[It's entirely possible to miss Winter Schnee's return. She doesn't make any video calls, but her name does reappear on the directory, so if you happen to check it regularly, you might notice her unannounced presence.]

[As for her entrance, there are no trumpets to announce her, no flashes of grandeur to herald her return. When she wakes up in the Bay, there's a moment of disorientation, followed quickly by a sharp sense of dread. She wasn't sure when she ever left this place, or that she even did until she just now opened her eyes, which prompts her to sit up and plunge her hand into the box of 'gifts' that was sitting in her lap, digging out the communicator and quickly studying the date, then the directory.]

[Weiss isn't here. Neither is her father. Cassian, Spock, Johnny, Qrow, all gone...Adela is the only name she recognizes with any emotional resonance, and that emotion happens to be guilt. Quietly she slips the communicator into the inner pocket of her jacket. She has no calls to make. She definitely has no desire to contact Ted.]

[Her boots splash into the shallow waters of the Bay as she wades toward shore, intentionally avoiding the hologram of her little sister. She's been here before, she doesn't need the introduction to this dreadful place.]

[Claiming only the necessary items and discarding the box, maps, and pamphlets in the proper nearby receptacle, she makes a beeline for the gate of Fayren. When she finds a town guard, she demands a status report of the king and queen. As she feared, there is still no sign of them, even after a year and a half has gone by. There must be someplace she hasn't searched. She's scoured the forest and the mountains, the crystal caves of the Maw, and even ingested water-breathing potions so she could explore the lakes.]

[She's never found a single clue, but that's no reason to stop. She should give up, but she simply cannot 'let it go.']

[With a fresh supply of red bills to purchase equipment and food for exploring the wilderness, Winter takes her leave of the polite societies of the world of Genessia, and once again, seeks hermitdom.]

* * * * *

[A few days later, Winter can be found lingering around the docks of Fayren, arguing with various captains to take her out to sea. All of them refuse, citing that the waters are currently cursed, and they have no desire to wind up like that pioneer outpost that vanished. They'll go out far enough to catch fish, but they're not leaving sight of the shoreline.]

[Cowards.]

[This brings her to eyeing a small schooner thoughtfully. She has no nautical skills of which to speak, but she could learn. If experienced captains are afraid to set sail, she doubts she could hire a crew of her own to serve given her amateur status. That outpost, though... If others are going missing, might there be some correlation? It's worth investigating at the very least, and even if the royal family remains mysteriously absent, there are others in need of rescue or discovery. She can't afford diversions of indulgence, but this...she can make an exception for this.]

[ Nothing has been the same since she returned. No matter how many dinner parties and picnics, no matter how much she tries to distract herself with hobbies and trying something new, it all leads to the same thing. Ayame finds herself feeling restless, lonely, and frustrated. All of a sudden she stops contacting her friends. She goes to work and gets things done without talking to people. She goes for walks while also purposely avoiding people she knows, only watching them from afar with people they've grown close to in this world like Sonico and Mobius, or people being reunited with friends from their homeworlds. This loneliness only gets worse when it's quiet and Ayame is left alone with her thoughts. She's been back for months; and the time has come when her frustrations grow to a point where her her facade of a kind and composed woman is beginning to crack... ]

A.) Genessia City - Memoria Park

[ Ayame had been visiting Memoria Park every day since she returned without fail, always stopping by the wall with the name Yuyuko Saigyouji on it. She always shows up to eat breakfast there, reading the newspaper, or just to use the name as a venting post for her anecdotes and frustrations. Lying down on a next to the wall with Yuyuko's name on it, and still clad in her combat outfit with a sword on her side, she'll likely be needed to get waken up. If not, she'll just do it herself. A jolt causes a gasp to leave her lips and pry her eyes open, looking around with watery eyes in confusion and groaning. Her hand flies to her head to nurse her headache, but also to shield her eyes from that bright sunlight from above. Muttering to herself, she struggles to look for her sunglasses that she swears is just on the ground. She mutters to herself as she finds it difficult to get up ]

Ah, damn it. Sunglasses. Ugh... Where did I put those?

