November Mash

[galambs]

Who: Open Log (All)
Where: City and Velvet Room
Summary: A small log before things get a little darker...
Warnings: N/A

One would think on the darkest night something terrible would happen. You would think wrong. Perhaps it was a sort of irony that caused Halloween and All Hallows' Day to happen without incident, but a strange feeling tells you that something might be up soon enough...

... however right now the city is in celebration, and honestly even Luci and at least one of the Velvets are encouraging celebration.

SPOOKY SCARY PUMPKINS

A-1
As the last days for crops slowly come to pass, Pont-a-Tarte lives up to its name, hosting a gigantic pie competition. While the main attraction is, of course, the giant pumpkin pie made with over ten gigantic pumpkins, there are booths selling maple, sugar, apple and pecan pies as well. Sometimes said pies are thrown in someone's face...but all in the name of good fun. You signed up for this, right?

A-2
A pumpkin carving contest is also underway! There are monetary prizes, but originality is what the inhabitants are looking for the most. The stranger (and spooky!) the idea, the better the prizes.

A-3
There are costume contests as well and a carnival at night. Will you join in? Maybe you'll take inspiration from your own world? However... you may notice something rather strange - at night you'll be able to change into your rebel costume when no one is watching. Not stuck in a dream is strange enough, but the fact that others wearing costumes don't seem to think odd of it means it truly is some sort of magical night... Too bad you can't use your personas or move around with the usual dexterity.

A-4
The only one who seem to really care are the numbers of cats around...most of them start rubbing on you the moment you are in your “costume” and it becomes difficult to move around. The minute the costume disappears, they move off,

Coins and Pranks...

B-1
Not to be outdone by the city, the Rebels’ phones will ring on November 1st, asking them to bring the pumpkins they might have done the day before so that they can be judged. Of course the Velvets are very... strange, so what might have won first prize might just be seen as a feeble attempt. However, there are prizes to be won, so it might be worth even to carve a new one! To be honest, they seem pretty pleased with anything...

Well... William seems pleased. Mary may seem a little lost with the whole affair, but soldiering on with her usual straight-laced efficiency.

(OOC - Pyro Jack’s/Jack Frost’s coins will be award to anyone who participates. Keep these in hand... they might be useful later. On a somewhat strange note the outside, while covered in bluish foil, peels to reveal a piece of chocolate... however, the layer of chocolate is very small and it's actually a golden coin inside.)

B-2
Not to be outdone by the city and the Velvets, Luci's asked the rebels to participate in his fun little contest too -- by which he means, “show me where you leave your rotten pumpkins and prank someone in the city.” But are you sure you even want a prize from him?

OOC - This is a small, fun log, but brace yourselves as plot logs are coming soon and a few new announcements! Use this as a small breather and have fun!

Comments

[onlythankyou]

[A3]
[A costume party...while he's still a bit uncomfortable with masks and costumes and the like, it's good to try and be better, isn't it? And it's all fun and games this time. Not a bit supernatural (....as life here goes, at least), and it's what would be expected of Lonán to attend. Perhaps it's something he got from his mother, but if Jun is going to attend a party...he's going to turn heads.

He doesn't have qualms about wearing skirts or makeup, after all. He's more beautiful than most women when he tries. The dress is avian in nature, something of a "crow queen" inspiration, all feathers and dramatically flowing fabric. ...It's freeing, to pretend he's someone else completely. Lets him escape the actual question.

This doesn't mean he isn't still a wallflower, drifting around the party edges trying not to stay in too much contact with any of Lonán's friends. Awkward.]

[A4]
[Some of the quieter avenues are great for wallflowers! And it's here he discovers he can shift to his battle outfit. And back. This merits investigating.

He'll be wandering about testing - perhaps in a crowd, seeing if anyone notices. Or back out of the main thoroughfares, seeing how much of a response he can get from Shax. ...And then, possibly, buried in cats.]

Cats again... [Hm. Is that relevant? He might need to call Tatsuya for help if they keep up like this...]

A3

[miseris_socios]

[There's someone else at this party, and he does not look very pleased here. He's young, but this party doesn't really have alcohol. Instead, the young man has a doglike mask with a trenchcoat. It... doesn't really go together as a costume might, but it's not like he has a Featherman costume or anything...]

