.

Ladies, you're invited too! I'm not really... looking for anything specific. [Her eyes flick to something off camera, and her cheeks heat, but she mentally shakes it off.] I just want to get to know some more people, or have a good time with friends that still put up with me. [A laugh]

Right. I just remembered being unapproachable has been kind of my life-long style, and while my backup always made sure people came to her with their problems, she's not here. So this is an open anon warm-up before the actual guardians debate. Anon so if you're too chickenshit or your question is too stupid to put in front of everyone, do it now, relatively free of consequence.

This is Smoker, ask me anything. Or fling your insults this way, I don't really give a shit.

 Fuck this place and all its fucking bullshit.

*Faye's strained voice is followed by a glass smashing hard - sounds like her bottle of rum has hit a wall. Then the feed ends*

Who: Gale Reinhardt & Faye Valentine
What: Feelings. Gale being dumb.
Where: Guardian Skyrise - Nova City
When: November 19


( now Lady Luck's deserted me, the ghosts of love stand clear to see )

Something has happened to the CPU! Security measures seem to have gone absolutely wonky, making everyone’s conversations:

◘ Private messages may become public messages
◘ Unanonymous when they’re trying to post anonymously
◘ Undeletable
◘ Misfired

Will it cause technological and privacy chaos? Yes, absolutely. Have fun with that.

Keep in mind that there is only one requirement for participation in this event: You must tag at least one person you do not currently have CR with a misfire.

Otherwise, whatever drama or crack you want to cause with this one, go for it. The CPU will feel better on Saturday, so this is a quick two-day event and will be done in this single log post (here!) so it’s easy to post misfires all in one place but as always, you are welcome to make your own posts as well.

To opt out: There was a power surge when this technology fluke happened, so your device is now refusing to turn on. It may need repairs or replacement.

[That rasping threat sends chill through Bulla’s body. Heart pounding rapidly, she takes out her device and turns on the video feed. She’s doing what she can to control her breath. Maybe if she times things just right, she can grab Shigaraki’s wrist and snap it before his powers rapidly decompose the flesh on her neck. The camera shows her at an odd angle for a moment, and the view is shaky, despite her best efforts to hide how frightened she is. Her voice, however, is defiant as she hands her phone over to him.]

Tomura Shigaraki lost his phone and thinks threatening to kill someone is a super awesome way to fix that problem. Here. Whatever. Knock yourself out.

Don’t flatter yourself kid.

[Shigaraki hands the device off to someone else that’s never seen on camera as the focus comes to settle on the hand-obscured face of the blue haired man.]

In my world, society is propped up on the backs of heroes. People with powers and abilities that society has deemed good and useful, while those not so lucky to be born gifted in ways that society accepts are expected to languish in the scraps of the chosen.

[As Shigaraki talks, Bulla starts looking for the opportunity to throw him off. Her eyes are darting around the room as she weighs her options. With those powers of his and his hand on her throat, one wrong move could kill her in a matter of seconds.]

And at the center of it all is the ‘pillar of peace and order.’ All Might. Because of All Might, the masses can go about their days, content in the feeling that if anything bad were to happen, All Might would save the day. People turn away from those that society tramples down, labeling them as villains. Well, I’m here to remind you all that nobody is safe.

[He pauses, gesturing to the camera that recenters on Bulla.]

In my time here, I’ve done my homework. There are a few people that have powers rivaling All Might, and this girl is one of them. As you can see, though, she doesn’t look too eager to fight me.

[He flexes the one finger next to her neck that isn’t quite touching her yet. Bulla eyes that finger warily now that the attention is back on her.]

But don’t get the wrong idea, I’m not out to kill anyone. Yet. No, I just want to drive home my point… To all you heroes out there; you’re not going to be able to stop me.


