estoria | - « INTRO ⇢ WINTERBALL.EXE

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- « INTRO ⇢ WINTERBALL.EXE » OVERFLOW

Who: everyone, literally everyone
When: ooc: 04/25-04/26; ic: 12/26
Where: the Gardens
What: overflow of intro log + winter ball!
Rating/Warning: PG-13 | possibly nsfw (please let me know if you need this rating changed, or you are welcome to continue any naughty shenanigans in a private log)

//winterball.EXE

Pimp My Party -- Royalty Style

A few weeks prior to December 26th, an invitation went out to all whom already reside in Cerealia. In delicate, curling script, it read: You are cordially invited by Natalia L.K. Lanvaldear to a Winter Ball to be held on the Eve of December 26th in the Gardens. Dress in your best attire and enjoy a magical evening of dance and fine cuisine. What do you mean we should fuss about worlds being destroyed? Get into the holiday spirit, you scrooge!

And in regards to the new-comers: whether you have been wandering Cerealia over the course of the past few days and managed to receive one of the later waves of invitations or have simply suddenly appeared in the gardens with nothing but the (hopefully…. appropriate….) clothes on your back, welcome. The gardens have been transformed through the work of ~~slave labor condoned by royalty~~ incredibly talented volunteers. A buffet line possibly a mile long, a sprawling dance floor with temporary wood placement to cover the grass, a lovely orchestra with scheduled interruptions of magic shows on the stage, and the entire thing lit gently with lights stretch the span of the main area of the garden. Not too far off, there are ponds and pathways that take you elsewhere into the foliage, but why would you go that way? The party’s right here!

"Good evening, everyone!! Whether you are new to Tellus or old, I hope to find you in good spirits.

Mind you, I do not intend to ignore the blunders of CERES nor the grave situation that new-comers have found themselves faced with. However I assure you that at this time, surrounded by these people, you are in good company. Please, dine and be merry - I believe some worlds celebrated a holiday yesterday! Get to know one another so we may strengthen our ties and stand firm against whatever this world may throw against us!

Also try the salmon, it's absolutely divine. . . . How do I turn this off...? Should I just walk away?"

//SCENARIOS.EXE

PHASE I

[ xxxx ] Like any respectable ball, your entrance is announced as you walk right into the party! What do you mean you wanted to slip in unnoticed? That simply won’t do. Natalia managed to rope in someone – is that a Tellus native? – to do the honor of acknowledging your character as they make their debut to the ball. This guy is under strict orders to not miss a single soul. If your character doesn’t give him a name and title ahead of time, then he’ll just make something up. Think along the lines of Broseidon McSnootyname, Duke of Erectile Dysfunction-- What do you mean that’s not your name?

PHASE II

[ xxxx ] Absolutely no expense was spared when it came to making sure that the food here was the best that money could buy (or threats could extort). Guests can select from a menagerie of main dishes from all sorts of cultures, adorable desserts that look like woodland creatures alongside towering cakes, and even those fruity drinks with the little umbrellas on them. Pig out, you animals – but there’s also a wide selection of fine wine if your tastes and curiosities wander off in that direction…. What even is the drinking age in Tellus? Remember, folks, drink (ir)responsibly.

PHASE III

[ xxxx ] Well, it is a ball. If you’re interested in proper, classical styles of dance, there’s certainly an orchestra that’s dominating most of the night. One of their songs may or may not sound familiar. Spin around in your flurry of skirts and do the fairy tale thing if that’s what you came here for. Romance, or whatever. Waltz your heart out and don’t forget to point your toes!

… that said, there’s also a separate sound system not too far, prepared in case the orchestra might want a break. It’s also not being watched too closely. Maybe put on something to liven up the dance floor? Or did someone ruin your fantasy by putting on something unbearably inappropriate?

PHASE IV

[ xxxx ] The gardens really are beautiful. Spread throughout the area and more toward the outskirts of the party, there are plenty of beautiful fountains with glittering, crystal clear water. In fact, it’s so clear that you can spot the occasional alien life form flitting through it amidst the lily pads and gently sweeping foliage. It’s so graceful, what beauty! Look at how it rises to the water and gently opens its mouth into a yawn and—tries to chomp anything within range right off with razor sharp teeth what the fuck, whatthefuck.

