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kaisou2022-02-04 09:08 am
FEBRUARY EVENT LOG
February Event
Dominant Element: Fire
Waning Element: Wind
※
The coldest part of winter is now over with! While there's still snow on the ground with the occasional snowstorm, the weather has become much milder. So long as you have a decent jacket, it's not unpleasant to be outside. Perhaps on a romantic stroll, considering the time of year.
Love is in the AirFrom the beginning of February, stores are fully decked out with red, pink and white decorations for Valentine's Day. Just about every place has some special sale going on for the day, whether it candy shops selling candy hearts or floral shops being filled with roses or roofing companies desparately trying to convince you that new roof tiles are a romantic gift, really! Restaurants are pulling out all stops to get ready for the romantic holiday, with specials and discounts for any romantic couples - or really, any pair of people willing to pretend to be dating for a discount.
On top of the usual Valentine's day faire, a new drink seems to be all the rage! The Cosmos Canyon will be the newest fad drink found in any alcohol serving establishment in the city. Online, there's many tutorials about how to make the drink, as well as non-alcoholic versions for those too young to drink! Besides the new drink, many florists will be selling glaze lilies among their bouquets. They are a popular flower, seen as a nice romantic flower alternative to roses. Strangely enough, the people around the city act like glaze lilies have always been around, but you can't remember seeing these flowers before.
It's not just the normal shops that have gotten into the holiday spirit. In Undertown, several shops and apothecaries are selling magical products of varying effectiveness that are revolved around love. Aphrodisiacs to spice up the bedroom, courage potions to give you that boost to confess your feelings (some of the cheaper ones smell suspiciously of alcohol), crystal ball readings about your romantic prospects - stuff like that. Some of these products are legitimate, but there's many scams so watch out! If you're looking for something like a love potion, you'll be disappointed, as those are generally seen as taboo and the few shady vendors that do sell the potions will be scams.
Cupid's ArrowsThroughout the month, the spirit vein in the sky will occasionally flicker pink before an arrow with a heart tip comes flying out of nowhere. If a person is hit with an arrow, it will dissipate in a glitter of hearts and they will feel a compulsion to be near the first person they see for the next few hours. The feelings they may feel towards their intended target could be insistent curiosity, an intense need for friendship, romantic, or familial - but whatever it'll be, this person is their new obsession until the effects wear off. The strength of the effects will be based on how lonely the person hit is. The more lonely they are in general, the stronger the effects....
On the other hand, if you find an arrow lying on the ground that hasn't hit a target, characters who pick it up and poke other people with it will hear the people's true opinion about them - unfiltered. Each arrow will allow you to poke up to three people before it dissipates into heart glitter.
The Gate: A New Faction Appears!On February 15th, a new message from Zodiac is sent out.
SHIFTING GATE IDENTIFIED IN BLUE FISH PARK.
Element Classification: Unknown
Danger Level: A, Hostile Creatures
Designation: Kanto
A new shifting gate has been located in Blue Fish Park. Early reports suggest the realm contains a high population of unidentified animals. Many of the animals exhibit special abilities unseen in Earth fauna. Currently no civilians have been harmed, and the area has been blocked from the public for safety. Zodiac has partnered with P.O.K.E.G.O. and will offer rewards for information and gathered materials. Please visit the Zodiac office in Undertown for more information and equipment.
ETA: Beware of the tall grass.
If you head to the Zodiac offices, you will be greeted not only by the Zodiac customer service, but a new face as well! Professor Willow is a researcher from POKEGO, a group that's well known for their devotion to researching the Spirit Realm for knowledge sake. After the reports of the Helheim Gate last month, Professor Willow decided to come to town and research the unusual paranormal activity in the city. A middle aged man, he's friendly and is happy to talk about any creatures that come from the Spirit Realm, as that's his research specialty. As such, he asks anyone interested to please collect data on the creatures in the shifting gate. Photos, drawings, observation notes, samples -- he'll be happy to accept anything that helps further knowledge.
The Zodiac operatives meanwhile, are much more interested in the material goods this realm has to offer. For those who want low risk work, they'll request for batches of berries to be gathered. For those more daring, they'd like a captured specimen to be brought to them. The more interesting the specimen, the higher the payout. The highest payout will go to anyone that manages to bring them a "large rodent that yields electricity" To do this, they will supply some animal tranquilizers and a net made out of the Hel's bramble gathered last month. These nets are stronger than normal rope, and will withstand most normal attacks and weak magic attacks. Weapons are also available, for anyone feeling the need for extra protection. Finally and most curiously, they'll offer mountain bikes for anyone who wants a faster way to get around the realm. How handy?