[ It's on her head ]

B.) Genessia City - Burgatory

[ Burgatory is a rather new burger shop, known for opening up early and serving gourmet burgers even during breakfast hours. She was supposed to go to Cake Town to bake with Orihime, but from the looks of it she's still wearing her combat outfit from yesterday, not even bothering to come home after her shift as a Deputy Guardian. As the sun rises, Ayame can be found on the roof of Burgatory, sitting at home on top of the large B sign with some hamburgers and a bottle of bourbon beside her. Her eyes are shielded with some cheap sunglasses, with her messy bun hairstyle even messier than it should be. Her stunt causes a little commotion on the parking area. Curious people gather to watch this hungover woman continue to ignore the staff that start pleading for her to come down.

"Miss? Please, can you get down from there?" the young staff member asks, tired and pretty much done with Genessia's shenanigans. He doesn't get paid enough for this shit. ]

C.) Fayren - Marketplace

[ Clad in modern clothes in the form of a track jacket, running pants, and sneakers; Ayame stands out from the local crowd in Fayren's streets. But it was mostly because they see Ayame on a moped. Down the narrow market streets, they saw her rolling and they were hating. Currently parked outside an apothecary where the locals observe it in curiosity. Ayame feels sick as she steps out of the store, coughing and placing a hand on a wall for support while she gets her bearings with deep breathes, Ayame slowly walks to the moped, leaning against it as she takes the herbal remedy from the store and wash it down with some water. She's getting a lot of curious looks, so she looks at them in return until she notices someone with a soul/pendant, raising her water bottle at them in greeting ]

I hope I'm not ruining the rustic scenery.

WHO: Winter Schnee, OPEN
WHAT: Winter's hermit ways fruitless search for the missing royal family continues. This is how she passes her time in a multitude of super fun scenarios!
WHEN: July 1st - 31st
WHERE: Fayren

( Don't just let life pass you by... )

Hello everyone.

[sousuke waves at the camera, looking at chipper as ever. he has switched out of his captain's attire, and into something more casual, with the glasses and parted hair still of course.]

I was wondering, how many of you here use weapons to fight? I know there are quite a few fighters here, which I thought was absolutely fascinating.

[sousuke stood up, grabbing his sword and showing it off to the camera.]

Last time I hadn't offered much information in exchange, and people didn't seem to like that. So this time, I will show off my own weapon.

Shatter, Kyouka Suigetsu.

[and really, the only difference was that there was a slight color change to the handle of his sword. other than that, it seemed to be... normal, completely. sousuke just smiled at the feed.]

In order to use its power, I need to coax it awake. My Kyouka Suigetsu can cut clear through anything like this. A samurai can never rest.

[now then!] Can I hear about any weapons you have?

(ooc: Aizen is making this post to MASS HYPNOTIZE people! If your character SEES Aizen showing off his weapon, then they WILL be hypnotized. If you do not want to be hynptized, say your character skimmed over this and never saw the release of his zanpakutou. If you want your character to be hynptized, PLEASE fill out this form! Anyone who has filled out this form I will handwave and say that they are hypnotized unless stated otherwise.)

[now, tousuke's initial reaction upon coming here was that he had weirdly been knocked out by some sort of monster and had been transported here. he soon found out that wasn't the case, when suddenly a holographic girl began talking to him and he nearly smashed the girl to pieces. it scared him to see such technology, and he mostly looked to see how that even worked, rather than listen to her full spiel.

something something they were trapped here and there were others from worlds, something something.

he frowned at all of that, and soon set off on his own adventure!]

Action!

A.
[the town itself was scary.

he found himself staring at every person that passed by, amazed by their sense of fashion, the way they talked, and how they didn't need to have a big weapon strapped to their backs. how were their defenses?! he was at a loss for words.

come to think of it, his palico never came with him.

ah well, he figured it was time for him to gather supplies and get himself settled. he could never stay in the city, and he spotted a forested area, so maybe he could stay there? it was worth a shot. so off he went! gathering up supplies with the little money he had initially received here. he got everything from a tent, to pots for boiling water, to firewood.

as he brought the massive bag of supplies over his shoulder, a log fell out of his pack and rolled down the pavement. he turned around, chasing after it.]

Wha- hey I need you! [was he calling out to the wood or to a nearby person? who knows really.]