It would appear that's not all, though. Whether you're ready to fight the creature or run screaming, you feel something slowly slide and curl around your arm or your ankle. Look on in horror as you turn your head and realize that it seems that the nearby tree has grown rather fond of you very quickly, to the extent that it will reach out and lovingly wrap its ~~hentai~~ tentacles around you.... Brings a whole 'nother meaning to 'tree hugger', doesn't it?

BONUS

[ whyo'clock ] Are you lost? Did you try to catch your breath away from the party and start to wander off despite all the cautioning not to? Or maybe you were trying to leave and took a wrong turn? Either way, you seem to have only found yourself deeper in the gardens now. Try not to breathe too deeply or… at all. If you can’t manage that though, it appears that you’ve stumbled upon the hallucinogenic plants of the garden. You start to see things that aren’t there – though whether you suddenly find yourself in a den of ~~cougars~~ lions or think that the person standing next to you is the biggest, cuddliest pile of adorable puppies in the world depends on the person. Hope you have a good trip, bruh.

[ Remember to apply proper warnings on threads with trigger-y or inappropriate material and do let me know (through FAQ comment or PM preferably!) if your thread careens off into maiming or canoodling so I can lock the log. ]

//RUN.EXE

Welcome to CEREALIA's latest intro post overflow! It's a bit early but just to make sure the transition for everyone over here was captcha-free. This one is player-run and all the basics have been laid out for you here. Absolutely feel free to come up with your own prompts and post new intros! For your convenience, I whole-heartedly welcome questions and inquiries being directed to my attention here and I'll answer them to the best of my ability! ~~Have a ball!~~ Enjoy!!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

_{[ He's the closest thing to a beautiful woman without actually being one-- but you're not going to end up on his lap. His concern for Sakamoto lightens, however. It's good to know he didn't completely skip the introduction when he arrived here.

He would be a lot more cheerful about this reunion if Sakamoto just had pants on. Now everybody knows that they're friends since he's being so buddy-buddy with him in public and after the fact that Sakamoto made a fool of himself. However, Katsura knows the sharp wit of this man and his tactics. He really isn't the biggest moron like he makes people believe at first impression.

And his optimism-- it's contagious. His presence was definitely missed and was missed back home, too, when he would be out and about flying around space and doing his own thing. Not like Katsura would so easily admit that, though. It's easier to say he's happy to see him then say that he's missed him.

Hurriedly: ]}

It's not Zura, it's Katsura.

_{[ Katsura has a two bedroom apartment in high hopes Elizabeth would make an appearance, but so far it's just been him on his lonesome... which is honestly getting old. And so: ]}

You don't have a place to live?

[You know, Zura... If you're going to room with him, he might drunkenly give you a lap dance one of these days.]

Don'tcha know, Zura?

[He let's out an airy laugh, and it's an honest sound (despite the great extent to which he's dishonest in his line of work).]

The universe is my home.

[There's a glint of mischief in his eye blue eyes, visible over his dark frames, glittering like the stars he loves so dearly. Clearly, being displaced hasn't put Sakamoto in a funk as of yet. If Zura is here, and the others too...

There's hope. A planet is just a rock- The people that inhabit it are the ones that make it a good place to live.]

_{[ NOT IN FRONT OF THE CHILDREN.
I mean, the kitten that he owns.

Though, again, Sakamoto's positivity is contagious. It really is. And despite the fact that he's standing here in his undergarments, his words really get him to think. Katsura is more of a realistic thinker: open to options; open to change. ]}

Tch.

_{[ another small smile appears. ]}

You can stay with me I guess.
_{[ he never asked????? to stay with you????
But it's just a decision Katsura has made right here-- right now. And with how stubborn he is, you better believe you're staying with him or else. ]}

Stay with you? Whoaaaaa!

Isn't it gonna be crowded, though?

