⇨ THE CELEBRATION

[ringleaders]

Who: Everyone, especially YOU.
When: Day 60 - Day 65
Where: The Celebration
What: The carnival workers are invited to spend the week within the realm of the Celebration, the grounds of a party that has been going on for centuries. Accommodations are luxurious, but those with keen instincts might notice something off about this whole arrangement... (Questions can go to the original setting post!)
Warnings: Booze, drugs, sex, and everything in between.

THE CELEBRATION↴ If you observe that the layout of the Celebration grounds seem inconsistent, then you would be correct. In reality, what lies at the end of each corridor depends largely on what the guests of the Celebration want at the time - if a few people find themselves craving a drink, a bar may appear. If a group finds themselves wanting to dance, a club will open up. This goes on at all hours of the night, and given how many dedicated partiers fill the building, the services are well used. It isn't instantaneous, and the Host has to consciously decide to provide that service, but the changes are fast none-the-less. ► ROOMS: Each trailer pair will be assigned a room to themselves - whether or not it has two double beds or a single king sized bed seems essentially random. Hopefully you aren't too sensitive about keeping that space to yourself. The curtains at the far side of the room don't actually lead outside, but instead to a walk-in closet filled with the Host's best guesses at the type of clothing you might like. They may not hit the nail on the head, but at the very least all the clothing will be in your size. The styles could be just about anything, from any universe, but they do tend to average out to clothing that is Earth-ish. Either that, or clothing that looks like they are meant for elves from a high fantasy novel to wear. ► SHOPPING: If none of your pre-picked outfits tickle your fancy, plenty of boutiques and clothing shops can also be found around the grounds - whatever you're thinking of, you'll probably be able to find a shop appropriate for it eventually. Though, maybe it doesn't really count as shopping if you don't have to pay for any of the things you take back to your room with you? Unfortunately, from the sounds of it, you won't be allowed to drag all of your haul back to the carnival with you, so you better enjoy it while you can. ► DINING: There is no daily schedule to follow, after you arrive. You are free to attend the dining room whenever you wish, and will be seated at large round tables with whoever else may be around at the time, and can either order from the menu or most dishes you may think of off the top of your head. If you don't like the fine dining experience, there are also a selection of smaller cafes and eateries that open and close at varying times of day - and, of course, you can always call for room service. ► ENTERTAINMENT: There is plenty of live music around the grounds (not that you can ever seem to remember who the performers were afterwards) whether it comes to harp music while you eat or a full set of DJs in the club you found. If you are inclined to look for them, you may also find some cozy lounges with big screen TVs, and access to a multi-universal quantity of films. What's there or isn't there is unpredictable, but if you come from a standard variety of Earth you probably recognize some of them. ► SUBSTANCES: You don't have to be coy about it - just ask one of your servers, and you'll be able to get whatever kind of vices you might be craving. Drugs, alcohol, ice cream... it's all good. If this sounds like a nightmare for potential addicts, you would be correct. It's not uncommon to see people clearly over-indulging in certain locations, though guests are usually escorted back to their rooms if they take ill - only to see them back at it again the next day. ► SPA DAY: If you'd like to take a swim, pools of various aesthetics are easy to find. So are hot tubs, and saunas, and Host servants who are willing to give you a massage or manicure. If the party crowd isn't your scene, there are plenty of more low-key opportunities to indulge. ► GREENSPACE: There is one park area on the grounds, which appears to be constructed on the rooftops of other parts of the complex. While there are trees and greenery, there is no real sky that you can see - only the illusion of one. It may start to occur to you over time that no window or rooftop actually leads to any kind of outdoors. The Celebration really is there only thing here. These are really just examples, and you can get creative with what kind of services you find offered while here, when it comes to generally mundane comforts. It really feels like the Host wants to win you over, as if you staying just a little longer has some sort of intrinsic appeal.

Comments

GONGENZAKA | OTA

[betheman]

[So I Bear My Skin]

[It feels as if many of the people shopping here do not quite know what they are after.

It did not take long for Gongenzaka to locate the mall, admittedly less out of interest and more because he happened to have the idle thought that his t-shirts were now fairly tight again now that he was completely covered in fur head to foot. Apparently the thought led him to a rather luxurious seeming mall, too luxurious for his tastes certainly, with various tailors and fitters waiting with measuring tapes.

