[ Where has Wolfram been all day? Holed up at the Arcade of course.

Valentine's Day was bound to bring nothing but bitter and dark feelings, so he did himself a favor and spared himself from having to deal with anything related with this annoying day. One good thing came up from this, though- he's now really good at that game with the plastic gun controller and the walking undead targets.

Glancing out of one of the building's window, the blonde sees how the sky has become pitch black. Good, that means the festivities must be over.

One epic headache and very sore fingers later, on his way home he stops near the park to sit down on a bench. Damn it, is his head hurting because he played for nearly 14 hours in a row?

Sighing, he stays there for a couple of minutes, rubbing the sides of his forehead. ]

Good evening, Marina! The sun is about to set and, as promised, tonight's special class is about to begin. [ The lights in the dome flicker on across the streets, in preparation for the impending onset of night. Neil isn't anywhere near the park, as is obvious from his vantage point. The projector cannot be seen in the frame, but there is the sound of something mechanical whirring and winding up not far from him. ] There's no formal lesson tonight, but I hope everyone gathered in the park -- or anywhere you can get a good view of the dome itself -- will still take something away from it.

[ The daylight fades out, and a bright source of light nearby illuminates his face. He's smiling wide as the projection of the desert sun over Africa is displayed on the inside of the glass just above the athletic complex fields in Sector 6. ] We have shown the stars in past lessons from an outside perspective, and it's easy to forget that we can take in the same kind of beauty from the ground with just the naked eye.

[ His own right eye, the fake one, reflects the light as the sky slowly shifts to images of sunsets. Is that a celestial body in the sky? Perhaps it was Venus.

He gives a quick glance over his shoulder. Time to wrap this up. ] I'll let you all enjoy the show, now. Have a good night, everyone! [ And he did mean everyone. With a two-finger salute, and a rather big grin, he ends the feed.

The projection continues on, showing still images throughout the next few hours including, but not limited to:

A solar eclipse seen from Japan.

The moon over the ocean.

And, for the finale, some choice shots of the Aurora Borealis. ]


(OOC: Event-style posting! Come in pairs, alone, tag each other as you like at any point before, during or after the presentation. Plenty of room on the bleachers on the field, and hopefully the mood~ will be suitable for the holiday. Enjoy the show -- romance is optional, but encouraged; feel free to use this as an excuse to get those cross-chocolate dates out of the way~

Neil will not be answering his communicator tonight. ♥)

[It's once again Steel Samurai night at the cinema.

Maya has reserved a big screen for this showing once again, and there are plenty of snacks like the last time.

The second six episodes of the series are showing tonight. But even if you didn't watch the first six, the story's basic plot is given at the beginning of each episode anyway.

Expect a night of one-liners, cheesy/hammy dialogue, and other common tokusatsu show tropes.]

((OOC: Assume Maya made a public announcement this morning, because I got distracted and forgot to put it up earlier.

Event-style threading, like the last time. Just make sure to give some context for when in the showing it is.))

LETTER RECIPIENTS

• Alucard: a letter from Sasha.
  
  MASS MAILERS
  
• To everyone who knows Nakama: cards from Nakama.
  
• To Fai, Alucard, and Saya: small packages from Jeanne.
  
• To Yuuki, Hikaru, Sakura and TB!Subaru: small packages from Kamui an anonymous individual!
  
  PACKAGE RECIPIENTS
  
• Vriska: a package from Terezi.
  
• Wayward Vagabond: a package from Nakama.
  
  NEW PENPAL MATCHUPS
  
• Nunnally & Alma

[It's another day with PM walking purposefully on her route--and today, PM is wearing Nakama's badge declaring her a member of the postal service, as if she isn't easily recognizable to all by now. But Nakama had also made some for the other volunteers, and as the postmaster, PM must set an example and wear her badge proudly! With tomorrow expected to be a busy day, she hopes that the new uniforms will also make their stunning debut. Combining accessory and outfit, no one can mistake their unified purpose: the secure delivery of mail and the identification of those trustworthy men and women serving the cause.]

[It's all very exciting, and more than a little touching.]

[Click here for pen pal signups. Mail submissions for Day 105 go here!]

[ Jeanne had a busy afternoon. While Saya was out, she decided it was high time to do some cleaning. Empty out trash cans, dust a bit, hang up some pictures she had taken with her camera, arrange some of Saya's clothes in the drawer, go to the store and grab some posters, put them up on her walls, consider her wardrobe--

...yes, she's not really cleaning anymore, and still won't be when Saya gets back home.

