May 11th | Cherry Blossom Spirit's Picnic

[badend_replay]

One day after the Fallen Star's meeting, at about 9pm, a gathering begins on the first level. Rika has laid out some colourful blankets around a specific cherry blossom tree; Actually, it's the only sakura tree in the first level's park. The petals have been steadily falling for weeks, never rewound by the Reblooming magic that other levels' trees enjoy. But that's fine. Rika's never had a magical hanami to begin with! She knows how to have fun with regular hanami parties.

She's left a basket with onigiri, tea canisters, sandwiches, and packs of cards. And though she doesn't have many of them, she has made an effort to collect some board games to be played. She's even brought a toy microphone- the type that echoes your voice more than amplifying it,- in case everyone wants to try karaoke.

There are three hours until Reblooming would start on the other floors... and honestly, while a miraculous Reblooming would be nice, Rika is just happy to bring the tree some company.

[ ooc ]
Rika formally announced her picnic plans over here, but anyone is invited! Feel free to toplevel, threadjack, etc. as much as you like! I'm putting up some silly toplevels for activities that Rika planned, but they're all optional. 

Comments

【PRE PICNIC COOKING】

[badend_replay]

[Hours before the party begins, Rika makes a Starnet post:]

Is everyone ready for the picnic?

Food tastes best when we make it together, so maybe we can meet up to do some cooking?

I am making onigiri and sandwiches to start!

[aupologizes]

Hey, Rika... have you decided what fillings you were going to bring for the picnic?

[ She's here to help carry the ingredients! After all, this is very important. And of course, she's wearing a hat to hide her horns so that she doesn't wind up scaring the spirit with her appearance. ]

【WHAT'CHA BRINGING】

[badend_replay]

[If your character brought anything to the picnic, then you can brag about it here!]

[anenemies]

[Kagami will be bringing several types of tea, including cherry blossom tea and lighter, spring flavors, as well as different kinds of fruit sodas!]

【WASABI ONIGIRI ROULETTE】

[badend_replay]

[One of Rika's games for the picnic is called Wasabi Onigiri Roulette! There is a basket of onigiri at one of the picnic baskets. Everyone is encouraged to pick one up, but there's a twist... Some of these onigiri are filled not with delicious things, but wasabi!

The game is that everyone needs to keep a completely straight pokerface when they eat the onigiri. If the others can guess who got the wasabi onigiri, then they are the "winners." But if the people with wasabi onigiri can keep it a secret or trick someone into guessing wrong, then Team Wasabi "wins."

The losing team will have to pick some "punishment game accessories" to wear for the rest of the night. I'll reply to the losing team members when we figure out who lost.

Roll a D20 when your character picks up an onigiri and I'll tell you if they got a wasabi onigiri! If 3 wasabi team members keep a pokerface, then we'll assume the entire team won.]

## (example)

[badend_replay]

[Rika happily picks out her onigiri!]

【KARAOKE】

[badend_replay]

[Announce your karaoke songs here! The microphone that Rika brought will make everyone sound kind of ridiculous.]

[stavros]

[Let's do the old standby of songs by the VA! Kokoro is really getting into this, too...]

【SPIRIT OFFERINGS】

[badend_replay]

[Because I'm a mod in disguise, I know that you should roll a D20 here. Depending on the results, the spirit might appear for some chatting. You can ask to threadjack the spirit threads, but ask the person who rolled first.]

nat 20 baybee.........

[dereban]

[ When Himeko leaves her offerings she'll have her nullification off; best not to scare the spirit, after all.

She spent the entirety of the day working on it after she managed to pull herself together.

It's a small gift basket with Starling lined on the bottom of it and inside is a pink notebook with pages that look like this on the inside.

When opened, the opening page reads as such:

Hello.

My name is Inaba Himeko.

I'm known as a Fallen Star--someone from another world. I am leaving this offering in hopes that you will read it and hope that perhaps that we can get to know each other a little better.

Back home, I'm the vice president of the Cultural Research Club--a group that wrote articles about the world.