[He sounds legitimately surprised.]

Ah, with your friend 'n all! You know!

The one I sent to keep you company.

[What was its name?

Was it Katherine?]

_{[ Katsura has to think a moment about what he could possibly mean. The one he sent to him. That instantly gets Katsura's face to fall again. ]}

Elizabeth? Ah..
_{[ He lifts his fingers to one long lock of his hair and idly plays with it. ]}
Elizabeth didn't make it. It's only me living there.

_{[ A BIG FROWN. A LIP WIBBLE. ]}

_{[ And then: ]}
I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHHHYYYY!!? CERES should bring Elizabeth's code here! Elizabeth is prime samurai material!! She would be very helpful in preparation for fighting the aliens!! _{If that is indeed what we are supposed to be doing here--}

Ah!

_{[ CLENCHING ONTO SAKAMOTO AND SOBS INTO HIS SHOULDER...... ]}
Near! Far! Where ever you are, you will always be in my heart, ELIZABETHZUUUU!

Edited 2015-05-06 01:03 (UTC)

[Fighting aliens? Wait a minute-]

Zura...

[Zura's antics aren't new to him at all. At least this guy doesn't hit him nearly as often as the others.]

Do ya really think they were tellin' us the truth?

[He doesn't say it outright, but uneasy feeling in his stomach becomes apparent to him again, although he had been doing his best to ignore it.

"I'm done with that sorta stuff."

The fighting, the wars.

He's had it.]

I mean, some of our friends are here...

Isn't it only a matter of time? Before they bring the others.

That isn't it! They leave too! Kenshin-dono, America-dono-- they come here and then they go away. With things like that happening, I don't think I can believe them. I don't-- but this is their excuse-- their excuse! If they go by their promise to bring people who are strong to help them fight, then where is Elizabeth?

They will bring them here and then they will leave again.
_{[ SNIFFLES. ]}

[That doesn't make sense to him.

If that's the case, then where does everybody go? Home?

Taking down one planet is one thing... But other worlds? Some of the folks here are from different universes entirely.]

H-hey! S-slow down, slow down! Don't get all sad on me!

[Sakamoto pats Zura's head somewhat awkwardly.]

I don't think that's the case. This whole setup is super fishy! They can say they're pickin' up recruits, but...

Sounds to me like we've been kidnapped, and some folks have managed to get loose.

_{[ He does slow down, only to twist his face into a more angry expression. One last sniff as he scrubs one of his eyes. ]}

It could have to do with time travel too. I don't know what to think, but it isn't this. It would make sense— aliens doing something to our home but after staying here.. the authorities here need to be brought down.

Haaah, I agree. First they hardly apologize for the "glitches" here, and then why make something incredible simple such a Floppy Bird.

They can't be trusted, Sakamoto.
I want my pet back.

Not to worry, Zura!

[There's a glint of determination in his eyes as they narrow.]

I've busted out of a bunch of places! Ah, but I can't do it alone.

[He looks over at the other, smiling hopefully.

It would be wrong to leave this place without the other prisoners. Perhaps that is Sakamoto's plight- He dreams too big. What point is there in leaving if he has to do it on his own? It's his duty to let the other prisoners know, to give them just as good a chance.

His selflessness gets him into trouble, sometimes. It would do him some good to be a little more selfish.]

Just give me some time! I've gotta make a sales pitch to this whole damn place.

I'm gonna be sneaky about it, though! I don't know if they've got ears around.

[He eyes their surroundings. Are there microphones somewhere? Cameras? Whatever.

He's drunk, and they'll forget about him soon enough. Besides- They'd be stupid to think a man like him wasn't trouble anyway. That was probably a part of the reason for bringing him here.]

We have speculated this already. This is why I leave my device at my apartment sometimes. I'm not sure if they can hear us or not. I have met with others in private about this situation and we all want solid answers from the CEO.

_{[ He knows Sakamoto is good at this kind of thing, so he believes him. Being more of a realistic thinker, though, he can't help but think something might go wrong too. ]}

I will back you up with whatever it is you try to accomplish.