Once you're all geared up and ready to go, the gate can be found in Blue Fish Park in one of the soccer fields, which has now been closed off to the general public due to a "sinkhole". It's easy enough to slip past the barricades. The gate itself is newer looking than gate last month, almost resembling an archway you'd find in a park. Warm air emanates from it, in sharp contrast to Kaisou's winter weather. Once through, you'll be treated to a vibrant wilderness, covered in tall grass, beautiful flowers and green trees. The weather is closer to early summer than winter, and the sun feels warm against the skin. Compared to Helheim last month, this place is a virtual paradise.
At least, until you run into some of the dangerous wildlife the message warned about. Scattered all over the realm are creatures not seen on Earth. These creatures will range from harmless and friendly to extremely hostile and dangerous. Attempting to capture any with the net may prove difficult, as they will use their special abilities if they feel threatened. Stepping into the wrong cave could get you a whole swarm of Zubats flying at you, and fishing for Magikarp might incite a Gyrados attack. And much like the Zodiac message warned, wandering through any tall grass patches is particularly dangerous as that's where many aggressive creatures lurk.
However, that doesn't mean ALL the creatures are out to kill you. Depending on your actions, you might have a wonderful time playing with Eevees and other cute critters. Many of these creatures don't have any fear of humans, and will approach on their own or be coaxed over easily. Someone with good animal skills might get to live out a disney princess fantasy, so long as they don't accidentally attract any hostile ones. For those who wish to gather berries, there's thickets and trees full of various types. Gather them for Zodiac, or use them to make more animal friends.
The size of the Realm is immense, with the landscape spreading for miles. One could feasibly spend days hiking through the varying biomes. Forests, swamps, rocky hills, sandy beaches, sprawling cave systems - this place has it all. The easiest way to get around is by using a mountain bike on worn down trails, or with a car if you want to figure out how to drive one through the gate. If someone is really devoted to mapping out the realm, they'll find it's a massive island about 30 miles in total diameter, surrounded by a deep blue ocean that goes on until the horizon.
The TownAs one makes their way across the realm, it's clear no humans live in this place. However, there are the occasional sign that people used to be here, long ago. Broken up cement roads, rusted street signs, a bench that's been completely overgrown by plants. If one heads to the center of the island, they'll find the clearest sign yet: the ruins of a town. Whoever once lived here, it's long since abandoned and nature has overtaken the buildings, reducing many of them to rubble and hollowed out shells.
One building still stands intact at the center of the town. It's unclear what it's purpose is, maybe some type of clinic or visitor center. Inside the building, much of it has fallen into disrepair. However there is half-working vending machine that'll dispense a single pokeball for each person. A half-legible pamphlet nearby will explain that these were used to "catch Pokemon", and that the people here used to do that to have them as companions
Sure enough, these pokeballs still work. If you use one on a Pokemon you've befriended or managed to tire out, it'll capture the Pokemon. This Pokemon will now view itself as your companion, and you'll have an animal friend of your own! Just choose wisely, the pokeballs can't be reused and the machine will only dispense one.
If you return to Kaisou with any pokemon, either in the pokeball or in the net, the pokemon will have most of their powers muted. A Pikachu will cause static shocks, but it won't be enough to actually harm anyone. Professor Willow will be thrilled to hear of any discoveries, and Zodiac will be happy to accept any pokemon or berries you brought back for them. They'll be unable to accept any pokemon you caught in the pokeball, as that pokemon is now magically linked to you. As long as you bring back something, Professor Willow and Zodiac will be happy to pay in cash, the amounts depending on what type of stuff you brought back for them. And once again, failing to return any loaned out equipment will result in being sent a bill of $2000 and a mild curse so anyone who uses your name will call you "THIEF" instead. The curse will last until either pay your bill or set up a payment plan with their office. Returning items after this point will get the bill reduced down to $500 (a late fee, they explain).