Whoops? ]

Valentines Day is in two days. Does everyone remember the date auction we had last time? Now that was really fun. [REMEMBER WHEN SHE SOLD YOU ALL? AND PROFITED?]

I think I lost my voice after for a couple of days, ha. It doesn't look like we'll have another date auction this year by yours truly - sorry! - but I still encourage everyone to go on dates~ After all~ when you go on a date, you help save the environment! [lmao shut up this is totally true]

[Training at night is taking some getting used to. The quiet alternately aides and frays Conrad's concentration, depending on which stray thought happens by. An image of Diva and Ashton, safe and cuddled up in their bed, and he's focused on nothing but the swing of his sword. Wolfram's voice, filled with hate, drifts through the dojo riding a draft of chill wind and his form is set unforgivably off balance.]

[betrayed you and became a monster ... revolting, blood-sucking animal ... no better than a leech]

[He pauses his routine -- another unforgivable slip. He's heard that tone in Wolfram's voice before, and some of the words as well, but. This... was different. Now he had a new Master, and a new brother. He had somewhere he belonged --]

[No. Alarming, how quickly his thoughts turn that direction. Was it the uproar over vampires that was being raised, or his instinctive bond with Diva finding its true footing? What is it that makes turning away from his old life seem almost palatable?]

[He looks down at his sword, feeling the weight of it, the balance (a gram or two heavy on the hilt) for which he'd had to adjust, accommodate. Refused to accept anything less than perfection, not with such an important goal at stake. And now... now he realizes, looking at his other hand, that he doesn't even need it anymore.]

*There is one dhampir who looks very ill at ease.*

It has come to my attention that the accidental introduction of pesticides to clothing will render clothing damaged. It will need to be repaired.

*This might be why the dhampir is looking out of sorts. He doesn't part with his Victorian finery at all.* So...what exactly do people wear in the modern time that isn't...completely outlandish?

*Clearly, this dhampir is in need of assistance. Will you help him?*

[Euphie awakes slowly, feeling a strange sluggishness in her body. She blinks once. Twice. The room gradually comes into focus, but she doesn't recognize it.

It takes a few minutes to clear her head enough to even be alarmed by this fact. Once it does click in she sits up abruptly, giving her a bit of a head rush. Eyes closed, she brings a hand up to her head. Her body feels sore in places as she turns herself to look the other way.

She registers two things quickly—she's in a cell of some kind and her brother is on the other side.]

Lelouch?


( OOC )

[The feed flickers on to reveal a face that might be familiar to some - Yui, that is - but she doesn't look the least bit pleased...

... and here comes an uncomfortable whine from her.]

Uuuuuuughhhh... Did someone turn on the air-conditioner?...

[She rolls around on the bed a little]

Why do I feel so... seasick?

[She just stays there for a while, quiet, before she whines again]

... is it because I'm underwater?

But that has never happened before...

[Then, complete silence. It feels as if she's fallen asleep, then --]

... Ughhh.


(ooc: and so she returns! She's had quite a bit canon update - a whole season, mind - and is now experiencing the side effects of this~~ Feel free to poke her - especially if anyone already knows her prior to this!)

[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.]

[Hiling stands before a table in the pizza parlor while a robot delivers an assortment of pizzas, breadsticks, and appetizers. She looks it over with approval before turning to the screen.]

Who's hungry? I've got plenty to go around. I hope some of you can take a break from costume shopping long enough to come celebrate with us. [She pulls Revive into the shot.] You see, Revive and I are very excited to announce our acceptance into the Defense Force! Members that want to meet the new recruits or anyone who wants to stop by are all welcome!

[ Video | Open ]
I want to thank everyone who showed up today's Sign Language class. I know we've lost a few students in the past few weeks, but I appreciate everyone's adjustments to their partners. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to say this in the class, but... thank you all! [ She smiles, turning to look toward her handiwork. The scene behind her is that of the public bathing area, but things are... different. Candles are strewn about, incense has been set up, and tables piled high with wigs, make-up, and other beauty products are all lined against open spaces that are unoccupied by the baths themselves, or low stools.

Doesn't it just make you curious?

Here is where switches the privacy settings~ ]

( [ Filtered from: Diva, men ] )

( [ Private | Diva ] )

(ooc: Same as previous times~ Event-style tagging, threadjacking and mingling highly encouraged! || Party-crashers are welcome this time, thanks to Jeanne's lack of stealth -- but please try not to outnumber the actual guests? Thank you! ♥)

(ETA: I wanted to emphasize that action is encouraged, and you don't have to tell me (or Jeanne) before tagging in. Have fun!)

[ It is late, damn late, but who needs sleep anyway; there are more important issues to be dealt with than having a good night sleep.