His sputtering only ended in him getting fitted, so he eventually found himself sighing and 'waiting it out'. Unfortunately, being far from some kind of human or elf attracts a lot of attention-and more than a few keep on appearing outside the change rooms whenever he comes out to see if he can properly move in whatever he's got on. (Most of the outfits, to his surprise, ARE to his taste...and it's a bit worrying)

Some are asking if he wants a drink-] Auh- I, the man Gongenzaka, do not drink, thank you-I am underage...

[Maybe come back to their room-] I-I AM DEFINITELY UNDER THE AGE FOR THAT-!!

[Well that can't be right, does he at least want to dance though?] That is quite enough, I assure you, [is his flat and dangerous response before a few sadly sigh and leave while others instead ask if he's ever let anyone on his back.]

....I, the man Gongenzaka, am not letting you on my back... [he replies rather stonily, arms crossed and tail flicking with annoyance.]

[And I Count My Sins]

[It all reminds him so much of Synchro, to the point where he wonders if this is what it would be like to live in the 'Tops' of that City. Where the rich lived in blissful unawareness of those that sat below, simply buying and taking because they were able, living their lives far above the world. His hotel room is nicer than the one he had back then, during the tournament. In fact everything is sized up and spaced out just for the sake of his legs; the washrooms are properly scattered according to how he's familiar, with the shower on its own, the toilet on its own, the sink as well, and then the bathroom tub-

Briefly he thinks about if this could ever be possible at home. It feels as if, despite the choice to abandon his changes when he returns, to do so would be missing the point of why he came. He quickly quashes the 'dream' with a disgusted growl; as if luxuries are his greatest worries! Hah!

...Still. He finds himself staring at his own bedroom door almost...sad.

He remembers when such a room was effectively a prison.

He wonders how much of a prison it will be now, if he doesn't watch himself.]

[And I Close My Eyes (And I Take It In)]

[The sky is not real. He realizes this as he looks up to it from the garden, the wide greenspace sitting above the roof-tops of everything else. If he looks over the edge, he can see many of the features and 'locations' within...but really, everything IS within, isn't it?

Gongenzaka sighs, and after finding a small area to take a seat, pulls out the large scroll purchased from beneath the sea. The scroll of meditation-its magic embedded within the paper, its charms now sitting in his very hands.

Technically speaking, there had never been a law against REAL magic in the Dojo. Real magic didn't exist, after all. It was a matter of taking a stand against the rise of action duels, of the spells and traps that overtook the game scene. It was a matter of putting faith in what the monsters could do, without relying on the 'chance' that a card on the field could help, the 'chance' that a trap would need to be sprung, the 'chance' that a monster needed that buff.

A monster's strength came from themselves, just as his strength came from within-the techniques he learned here, he had therefore hoped to share with his fellows, so that they too, could improve himself.

The scroll sits open in his hands, and he studies it, ears folding back. The trouble is...

...He cannot bring magic to them. He was told he could use the scroll in a 'class', in a 'group', but he wonders what that would mean. To bring magic to a world that had none. What kind of power would that bring?

What kind of unbalance would it cause?

He grimaces, the scroll still in his hands. He needs to learn-he needs to allow himself to learn.

...

it's hard]

[perverses]

[ So that's what the man Gongenzaka looks like in person, huh? Freaky!

But is Gon basically being a giant lion-dog thing going to keep Shima away? Nah. Especially not after he, unlike Gon, has very obviously accepted the drinks that no one is carding for! That part is pretty obvious thanks to how he has something boozy enough to earn a stupid little drink umbrella already in hand when he chimes in. ]

Lighten up, Gon! [ Gongenzaka, Gon, that name is an inevitable given. ] When's the next chance you'll get to be at a club that doesn't check for ID, huh?

[otoko]

[Lets be honest, Shima. Gon might not have been carded in the first place if it were the place to do that. Regardless, Shima's suggestion is immediately met with sputtering panic.] Th- Taking advantage of such a thing is even worse! I, the man Gongenzaka, am yet in middle school-it would be bad enough even if I was a few years older!

[AND ONE MORE THING...] AND IT IS GONGENZAKA-!

[perverses]

That's what I said, Gon! [ Same thing! ] Or do ya prefer Genzaka? Zaka? Gongen? G—


[ Hold up one second, he trails off on naming off different and increasingly awful nicknames to circle back to that entire "not yet in middle school" thing. ]

Wait, wait, what? You're only in middle school? Are you serious?!

