estoria | [ OPEN ] CULTURAL FESTIVAL

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[ OPEN ] CULTURAL FESTIVAL

Who: Anyone and everyone! Yes, even you.
When: IC Date: 6/9 || OOC Date: 3/20
Where: Centered in CERES Academy but spilling out into the streets!
What: It's all fun and games until someone chokes on cotton candy or gets a black eye from jousting. The player plot of the cultural festival!
Rating/Warning: Totally PG, family-approved fun! Please poke me if this changes.

Flyers have been up for the past two weeks, students have been all atwitter (whether this is good or bad chatter is up in the air), outside help has been enlisted by a bunch of weird adults and finally the day has dawned upon us.

The cultural festival is here.

And it looks like stepping into an alternate dimension of Cerealia, a far cry from the Hunger Games that many had to endure just days ago - and maybe that's the whole damn point. Wander around, have some greasy comfort food, and win a stuffed animal to muffle your tears into or something. It's all gonna be okay.

I » PRE~~GAME~~-FESTIVAL Let's back up a little bit. Set-up for the festival was intended to begin at 8 PM the night before to allow all groups an hour - maybe even two! - to set up their booths so that everything could be pristine and ready. . . . . Of course that didn't happen. So here you are, in the gym of the school where it looks like a crafts store went to die. Don't slip on the glitter glue! Don't touch that feather boa, the drama club might need it! Is that a soccer ball while everyone else is trying to prepare? Do you want to die? The clock continues to tick later and later, a groan coming from everyone in the room when it strikes 3 AM, but there's nonetheless an air of dedication here. Everyone's working - are you? - and this seems like a great time for caffeine overdose and some late night confessions.

II » WELCOME Whether it was through hard work or sheer dumb luck, the festival is underway!! There are sounds of yelling, students competing for patrons - "Care to have your fortune read?" or "Check out this kickass magician!" - or cries of defeat - "That balloon game was impossible - how am I going to get my McCeres plushie now?!" and "What's up with that scavenger hunt?" - You can already hear the sizzle of deliciously greasy food in the distance mixed in with whatever terribly Teen Pop mix they've got playing in the background. It's a little hard not to feel excited! Or... maybe it is, given the fact that you might not have wanted to end up here in the first place?! But the festival is spilling out into the streets! Pushy teenagers and teachers alike might've just tried to corral you in here like cattle to a brightly-colored, teeny bopper slaughter....

But if you look like you're not at all interested in having fun, this may be the time when a snowball smacks you right in the back of the head, suddenly implanting the idea of.... fun?

III » INFLATABLE HELL Whether you were running after reading some horrible gossip about you or getting way into playing the part of a fleeing criminal in the mock trial, you've found yourself in what every single carnival needs and deserves: a bounce house. But wait - that's not all?! Apparently this is some kind of inflatable course from hell as you realize that once you enter, there's even more waiting for you. Yes, that's right, welcome to the squishiest obstacle course of your life. When you make it to the end, you still have one last task: joust for your honor against the person that you've ended up with or break out your intense sumo knowledge for the exact same thing. The student overseeing this area just nods solemnly with an air of 17-year-old sage wisdom. "There can only be one."

IV » ANIME FOOD So that's what you're here for. Well congratulations friend, they've got every sort of carnival contraption or festival delight and dish - apparently this is where the culture can be found! But... but oh god, what's that? The hell is that?! Apparently there's an eating competition for these heart attacks if you really wanna try your luck.

Also hey - is this cotton candy really sticky to anyone else? Careful, don't reach too close to that other person or you just might end up stuck together...?!

V » AFTERPARTY So... where were you after the school festival officially concluded? Were you in the middle of a food coma? Were you trying to steal a giant sumo suit before they could be closed down? Were you caught on the ice of the frozen swimming pool? Drowning under the weight of discount flowers? Hopefully, you're not caught up in the craziness of a cleaning crew turned cleaning competition... or are you?

Either way, there's no way that this party is going to end with a fizzle.... but rather with a bang! Literally. The sky is lit up with a sudden firework, followed by another and anotherandanotherandanother-- except don't those... seem to be a little close? They're deafeningly loud and blindingly beautiful and perhaps that what covers up Lili's distressed screech of, "Those weren't authorized!" Hopefully all the little sparks extinguish in the air before they get too close... Kindly help make sure nothing catches on fire? Stand there and actually enjoy the show? Start a lawsuit for your sudden bout of blindness and deafness? Your move.

VI » WILDCARD ME UP For the record, there is a medical tent for anyone who gets a little too ~~violent~~ excited during the events. And besides all the festivities mentioned here, there's also the typical bunch of carnival games and prizes, too. Maybe even a maid cafe. Also hey, is that smell of something burning... normal? Do we have a fire on our hands?! Or is there some other type of carnival gimmick that you really love but didn't get written up here? Feel free to make it right on up! Have fun, everyone!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Wearing something green, stretching, raring to go and setting terms for a defeat... Yes, Chie will fit in right well!

