⇨ THE LUNAR SOLSTICE

[ringleaders]

Who: Everyone!
When: Winter Breaks: Day 6 - Day 25
Where: THE MOON
What: The carnival journeys to one of its moons to celebrate the Lunar Solstice. More information here.
Warnings: Winter fun.

MOON WALKING↴ The journey to the moon only takes a blink of an eye, but it leaves the carnival far away beneath you. The second moon can be seen on the peripheral, massive compared to its usual view. At least when the holidays start out, there will be no notable wildlife on the moon, though this is something you can talk to the Ringmaster about if you think it needs a change. It sounds like this is the first time she's used it in quite a while - it probably needs some dusting off! Claim your cabins, and proceed to... well, do whatever you want! There is no rush and little obligation, besides to enjoy yourself. For real, this time. She promises there will be no vampires. Or, at least, none that don't already work for the carnival. ► CABINS: Living arrangements are character choice for this event, and there are a variety of cabins of various sizes, mostly built to house 2-6 people, though you can fit more in if you squish. They are all made of wood and of a rustic design - no fancy modern furniture, here! Each building is housed with a fireplace and the needed amenities. You can pick up materials to cook with the private kitchens if you like. Theoretically, you could spend the whole holiday sequestered away, watching the snow fall. Some of them also have outdoor hot tubs available! ► ACTIVITIES: Activities are mostly going to be character driven, though there will be some large group games like bingo and maybe a poker tournament happening at some point in one of the festival halls. Otherwise, there is a lot to offer: skiing, snowboarding, hiking, ice sculpting, snowball fights - it goes on! If you'd like to run a winter activity, just let the mods know, and we will get the word out there for you. ► FEASTING: Every day isn't a full-out feast because that would get a bit unhealthy, but there will be a number of specific feast events over the holidays where everyone is encouraged to let out their inner hedonist and stuff themselves. There will be one big feast per week, with smaller but also delicious meals offered in between. The feast dates will be B12, B18, and B24. There's also plenty of alcohol available for anyone who wants it. ► SHOPPING: As mentioned in the planning post, there is a massive market being run by the World Walker Caravan! The Ringmaster has given everyone 1250 credits to spend on items, but there is a caveat - must spend at least 500 of those credits on gifts for other people. And it better be a good one, if you only buy one! (She will ask that you do not buy her presents, however. She appreciates the sentiment, but it seems sort of silly buying her things with her own money! If you'd like to gift her, please have it be something more personal or handmade, but you are not obligated to get her anything at all.) ► TREATMENTS: The beginning of the holidays will also be about the time that the emergency Medical Team will have finalized their treatments for the Prince's poisoning. Watch out for further information on that - and make sure to get treated if you are suffering from petrification or poison induced illness! The holidays will be a lot more fun that way.

Comments

[wilt]

[ SIGH??? ] I don't usually look like this. I look more like you, but with two legs. That's why I--

Jeez, I wish I had a picture or something. Something that looks like me.

[betheman]

S-Seriously...? [Even he's having some trouble believing this. But...Hmm.] Perhaps... Mmnh-N! ...Perhaps this darkness is...creating confusion, [He decides, blinking. Sans certainly didn't say anything about any resemblance, after all. (And Alphys probably didn't clue in to that being a reason for...Anything, really.)] Surely, if I, the man Gongenzaka, bore such a resemblance, others from your home would have commented...

[wilt]

Has anyone mentioned the name 'Asgore'?

[ His dad, of course... but it's so weird already to accidentally call someone dad, but it's not like Flowey will deny Asgore is his father-- He is Asriel, after all. Asgore's son. No matter how many time's he's committed patricide. ]

[otoko]

Certainly not in the context of myself, [He answers plainly.] ...Shall we perhaps find somewhere proper to speak? [He decides, looking to Flowey's..........'baby'.]

It would perhaps be better for your companion, at the very least.

[wilt]

Oh! Yeah. Ultranova Starbreaker doesn't seem to care about the cold, but, uh-- Yeah. Probably for the best.

[ A+ PARENTING FLOWEY ]

[otoko]

Th-They are that strong against elements, in this weather..!? [Well. Regardless, they can duck into the nearest little shop. Hot chocolate shop. Yay.] W-well, this should do fine, [He decides, limping his way in with his half stone body.]

[wilt]

[ Flowey very easily places his order.