B.
[it didn't take him long to realize that city life wasn't going to work at all. he had made his way out of the city, heading towards the mountains. he needed to set up camp somewhere, get settled, and then maybe he would feel a little more at home. a little more like this could work out. it felt weird, though, not thinking about monsters and not knowing if there was even a need for a hunter. he didn't dwell too much on it however, he just needed to find a place to camp.

once he was out and into the mountains, he set up his tent, his supplies and his fire, and he sat down. there! he felt much more at ease. he doubted anyone would ever come and find him out here, so maybe he just... needed to let people know he was here?

he got up from his spot, put something into his slinger on his wrist, and shot it into the air. it was an SOS flare, and he wondered if anyone would come and see why he fired it. hey, it was just so people knew he was here and to maybe come check up on him? sure.]

C.
[tousuke sat back as he waited for his traps to work. he had set traps all over the area, the ground and the trees were full of them. he needed to catch food! and maybe see if there were any monsters around that he could hunt.

once one of his traps were set off, he got up and ran towards the sound immediately. oh, it was one of his pitfall traps! the person (or monster) in question had fallen in, and the surrounded dirt had collapsed around them and secured them at their waist.]

Gotcha! [who knows if that's a good or a bad thing.]

Video!

Uh... hello. I'm just figuring out how to use this... thing. We don't have anything like this back in the New World, this is pretty freaky stuff. It's neat! But still.

[he grabbed his ale, putting the mug to his lips before he continued.] So, just letting everyone know that I'm Tousuke, a Hunter, and I've set up camp out in the woods around Fayren. I might move somewhere else... but I'll be here for now.

Anyone know of any monsters that need hunting?

WHO: Cassian Andor, Winter Schnee
WHAT: After interrogating asking Cassian why he wasn't running for a guardianship position, Winter instead sits down to have tea together and discuss personal issues they, surprisingly, have in common.
WHEN: June 12th (forward-dated)
WHERE: Tea House - Fayren

( I try to discover a little something to make me sweeter. )

[Winter's image snaps crisply into place on the screen, her expression calm and composed as it usually is. She stands stiffly, hands behind her back, and inclines her head once.]

Greetings. I am in need of candidates with experience in marine exploration. Combat skills are not necessary, but a plus. Contact me so that I can evaluate the most appropriate candidates for a small team.

[Her chin lifts slightly, and that's the end. Well that was brief.]

-------------------

( Private to Weiss )

( Private to Cassian )

( Private to Sidon )

[There's a dark-haired teenager with the lost expression of a new arrival wandering around the streets, clutching what few belongings he has and staring around at everything. He... seems to be talking to someone? But he's not using his phone, so maybe the person he's muttering to is just himself.]

... If living here for the first month is free, and if I forego two of my three meals a day, this money should last a few weeks longer than intended. But how to afford art supplies... More than that, even with my art, how do I gain an income...

[Someone is a little anxious about the welcome talk and getting shunted into an unfamiliar city. Since he has to stay here for the foreseeable future, his situation has shifted from figuring out who is behind this and why (apparently nobody knows? yikes???) to the more immediate, material reality of his situation. He really has no idea what to do to make ends meet.

Spotting a passerby, he just straight up steps into their path and shoves his pendant into their face.]

You there! I would like to know the address of any place I could pawn this trinket off to. [uh]


VIDEO.

Excuse me. I was informed I could use this in order to find others from my home. [A pause... Who should he ask for first... Only his friends spring to mind, so--]

Does anyone know an individual named Ren Amamiya? He is my age, bespectacled, and often smells of coffee. Or perhaps Ann Takamaki, who is the most beautiful woman to have entered my gaze. Or there is Ryuji Sakamoto, who is loud and a bit crude, with dyed hair... [talk about descriptor whiplash]

I seem to talking on for longer than intended, so I'll stop there for now. I hope if anyone knows these individuals, they would be willing to point me in the right direction.

I'm sure a lot of you have been wondering where I've been. My brother Whitley left some time ago, which means that someone's needed to run Schnee Company. I'd been trying to focus on the GSRF's advancement and it all came in at the same time, I've been more than occupied. Particularly considering I've been trying to organize a fundraiser for the GSRF. My money from selling the mansion I inherited isn't going to last forever and while we do have a number of generous donations, there are a significant number of costs to deal with as well. [ Labor, equipment, food for longer expeditions, repairs and maintenance, and more.. ]

I'm thinking of scaling back Schnee Company. Rather than full centers, I'd like to focus on having Schnee Company's primary location be the one in Genessia City and offer information kiosks in the other cities that link back to our and the GSRF's databases, as well as a call center that can be accessed from any of the kiosks. The biggest problem with scaling back is that it'll likely decrease profits from advertisement opportunities, which means I won't be able to afford to continue funding additional deputies for Nova City.