( Content warning for violence using decay powers )

Masquerade! Paper faces on parade
Masquerade! Hide your face so the world will never find you
Masquerade! Every face a different shade
Masquerade! Look around, there's another mask behind you




Welcome
Though the evening outside is chilly, there’s nothing but warmth and lively atmosphere inside. The room itself (the ballroom atop the self proclaimed ‘most romantic and luxurious’ Genessian getaway) is almost blinding, glittering with gold from floor to ceiling, save for the towering framed windows that provide a beautiful sight of the city below. Tables are scattered here and there around the perimeter should attendees wish to rest their feet, but the centerpiece of the evening seems to be the massive, sparkling chandelier casting its warm, golden glow over a rather extensive dance floor. One end of the room is reserved for the band, poised just near the hearth featuring a roaring fire, while the other showcases a grand staircase on which one may make their entrance, should they choose to explore the upper lofts that surround the room beforehand.

Early in the evening, once the room has begun to fill, a couple steps up to welcome everyone on behalf of Genessia’s Performing Arts Center and the cast of their most recent musical. While the event is free, and they are delighted to be able to share a magnificent evening of splendor with everyone, they do wish to make everyone aware that should they choose to donate tonight, be it through benevolent gift or through the auction or gambling tables, all proceeds will be donated to the Red House Foundation- more specifically, Genessia’s branch, located in the heart of the city herself.
The call to enjoy the masquerade is punctuated with a deep bow and the swell of the band picking up once more to lead everyone into a night of majestic merriment.


Photos
With numerous celebrities about and the event in full swing, it’s to no one’s surprise that there are photographers practically crawling the place. Fortunately for all, quite a few have been hired by the event planning team and will be snapping moments (both candid and posed) of everyone in attendance. There’s even a designated area with various props to play with and a lovely backdrop doused in gold. These photos can be downloaded from the network later, so take advantage of these professionals, should your heart desire! After all, did one really look their best if there’s no photo to prove it?


Dancing
While there’s certainly no pop star performing and the music is much more classically suited, one will hear a familiar tune more often than not, spun by the tuxedo clad musicians to suit a more modern crowd. It’s upbeat and energetic for the most part, but every so often, they're likely to switch the mood to something much smoother (dare they say, romantic?) to sway to. Instructors are scattered throughout the crowd, should those unfamiliar with the ballroom style wish to learn something new!


Food
A party without food is absurd, regardless of the occasion. Drink flows readily from the bar, and an impressive variation of hors d’oeuvre has been laid out in a brilliant spread on the long tables along the edges of the room. Partake as you will, and leave a donation to show your appreciation if you’re so inspired!


Costume Parade
What’s the point of a masquerade without an outfit promenade? Show off your inspired attire to all who will gaze upon you. The more flamboyant, the more attention your costume will draw, and the more in-character one seems, the more believable the evening will be- Embrace the masks and let loose! Tonight is the night to be whoever (or whatever) your heart desires.


Gambling/Auction
Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, there are multiple donated items on which to bid, ranging from weekend getaways to baskets of sweets to… rather peculiar fashion and odd home decor.
To the right of the auction display, there are multiple gaming tables with waiting croupier, ready to assist those with heavy wallets attempt to woo Lady Luck. The winnings (should there be any) can be kept or donated- the choice is yours.


Gardens
If one finds a need to escape the swirling of dance and swell of the music, the gardens below may serve you well. There’s a lovely courtyard, and just beyond the fountain, a garden maze, well lit for the season with the gentle glow of dazzling lights. Take a stroll alone, or hide away with a lover or confidant, or snag a seat for the fireworks- the choice is yours.


Fireworks
No grand gala ever ended without a burst of excitement to round out the evening. Toward the end of the evening, the sky will be lit with a brilliant display of silvers and golds, all timed perfectly with the band’s final performance. One can watch from the gardens or the rooftop, or, if in need of something more ~private~, the balconies throughout the hotel.



Masquerade! Burning glances, turning heads
Masquerade! Stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you
Masquerade! Grinning yellows, spinning reds
Masquerade! Take your fill, let the spectacle astound you

((ooc: Questions? PM this journal or poke dovefire on Plurk! Have Fun!))