Oh, I'm countin' on it!

I'm glad you guys have got my back.

[Look how he's counted the others without their permission. Unfortunately, he's that kind of asshole.]

And as for short stuff, don't worry, don't worry! I'll convince him to get onboard too.

I know, I know! He's unpleasant. Super unpleasant! The wooooorst!

Eh, but sometimes...

[Sakamoto says with the click of a tongue:]

He speaks my language.

[Usually, Sakamoto would find a place by himself, but he too has grown accustomed to being surrounded by others he trusts, people who know him intimately. Zura isn't a member of the Kaientai, and there's nobody who can replace Mutsu or the quiet intimacy they've shared.

But this is something, and Zura doesn't fare well alone. That too, despite Gintoki knowing him for so long... In such a lonely state, it might help to have someone gentler around.]

So! Where's your place? Is it far?

_{[ Katsura bristles up when Sakamoto mentions Takasugi's name. After their first talk, he's really not sure about Shinsuke and him at all in this place.
There' a scoff. ]}
He isn't allowed in the apartment.
_{[ that's all he says. Just thought he'd throw that out there while it's fresh on his mind. ]}

It's where the rest of them are. And no, it isn't too far from here.

Don't worry, don't worry! I wouldn't drag that guy in. He's so, so gloomy! I mean, he'd just walk into a room and all the plants would die...

[How anime.]

Okay then! It's settled! If there's nobody else around, I'll stay with ya for a little while.

[Zura and Sakamoto need people to survive.

To be fair, they had always gotten along reasonably well with each other- Aside from some petty bickering, they were pretty amicable about a great deal of ridiculous things.]

_{[ Better. This sort of eases Katsura's usual intense expression-- only in the slightest. It's true, he's amicable enough with Sakamoto. ]}
It's set, then.
I'll have some paperwork for you to fill out when we get there.

_{[ ??? ]}

Paperwork?

[Oh no.

One of Sakamoto's least favorite things about his job... He continues, very seriously:]

The only kind of paper I handle-

[His glasses are shining in that gross, anime-like way again.]

Is money.

_{[ Katsura blinks a few times. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, but he isn't going to take back his word after he says it. And.. having Sakamoto around, it could be nice. Maybe.

Coming home to somebody else and cooking for them-- cleaning up after them and spending the evening watching television, talking about work, helping the kids with homework.

His views of having a room mate were a little screwy, if you hadn't noticed. Maybe he was just desperate for a domesticated lifestyle since he had been a wanderer on the go for so long. WHO EVEN KNOWS.

Katsura reaches up and grabs his ear again. Tugtug. ]}

It's a responsible step to take! We're in this together, Sakamoto! We can't by-pass the legality of it all.
_{[ what legality this isn't a marriage license. ]}

Zuraaaaaa! C'mon, it'll only be for a few days!

[And ouch??? Oh well, this kind of abuse isn't nearly as bad as the stuff he has to tolerate on a daily basis.]

I'm so tired. Let me rest! How about we sleep on it? Papers and things like that... We can look at them in the morning!

You won't rest. You'll stay awake and keep on losing your clothes until you pass out from drinking.
This is precisely why you need papers to sign.
_{[ He wants to make sure he isn't responsible for any of your actions if they do this. ]}

A solid agreement and promise on paper.
_{[ you should know about this well enough. ]}

Zura, I-

[Sakamoto wants to protest.

Even if it's just an excuse, he really is exhausted.]

Fine, but...

Can we sleep on it? I had way too much.

[Alcohol.

Fighting aliens and such... Hadn't he given up on it a long time ago? To end a creature's life, whether it be extraterrestrial or otherwise, has damaged him in ways that can't be undone. Despite his monstrous strength, Sakamoto has no taste for those kinds of squabbles, and he's spent his whole life running from painful memories he wishes to erase.

Booze soaks them all up, at least, for a little while.]

Very well. You shouldn't make such a life commitment while you're drunk and sick anyway.
_{[ ????
Time for more idle chatter: ]}

..Did you meet anybody here yet? Ah, new people?

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