[ And frankly she wants to actually do huntressy things rather than be stuck in the office all the time. While Schnee Company helps, it's only part of the equation for what she wants to do. Her other option would be her father, and that's. Nope. He's probably already about to have a fit because she's thinking of decreasing profits instead of increasing them. ]

I don't suppose anyone has any brilliant ideas?

1st half of the event - de-aging

action, everywhere but mostly Nova City

[ There's a lot of mayhem in the cities with all these de-aged pendant wearers running around but the dark-haired young teenager, looking 12 or 13, at the very most 14 years of age, with a soft pudgy face and hard eyes suited to someone far older, is good at looking like he belongs - though he vastly prefers Nova City to the other cities. He moves with purpose, sticking mostly to the grimier parts of town, to dark alleys and backstreets and sometimes even slipping into the sewers to move. He's good at not being seen when he doesn't want to be seen.

What can be seen is the results of his work. Robo police stumbling over tripwires connected to paint bombs while just going about their job, people finding themselves suddenly short their wallets after a kid stumbled into them. He loiters where he isn't welcome, picking quarrels with shopkeepers just for the sake of proving a point and won't stop until he is physically hauled onto the street. His single trip to Fayren ends in a disaster when he has a close and personal encounter with - gasp! - a horse! People expect him to ride it!

There are crude, vulgar graffitis mocking Palpatine and the Empire or depicting maimed or beheaded Stormtroopers, and once or twice walls even sport the spokes of the Separatists, though another similar symbol used by Festan anarchists is more common. There are even a few slogans mocking the planet of Mantooine.

Cassian Jeron Andor is 13 years old and he is angry at the world. He is also terrified but don't say that to his face. ]


anonymous text

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU SLEEMOS

this place sucks Hutt balls


2nd half of the event - personality split

action

[ Oh look, there's Cassian Andor, grown up again to regular shortness! You'll find him in Attleton once more, but something's distinctly different about him. He seems genuinely pleased to be pulled into chats, he can be seen literally taking the time to smell the flowers.

At the same time, in Genessia City, another Cassian Andor tucks a blaster into his belt and slides into a seedy bar, looking for the kind of "bounty hunting" work which won't be advertised on the Beacon Bounty Board. Don't get too close to him, or make him think in any other way that you're a threat. ]


voice

Here is Cassian Andor. I have been told I'm currently not myself. There is another me and I think he could pose a danger to people. Please be careful approaching him, I wouldn't want anyone to get hurt.

[Employment Office]

[This isn't Winter's favorite place to be. Somehow she looks even more uptight than she usually does as she stares down her nose at the multiple brochures and career suggestions.]

'Knock 'Em Dead (But Not Literally!): A Beginner's Guide to Bounty Hunting'
'Lawyers and Judges and Bailiffs, Oh My! Welcome to Court!'
'So You've Just Been Kidnapped to a Strange Alien World: Is Fast Food Right For You?'

[A small, almost inaudible sigh escapes Winter as her hands unclasp from behind her back and she takes the bounty hunting brochure. It's not ideal, and hardly a reliable source of income. But if nothing else, it's something she can do well. It's added to her small stack that includes greenhouse attendant, fencing instructor, and food critic.]

[She's on the fence about that last one; a lot of restaurant owners might get reduced to tears in the wake of Winter's ridiculously high standards.]

[Passing over most of the other brochures, her gaze travels to the bulleting board where a variety of colored flyers are posted with 'help wanted' emblazoned on almost every single one. But there's one flyer in particular that arrests Winter's attention.]

'Classical pianist wanted for upscale restaurant and lounge. Competitive pay plus tips.'

[One of the phone number tabs is caught between her thumb and forefinger, and she nearly tears the slip of paper loose. However...]

[...however...]

[She lets it go and closes her eyes with a small shake of her head. It's been several years since she last touched the beautiful grand piano in the Schnee family home. She would need an instrument to practice and shake off the proverbial dust, and that's not something she can afford to do right now. Besides, she's well aware that entertainers make very little to start, and if she doesn't want to find herself in this kind of penniless position again, unable to properly provide for the people who need her, she'll have to seek out a job with higher wages.]