[He catches Jun's eye as he wallflowers, because Ken is sticking to the edges, too. ... There's partly the issue that everyone here is too tall to not knock into him. It's stupid.]

[onlythankyou]

[Ah, the pain of being small at crowded events. Jun remembers his mother having a few house parties that put him in a similar position. Not half as well-dressed, though, he approves of the kid's style.

He makes his way over - better to not seem alone for too long, that occasionally attracts unwanted company. And hopefully the other will get knocked around less with someone else nearby. Hm, now...how to approach? Maybe just....the oldest and simplest ice breaker ever.]

I like your costume.

[miseris_socios]

[... Nice one, Jun. But it does get Ken to look up a little bit in surprise.]

Um... yeah. I just threw some stuff together... I thought it looked neat...

[He didn't, he has no idea why this is his outfit here, but he's not going to complain. It's kind of cool...]

[onlythankyou]

You pull it off well. Very dramatic and elegant.

[Not every day someone as (probably) young as this dresses up in something that isn't some specific character or creature. Something more refined and enigmatic.]

A4

[cantforget]

[Speaking of which...there he is and Tatsuya seems to have 'dressed up' with his chief's outfit. The only difference is a pair of glasses and mustache...which he actually got for free from an excited costume contest people.

It was the only option that wasn't a mask. He knew he had to live with it.

When he sees Jun he looks away biting his lip. Even now it was hard to speak with him..]

Jun.

[Wait...]

Why are you?...

[onlythankyou]

[He looks up from the cats almost before Tatsuya even says anything. Shax can't sense other Persona-users like Chronos could, but he doesn't need that. Not for this particular Persona-user.

...Tatsuya. What are you wearing. Next time let him dress you or something, that looks ridiculous.

Perhaps, if his false life hadn't kept him too busy to pay attention to much else in the last few months, he would have noticed a little more about how Tatsuya struggles when they're together now. As it is, he's just glad for the moments they do meet.]

Tatsuya. [He'll...he'll get to answering the question when he's through the surge of emotion that always comes with these moments.]

[cantforget]

Hi...

[Each time it's hard. He so sorry, Jun. Coughing, he looks around before a cat tries to jump on him to ruin the moment.]

...hey!

[Why did his brother like these so much...]

[onlythankyou]

[He wades through the cat swarm to get closer. He aches for their meetings.

Although the furry throng is...a bit of a hindrance. And it'll do to answer, too - he shifts from his battle clothes to the costume he wore tonight. The cats immediately show less interest.]

How have you been?

[megacurious]

[While most of the party-goers are dressing up with the usual vampires, mummies, and devil costumes, Augustine's costume was very different. Though he can't say it was a costume considering it was his Rebellion outfit. Sure, he didn't change them by will, but at least it was enough to avoid himself from being a wallflower.

Unfortunately, what he doesn't know was his antler-like collar is quickly caught on Jun's feathers from his costume.]

A4

[kokuyoyo]

Take it off.

[Parties were a Mistake (tm). Chikusa finds that he's already exhausted, and, if not for advertising the opening of his new cafe at a few places, would likely never have come in the first place.]

[But here he is! Reluctantly. Dressing up had seemed like too much work, so he's simply here wearing a plain black mask over matching turtleneck and slacks.]

[...Well, a little less matching now, with all the cat hair that's gathered on them, although thankfully they don't seem much interested him right now. Not with Jun as he is. Behind the mask, Chikusa blinks lethargically.]

[megacurious]

A-3. Costume Time?

[While Augustine has no plans to join any costume-related events, he didn't expect he even wears one. Namely, when he was washing up in a restroom in Green Valley, his eyes widen when he finds himself wearing his Rebellion clothes. Now, this is very strange. There are no signs of Shadows, yet he was able to change his clothes. He even noticed that he isn't able to summon his Persona, which was a good thing since it might scare most of the trick-or-treaters.

At any case, you may see him in this outfit for the whole night. In fact, you may even mistake him for joining a costume contest.]

[kokuyoyo]

A1

[Chikusa kind of doesn't want to be here, honestly, but what else is new? He's dragged himself out regardless, setting up a small booth to advertise for the cafe that will be opening soon. It's not the largest or most decorated stall around, but it manages well enough for itself all things considered. There's some delicious baked goods and drinks available...]