This notebook however, won't have any such articles. Instead, it will contain a story.

I hope you enjoy it. Of course, if it is not to your liking, feel free to complain in any fashion that you can.

And in the following pages, it speaks a tale titled The Loneliest Girl--it talks about a girl who struggled with making friends and finding love; a story about how people tried to reach out to her and how she was afraid to show her weaknesses to them. How even though she struggled with trusting others, people still wanted to understand her and wanted to be her friend.

And how that same lonely girl wanted to return the favor, even though she was always terrified that she'd mess up and destroy any of the relationships that she had.

The story goes on to talk about how even how she stumbles, she still continues to seek out for that happiness, and how she finally understands how she needs to choose for herself, to grab onto those outstretched hands for herself. For her own sake, not anybody else's. ]

ota

[badend_replay]

[It isn't hard for Rika to make her own fun at the picnic. After thanking the tree for the space where they're partying, she gets to work setting up! Rika will gladly accept any help offered as she lays down the picnic blankets and prepares some board games for playing with. She'll happily join in any games of Monopoly and Clue, her devious nature on full display, or teach people to play Old Geezer (Maid) with the card decks.

Though, whenever people arrive, Rika will pause what she is doing to wave to them.]

Mii~! Thank you for coming! Go ahead and sit wherever you like. There's lots and lots to eat~!

[tapformana]

Rika-chan! Rika-chan!

[Tap floats over, excited.]

You've got so many games here... But I realized! There's a game that's not an online game that I play that I can teach you if we can find it!

( open )

[loveedition]

[ Of course, Ryoko's here.

Having brought her expected dish, naturally, she's laid out a blanket and is taking in the sight of the cherry blossoms. It was kinda peaceful in a way that she desperately needed.

The week off helped for the most part, but she still felt heavy and bogged down by her own thoughts. Leaving her mostly to think to herself and hope that it passes.

Right. Ryoko had to focus on who she had, on what they were doing there... and then she could face everything again. She just needs to get past tonight... ]

[stavros]

...Are you quite well?

[Kokoro tilts her head as she takes some oden.]

Pardon my saying, but you've seemed off for quite some time.

[fallmushrooms]

[Velda is here with faded floral bedsheets to put out for blankets, and she sets out a bag of chips and sits down.]

Do you think magic could help with the whole reblooming thing, or would that screw it up?

[aupologizes]

It could, but we should wait--if we used any abilities now, if they are watching this tree due to its attachment to the Rumor, that would be bad.

[dereban]

[ People might notice - especially after the tail end of what happened yesterday - that Himeko is in an extremely good mood.

How to tell?

She's in bright colors with this pinned to her hair; while she's definitely still concerned about many things--especially after that talk that she had with Sam.

There's nothing that can bring her down, now!

Not that she's going to admit to that. She didn't bring her laptop this time around, but she has her journal that she's writing in, humming pleasantly.

She has the power of love on her side, damn it!!! ]

[loveedition]

[ If there was really one thing Ryoko was dreading today, it was eventually having to see Inaba around. She knew she'd be there, considering she lived on the lowest level. Although, considering how heated things got at the end of the day, maybe not?

Then, when she actually spots her, it's... like she's not even looking at the same person.

She looks so happy. What happened--

...

She doesn't even really need to guess, does she?

Well... if she's going to do this, this might be the best time after all. So, she decides to go over, smiling. ]

Someone's in a good mood today.

[tapformana]

[Tap is there, of course. And she has a blanket set up as a stage for her to stand on, as she dances under the tree's branches.

After her dancing ends, though, she sits down a bit further away to just... watch the festivities.]

Whew... I need to learn more dances, this is fun!

[fallmushrooms]

That was really cool! Think that tree liked it too?

[marshmallowpurgatory]

[Pidonus Marasia is here, in full miko uniform, and moving around at random, offering small blessings, ofuda, and ceremonial dances around to try and enhance the party atmosphere! Notably, she has avoided bringing weapons - or even her lute. She knows how to sing if she has to get serious.]

Hello, and enjoy!