[Perhaps 'health inspector' would be a better fit. It would still make restaurant owners cry, though.]

[OOC: It's possible to offer Winter a job if your character is hiring. If it works out ICly, she might actually take it!]

* * * * *

[Shopping/Hotel]

[Little girls need a lot of things. Even though Winter estimates that the de-aging isn't likely to last more than two weeks, she would rather overstock than find herself coming up short when it comes to meeting the needs of Weiss and (possibly) Adela. They can eat at restaurants, but they still need nutritious food on hand for snacks. And clothes...so many clothes...it's a wonder Winter can carry all of those bags!]

[Which is why she doesn't intend to carry it herself. She can summon an Ursa to assist, since it's tame and well-mannered.]

[So while Winter isn't likely to be encountered away from her charge (or charges), it's still possible to run into her when she's buying necessities. As for where she's staying? She found the nicest hotel money can get, took out a loan, and moved themselves in.]

[Good little sisters deserve nice things.]

I.. think I'm ready to go home now, Father.

[ This phone says he's here and it's in alphabetical order so that's who she found first and she doesn't actually actively dislike her father at this age. Little Weiss doesn't bother locking her phone since she figures if her father doesn't see the post, someone will tell him. Someone always tells him, so it's fine. ]

I'll happily go with Winter or Klein, too... but I'm not telling anyone where I am until one of them responds, so I suggest someone alert one of them that I'm lost! [ But she's not doing video because jfc kidnappers, man. She doesn't want to get kidnapped and she doesn't know if the White Fang is here and they're basically the subject of her nightmares, thanks. A liiiittle pause. ] If you've seen Whitley you should give him to me, too! He's a baby so he's not going to help find me, but if he's lost too he can stay with me.

[ And Mother is uh... she's not even going to ask. :') But the other three are all acceptable. Her voice definitely sounds younger than before, though certainly no less... voluminous. What? She's always had one heck of a pair of lungs on her. ]

Who: Adela (enchantressofore & OPEN
What: Adela, having eaten one of the eggs, has aged down to the day of her twelfth birthday. Unfortunately, said birthday was eventful in rather dramatic ways.
When: April 1st – April 8th
Where: Fayren (mostly)
Notes and Warnings: Blood, possibly curse-words, will update as required

( Cut because written mention of blood. )

[Johnny was making use of his in-home personal gym before making this post. So as he starts the feed up, he’s shirtless, a bit sweaty and panting heavily. Got to work hard to maintain a body as amazing as his. At least, he believe it to be amazing.]
So. I’ve been thinking about opening up a hotel attached to my Casino. I’ve been trying to think up some good names for it and I’d be open to suggestions.

The Gentle Emerald Hotel
Superdeluxeawesome Hotel
The Oasis Hotel
The Stargaze Hotel
Majestic Hotel & Spa
The Peaceful Winter Hotel
The Sexy Storm Hotel.

[He’s like, 90% not taking this seriously at all. Though he is curious as to what names some people might suggest.]

I think they’d all make for great hotel names, but let’s hear what you’ve got.

Who: Spock and Winter
When: One month after the end of her reign
Where: Some mountain super far away in Fayren because she can never make it easy for him
What: Reunion! Maybe not a good one, but a reunion nonetheless!

( Read more... )

[When the feed turns on, Dray smiling like he just won the pokemon lottery. His tail moves lazily behind him and his ears are up.]

Hello everyone! I just got the most majestic pokemon! He’s fierce and loyal, with scales that seem made of steel and a powerful jaw. I can’t decide what to name him, though. I’m torn between Leviathan, Bonecrusher or Shadowbringer. What do you all think? This is him…

[He turns the camera towards the pond next to his garden to show his magnificent pokemon…

….It’s a Magikarp.

A Magikarp that’s splashing around desperately as if he's having a seizure, trying to get away from a Pidgeotto trying to grab him. Dray frowns and throws an apple at the bird, making it fly away. It’s clearly not the first time this had happened if his precision hitting the flying pokemon is any indication.]

Anyway, the name...

[There’s a rather distressed whine coming from off camera and Colette can be heard speaking in a soothing tone.]

Molly, what’s the matter? Come here. Hey, Dray? [Her voice is louder now.] Did you lick my Swirlix again? I told you it really upsets her!

[Dray's eyes shift and his ears drop, he look more than a little guilty.] Er.....Noooo?