[The video shows Graverobber in the forests of Fayren, sitting on the ground in the dirt. It's a little weird, since he's normally never outside of Genessia City or Nova City, but he seems pretty at home in the middle of the woods. He seems to be in the middle of a stone structure that seems entirely unnatural -- the rocks seem deliberately arranged into a cave-like set-up, and yet they are far too large for him to have physically moved on his own.

He's also looking a little...greener, than usual.]

So, I admit, this whole everyone-turning-into-monsters business is kind of weird, but I'm not minding it too much. Particularly since I got superpowers out of the whole deal, which is not something I've ever had. Plus, I'll admit, being able to move rocks around feels kind of badass.

[As he says it, some of the rocks surrounding him shifting, restructuring his little abode into something more expansive. Graverobber doesn't seem worried that any of them will fall, just pleased at their movements.]

This would have been a hell of a lot more useful back when I was, you know, homeless and stealing from people's graves and all that shit, but it's pretty neat all the same.

[A long-haired man in a long white coat appears on screen, looking confused and somewhat in shock. He's carrying the usual new arrival gear from the docks, but he seems a little dazed and disoriented. His collar hangs open, exposed a long gash mark along his neck, but he doesn't seem to be paying it any mind. Instead, he's glancing around Genessia City with an overwhelmed and stunned expression.

Everything seems so very different than from 1896...]

...I don't quite know if I'm using this correctly. If I'm to be honest, I don't think I've ever seen a device quite like this before. But if someone could explain to me where I am a little bit, I think that would be helpful.

[He shuts his eyes for a second, as if trying to shake a fog from his thoughts. Eventually he shakes his head and looks back at the screen, continuing.]

The last thing I remember is -- dying. The last thing I recall is dying. And now I'm in this place and it's all very...well, it's not quite what I think I imagined the afterlife to be.

[Action : Fate Estate]

[The discovery of his monster change does not go over well with Uai. He had only gone to his aptly named vanity to clean his face, when he instead finds the problem is much more than dirt from the day. There are scales across his cheeks and around his now reptilian eyes, and he is immediately reminded of his true form. Or, you know... What it would look like with skin.

( So after a panic attack, )

Uai eventually puts a blanket over his head as a final problem solving tactic. He wandered the estate briefly, but that ended with him collecting all of the silverware into a nice, shiny pile in his bedroom. Where he will now stay. Curled up with his blanket, rising panic, and a lot of knives. Good combo.]

[Voice]

This place has a really cruel sense of humor. Do we know how long this will last? Did anyone else turn into something hilarious?

[ The video feed is pitch black and Sora’s quick to speak. ]

So, about that party… I was going to have, it’s going to have to be held off until later.. Until things go back to normal.

You see, I’m a ghost. [ He backs up from the camera and he looks shadowed, a composition of grey and black with yellow eyes. ]
( see me now )

[While almost everyone is riding the "woe is me" hum-drumvee, someone is riding the hell out of the funvee and flying like an insane lunatic. There's a slight lag of Enno's voice laughing before video cuts on to a rushing view of Fayren.]

Glorious! Wunderbar! How is there no way to do this normally, ja? Flight is... beyond words.

[Also expect him to rain heavily on your parade since he is having such a good time right now, pulling up for a loop and letting himself stall to start careening to the ground.]

Yet everyone is sad. [There's a very hard jerk in the video as he breaks out of the dive before it yanks up to his face, full of brilliant green scales and now very amber colored slits for eyes.] Nein, this change is far too fun to not enjoy. If there are any other dragons, be it natural or by what has happened, please reply. Then again, ja, if anyone is actually going to have fun, reply.

[Being this sociable is really only the result of something he finds so entertaining as to take the heaviness out of his mood, and he turns the video away from him again to once more take in Fayren, he dives in near a tower, spiraling down it before he finally lands with a loud thump. He quickly whips the video to face him once more.]