[She won't tire easily, but she will happily stop to converse. Notably, after the initial offering, she is avoiding crowding the tree spirit directly - better to create a better atmosphere for the others to enhance the blessings indirectly, or so she appears to think.]

[fallmushrooms]

Good job! You were always super good at that kind of stuff.

[veileddreamer]

I. Snacking
[Most of the time Tau is going to be slowly snacking on what everyone's brought. Its a surprisingly fun seeming picnic for not having many flowers left.]

It is...much better than last year's picnic...If nothing else.

II. Drawing

[When not snacking, she'll be drawing. She lost most of her art from last year due to the loop, so she has to redo everything. Even though there are some definite differences.]

My skill has improved...since last year...so I can have a second chance...to do everything better...

III. Karaoke (But not really)

[She's watching the people doing karaoke. They don't sound great because of the microphone but she's still in awe.]

They are...so brave...

3

[fallmushrooms]

It looks fun, but I can't think of a song! Maybe I should just pick at random or something.

[samffron]

I. Investigations (Closed to Chron)

[Sam rarely ever feels the need to go down to the first level, even more so when she heard about the Fallen Star picnic. She is still nervous about dissappearing, even if she hasn't yet. But Chron wanted to come down, and she wasn't about to let her do it alone. With Saffron on her shoulder she stands at the edge of the party.]

Sooooo...Where should we start?

II. Picnic (OTA)

[Sam is starting to settle down, and has a plate of food. She's sitting a bit away from the rest of the Fallen Stars.]

While I'm here, I guess I should enjoy myself too.

[starrystoryteller]

[Chron is trying to be stealthy, but it's not exactly working. As far as she's aware, the Fallen Stars are Tau's allies. She'd been spending such a weird amount of time with them and gotten so oddly confident lately... It puts Chron on edge.

So even though she told Tau that she wouldn't waste her time with a picnic when she could be studying, she's down here with Sam.

Squinting suspiciously.

Trying to wrap her brain around what's going on.]

I dunno, but like... If we get too close, they might talk to us.

[priceofmagic]

[It still feels surreal to attend group events like this. Sam felt it a bit during the meeting too. For so many years, she was stuck in the background and completely unable to gain recognition. She might have walked through a park of hanami picnics and never been seen. She could cry or scream or get angry, but no one could hear her.

Instinct kicks in. After she sets some store bought sandwiches down with the rest of the food, Samantha walks to the tree and just stands there for a few minutes. It's only after some time in silence that she remembers why she came and why she relates to the tree so much.]

It sucks to be unseen, huh? But if all you can do is watch... at least it's nice to watch something this happy, hm?

[She won't join in the festivities, but will instead stand by the tree and use her empathy ability to monitor the mood. If Sam is approached, she might be able to sense your character's stronger emotions due to her empathy being turned on.]

[dereban]

Hey.

[ Himeko of course is here, and more importantly, she's trying to act as casual as possible, although she's certainly hiding a mixture of emotions- being in very much a better mood than usual while still having worries and anxiety. ]

I'm hoping that watching all of this is entertaining, at least.

[popsometags]

[ Rinne's spent most of his time with his attention divided tonight. Between occasionally checking in on the spirit and participating in what's going on, he was torn between socializing and...

eating.

There's free refreshments, and Rinne couldn't help himself. He's careful not to take too much, naturally... but, he has to sample what he can. An opportunity like this doesn't come up all the time, after all! ]

[badend_replay]

Rokudo~

[Rika pops up behind him with a gentle smile and teasing words:]

Does Hanyuu not feed you?

[hamachaya]

[ As Ryuunosuke made it to the picnic, something dawned on her. It was something fairly important, as important as keeping an eye on the cherry blossom tree. She's dressed casually, which in her case means a shirt and shorts, she brought food, so something's missing.

Something really important.

... ]

...the hell am I supposed to do now?

[ She's never been to one of these! How does this work? ]

[tapformana]

You sit down and enjoy the picnic! You can sing, or you can dance, or you can just talk to the spirit!