[...And, perhaps more relevantly, absurdly cheap pies.]

[Chikusa has Ciro's memories, and Ciro can distinctly remember all the pie throwing nonsense of what his mind tells him was last year. So far, it's been a pretty sound business decision.]

B1

[Chikusa didn't really participate in the pumpkin carving contest, simply because that's work and what's wrong with you... But he still has a pumpkin in hand as he shows up to the Velvet Room.]

[....Well. It's on his desk, and it's not exactly a face, but rather what is apparently a phone battery at 2%. He blinks at anyone who stares at it.]

....I needed one for my booth....

B1

[velvetprecision]

[Clipboard (as always) in one hand and folded against her, pen in the other, Mary's heels click across the tile, taking in what the Awakened have brought with them. She pauses before Chikusa's. And studies it. Intently, as one would critique a work of art, either disregarding Chikusa's defense or not hearing it entirely.]

[Finally, with a nod:] It seems an efficient design. Will the number change as the charge drops?

[Mary, that's not how this works.]

[kokuyoyo]

[Chikusa's response is dull and matter of fact right back.]

That's not something a pumpkin is capable of doing... in the regular world...

[Here, or in dreams, who knows what the fuck can happen, but Chikusa made it in Eddan.]

Vermouth | OTA

[secretmakesawoman]

A3

[Since “Christina” has no children of her own and is giving certain young folks in her life some space, she ends up staying at home for the evening. Someone has to hand out candy to the trick-or-treaters after all.

She has definitely noticed the ability to change into her Rebellion wear by now. However, Vermouth isn’t doing so tonight. Why would she do something so easy for the night dedicated to disguise, her specialty? That would be like cheating and not in a fun way. She might not have all her usual tools at hand, but there’s enough for a Halloween costume.

Folks who stop by her door will find her dressed as a particular famous actress. The irony might be lost on most, but at least she is giving out the big candy bars.]

B1

[Vermouth had bothered to carve a pumpkin at the contest, though slightly reluctantly. It felt rather awkward doing such a quaint thing surrounded by happy families. Especially when the last Halloween party she threw involved blackmailing a man into committing murder. Yet this was the sort of thing Christina would enjoy, and she must keep up appearances. After a great deal of consideration, Vermouth carved a simple mask.

Since she already made it, Vermouth brings the pumpkin to the Velvet Room.]

What do you think?

B2

[Pranks, you say? Pranks are very much on Vermouth’s level.

The next day teachers and staff will find their desks and drawers overflowing with apples and tiny pumpkins. They’re fresh and festive, but also in the way. Who on earth could have done this? Certainly not Christina, who goes about her day with a slight smile despite the apples. No no. Whatever would give you that idea.

The pumpkin just rots on her front porch. Come on, Luci, she’s not using that for a prank. Not when folks could trace it back to her so easily.]

C4

[singlefaith]

[Maybe it's not the best choice going over to the house of the woman you remember as ready to murder a child -- especially when you know she's recovered her memories.]

[But this is what Ran does. She has to. She has to find some answers, and she and Vermouth have to speak. "Christina" has not been coming over as she used to, and her father is already starting to notice. While Ran has quietly been grateful that her "aunt" hasn't re-emerged, soothed by the fact that she doesn't have to worry about Christina's contact with her false family, it's not something that can last. They need to retain some sense of normalcy in this place. If at all possible, they have to return to some variant of what their false lives demanded.]

[Beyond that, she can sense that Vermouth holds some key to the mystery surrounding Shinichi. She can't pass that up.]

[Ran won't go into an agreement that involves her family blindly. She needs some assurance from this woman first. That's what she's come for as she heads up Vermouth's front walk. In the interest of freedom of movement if she needs it, she's in Persona form -- and trailing several cats in her wake.]

Sneaky sneaky :3

[secretmakesawoman]

[Vermouth was in the middle of greeting a small group of trick-or-treaters as Ran approaches. After complimenting each of their costumes, she holds out a bowl filled with candy, letting them pick freely. Her smile comes so easily, it is hard to tell if she's acting or not.]

[In the middle of this, her gaze drifts up and lands on Ran.]