The dominant element this month is fire! Anyone with an affinity to the fire element will find themselves boosted throughout the month. This could mean a boost to their power, having more energy, feeling more inspired with creativity, having better luck on different attempts -- the boost can manifest in all sorts of different ways. By contrast, anyone with an affinity for wind will be experiencing the opposite. Perhaps their powers will be weaker, they have less energy, they're having a creative block or general worse luck - again it can manifest in all sorts of way and players are free to play with this mechanic as they'd like.
Players are allowed to catch one pokemon per character for their character to keep! These pokemon will be mostly depowered unless they are in the Spirit Realm, and then they will go back to full strength. Most pokemon are allowed, except for Legendaries and any pokemon that wouldn't normally be found in the wild (so fossil pokemon or mewtwo). If you want to keep a pokemon, please leave a comment here.
Any fights or interactions with NPCs will be handled by the players! Feel free to thread out things however you'd like! If you have any questions, please ask them on the plot questions thread below!
i go hard or go home 😎 PLEASE DONT SEE MY TYPO
she wonders, now— does he like her, too? if so, this was quite the jackpot. ]
Do you like this?
[ she gestures down with her eyes and a squeeze of her hand in his as they walked. or, makima led. ]
LMAO okay god at least i am in good company 😌
...oh. is she-- teasing him? she's teasing him, isn't she. Abel's mouth works for a second in a faux fluster, this time; he's putting on a show of put-upon indignation. ]
Really...? Playing with a man's heart, this time of year? Makima, for shame! I'm a very fragile flower, you know...? What will you do if you go wilting all my petals...?
[ yeah, MAKIMA, he's a very delicate princes!! GOSH!! ]
yes….. 😌
I’ll make sure you’re well watered and get plenty of sunlight. [ tap tap go her heels as she walks leisurely, her thumb beginning to caress the top of his hand. ] I quite like this too, Abel.
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Well~! If I'm to be a-- kept flower, [ was he about to say 'kept woman?' maybe, but no one can prove anything ] I suppose there are certainly worse fates I could succumb to...
[ it really is an absolute boon that Abel is oblivious as a box of rocks, isn't it? he has no inkling this is anything more than a playful game, considering Makima is-- indeed-- the sort with a good sense of humor!! wow, ]
...Ah, by the way-- what are we shopping for? Or is it a surprise?
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[ a surprise, it is. she had been about to say what, but now that he’s no longer so flustered—? that has to change. makima walks right into one of the very first dress stores down the street they walk on. she has an order waiting for her here, and she has to try it on, but . . .
the store clerk recognizes her immediately, and gives an oh when she’s holding hands with a sir—! but, yes!! she’ll fetch the goods! ]
Would you mind sitting here if I changed into my order? [ there’s a little waiting bench for guests, coffee and pastries, and, with a stroke against some of his hair, ] I’ll only leave you alone for a second.
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he's busy raking his eyes over the interior (--is the price tag on that dress... right?? no, surely not), missing whatever the store clerk mumbles in assent before vanishing. but it isn't until Makima's question that he's torn back to reality, the happy-go-lucky smile already at his lips as he nods in acquiescence-- ]
O-oh, um... sure! Sure, sure, of course, Makima~! Please take your time, alright?
[ h-ha, there's something vaguely rosier in his face as her fingers briefly touch at his hair (is he beginning to have a
thotThought about all this....?? maybe,) but he's Sitting diligently because he knows this trick, already scoping out the source of the scent of something sugary nearby.wow, maybe he should ask to accompany Makima shopping more often??? what kind of stores offer PASTRIES when you're browsing?? has he been missing out...? ]
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if anyone’s going to pay for anything, it’s makima. the sugar momma. ]
Well?
[ her voice is the first to sound as she silently returns from the hallway about seven minutes later; in a lovely dress, black heels, her braid in a bun and her hips . . . are killing it.
for show, she even slowly twirls about with an elegance that would for sure, turn heads, by sheer energy alone. ]
1/3
Abel is so in beyond his depth and he hasn't the faintest inkling-- which is quite on brand for him, actually, so watch as he obliviously and with great delight plucks a pastry up from the dainty platter!! goodness, this is SO nice?? SO incredibly nice, and he's pink in the face with delight as he stirs sugar into the offering of coffee, too. wow....... is this how rich people live? damn. damn, maybe he's missing it out, living his humble and mundane life...
so caught up in sugary treats and contemplating the deeper meaning of his lot in life, he almost sloshes coffee over his hand when he jerks in surprise at the sound of Makima's return: her prompting has his spine immediately straightening like a dog that heard its name called. MA'M, he was NOT just shoving two entire strawberry jammed croissants into his piehole-- ]
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a... ah?