Lee is pleased by all of this on top of seeing his new friend again, and he nods. He himself is back in his usual jumpsuit and flak jacket combo, and he pumps a fist as he answers her.]

Ossu! I am glad to see you again and to challenge you, Chie-san. I also happily accept your conditions... Please do not hold back at all! I would be glad to see everything that you are capable of, Chie-san!

[ Well, they both wear green, clearly their partnership was predetermined!!

As much as Chie is impressed by Lee's abilities and status as a bonafide ninja, she wants to show that she's no slouch too. And what a perfect way to prove herself than an obstacle course! ]

Alright! I hope you're ready to see how the Satonaka styles compares!

[ She's crouching low... waiting for the race to start! ]

[The green team...

Lee knows from their previous encounter that she still has a ways to go, but he's still very open-minded and willing to see how she can surprise him. And he knows that whether she wins or loses, there will be value in it for her and going all out.

He smiles brightly and nods as he gets into his own, more upright starting position.]

I look forward to it! I will see the Satonaka style at full power...! Now, if you are ready?

[He thrusts his hands through the air several times.]

3.... 2... 1... Go!!

[Lee then dashes straight ahead!]

Let's do it!!

[ And boom, Fighting Dreamers starts playing because it's the coolest Naruto song and they totally need a soundtrack for this epic competition!!

Actually, the first thing up is a curved incline climb, then a set of monkey bars high over a narrow strip of water below. Wait, is this an obstacle course of Ninja Warrior?!

Who cares, because Chie is rushing to the incline, pumping her legs as hard as she can, reaching for all she's worth......and just barely getting her fingers on the lip!! ]

Ahhh. I can do this!!

[Hell yes they are fighting dreamers! And that is some obstacle course...

Lee rushes forward, making a variety of energetic noises as he works on making his way up the climb, ready to leap for the monkey bars when he reaches them. Even so, Lee finds a moment to cheer on his opponent.]

You can do it, Chie-san! I believe in you!!

[ Who would expect anything in Cerealia to be any different? But Chie is welcome for the challenge. She's been training, she's been fighting for her life and her friends, but she still wants to improve!

Growling with exertion, she manages to pull herself up the lip, one arm then then other, before she is finally on top, popping up to her feet. ]

See! No wall is too high for me!! [ And without missing a beat she's throwing herself past the first third of the monkey bars, grabbing one of the bars in mid-flight. ]

[Lee is all too glad for the challenge. He is eager to improve himself and to help Chie to improve!]

You did it! [...Except that Lee has ended up lagging behind in cheering Chie on. He silently reprimands himself for not doing his best. So, he quickly throws himself towards the monkey bars as well!]

Hooooohhh!! [With his mighty leap, he makes it a bit further. He clamps his hands onto the bars he falls past, and he immediately gets to work in climbing forward, as quickly as he can.]

Ahh! There's no way I'm letting you get ahead! That was pretty cool though!

[ She can't help but be impressed at how he charges ahead so quickly, but she shouldn't be surprised, he's the level she wants to reach.

Moving one hand at a time, Chie swings forward. Her arms are burning by the end, all the way across the treacherous looking water below, but she grins and bears it. The only problem is... what comes next?! ]

Thank you! Keep up the good work yourself, Chie-san!

[He cheers her on even then! He releases the last bar as he finishes crossing, his hands stinging. But then there's the next obstacle: going through a tunnel that is rotating! Lee tries to run straight through it, but he keeps on stumbling and losing his balance.]

[ Is it really normal that her rival would be so encouraging?! But then, they aren't normal rivals are they?

Not that Chie has much time to think as she throws herself into the rotating tunnel soon after Lee. She thinks to just try to run as fast as possible but sees Lee's stumble and decides to change tactics!! ]

This is nothing for the Satonaka Style: Slow and Steady Technique!

[ That's not a real technique! But she's taking small moderate steps, keeping her balance with her arms, taking her through the tunnel with little trouble! ]

Ah, what?!

[ And next up is... the Super Mount Takao Climb!! Actually it's just a rope hanging down from a platform pretty high up that you have to climb up!! ]

[They can never be normal anythings. Of course, Lee's also trying to be a mentor at the same time so that probably doesn't help matters.

And so this time Chie succeeds where Lee falters! He falls flat on his face for a moment, but he takes in her words for a moment.]

A Slow and Steady Technique? ...Ah, of course! The Satonaka Sytle must be truly brilliant!

[Lee tries to imitate her steps, and so he finally makes his way out of the tunnel some time after Chie.]