[Vermouth's heart immediately leaps in panic, her mind desperately running over possibly escape routes. Normally she would never let Ran notice her, nor would she approach her Angel without a disguise. It was too risky. The Organization might take notice, or almost worse, she might learn about the Organization. Having Shinichi know was already a gamble, although one that neither of them had chosen. Still Vermouth could not bear the thought of losing both of her precious treasures.]

[Of course, she can't exactly throw on a new disguise and disappear. Not with an audience of costumed guests present and no planning. So she acts natural, laughing cheerfully with the children before finally bidding them farewell.]

[With them gone, Vermouth slowly turns towards Ran with a forced smile. Time to act calm and cool.]

Ran! Well, this is a surprise. Have you been out trick-or-treating?

/prepares >O

[singlefaith]

[Ran's heart clenches at the sight of the children clustered around the door and stops. One boot slides just a few inches back, scuffing along the ground -- an automatic preparation to move if need be.]

[But of course Christina does nothing. She really can't, Ran reminds herself, for the same reasons that she shouldn't openly come after Ran herself: It will cause disturbance, a break from that false life that binds all of them.]

[She reminds herself, but she's not completely reassured. She only eases when the children chorus a thank you, trotting away from the door, giving a distracted half-smile when one of them compliments her costume on the way past. She doesn't quite dare to pull her eyes from Christina.]

[Though she ventures forward, she maintains a distance of a few feet, coming to a pause farther away than normal -- out of reach.]

I have to talk to you.

[She works to keep the anxiety out of her voice; her stomach is already flip-flopping in her gut. The small talk is ignored, if only because otherwise she's not sure she'll get the words out.]

Wrong icon

[secretmakesawoman]

[The children had been completely safe, not just because of her false life. Vermouth doesn't harm kids if she can help it. Haibara Ai being the main exception, though Vermouth wouldn't bother counting her for reasons which she could not tell Ran.]

[She notices the distance but isn't offended. Honestly it is more shocking that Ran would bother visiting at all. Her eyes widen slightly.]

Well, this is a surprise.

[Which is only a half truth. While Vermouth had thought, maybe hoped, that Ran would be too frightened to approach her, she too knew that it was only a matter of time before their false lives would bring them together once more.]

What about, particularly?

[spoilsfun]

A1
Left to his own devices, Conan would have been more than happy to have stayed at home and read.

But he was currently living the life of a kid. And so he ends up in costume, trailing after Ran as they walk through the booths. At least he'd been able to argue his way into coming in a Sherlock Holmes costume rather than any of the obnoxiously cute alternatives.


A3

Shinichi stares down at himself in surprise as he suddenly finds himself in his night costume. And more importantly, his real age. And he realizes that for the first time since arriving here he was his real age and it was neither a dream nor the middle of a fight.

And he had no idea what to tell Ran.

A3

[singlefaith]

"Conan!"

If he listens carefully, he'll hear just the start of the k of the -kun, hastily snapped off as Ran catches herself.

He can probably also hear the undercurrent of frustration. Some things, despite their shift in setting, just don't seem to change; he always seems to be off after some figurative butterfly that's caught his attention, leaving her empty-handed in his wake. They'd come to take a look at the pumpkin pie; she'd only looked down for a moment, and he was gone.

"Mou." The syllable is muttered; she's not so far now, just a few bushes separating them. The sounds from the festival are slightly muted at this distance, and likely he can catch the rustle of fabric as she digs for her phone.

A3

[spoilsfun]

For a moment, Shinichi is torn between desires to vanish into the bushes and to go out and meet Ran as himself. He knew that it was dangerous to appear anywhere as himself, even more so in the current situation.

But... the chance to see Ran as himself came so rarely. This wasn't a dream or a fight. There was a chance here to have a real conversation, face to face.

Even if it might complicate things, how could he not try?

With a rustle of fabric, he climbs to his feet and steps out to meet her.

"Looking for something?"

[singlefaith]

"Shinichi . . . !" She twists at the voice, wide-eyed. For just a moment, there's a flush of pleasure, the startled bloom of a smile, but it's swiped away in an instant as she realizes how he's dressed.

"What happened??" Is this a dream? Or is there an enemy nearby? Unlike him, she hasn't yet realized that she can change yet. "Is there--?"

Why he was in the bushes in the first place comes second to all of this.

[spoilsfun]

He looks more than a little annoyed.

"I'm not entirely sure. There was even less warning this time than usual."