Meister Gale-- [Sorry Gale, he agreed to not call you by your last name but that's as much as he'll bend for a superior. He also has started walking, judging from the sky moving behind him.] Fellow Deputies of Nova City, if you are enfeebled in some way by these events, please call upon me for assistance.

Likewise for any citizen. I am currently [There's unmistakable glee in his voice that he fails to force out.] a dragon, but I am still a knight. My call is to serve.

[video]

Funny. Very funny. Ha ha ha.

*Only, she looks far from amused. Is she wearing...a pink sock?*

Can I go back to normal now? What's the trick, huh?

*Behind her, something glitters and twitches, shedding a dusting of gold shimmer around her*
 

[action - Nova and Genessia]

Once Faye has acquired some clothing - a couple of cute outfits from some of Gale's model collection - she is ready to explore. Being Barbie-sized isn't great fun, it turns out, but she does like being able to fly. It takes some time to get any distance, but over the days of the curse, she will be zipping around Nova, seeking out the gardens, and spending a lot of time in Genessia Park among the flowers. Flying is fun, and so is spying on others. Annoyingly, however, she also seems to have gained a cute little giggle along with her fairy body.

[choose your own adventure]

Anything goes while this curse is on!
 

[As Nikola turns on his device, it's not hard to see he's out a cafe somewhere in Genessia City sipping a drink that.. he's not a hundred percent sure he even likes. But, he was curious about all this pumpkin spice nonsense and might just be regretting it a little.]

I've noticed recently that most of the cities save for Everglade have become.. rather festive. However, I don't have the slightest idea  why. 

[He sets his mug down and sighs.]

And I'm rather sure I don't like pumpkin spice now that I've tried it.  Now, please, can some one tell me why most of the cities seem to be celebrating monsters, torture, blood and gore? I'm afraid I don't understand even if it does uncomfortably remind me of someone I knew once. 

Video/Action
[Allen was currently sitting in his tent, trying his best to at least make sure that his Minccino was at least clean and free from the dust and dirt that he had swept up the day before, but the Pokemon was not having any of it, instead he was trying to escape. Timcampy, on the other hand, was just watching the struggle eating what appeared to be a sandwich. As Allen tried to punch on the other he instead found himself landing face first onto the floor of the tent.]

Link... you need to get a wash or at least brushed. I am not asking again.

[He slowly moved to sit up, looking over at his Pokecompanion, who was currently standing by the tent door. He looked like he was ready to bolt it should Allen try again. This was enough to cause Allen to sigh before reaching over toward the device.]

How can one get a Pokemon to wash themselves? I am able to get Timcampy to get polished when I actually am able to wash [And yes he is implying when he is able to, which wasn't as often as most people.] but Link here it's a hassle to even get him brushed even though he likes things clean.

[Allen shifted his weight for a bit as he soon spotted the Pokemon in question bolt from the tent.]

A-Ah! Link! Get back here! [The feed was soon switched off as he went about chasing after the little crature. For those out and about might find the Pokemon stop for a moment to either clean their shoes because they noticed they were dirty or to simply hide behind them with Allen not that far behind and somewhat out of breath.]

Finally... I caught up with you. [All he managed to say between breathes before he focuses on who he was with.]

Thank you for being a...distraction, I guess.

Video - Much Later
[It was some hours later before Allen was back on the feed, exhausted with his tentmates finally resting next to him. He didn't expect to spend most of the day chasing after one of them when he needed to at least work at some point today.

But that wasn't the purpose of talking this time. No, it was something he probably invests in.]

Hey, so... I know this might sound a little weird but... What do people do to relax around here? [He put his right index finger under his nose and rubbed the top of his lip lightly. He was sort of embarrassed to admit to such things, which was more obvious when he started to laugh slightly.]

I've admittedly never really taken time to relax for as long as I could remember. I was either working, travelling, fighting, training or... other things happening in both my homeworld and the last one I was in, so I have no idea what relaxing even is.

[He had stopped, pausing for a moment before moving his finger away.] But I guess me asking is at least a step toward not overworking.