[As midnight nears and the effects of the costume party start wearing off. Over the network, there's giggling -- starting quiet, and then growing louder, happy. The giggling separates into three distinct voices; one deep, one light, one female.]


How was it? How was it? Did you have fun?

It's been pretty tame here lately, but watching you all tonight was -- was just classic. Grade A entertainment!

Ahhh, I feel so much better now.

You poor dears. You should go to bed early, get some rest! In the morning it'll all seem much funnier.

You're welcome, fellow inmates!

Happy anniversary~!

[Just as evening starts to fall, one of the parks in Sector 4 has been festooned with streamers, bright lights in a variety of colors, a big upraised dais, tables of refreshments, and music. It looks like a perfectly normal party from the outside. Optional masks are provided in little bins beside the dais, but you're responsible for your own costumes...!



...And if you're dressed as a character, the moment you step onto the dais, you will believe yourself to have led that character's life for your whole life. This effect will last until "midnight", in this case Sunday, even if you leave the party.]

[There is a view of a room that looks nearly void of signs of life contained within it. There is a trench coat hanging on one of the walls. If your eyes are extremely sharp you might notice a small pile of adult magazines collecting dust in the corner. Mint condition. Never been opened. Thanks Kaien.

The fact that he feels this is necessary is something that irritates him, but with the arrival these past couple of weeks of new vampires and their obvious disregard for the other inhabitants of the facility, it needs to be done. It doesn't seem like anyone else is going to take the initiative, so it's up to Zero to be the one to do it.

Zero comes into view, sitting on the edge of the bed, expression calm. Yes, he takes this all very seriously. Prepare yourselves, all. This is probably the most any of you have heard come out of his mouth at once.]

Since there is apparently going to be a costume party being held tonight in celebration of the hundredth day, I thought I would take some time to go over some issues happening within the facility lately. This is a matter of safety, so I would prefer if everyone just take a few moments to stop whatever they are doing to listen before going on with your daily lives.

There are nearly a dozen different vampires here in Marina and just about as many worlds that they come from. They are literally beasts in human form and it's likely that each of you know at least one or more and interact with them daily, often not even realizing they are a vampire.

Events such as these, especially costume parties, add another level of anonymity to their lives.

If you find yourself bitten by a vampire, please contact myself or another member of the defense force that is in attendance immediately. This is something that should be done even if you have agreed to be a donor for them and anywhere or anytime within the facility. Each vampire comes from a world a little different and the very act of being bitten can have life changing consequences for anyone who is a victim to their fangs. Some worlds all it takes to change you into a vampire is for them to get their fangs into you. Other worlds it requires you to ingest their blood. Some vampires don't have that power at all.

Before offering yourself to any of them, please research what this commitment will mean for you. If you have questions, comments or just want to discuss options, there are people knowledgeable in the subject within the defense force. Utilize them before doing anything rash. This is never something that should done without research prior.

Any questions?

[ Zelman thinks it's high time to visit a good friend of his. Like, right now. Without warning. He likes surprising others. ....GUESS WHO'S ON YOUR LAWN YUUKI AND FAMILY ]

[ well. more like on your doorstep. knock knock knock 8))) ]

(ooc: everyone living with Yuuki can tag in)

[Miranda spread the blanket out over the sand, Lee pulling on one end to help ease out the wrinkles.]

Good job! [She smiles and sets the--rather large--basket filled with sandwiches, strawberry tarts, two bowls of beef stew and thermoses of hot tea on the edge. On the other side is a small pile of toys including a frisbee, rope with knots tied on each end, and a large cage-like ball with bells in it.] There. Umm...that should keep, won't it? Now all we have to do is wait for Allen and Lincoln.

{OOC: Miranda and Lee are at the beach for a pet play-date. You're free to walk by and see them, before or after Allen.}

Good afternoon, boys and girls! We're feeling a little restless today. Anyone here feel like a little sparring? We promise we won't bite--at least too hard. [They're prowling about on the large, grassy field, enjoying the sensation underneath their sensitive skin.]