First, a hot cocoa. Simple enough. Then he asks if there's a behind-the-counter price for one of those real-but-decorative pumpkins they have everywhere. He gets a few eyebrows raised, but... once he explains it's for the thing in his arms, they oblige, and give him a medium sized pumpkin. Nova is already climbing over him to get at it.

He looks around and... selects a table with enough back space that Gon can sit down properly. The instant he puts down the pumpkin, Ultranova sinks her teeth into it to get the delicious, pumpkin-y juices. ]

So yeah-- you were warned about me. I'm security too.

[betheman]

[Once they're within the warmly lit 'cafe' of sorts, Flowey will likely see why none have mentioned 'Asgore'-or any Dreemur, really-in the context of Gongenzaka's own appearance. The fact that he has only had the horns for as long as he's been infected no doubt helps, but as they trot inside, more canid features can be clearly seen. A permanent 'mask' pattern around the eyes (or at least, one eye, since the other is covered with bandage), very large fox-like ears...adding in the massive bush of a mane that runs from the head and down in scarlet, and it's certainly not a mistake that could have been made in broad daylight.

The shadows of the night, on the other hand...

...Well, he's still large enough and furry enough to be a relative, in any case. Gongenzaka gets his own mug, and takes a seat on the floor, giving a polite nod in thanks.] I, the man Gongenzaka, was warned that you were working toward a personal recovery, but could suffer a few slips, [he replies calmly, blowing a bit at his drink.] ...and from there, notified that while you could be trusted not to cause harm to others here, it would still be wise to watch my steps.

[He raises an eyebrow.] ....Hmn! No doubt then, you are aware of who our Warden is...

[wilt]

Yeah, I know him. He ain't a big fan.

But after all that I did, he shouldn't be. The Ringmaster gave me a contract to get my soul back-- the thing that gives me compassion, right? But kind of as... penance... for what I did, I have to learn those feelings one by one, through experiences either with myself or other people. Sort of like being born again.

... my name is Asriel Dreemurr. I look like a flower now, but I'm a monster in reality. [ Good thing he doesn't think to clarify. By monster, he means goat child. ] I lost my soul when I died, but uh-- for privacy's sake, something made me came back without a soul. And without a soul, I began to degrade into something unrecognizable.

That's why I like the Ringmaster lady. She doesn't pull any punches and she didn't give me a scot-free card. I deserve to learn it all over again.

[betheman]

Hmmmnn.

[He gives it some thought, at the least. And-] ...............You are aware that, no doubt, if you were to regain the capacity to feel for however many acts you claim you committed, in a single instant, it would presumably crush you, correct? [At least, he's pretty sure that would happen.] From where, I, the man Gongenzaka stand....

...it would appear the Ringmaster granted you mercy, if anything.

[............He pauses.] Hmn. I, the man Gongenzaka, should perhaps caution you, as a note.... ...a 'soul' here...it is quite different from a 'soul' where you, and Sans, and others are from. A Soul is not what grants you your emotion, in this case.

Rather, it is what gives you life, and existence. ....it is in other words, something you carry now. [Just. So that you know people might correct you on the soul bit.] Though....

[Which brings him, tangently, back to who that soul USED to be.] ................Did I truly remind you of your father..!? I... I, the man Gongenzaka, am only 14..!!

[wat]

1/2

[wilt]

[ what ]

[wilt]

... fourteen, huh...? You, uh. You wear your age-- oh hell, I can't lie. You look like a wisened old mentor in a children's book.

[ He really, really does-- down to the way he speaks, even. ]

A- anyway, I did feel those emotions. Briefly, but I did. I was myself for a little bit. The guilt was bad, but... setting everything right felt good.

[otoko]

NAUUH-! [NO!!!! HIS GREATEST FEAR-] TH-

I, THE MAN GONGENZAKA, DO NOT LOOK THAT OLD, SURELY!!! [he protests, groaning into his one hand.]

Hmmnn... ...Well, at the very least, this seems the greater option for 'long term'. Brevity allows one to cope in different manners....

....It is when things begin to 'sink in', that the true trauma rises.

[wilt]

Could you lighten up a little?

[ It comes off as a demand. Why is he aggressing him about his eventual trauma about killing his parents over and over along with everyone else? ]

I know it's coming. The moment 'guilt' returns to me, I'll barely be able to function. I'm gonna try to prepare myself until then.

[otoko]

Does it strike you as a matter to take lightly? [he replies. He wasn't even aggressing, just trying to note the Ringmaster was, in fact...being merciful. Careful.