[WOE, BNUY BE UPON YOU]

(ota)

[anenemies]

[Kagami is content to stay in the background for now, his normal facade gone and replaced with a relaxed smile. He missed it. Being able to hear and talk to spirits...

He's a light snacker, and when he's not eating or trying to share his food with the spirits, he lies on his back to stare up at the tree and admire the falling petals, scooping some of them into his palms and holding them.]

I guess this isn't terrible.

[Otherwise, he might participate in karaoke and look at the nearest person.]

Ooh, let's find a cute song to sing~!

[polishedlove]

[ Aaay, look who it is!

Kimiko shakes her head at the mention of karaoke, an embarrassed look on her face. ]

O-oh, no... Kimiko isn't very good at singing! Are you sure I can't just cheer you on?

[ This is a boldfaced lie, but it's cuter to act coy about it. ]

(ota)

[writeastherain]

[In the past several months, Aimee has socialized just because more than she has her entire life.

It’s quite nerve-wracking!!!

But even though it’s new and unfamiliar-or maybe because of that-she wants to be here. For the most part, she sits on her blanket and when she’s not eating she’s writing in her journal or just…observing people. Their interactions, expressions, the way they act so she can blend in more. Occasionally her eyes stray to anyone performing karaoke, her expression somewhere between envy and admiration, but it’s gone as soon as it appears.]

[myturf]

--yo!

[ Karin appears, bringing back an onigiri for Aimee. ]

Present for ya.

(ota.... sort of?)

[nightwild]

[Fauna assured Rika that she was going to be there to protect people... But at the same time, she wasn't going to be found. She has tricks, after all. Tricks to stop herself from being seen if she doesn't want to.

So Fauna isn't around. At least, not that anyone can see. The most people might see is... a flash of violet, and an onigiri vanishes. If anyone gets too close, as well, there's a small puff of smoke and another flash of violet, and Fauna's gone again.

She's spending most of the picnic simply invisible... unless someone knows she's there and is intent on addressing her directly.]

[myturf]

[ --the hell?

Karin was just planning to grab another onigiri, and could've sworn she saw something just... flashed, and then the rice ball was gone.

Wait, she'd seen that shit somewhere.

...

Alright, well. No onigiri for her, clearly. She's just gonna go walk away, and maybe hide behind a tree to see what happens. ]

PUNISHMENT GAME

[badend_replay]

[Because no one called Team Wasabi out on their bluff (even the really bad bluffs,) Team No Wasabi has lost Wasabi Roulette! Rika collects a ticket that was wrapped in every onigiri in order to determine who was on which team.

The losing team must spend the rest of the night, from 11pm until midnight, wearing some sort of embarrassing accessory. They can reach into a box and pick a ticket, which corresponds with their punishment game. Players can pick their character's punishment game! Punishments should be fairly tame: From wearing a cat ear headband to ending sentences with "nya." Everyone only needs one punishment.

If you're having trouble, here are 6 ideas you can roll dice for. Rolling dice is optional! You can also pick manually.

1. Animal Ears (Cat, Fox, Bunny, Dog, etc.)
2. Calling Team Wasabi members "Master."
3. Ending sentences with something cute like "nya" or "nano desu."
4. Wearing their maid or butler costume.
5. Having their face drawn on by a Team Wasabi member.
6. Having to eat one of the leftover Wasabi onigiri.

If you join Wasabi Roulette late, then your character is assume to be on Team No Wasabi and has to play a Punishment Game! Thanks for playing!]

[badend_replay]

[w e l p. With a roll of 2, Rika has to call Team Wasabi members 'Master' for the rest of the night... Something that she'll gladly use to punish them back for winning. She puts on cat ears as well and walks around to the winners with a plate of safe onigiri.]

Do you have a normal one now, Master~? These were made with love and care!

[specktacle]

[Speck arrives late to the party, at around 11pm, wearing a white lolita dress and carrying an unnecessary white, lacey parasol. They spin the handle as they stand at the edge of the park, watching the party with a slightly amused expression.]

I see. So this is the solution that everyone went with.