So this is the next challenge... [He's ready to start climbing the rope right away!]

[ Chie's already past Lee, so she doesn't happen to see him fall... but she might have felt just a little bad. But proving herself to be a nice person who worries about others isn't what this is about! Letting herself get distracted here could mean a loss!! And that means no meat! ]

I did this in P.E. back home, there's no way I'm gonna lose!!

[ She's on the rope and climbing, using her legs to steady herself on the rope. But it's not easy at all for her, given the burning soreness growing in her arms. Even as she grits her teeth and continues, she can't help but spare a glance over, wondering how Lee is doing.. ]

[Rock Lee wants to do his best to prove himself! So he pushes himself in trying to climb the rope quickly. He's likely had many training exercises like it before. The friction burns at his hands as he pulls himself upwards, but he's used to pushing himself against all sorts of pain.]

Chie-san! I am going to do my best as well!

[She may have gotten the head start, but he may be quickly catching up now...!]

[ There's sounds of exertion in Chie with each grip of the rope, pulling her body up after. There's no thoughts in her mind at the moment about how "ungirly" she might be acting, but she doesn't care. She wants to prove herself!

By the time she makes it to the top, where they have to press a button to set their times, Chie is definitely not in the lead. She's never done legit ninja training, how could she win this?! But the fact that she pulls herself up to the platform at the top, and wearily slaps the button before slinking down to the floor, still makes her proud that she finished! ]

[Lee is there and standing proudly after pressing his button. That workout was enough to draw sweat, but in the end it's still a far cry from the intense workouts he undergoes regularly.

Once Chie clocks in, he gives a thumbs up and a bright smile.]

Chie-san, you made it! And you worked very hard... Good job!!

[ There's a definite gap between her and Lee. He's like the same age as her, but he's stronger. She's never met anyone at his level. Hell, she didn't even know that level could actually exist. But now, more than before, she's found a new challenge she wants to achieve. She wants to be as strong as a ninja!! ]

Man... I know you're just being nice, but I totally lost. But I'm gonna get better! So please, you have to train me!!

[ If she has to she will dogeza right here in front of everyone!! ]

[No dogeza required! Because Lee is a total pushover. And his eyes are already getting misty as he hears her out.]

Ah... Chie-san!! Your drive to improve yourself... It is so youthful!! Please tell me, are you ready to push yourself past your limits and overcome the you of yesterday?!

[ There's a smile that comes over Chie's face, relieved to hear his acceptance of training her! ]

Yeah!! I'll be the most youthful!! I'll work harder than I ever had before! I want to become strong enough to protect everyone!

[ She thinks for a minute then blurts out: ] Sensei!!

S-sensei?! [He is flustered by actually being called that! More tears gather in his eyes as he nods.]

Yosh! Chie-san, you are in the springtime of your youth!! You are a hardworking young lady! I accept your drive to become stronger. To protect everyone...

[He raises a fist proudly.]

I would be honored to accept you as my own student!!

[ This is a pretty humbling day for Chie, having to see the next level that she hasn't yet obtained, even if she felt as strong as she could ever be after their fight to save her town.

But at the same she's pumping her fist, a new fire burning brightly inside of her. ]

When do we get started?!

[It would have been a win-win for Lee. He loves people to teach, but also people to learn from. And now, he has gained one pupil! And he smirks confidently at her.]

What better time than the present?! It can be a simple warm-up exercise... Let us run 20 laps around the fair before we seek out the steak kabobs!

On it, Sensei!!!

[ She is filled with determination. More than ever before!! Even if she was tired from the course, she's back on her toes, and heading for the way down off the platform. ]

Wait, you're gonna run it with me?! [ She really has a dedicated Sensei. She's so proud!! ]

[Rock Lee feels another burst of proud joy at being called 'sensei', and he briskly moves to follow her. He answers her question with a firm nod.]

That is correct! We will share a bond as teacher and student, Chie-san. So I will gladly carry the same burden as you, as we move forward in improving ourselves!

Oh man... I-I think I wanna cry!!

[ Seriously, she has never had someone so intensely focused on helping her before?! After she just lost even, and he's willing to run with her?? Rock Lee's just got the kind of passion that anyone should be jealous of! Covering her eyes with the back of her arm, she tries to hide her crybaby self, before she's jogging in place. ]

I'm just gonna run, but I'm definitely not gonna cry!!

Chie-san...! [He whimpers her name as tears build up in his own eyes! She's trying so hard to be strong and restrain her own tears in front of him that it drives him to tears as well!]

There is one important lesson that I have to teach you. Right here and right now!! To cry... To cry is natural! Do not be afraid of your tears. Embrace them and let them flow! It is all a part of being young, Chie-san!!

[ OPEN ] CULTURAL FESTIVAL

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