Welcome Participartypants

[balancemod]

Who: All y'all nerds
Where: The Arena
When: The night of the 15th
What: A small gathering to both welcome new members to the Bureau, and to congratulate veteran Reclaimers on their successful magic mitten procurement. Dress is as fancy or as not fancy as you want it. Manners, to the degree of which you are capable, are mandatory.
Content Warning: General content warning for the Reclaimers. Also general content warning for Miss Zarves

Formal, informal, never mind the dress code. NAVIGATION It's been two weeks since the Reclaimers returned, and since the newest Reclaimers arrived. Some of you have adapted better than the Director could have hoped, and some of you have made your best efforts to find a new sense of normalcy — testing Bender the food robot to his limits, forming book clubs, training together, musing over what sort of fashions one even wears to a party. Some of you, perhaps, have spent a little bit too much time in the simulation at the Dojo. It's understandable. Adjusting to the idea that your entire universe has been destroyed takes time, and sometimes, escapes are necessary. And tonight, she's hoping to provide you with a temporary escape with this party. 1. ONCE UPON A TWO WEEKS' WEARY A. TO WASH AWAY THE ACHING BLEARY The Director, using the Moon Base's simulation technology, has turned the Arena into a ballroom to behold. The sprawling hall is decorated in ornate wooden carvings, and a large maple floor meant for dancing is encircled by tables and a large banquet table. In the corner, on a raised platform, stands a baby grand piano, freshly tuned and polished. Anyone is free to have a spin on it, if the mood strikes. At some point during the evening, Johann the Bard, violin in hand, will stand on the platform and provide a performance that could only ever be heard on the Moon Base, among members of the Bureau of Balance — because he did, after all, give this particular song to the Voidfish. If you would like something with a heavier beat, there's a tablet on the wall next to the platform, where you can make music requests of your own, from the Artificer's collection of songs from across the universe. The collection may not be all that extensive, but The Cupid Shuffle is probably in there. Get down and boogie, is what we're saying. B. THEY WERE THROWN A BANQUET CHEERY And what's on the banquet table? Snacks provided by Bender, of course — which means they could have any manner of magical effects. Here are some of the snacks available, including one that the Director was lucky enough to roll for herself. Cupcakes of every flavor imaginable, utterly delicious — so delicious, in fact, that whoever eats one will have flowers grow in their footsteps for the next two hours. The flowers are magic and disappear on their own, so go turn the dance floor into a garden (Courtesy of Lion). Mead that puts you in such a good mood, you'll be unable to resist the urge to sing in whatever measure of talent you have (Courtesy of Lancelot). An energy drink that will literally give you wings for two hours. Enjoy looking absolutely angelic for your friends (Courtesy of Akechi). Nachos that have a curiously JPG quality to them, but no other magical effects (Courtesy of Terezi). The most delicious cheeseburgers you ever did taste (Courtesy of Maya). Finger sandwiches that, when eaten, light up your entire body in an assortment of different colors — the light trails behind your movements, like the way lights look on a low shutter speed. Enjoy the raving (courtesy of The Director). 2. BUT THEN, SHE ROSE FROM THE ICHOR Some of you may have heard a thing or two about Miss Zarves — perhaps the rumors circulating around town, or the strange connection to Garfield and the Bracer Chasers some of you may have bought to decorate your Bracers. Maybe words like "catalyst" and "Ouija Board" have come up once or twice. Because there is a being trapped in a plane of existence right next to yours, largely forgotten, as if she had somehow been reverse Voidfish'd. Forgotten, that is, until the Bracer Chasers — curiously laced with high amounts of aluminadium, a word that might sound familiar to McCree and Faolan. For two years, she's waited, and watched, wanting a chance to be seen again, to speak with the Bureau herself once again, cursed with a maddening loneliness. And the second one of those cute decorations was pressed against a Bracer, Miss Zarves had it — her catalyst. She would know, after all: She was once a leading researcher on using catalysts to travel through dimensions, after all — and the Bracer Chasers were one of her original designs. At the very end of the party, perhaps one or two piano songs away from shutdown, the simulation suddenly shuts down. The lights blink off with a systemwide shudder. After five seconds, the lights flare