Rules will be set, of course, and anyone is welcomed to come and watch! You can find us at the athletic complex. Ta-ta. [Satisfied, all they have to do now is wait. Surely someone will show up to take them on their challenge!]

[Private | Voice to Ava] We do hope you'll be coming to watch! Say, do you think we could sell tickets to this sort of thing? [Not that they have much use for money, but still! Maybe they could convince Acumen to build a real school.]

[OOC: Same drill as usual! Anyone and everyone is welcome! Only consensual fights, plz; Venom doesn't need to make the DF even more angry with them!]

Attention everyone!

I'm sorry to interrupt your dinners if you're eating dinner now. Or whatever you do afterward if it is now after. If you haven't eaten yet you should try the ramen place. It's really good.

Oh, um, but...I have something very important to tell you all!

Diva is dangerous, and you should stay away from her! She might turn you into a vampire! ...Or lick you.

Okay, I think that's all. Oh! Except she's got long dark hair and blue eyes and pale skin and she's kind of pretty.

[As promised, he hasn't gone near her!]


(OOC: Backdated to evening.)

( ooc : action totally open to anyone that'd like to come across them! )

Hmmm!

[It is evening time, and for all intents and purposes the video appears to be accidental at first. The view's an open-ish area in the dome (the park? probably), and currently occupied by two women, standing and facing each other, though the video feed mostly only shows the younger girl. At the present moment, it is the older one who speaks however, exclaiming quite enthusiastically to the other, pointing to her and generally being loud and dramatic.]

My darling, I will show no mercy, as you have seen this evening, and I fully expect the same of you towards me. Otherwise, there is no point. [If the passionate glint of excitement can be seen in her eyes, it's pretty obvious to notice. The woman is loving this. She's made for combat.] You might encounter bruises and obstacles in this training, but I'm confident it will be overcome by perseverance, my dear. In fact! Any others, where they to be witnesses today, would only agree, I am most certain. [And anyone watching the video... Did you see that wink?]

Therefore!

Once more! Yuuki Kuran, come at me with all your might!

( private )
----

Marina. How peaceful. I wonder how long it'll take for all hell to break loose here again.

On another note, would anyone like to donate some blood to a worthy cause? I promise I'll make it worth your time. [ ♥ trooolling in your skiiiin ]

((ooc: Zelman talks to himself. 8())

[The cold hasn't kept Saya off the beach tonight, where she's settled with a large blanket thrown over her lower half. A foot away rests a thick book, old and tattered, the pages and cover spattered with soot. On the cover, engraved on a gold seal, is the name "Joel Goldschmidt" and the year 1833.]

[Now she knows. Everything. What she is, where she comes from -- and Diva. Pages and chapters and decades of it all.]

[And all she can manage to do is sit and stare into the sea and wonder what she's going to do now.]

[ After spending most of his evening outside away from all company ever, Zelman is now returning to home...sweet home. Or something like that. Not that he even considers this building his home -- or this place really. He hasn't had a place to call home in a long time. ]

[ unlocks the door telekinetically and pushes it open. He can hear a heartbeat from upstairs, which tells him that Saki decided to sleep here tonight. Shuts the door and pauses. ]

[ ...Another heartbeat. A guest. Again? It wasn't that Hitoshura-or-whatever kid again was it...and it really better not be - any member from that idiotic trio. ]

[ Annnd it's coming from his room. Irritated, Zelman pushes the door open and steps in. The candles light themselves up as soon as they feel his presence and he looks down at the...lump...in his bed. ]

...Naoya?

[Shiki's in bed, lying on her stomach facing the screen. Judging from the mussed hair and blankets pulled up to and bunched around her shoulders, she's been curled up asleep in it until recently]

The chances of a doll maker being here are pretty much slim to none. [Statement. Even her voice is dull and sleepy] Any mages lying around?

These lapses of consciousness and sense of passing time that occur when one... "falls through the stabilizer's cracks" I suppose, can be very tiresome to continuously experience. Even for one already accustomed to a similar system.