[otoko]

Of course! [He replies, giving a curt nod. As if the answer were obvious, he continues without pause, eyes wide and almost clownish despite the permanent eye mask surrounding them. Certainly, in expression at least, he looks a bit younger, but-]

I, the man Gongenzaka, am 14!

[Evidently that 'I, the man' is just archaic speech power, and has nothing to do with actually BEING a grown man...]

[perverses]

But you're huge! And terrifying! You're a huge, terrifying monster dog and you're only fourteen?!

[ monster dog thing person whatever ]

[betheman]

HMM! Indeed I am...

Furred changes aside, my height and size are the result of dedicated training! [There is a pause.] ...I, the man Gongenzaka, may have also inherited my mother's stature, however.

[There is a slight cough. It sure didn't come from dad after all. That guy's TINY.] Though... [...He looks like he might cry.]

...Am....Am I, the man Gongenzaka, really so terrifying..?

[perverses]

After your mom? [ And quieter, ] What is she, a giant? [ BUT ANYWAY. ] H-hey, don't be sad about it! You're a big ol' komainu-looking guy, it's probably a good thing to be scary!

[otoko]

Do not speak ill of my mother, please..! [DO YOU WANT THE BIG OL' KOMAINU LOOKING GUY ON YOUR CASE BECAUSE THAT'S A GOOD WAY TO DO IT SHIMA-

Of course, commenting on why it's unwise to 'speak ill' of the komainu's mother does just as well to calm him back down. With how flat the ears have folded back, and how tucked behind the tail is, it's as if Gongenzaka has managed to shrink down a little bit.

(Only a little, however).] ....To be feared...as one who is 'Patrol', it is my task to protect, not to be feared...

It is no good, for others, if the one to protect them is someone they feel too afraid to approach.

[perverses]

Haa, all right, all right, sorry. [ SORRY ABOUT YOUR MOM, GON. Maybe. ] But I guess that leaves us with a different problem! 'cause I obviously can't be the big, scary one in the patrol and we need someone to fit into that role, right?

[betheman]

Hmmmm, thank you... [He's all set to change the topic entirely and move on, before Shima does it for him. And that part? Well that certainly sticks.] P...

Patrol?

[Hold on now, he's on PATROL?] You mean we will be working together..!? [He doesn't sound as if that would be a BAD thing necessarily...just. Surprised, honestly.

Realistically he's pretty sure Shima can't beat out Sherlock in terms of 'terrible', and Gongenzaka's admittedly become a bit fond of the englishman.

Even if he is kind of an ass.] ...If that is the case, then I, the man Gongenzaka, should introduce myself more properly!

I am Gongenzaka Noboru-it is good to meet you.

[perverses]

Hello, the man Gongenzaka Noboru!

[ He'll raise his glass a little in a totally half-assed salute at Gon, grinning all the while. ]

Nice to meet'cha. I'm Renzo Shima, your new partner in crime, I guess? [ Or stopping crime. Whichever. ] So what do we do on this patrol thing, anyway? Chase people? Get into dangerous gunfights?

[otoko]

NHHHHH- I, the man Gongenzaka, would appreciate if you not mock me... [DON'T PUSH IT, HE WANTS TO GIVE SOMEONE A CHANCE THIS TIME...A CHANCE!!

And Shima's definitely going to waste that either way, but alright.] Mmn! While the latter may occur, it is typically far more 'quiet' than that. A good patrolman is someone who is able to catch a criminal before they even begin to commit the crime, after all!

[Said the 9 foot komainu that stands out in all of the crowds.]

magic scroll time

[pipers_son]

Penny for your thoughts?

[Joker's also not particularly fond of the false sky, but, well, there's nothing to be done for it. It'll be far away soon enough. For now, however, he circles down from it, wings spread out and the faint glow on his most inner feathers maybe just a little more real than the so-called 'stars'.]

Aw Yess

[otoko]

[Well, he isn't too surprised at someone's presence at least. Certainly not enough to jump, or startle at the sight of the other. The fact that Joker doesn't seem to be joking around (hah) at least keeps him from answering immediately. Gongenzaka merely watches the other land, before turning his gaze to the scroll.] ...I, the man Gongenzaka, imagine these thoughts require far more than a single penny...