back to life, and the entire Arena is its default white blank slate. And a message, from username @Zarves❤Scarves, slowly blinks across the screen. Hello. I would like to play a game. And then the Arena goes dark. A. HACKER VOICE: I'M IN That little stunt isn't the only one Miss Zarves, who now has a connection to the dimension you're residing in and some of the Bureau tech, is going to pull. For the rest of your stay at the Moon Base, until you're whisked away to the next mission (Or unless you figure out a way to stop her), you may experience some of the following: Wonky simulations: You may have been traveling to the Dojo to recall a certain piece of your home world. And maybe one day, while you're minding your own business, that same simulation may suddenly appear outside the Dojo. Or perhaps you're wandering down a hallway, and you come across a mishmash of other people's simulations, torn apart and stitched back together haphazardly. Bender: As if this guy weren't a big enough mess already. If you happen to ask Bender for one of the items that were available at the party, you may instead be given food that has the opposite effect. Think cupcakes that leave behind wilted plants, mead that makes you cry uncontrollably, or energy drinks that not only do not give you literal wings, but put you straight to sleep. If you happen to have a subscription to Webflix, regardless of what movie you pick to watch, it'll pick a specific movie instead: Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. Also, you won't be able to turn it off. 3. AND THEN THINGS JUST KEEP GETTING WORSE The arena's simulation has decided to take a sabbatical, a spectral being from another plane of existence has invaded the Moon Base, and Madame Director is doing her best to keep the room calm and collected. First, the darkness needs to be handled with properly, so with a stomp of her elegant white oak staff down on the floor, a sound echoes above and beyond any panicked shouts, and soon the room is filled with dancing lights that emanate from the four cardinal directions of the arena. "Ladies and gentlemen! Excuse me. Thank you everyone for coming to this enchanted evening here with your fellow Reclaimers, but without proper lighting- Johann, Johann, please, I don't need signature music right now, this isn't a wrestling match for crying out- thank you, Johann. As I was saying- unfortunately, this evening's events will have to be---" Almost right on cue, as if there wasn't a possibly worse time in the world for this to happen, the doors of the arena bust open. Into the room swarms a dragonborn, looking rather beat up and worse for wear. It's impossible to tell if Dragonborn can cry the way humans can cry, but her amphibian-like eyes shine oddly in the colors of the magical lights surrounding the room. The Director's eyes go wide for a moment, this was rather- no, extremely, unsuspected. The Regulator approaches the Director. "We found him! Lucretia, we found him! And h-he. That son of a bitch has Killian!" And lacking in the proper finesse that's demanded of her as a leader, she rubs her forehead. "Carey, come with me to my office and we'll sort this out." She looks around the room, her Reclaimers all gathered and standing, watching this interaction take place. "Please, everyone, return to your apartments for the evening." A. TWO WEEKS UNTIL ROLLOUT The Director hasn't slept a wink throughout the night, dealing with a host of problems facing the Bureau at the moment. She consults with the clerics on how to get rid of this ridiculous joke-entity that Garfield has proliferated long enough. She speaks with Carey about all the details she can offer, attempting to calm her down, despite her unraveled state. Killian means the world to Carey, after all, and the Director, no- Lucretia, was waiting for the wedding invitation for far too long. Sometime around mid-day, the Reclaimers will receive a message on their bracer from her. Reclaimers, we will deploying in approximately two weeks. We've discovered the location of a relic that we haven't heard about in quite some time now. A full briefing will be provided at a later date, but please prepare accordingly. The area you all will be assigned to is known as the Netheril, a vast desert that splits the continent in half between the western and eastern fronts. We've instructed the tailors to offer special clothing designs that are particularly good for protection against sand and heat — at a heavily discounted price. Ensure that you have a weapon, as there's no telling what sort of beasts you can encounter out in such a wasteland. Train intensively over the next few days. We anticipate that it will be quite some time before you are able to return to Base, so please ensure that your BIAS is restocked and ready to go. Two weeks. blurb code by photosynthesis