[She does sound somewhat weary-- or exasperated. Either way, there's some dry amusement in there too as she simply unloads her sentiments to Acumenno one in particular. She's griping because it's pretty justified, and this is kind of part "hey i'm back"]

However, if I consider that for some reason it was deemed appropriate to return me today of all days, I cannot complain overly much. I would have been disappointed to miss Christmas.

[And while Christmas is her second favorite ever, the mild levity is gone now. Here's the other part, the important one] ...I don't imagine Sasha has returned as well?

[If she has, she's definitely not anywhere near where Saber is right now. But maybe she'll respond or... someone will let her know]

[Ava's not in the best mood, but the bar's supply is enough to distract her. She's got three empty bottles in front of her already and that headache that's been throbbing in the back of her head most of the day has been dulled. She's losing it. Who would have thought a couple days of peace and quiet would have her ready to crawl the walls?

Anyone who comes by with notice a girl on her way to moodily inebriated and one of the bottles spinning in place, screeching a little against the counter top as she glares at it.]

Night was falling, the smell of spices were in the air and Jennifer was busy putting the last finishing touches on all the hard work everyone had done to get the athletic complex decked out and festive.

Walking through the front door, you'll see a table where you can put all your presents on for now with a tree sitting behind it. Don't worry, the bots will make sure no one but Jennifer takes any gifts off the table! There's also a series of volunteers ready and willing to help you out of your coats if you need it, but otherwise, please don't hesitate to shed off a few layers.

It might be a little warm if you don't.

Inside the main entrance, Jennifer's taken care to section off the room into the main dancing area and a stage salvaged from the Valentine's Day auction off to the side for the performances later on. Surrounding the outer edges, are tables and settees salvaged from the Shelter so that those who wish to watch can do so in comfort. Do be careful though. Scented candles are lit on each table to provide a soft light to balance out the harshness of the lights over the dance floor.

And of course there's food. Punch and egg-nog and shrimp and cheese and a myriad of other finger foods. There are cookies decorated with frosting and lemon bars and cranberries and a giant bowl of sugared dates. Marzipan is scattered across the table and a small gingerbread house sits as a centerpiece, but the cake is the main attraction.

But the cake comes with a price. Anyone who wants a piece, must do what it says on the toothpick first. Have fun! And no cheating. Someone might be watching to make sure no one does.

Music is already playing and Jennifer's leaving things up to the host club to make sure people start dancing, because what's sadder then a ball with no dancing? Do make sure to enjoy yourselves. It's why we're all here!

((ooc: The first thread is for the cake game and will list various things you must do. The second is for performers to do their act so we can group reactions together in one spot. And last, mingle, threadjack, and have merry with whatever your characters want to do in the rest of the post!

As an ooc gift meme was suggested instead of actually threading out every gift exchange, we will be doing that instead, but we highly encourage you to still seek out your gift recipients and build CR in the post as you will.

Also, mistletoe can be found neatly tucked inside wreaths at the main entrance to the Athletic complex and also from the cloak room leading into the dance hall. Be nice! Ask permission first.))

ETA: Directory (Edited 12/28 10:30pm/22:30 EST/-05:00 GMT, new marked with ***)

Cake Game: Reply to Cake: Midori - Mistletoe Cake: Road - Dancing Cake: Ryu - Dancing Cake: Otoha - Singing Cake: Wisely - Compliment Cake: Alucard - Dancing Cake: Orihime - Ornament Cake: Hikaru - Mistletoe Cake: Yuuki - Song Cake: Kaworu - Mistletoe Cake: Milly - Dancing Cake: Tyki - Mistletoe Cake: Hiling - Mistletoe/Dancing Performances: Reply to Performance: Naoya Performance: Lacus Performance: Choir Individual: Saki Individual: Ryoji Individual: Peregrine Mendicant Individual: Wolfram Individual: Zelda Group: Kaworu, Hiling or both Individual: Himawari Individual: Feferi Individual: Cain Individual: Jeanne Individual: Ashton Individual: Midori Individual: Cosmo Individual: Fou Individual: Greed Individual: Minako Individual: Eridan Individual: Orihime