...But such things are a debt that I myself must determine how to pay.

[pipers_son]

[Coming to a landing, Joker quirks up an eyebrow.]
...S’a figure of speech. Sure ya don’t wanna talk about it? Talkin’ don’t cost a thing, after all.

[otoko]

Y-Yes, but it worked quite well for a metaphor, and-

[....Awww, no sense explaining it away at this point. He merely shuffles anxiously on the spot, setting the scroll upon the ground.]

...I, the man Gongenzaka, suppose that to do that, I would first need to know where to start.

...I don't suppose you yourself have an idea for that? [It is strange to be on this side of such a conversation. To his friends, he was the voice of reason to confide in. He was the one who would ask 'what is wrong', and he was the one who would say 'talk to me' until they could sort it out.

Yet since coming here, the table has turned so violently it has practically tipped onto its side.

And it leaves him unsure of how to right himself again.]

[pipers_son]

Well…

[He nods down to the scroll at their feet.]

Could start with tellin’ me what that is, for starters.

[It’s the obvious route, right? And he can’t tell him what to do about it if he doesn’t know what it is.]

[otoko]

....Hmm. That is true...

[Well. Then he shall explain, in that case.] ...It is a scroll which I, the man Gongenzaka, purchased in Atlantis. When it was purchased, it was with the name 'Scroll of Meditation'.

...After the purchase, I was told there were to be no refunds...as well as a series of instructions for the purpose of activating its magic...

[...Considering he has it out here then....that means someone's considering it.]

[pipers_son]

[Ah, something from Atlantis. Seems like quite a few of them got something from there, including him.]

Are ya thinkin’ of usin’ it now?

[otoko]

....It is more complex than that, [he sighs.]

...I, the man Gongenzaka, have... [There is a pause, and his ears twitch as he rephrases.]

...Magic does not exist in my world, not as it does in so many other places. ....I, the man Gongenzaka, have already decided that when I return, I will not reverse what I have come upon here. ....To do so would be counterproductive to why I am here at all...

...But for that same reason... ...I, the man Gongenzaka, worry for what bringing magic with me would do.

...I, the man Gongenzaka, have used 'spell cards' in duels, using card effects, and monsters-it is the presence of those cards in my own deck which is against the 'Steadfast' way, not the use of them at all. But I, the man Gongenzaka, cannot compare 'magic' to 'duel monsters' any longer.

[...He...] ...Now, I must make this choice.

[pipers_son]

[...Well. This sounds a bit complicated. Settling down on the ground in front of Gongenzaka, legs crossed and wings lazily spread out against the ground, Joker taps his fingers against the grass thoughtfully.]

Do ya got folks ya trust back home?

[otoko]

Aaah, more than anything, [he adds, but his expression, if anything, grows still more distressed. There is a great level of discomfort here, even with a positive answer.] ...Yet with what burdens them now, the thought of even considering to leave such a weight upon their shoulders seems unforgivable.

More than that, it is not just a matter of keeping such a thing secret-I, the man Gongenzaka, wished to carry what I learn into the dojo that I am to inherit.

...if I, the man Gongenzaka, cannot do that however...

[Well. His ear flicks.] ...Then what sort of dojo master am I meant to become?

[pipers_son]

One who seems ta think carefully about what he does, by the looks of it.
[Still… Joker’s expression goes uncharacteristically quiet and contemplative. He knows the troubles of this sort of thing… Heavy is the head that weighs the crown, right? And he knows what it’s like being forced to make serious decisions that you can’t bring to anyone else you trust, because they got enough on their plate.]

[Taking a breath, he thinks carefully.]

….Well. In the end, places are always changin’. And if ya want ta be honest ta yerself and what you’ve decided, then best just tell folks about it.
Guess it comes down ta honesty versus responsibility.

[otoko]

...Hmmmm... [So Joker says, but somehow the worry is still ever pressing. It is more than just seeing if they can accept ACTUAL magic, from where they stood in the dueling world. Aside from being steadfast, aside from staying firm against their opponents, there was that extra resistance to change...

...Something he'd already turned his head against.] ...Do you feel...they could be capable of it? Of magic?

...I, the man Gongenzaka, was so devoid of it, I was nearly unable to return. ...Now, in this body, it seems possible, yet...is that the case for those in my world then?