Comments

[gotyourbach]

...Oh!!

[Unsurprisingly, she doesn't notice her poor admirer at all. She was busy thinking about which song she wanted to play next when she hears Akechi's voice, a bright, almost silly smile spreading across her face. She was content to just be music in the background, but hearing him praise her is something really special.

Kaede turns toward him, mouth open to ask if he'd liked the song -- Satie's Fantaisie-valse, if he'd recognize it -- but instead, her mouth just stays open as she takes in his whole appearance.]

...You look like Mozart! [she blurts. It's the combination of a cravat and the little ponytail that brings that composer to mind, though immediately, she's laughing and taking his hand, allowing him to lead her from the bench.]

I guess you do look "particularly handsome," [she teases, using his words.]

[grakraka]

[Excellent. Akechi feels quite satisfied that the admirer had no chance against him. Well, he hopes that he didn't ruin Kaede's chances to dance later but the first dance had to be his. Escorting her down, he can't help a laugh.]

If I look like Mozart, then yes, I think I must look handsome.

[He would not be surprised if she held that opinion about at least a few composers.]

You look beautiful. That dress suits you nicely. Have you been having a nice evening playing?

[He also knows she probably has been sincerely having fun doing this.]

[gotyourbach]

[Well, he isn't wrong to think that.

She laughs at the compliment, though, lifting his hand and twirling to show off the way the skirts swirl around her ankles, revealing classy heeled shoes. They're not quite high enough for her to reach his height, but she's closer!]

Thanks... I've been having a lot of fun! I've missed playing on a nice piano in this kind of venue.

[She squeezes his hand, tossing a genuine smile up at him.]

Have you been having fun, Akechi-kun?

[grakraka]

[Seeing her spin delights him—it's proof of how much fun she's having, as much as her words are. Being able to perform for people she cares about, in a somewhat real venue, must be a huge boost after the terrible things that happened to her in the killing game. Come to think of it, maybe he should try arranging something on their next mission, so that she can play for more people again. It not only actually helped back in New Aspen but it made her happy.

Squeezing her hand in return, he clears away any thoughts of future plotting.]

I am, yes. I haven't really done this before. I've been to more festive or celebratory gatherings, but... [He trails off. The gatherings in question would just sour her mood. As much as he likes seeing her angry for him, he wants to focus on seeing her smile.] This is... really nice— ah, being able to enjoy myself with you and the rest of our friends, I mean. I felt a little anxious beforehand but I suppose it's easy to relax together after all. It's surprising.

[gotyourbach]

I know what you mean. I was really nervous before I got on stage, 'cause I was worried nobody would like it, but... everybody's been really nice! I've seen a lot of people smiling tonight already.

[Surely nothing will happen later to change that... nothing at all....

She lifts his hand and twirls around one more time, just for fun. They haven't even started to dance yet, she's just full of excited energy.]

I'm really happy you're having a good time, though, Akechi-kun... I guess the Director had the right idea, hosting something like this. Have you gotten to dance with a lot of people already?

[He's so handsome, surely someone must have asked him already.]

[grakraka]

[Seeing her so happy inspires him and he lifts her arm to twirl her again before answering.]

I have not. I wanted your first dance, so I thought it only fair that I give you my first as well.

[gotyourbach]

...Oh!

[She almost stumbles in the spin, laughing all the while, though her cheeks flare pink with embarrassment. He really comes out and says stuff like that no problem, huh?

Once on the dance floor itself, her blush doesn't fade as she settles into position, resting her free hand just below his shoulder.]

Um... thank you, [she says, a little more quietly as she smiles up at him.] It's been one of my dreams to get to dance like this, so... I'm really happy to be able to do it with you.

[grakraka]

[Getting into position with her, he smiles. Truthfully, while he doesn't understand this specific dream, he can understand it in a broader sense. The normality of something like this, spending time with friends, going to dances, just having fun together period—they're things he wanted, too. It's why he gets excited to eat together with others.]

Me too. Even if this wasn't a specific dream, being able to relax like this with friends is something I did't think I would ever have a chance to enjoy.

[gotyourbach]

[What, lonely teenagers manipulated into being assassins don't dream of waltzing at fancy parties?? What a sad life.

But rather than dwell on just how sad a dream like that really is, she snakes a hand around from his shoulder to tug that little ponytail of his with an almost impish smile.]

I don't know if you're going to get to relax all that much tonight! Everyone's going to want to dance with you, I'm sure.

[She knows what he meant; it shows in the way her impish smile softens at the corners, and the genuine emotion in her eyes.]

I hope you'll enjoy it anyway.

[grakraka]

[The tug earns a laugh and he responds to the sincere display by spinning her around in his arms.]

And you, too. Don't think you aren't a rather beloved people here. You have many friends, as you should.

[gotyourbach]

[She lets out a little squeak of surprise at the sudden spin, shifting her hand back to his shoulder and moving along with him with a laugh of her own.]

I don't know about as I should, but... you're really kind, Akechi-kun.

[Beloved, huh...? He has to be doing this on purpose to fluster her. She kind of wants to hide her face in his shoulder so he can't see her blush, but walzing means she has to keep upright! Time to change the subject to something less embarrassing.]

Did you see I got to play with Johann-san? He's really creative! And Arisato-kun worked really hard to learn these songs.

[It's been violin-piano duets and she loves every second of it.]