M-Makima...???? ]
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has slowly and gracelessly fallen from his slack jawed mouth, smearing jam at his lip and crumbs into his lap, ]
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Oh, dear . . . [ ah, oh, cleavage, all up in his,, face?? makima is bending her knees and torso just enough to lean over and 1) pick up the fallen croissant and 2) gently clean the jam off his chin, then ever so tenderly to his lips, ] You’ve made a mess.
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oh my god.
if Abel had been awkwardly frozen before, then this is approaching a statuesque level of rigid tension like a deer trapped in headlights, unable to so much as breathe once she's positioned herself, uh--
f-front row and center, as it were...? oh. oh, the heat that is rapidly climbing in his face is blowing right past a rosy pink and well on its way to an impressive tomato red, isn't it? yes, yes it is as he desperately stares into her face, willfully
willfully
avoiding the instinctual urge to, um. y-you know, admire the... the, uh. the-- the craftsmanship of her neckline, ]
M, Ma... [ .........ma'm, ] Ah. Makima--?
[ a panicked, desperate internal monologue is rushing through his head at the breakneck speed of approximately 4950893845 MPH. should one be masochistic to take an inward peek, they might find things playing out in a barely coherent rush consisting of such gems like:
--I'm dreaming. This is one of those weird dreams again. Did I eat something strange before I fell asleep, this time? What was it last time? --Egg roll. I had egg rolls and then I had that particularly vivid dream about the cute waitress at the bistro by the park. I have to stop ordering chinese so close to bedtime. --Oh, god, she's cleaning my face like I'm a godforsaken infant. Am I an infant...? No, no. I'm an adult, it isn't THAT weird. Or does this make it weirder...? H-her hair is so... lovely, down. She should wear it down more often. What is with that look in her eyes, though...? What is it reminding me of... it's on the tip of my tongue, ah... What is it?
--ANIMAL PLANET. One of those documentaries where a snake is about to eat a helpless little rabbit, yes!! ...Ah. Well. There are far worse ways to go. I wonder if Makima likes chinese food...? Please don't look at her breasts. Please don't look at her breasts. Please don't look at her-- STOP, I said DON'T!! ]
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Perhaps we should get some fresh air—? Coffee sounds good. Your hands are a little cold, Abel. [ and just for good measure, she leans in, and just for him to hear, so close to his ears, like the hiss of a serpent about to strike: ] You can look, you know. I’d feel . . . Flattered.
[ before he explodes— she’ll just get changed again, and tell the store clerk: it’s perfect. pack it up and send the value to her tab, please.
that rump is swaying away . . . ]
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...well, then. that veritable purr seals it; there is no room for him to misinterpret or misunderstand that, is there? and just as Makima anticipated -- Abel is, indeed, experiencing some kind of fatal internal runtime error as soon as those words have left her lips. he is barely-- barely-- cognizant of her shapely form sauntering away, disappearing toward the changing rooms to slink out of that all too flattering dress.
Abel's crushed the napkin he had been holding in his hands; his mouth is so very terribly dry, and he's torn between intense uneasiness (rabbit that can still feel the viper's fangs at its throat?? it isn't just that, is it--) and a fluster so potent he genuinely can't get a coherent thought to run through his vacant, empty head.
ah. ...ah.
...some sort of self-rebooting procedure must have occurred while Makima was retiring to her normal attire, because Abel is no longer sat at the bench in a utter brain-melted drooling state by the time she makes her return. he's standing somewhat near the front entrance, and while his face is still a violently bright shade of red-- he's awkwardly staring at his feet, fidgeting as he rubs his elbow and avoids eye contact.
shhh, he'll wait for her to be done purchasing her... dress... like a good little boy, patient and quiet. they don't need to talk about what just happened, h... haha, i-t's... it's fine!! it's fine......... ]
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but from the moment she puts her usual clothes on, grabs her purse and looks herself in the mirror, it happens. she feels— no, remembers that she's done something like this before, but with a completely different finality. she wanted this. well— she thinks she wants this, for herself, because she has perhaps always been head over heels for able to be feeling so strongly. there, in whatever situation she seems to have forgotten . . . she was toying with a young boy's heart.
she knew she wasn't cold or cruel enough to do something like that. that boy was someone's son. denji, she'd remember, hushing through her head. a name that for some reason only returned a feeling of utter disregard and disdain to.
she remained silent as she left things settled with the store clerk and took her product. products. she went with the gold heels instead of black. she comes up slowly to abel, where he has left his seat in favor of waiting by the door— almost like someone trapped. there's something, actually, bothering her now, and she has to ask. makima only stands by him for a short few moments, unsure of what to say, but, she'll figure it out in a pinch. it's what she always does. ]
Abel?