Caring, perhaps.] I, the man Gongenzaka, can only take my word for it. From my own place, regardless of what I know, I, the man Gongenzaka, am at least glad the Ringmaster opted to give you that opportunity instead of thrusting emotion all at once.

[Now, lets sip some hot chocolate-] ...It is, despite things, good to meet you, as it is.

1/2

[wilt]

It's not something to take lightly, no, but I don't want this conversation to make me deeply think about guilt because then I'll have it and it'll be your fault.

[wilt]

It's nice to meet ya too! Your old pal Flowey's glad to be your co-worker!

...

... aaaand that's how I'd sound if I was still impersonating my old self. Glad to work with you anyway. I'm pretty good at bouncer... ing. Helps being able to teleport.

[otoko]

[There is some sort of noise, like a strangled, wheezing sputter, caught up in some attempt to say that he'd rather not cause guilt IT WOULD BE UNFORGIVABLE-

But it just sort of comes out a coughing wheeze for a bit when his body remembers he's still Very Ill, so down the hatch goes some hot chocolate.] MNH-

Flowey, then, if you prefer... ....Well. I, the man Gongenzaka, shall certainly refrain from being the reason to bring guilt forward at this time..! We are in a place of celebration, and calm! [he huffs, attempting to cross his arms before remembering one is missing.

Fine, hand on hip then.] Bouncer? ....I, the man Gongenzaka, see that you have a great amount of strength hidden within, then-a typical flower would no doubt have trouble escorting others from the tents, otherwise.

[It's not spoken as any sort of insult-if anything, it seems that Gongenzaka honestly means the praise. That said.] I am Noboru Gongenzaka, myself. Gongenzaka, will be fine, however, [He adds, bowing his head.]

[wilt]

[ He kind of laughs to himself about that. Instantly, the mood that could set him on the course for Guilt City is avoided. But when he says 'Flowey, if you prefer' ... that feeling of affirmation bubbles up. ]

Asriel is better.

And thanks, big guy. You're doing me a huge favor... gonna need a lot more feelings to built up some sorta guilt safety net, y'know? [ On account of being self destructive and all. He drums his many vines on the counter. ] Oh yeah, I can safely escort a number of people off the premises if needed.

[ A snort. ] I'm just gonna call you the man, Gongenzaka. It's funny that way.

[betheman]

.........Please do not. [Ugh.] As amusing as you, and numerous others find it, it is a very important manner of speech from home, [he insists, practically pouting.] ......However mistranslated it is, [he adds, visibly doing his best not to let that bit get to him.]

...That aside..! [He coughs...and raises a few vines himself. His are ~Red and Brown~.] It would appear that we have something in common, beyond blossoms..!! It is wonderful to see another with similar abilities, I must say..!

[wilt]

What? Who wouldn't want to be called The Man? I thought the whole reason you did that was so you could look cool. [ He's teasing, it's not cool, but it sure as hell is funny. ]

Hahaha, well one of us is a plant and the other isn't. You're some kinda...

...

Looking at you, I honestly don't know. I don't even have a frame of reference for a comparison. [ Or an insult. ] Aside from Asgore.

[otoko]

[There is, briefly, a look-as if to say don't even try pulling bullshit on him buddy-

But that doesn't warrant anything aloud, so he merely waits for a window to 'answer' just what he is.] Human, [He corrects.] I, the man Gongenzaka, am human.

[wilt]

... Huh.

[ Well, by anyone's definition, you were still whatever you were when you arrived.

Human it is, no matter how much it confuses him. ]

Why not say I, the Human? So people don't get confused given your...

... things going on.

[betheman]

....Because what you are hearing as 'man' is what means 'human'.

[....Yes, this does make it difficult.] More importantly, it is not a matter of clarification..!

Changes occur here-that is no secret. But how I, the man Gongenzaka speak, is not a way to notify in such form! It is how respect is shown to my family, and to their traditions..! It is how I, the man Gongenzaka, was taught to respect those around me!

...And it is easy enough, for me to correct one who assumes, regardless.

[wilt]

Somehow, you get more and more confusing the longer you go on, but I think I get it.

[ Respect to your family... that's why Reira's locket was the Delta Rune, and not like Chara's, which was only a heart-- the Delta Rune was his heritage, and passing on a piece of himself to a friend to comfort them was kind of the most symbolically kind thing he could do. He understands that. Pride in your heritage. Maybe not in who you are now, but...

He misses mom and dad. ]

I still think calling you THE MAN is cool. Makes you sound like a police officer.