Jeanne had promised she would meet him at the bar and tell him about Diva, so Wolfram just waits and waits patiently near thee counter of the bar-- or as patiently as someone as short-tempered and impatient as him can be.

Come on Jeanne, hurry up. ]
____________
{ ooc: Anyone that happens to enter the bar is welcome to run into him.~ }

[It's been a trying few days, but Saya knows this is just the beginning. If Diva's already making Chevaliers, she's waited far, far too long to do this.]

[She tentatively knocks on the door to the Defense Force Headquarters, giving Jeanne a look that she hopes shows more confidence than she feels. What if they don't let her in due to Vietnam?]

[ -- then again, she knows what. Nothing can keep her from her duty, not even the calm, easy life with her best friend that she was already mourning. She can't afford to let Diva play with the people here any more, no matter what.]

[Taking a chance, she opens the door and steps inside.]

...Hello?

((OOC: Hopefully finding Suzaku, but anyone on the DF who wants to talk to Saya and/or Jeanne can tag away! Threadjacking encouraged <3))

LETTER RECIPIENTS

• Roxas: a letter from Fai.
  
• Lyle (& Frederick!): a card from Fai.
  
• Jeanne: a card from Fai.
  
  PACKAGE RECIPIENTS
  
• Suzaku: a package and card from Xion.
  
  NEW PENPAL MATCHUPS
  
• A comprehensive pen pal update! Please see the list if your character's penpal has recently dropped.

[Another busy day for the postal service! Thanks to a combination of WV's arrival and abrupt recovery from Ribbons' disappearance, PM has sprung fully back into action. Records of address are fully updated, pen pals re-matched, notes written to each of them with basic contact information about their new letter-writing companions... she has accomplished much, and although it's another slow day, she sets out with slightly less horrible posture, ready to greet the world!]

[And after work, she considers stopping by WV's place with a veggie-laden pizza to see what her friend has been doing during her busy day.]

[Click here for pen pal signups. Mail submissions for Day 98 go here!]

Saya, are you home? [ She knocked on the other girls' door, clutching the old book to her chest. Joel's Diary. A record of supposed facts and stories regarding Saya -- not, not just Saya, but her whole race; her kind. It was hard enough to swallow at the outset, but now that she had finished it? It seemed all too much like fiction. She had been pouring over it all night and all day without any sleep, only naps, and she was groggy, poorly-groomed, and still dressed in her colorful flower-print pajamas when she knocks again. ] I... I'm done with the book.

[a small black fellow comes into focus onscreen. Not Black like African-American or anything, like Bill Cosby; rather, he isn’t even human, instead covered all over by a rigid, obsidian-black carapace. He is dressed in an appallingly filthy tunic made of strips of cotton fabric, with a hood pulled over his head and a length of cable coiled into a sash over one shoulder. Proudly affixed to the “sash” is the label from an ancient can of mayonnaise. More wrappings hide most of his face, and his one visible eye, bright and beady, blinks into the video feed.]

[he’s seated on a snow-dusted sand dune, the contents of his upended welcome basket—notably the empty wrappers and containers that had held food and drink minutes ago—scattered around him, and the welcome brochure lying open in his lap. With the gentle rush of the ocean in the background, he clears his throat and addresses the residents of Marina:]

Hello? Hello! Hello! I believe this contraption is functioning correctly. Well, this is no time to mince words, so I’ll speak plainly.

[he takes a deep, shaking breath, obviously trying and failing to compose himself. His voice begins to rise.]

This is outrageous! Simply outrageous. This bit of paper—[he waves the brochure a bit]—claims to supply me with practical knowledge, yet I remain unsatisfied, and, furthermore, insulted! “Condolences”? Bah! I do not accept these “condolences”.

Although, the edibles are not entirely unwelcome, if wholly inadequate as tokens of hospitality. Hmm…

[spotting an overlooked jelly bean, he quickly plucks it from the snow and eats it. After a moment’s deliberation, he tears away the cover flap of the welcome brochure, crumples it up, and eats that, too.]

Acumen's systems tick over to midnight, and somewhere in the depths of the holding facility, dozens of little silver spheres shiver and come to life. They rise up into the air, dangling little bouquets of mistletoe, and hover in waiting for the door to open again. And when it does, they swoop out and work their way into the dome proper, making it out just in time for daybreak.

Now they're scattered all over the dome, Anissina's gifts and Eggman's souvenirs. They're seeking out people to bring together in the holiday spirit...

Whether they like it or not!


[Comment here and other people will comment to you. Details and index here. Please specify your time of day and location in your tag!]

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