[grakraka]

[This might be the happiest he's ever seen her. She has a glow that he's certain others see. It would be impossible to miss her good heart. He hopes that, someday, she'll accept that her sins aren't as heavy as she thinks them to be—that she can accept that she deserves this treatment.

Thinking these warm thoughts, he launches into teasing her.]

Aha, are you dragging him into your grand scheme of creating an orchestra as well? Soon, you'll need a conductor to herd them all.

[gotyourbach]

[He's not wrong; she's been able to distract herself enough tonight that even if her guilt isn't gone, it doesn't weigh as heavily on her mind. Being surrounded by music, performing for everyone, dancing with Akechi, and hoping to dance with the rest of her friends... it keeps her mind busy.

Her eyes go wide. Maybe he's teasing but-]

I didn't even think of that! I almost always play solo piano, so I didn't think about needing a conductor!!

[Her eyes drift off and to the side. She's definitely, obviously thinking about an orchestra with her friends. Well- Her face scrunches up.]

It's really heavy on strings... Kurusu-kun plays the cello, Arisato-kun plays the violin, obviously, and then we have a lyre... with Orpheus...

[She realizes, belatedly, that maybe talking about Orpheus isn't a good idea? Akechi had said things were okay between him and Minato, and he did focus on Minato and not Johann when she mentioned both, but... she searches his face, looking for any hint of displeasure or disquiet.]

[grakraka]

[Oh no. Perhaps in the end, he's the one creating a monster? At the same time, he doesn't really think it's a bad thing? Akira can say no to something he doesn't want to do, possibly? He thinks. And Minato, well, he needs some distractions probably? Or structure? He can ask him later if he's okay with this.

Although he does notice Kaede's worry, he smiles, still at ease. Though he would like to look over Orpheus sometime and perhaps test himself against it but that's in a mostly friendly way.]

You're teaching me piano. But you do have that covered, though we could add in piano duets. I could try another instrument as well if you like? And, ah... [A light blush rises.] I am capable at singing, I think.

[gotyourbach]

[No no it's fine, don't ask them. It's a great idea!!

Akechi's smiling, so she relaxes that little bit, the corners of her lips curving up into a smile to match his. She's glad he and Minato are getting along now... they're both such nice boys.]

I'd love to play duets with you, [she says sincerely, tilting her head as her smile grows just a little more fond. Really, there's nobody else on this base she wants to play duets with more. Even Johann!!] Oh, I should teach you the piano part of the duet Kurusu-kun and I played together... then I could listen to both of you!!

[But wait, wait, she almost missed that in her excitement of getting to hear two of her friends play together.]

I want to hear Akechi-kun's singing voice!!

[grakraka]

[Mostly mumbled to himself:] Ah... A duet... Yes, we should do both of those.

[That sounds so. Romantic? And now that he's aware of these feelings, he thinks that sounds really nice, maybe? He'd have to get much better, though he doesn't know Akira's skill level. Still, he wants to be at least as good, if not better. Better would be preferable. Having an intense romantic feeling does not negate wanting to beat him in literally everything.]

Well, ah, I could sing something for you right now? I haven't really sang in front of anyone, so I apologise if it turns out I was overestimating my skills... But I tend to be quite critical of myself, so I think I've assessed them well.

[gotyourbach]

[It's very, very romantic, and that mumble is enough to settle it. She'll have to work even harder to teach Akechi to play piano now, if only so he can experience what it's like to play a duet with his friends.

For now though, her eyes brighten, and she almost falls out of step with the waltz. Almost.]

If you ask me, you're way too critical of yourself, so if you're even mentioning it, I bet it's really good. I really want to hear it!

[grakraka]

[He smiles. Singing for her seems nice, maybe. She could be the first to hear it. But coming up with a song on the spot proves to be too difficult.]

Ah. I'll have to do it later. But I could let you pick the song if you like.

[gotyourbach]

I don't know if you really want me to do that...

[She's already thinking of compositions for solo voice and piano, Schubert and Rachmaninoff. Not really the kind of stuff most boys her age have any interest in singing. Kaede just laughs and shakes her head.]

How about we pick something fun together?

[She squints with a sudden realization, thoroughly thrown off her initial train of thought.]

Do you think Loki can play an instrument?

[Orpheus has his lyre, since that's like, his Thing(tm), but Minato doesn't know how to play that. He claims. Can any Persona learn to play an instrument??]

[grakraka]

[Although surprised by the sudden jump, he recalls Orpheus and understands where it came from. He twirls her around before pulling her back in as he thinks about if it's even possible.]

We could try to teach him? I don't see why not. Was Loki known for any musical talents in mythology? I'll have to look into it. It might help.