... Well. I surprise a party cannot hurt too badly.

[myturf]

[ Fresh from having had a chat with Fauna, Karin's a bit surprised to see Speck here. After their first chat, she can't help but be amused and quirk an eyebrow at their dress.

Damn. She really should've dressed up, as opposed to her typical embroidered bomber jacket, white shirt and jeans combo. Oh well, she didn't want to hold Sam up either. ]

Yo. [ a lazy wave. ] That's the one you picked out, huh? Looks good.

[starrysynthesizer]

[Saki had to take it easy on the 10th and missed the meeting, which leaves a rotten feeling in her head. She's only just realizing that something is amiss in this world and she missed her first chance to help out. It feels worse than being sick! With a whole day to be sick, that frustrating feeling of helplessness has a lot of time to build up inside of her. There's so much she wants to say to the spirits already and she knows just the way to communicate emotion..!

So when she wakes up in good spirits, Saki is determined to go the picnic. She makes some tamagoyaki in the afternoon, plays it safe all evening, and then arrives at 9pm sharp. Under her arm, Saki carries the new synthesizer that she's purchased and a folder of music sheets she transposed while resting. She still knows very few people, but that doesn't stop her from finding a picnic blanket with an opening and sitting down.]

Hi! I'm Saki Tenma... and I'm here to help! What can I do?

[And, after taking some time to read the mood, Saki determines that Yes. Music might help. So she sets up her synthesizer in the park. It's running on a battery and she only has the weak built-in speakers, but it's something. She'll play a few Hatsune Miku songs, as well as From Tokyo; she even sings her original song!

Between songs, Saki will call out to anyone watching:]

Do you want to sing with me? You don't need to know the words! Let's just jam together!

[tapformana]

[HELLO SAKI, IT IS BUNNY HOURS.

Tap approaches, listening, clearly excited...]

I'll sing! Or should I dance instead?

[Tap is, of course, dressed in her normal dancer outfit.]

OTA!

[everpromisedthunder]

[She hasn't had a picnic like this in... actually, Mei has no idea how long it's been. But there's something about having these meals outdoors.

Maybe it's the fact it's fresh air. As much as she liked to keep to herself, being the principal of a school meant fewer and fewer chances to indulge that. Of course, maybe it was also the fact she just got to be outside in general of her own free will. Her practice and studies often left her with little room to just play around a little.

...maybe it was the fact even though she couldn't really see the moon, she just wanted to gaze up as much as she could. But that was something she didn't want to look into -- not yet.

Either way, Mei's got that pot of cream stew ready for takers; she might be glancing back at the cooking area, though, when one sees her.]

Maybe I should cook up another batch to be safe...

[loveedition]

More could never hurt.

[ Ryoko in her own right had been cooking up a storm, providing her continued influx of stew and oden. Honestly, the cream stew Mei was making looked delicious, and she partially thought to slow down on her end... gotta not make it a competition, after all. ]

With how bottomless some stomachs can be, it's very tough to have "just enough" for everyone.

Also OTA!

[followthepolestar]

[Honami quietly taste tests her pie. Ah--that delectable sweetness, the thing that she just can't stop having--! She does want to eat more of it, but this was meant for the others, after all, so she refrains from doing so and eating only one spoon at the most.

The bento, on the other hand, she keeps close to her; that one she'd cooked for herself, and she hadn't spoiled herself with something nice lately. Nor did she really have the chance to -- the deals at the shops didn't really click with her, and she'd probably have more luck making them herself instead. So there she was, sitting at one of the tables with a nice meal and a few small stacks of egg sandwiches on several plates.

...she does look around, though, and wonders--]

I wonder if this will be enough...? I did cook plenty, but still...

[popsometags]

[ Meanwhile, from the ether... or, rather, from nearby. Rinne's lured towards where Honami is by the sheer glimpse of pie. Something he rarely got to partake in...!

Despite that, while he approaches with a smile on his face, he doesn't just go straight for it. Not yet. ]

How is it, Mochizuki-san? It all looks really good.