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his face is still a heavy shade of red and it feels so terribly hot that, though it's impossible, he's sure she can feel it from here. but Abel is slowly and purposefully attempting to regather his wits; and as he swallows against the dryness of his mouth, a smile twitches to his lips with none of the usual ease, ]
--Makima! Ah... y-your dress was lovely, can I carry your bag for you? A-are you all set...?
[ there is a giant, great big, enormous elephant in the room and he is absolutely and utterly aware of that fact but he would be oh so grateful if neither of them were to acknowledge it whatsoever, haha, can they just
.........carry right along, is that-- an option...? ]
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it must be that. surely, there was no other option, was there? there was no hope lost in her love stricken heart just yet, but, ah . . . fear, small specks that makima tends to strongly ignore with her usual demeanor of complete assertion and dominance over her life. or the mask of it, at least.
she manages a small smile, but it’s fleeting along with her wide, thoughtful eyes. ]
Thank you— yes. [ he can certainly be a gentleman and take her bag. of course! of course. ] Would you share a coffee with me, Abel?
[ perhaps there, they could talk . . . ]
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but he lightly adjusts his glasses, reaches to take the bags containing her purchases in them, delicately cradling them in the crook of his elbow... and the smile that finds his lips is a little closer to the usual brand. ]
Coffee, hm...
[ he pretends that the offer requires thought, rubbing at his chin a moment... groping desperately for some of the usual back-and-forth they enjoy, ]
...Well. If you're willing to make it hot chocolate instead~? I'm sure I could find room to fit you in despite my busy schedule.
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miss makima, a scary woman at field and agency, is feeling awkward and perhaps mildly embarrassed about her seductive behavior! hm!
it must be addressed, because they are adults; but she too, does as the romans do until they get there. abel received a dip of her head, a thank you, and for the time being keeps her eyes forward as they begin to walk. ]
Hot Chocolate it is. If, of course, you’d have the time for me.
[ was whatever that was wearing off? partially, and— not. that’s worrisome, but at least she has enough gut and clarity to ask about what’s on her mind now. ]
You’d hurt my feelings, if you didn’t. Let that be warned.
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...
he finds some heat clinging to his face at the thought, and is quick to divert his attentions elsewhere. --right! right, ]
--Please! A stampede of raging bulls couldn't keep me from penciling you into my highly exciting day, naturally, Makima~! And, of course, the threat of hot chocolate doesn't hurt any. You know there's very few things I wouldn't do for a cup of something sweet, h-haha...
[ no really..... he's like a dog, just dangle a little treat, y'know 😊 woof, ]
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flirting?
it’s at the tip of her tongue: would i count? but perhaps it’s too soon— makima’s lips purse and force a brief flicker of a smile that may as well fade the same instant. ]
I’d like a list for future reference. [ the café at the corner, next street over— that looked like a good place to start. ] Will this do?
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so he takes right to eagerly nodding along at her choice in venue, giving her a smile bright enough to make up for the wan quality of her own-- ]
--Ah! Yes, that'll do nicely, I think. Do you come here often, by the way? This area is-- ah. [ a slightly sheepish shift of his weight, and Abel prods at his glasses absently, ] A little rich for my blood, I have to say...!
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[ it was an ominous move that would ironically make sense in the coming future, but until then— right now, makima is only being sharp with her tongue just as much as her play.
she takes a seat, and expects abel to do the same, right across from her. ]
Until then, it’s on me.
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...and then he is sliding into his seat, fluidly slipping right back into the usual back-and-forth and eagerly taking in the scent of coffees and sugary drinks, following her lead without hesitation. ]
Ah, Makima-- are you sure about that...? P-please, at least let me go half-way with you, okay?