Individual: Fran Individual: Allen Individual: Tyki Individual: Chibiusa Individual: Hikaru Individual: Dean Individual: Harry Potter Individual: Wisely Individual: Axel Individual: Kamrui Fuuma Individual: Ushiro Individual: Maleficent Individual: Kaoru Individual: Zelman Individual: Yuuki Individual: Kyouya Individual: Joshua Individual: Yuuri Individual: Sam Individual: Zero Individual: Kitty (aoa) Individual: Juri Individual: Alma Individual: Lavi Individual: Milly Individual: Rinoa Rain of Flowers: Sakura Individual: C.C. Individual: Takashi Jun Individual: Suzaku Individual: Kanda Individual: Jade Individual: Duo Individual: MOMO Individual: Kitty (evo) ***Individual: Ciel

[Hey, sudden-strong-blast-of-wind-that's-not-odd-at-all in Sector 5. As for the two guys and the angel appearing in the place where the wind had just come from? That's kind of odd!]

He's in there. [Nods over to one of the bigger houses not too far off to their side.]

(ooc: Posting order is Dean > Sam > Zelman > Cas complete chaos! Just kidding. After careful deliberation and a ninja!smiley, posting order is now: Dean > Zelman > Sam > Zelman > Cas. Because Zelman is worth it.)

[ On the desk before the camera, several layers of sketches, books, and artfully-crafted trinkets lay. On the very top is a bible, which Ashton's hand is resting on, as he sits at the work desk in his apartment.

Despite some rough news yesterday for a friend of his, he looks cheerful. ] U-um, hello everyone.  I was reading over what people celebrate about this time of year, and I was curious if anyone needs any decorations made? I think they're supposed to go on trees, but I guess they could be hung just about anywhere.

[ He holds up a couple of example pieces of his handiwork. They aren't perfect -- the craftsmanship is quality, but Ashton has a strange sense of style, so some angles may look off, and the curves are more like waves in the third dimension, rather than pressed flat. ] I've never worked with designs like this before, so I hope they're okay -- we don't celebrate the birth of any Savior back home and I don't really get what the animal is for...

B-but if you would like something for the season, please let me know!

[ Ashton reaches for the device to turn it off, stopping short. ] O-oh, a lot of new people came, right? My name is Ashton. Ashton Anchors. I also make and repair jewelry, and barrels. Please call me if you need anything! [ With a final smile, he's gone. ]

[Otoha is out and about for his patrol. He's glad to get get the exercise today - he's spent most of the day reading. He's a little disappointed that he hasn't gotten any good sparring done in a while, but no matter.]

[It's been relatively quiet so far, but his shift is just beginning.]

[[ooc; Otoha is mainly patrolling in sectors 2, 3, and 4. Please put the sector you're running into him in the header, thanks. /o/ ]]

[Saki's at home doing her own cooking -- for once. She has an Allen and a new maid to feed, after all.]

[Poking her head out of the kitchen.] Hey, Hitoshura! Breakfast's ready. Hope you like pumpkin pancakes.


((OOC: Backdated to mid-morning-ish.))

I just realized something...[thoughtful pause from a girl that's been missing for quite a while...but she doesn't know that!] If it's this cold again already..?, that means I missed my birthday! I've never missed one before, and I certainly won't start now.

I'll have a cake with lots of candles~ And lots of presents~ And, oh! I can't forget the guests. What's a party without people to play with?~ [by this point she's swinging her legs around, her voice sing-song] I'll invite Mama and Naoya and Gin and Joshua and Xion and Ciel, Sebastian too naturally~, and Euphie and Akito...Jade, Conrad, Yuuri, Lelouch, Maya, Orihime, Yuuki, Sakamoto....

Exorcists too of course! Actually, Allen only - the rest of you Exorcists aren't wanted~ [♥]

[ooc: oh hey it's the df's most popular criminal w-will be laggy....action's open for Wisely and Tyki and whoever's still at home!]