melodiesoflife | Event || The New Year

Event || The New Year

Characters: Anyone!
Where: The Enterprise.
When: The Night from December 31st to January 1st.
Summary: A Ball aboard the Enterprise, for well-dressed (mostly) Heroes of Light and their friends who want to dance and (especially) eat for free.
Warning: Nothing.

While the passing from a year to another isn't as big of an event as the Starlight Celebration, it is no reason to pass up an ocasion to celebrate and have fun. There are fireworks in all major cities and various activities to enjoy. Noticeably, there are gatherings of people in Aqures Ixen and Trano Golsaucia in particular, if only to conclude what is one of the most celebrated week in the year, and wish to each other the best possible year to come-- Though most people are worried about what's to come soon. After all, the end might be nigh with the Calamity about to take over the planet...

To celebrate this, the Heroes of Light have all been invited to stay aboard the Enterprise for a particularly prestigious and animated Ball. Indeed, the Enterprise will from Aqures Ixen and go all the way to Mysidia at midnight-- This way, New Year is going to last even longer than normal thanks to the magic of timezones.

There are tables with foods for everyone to eat and of course, music for people to dance together if they so wish. There is also a consequent number of chairs lined up, for all those who refuse to dance or are too awkward to do so.

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1. DANCING

Chairs? Chairs are for the weak! Rukia had prepared well for this moment, having paid many visits to Chiaki's arcade to practice on the DDR machine. She also got to learn some steps from Levy. Coupled with what she remembered from the television shows when she lived with Ichigo's family, the shinigami was ready to face her greatest opponent of the evening: The Dancefloor.

And if you thought she didn't know how to dance, you'd be dead wrong. Her knee-length skirt swished against her leggings with her measured steps, the long sleeves of her blouse rolled up to let her thin arms breathe. She left her long vest open, since she knew it wouldn't be long before the dance warmed her up to the point of being uncomfortable.

Of course, when a slow song came up, she trotted away to drink some water and enjoy a snack.

2. ON DECK

While Rukia had certainly been focused for a while on making sure she had passable dancing skills in order to better fit in with her fellow Heroes, it wasn't really the main reason she'd come aboard the ship. Certainly it was pleasant to spend time with her friends, but she hadn't forgotten the Sage's warning. It had clung to her like a nasty film that wasn't easily washed away, no matter how jovial the parties and holiday traditions might be.

The Calamity was moving, and soon. She walked up to the main deck of the Enterprise, bathed in starlight, and closed her eyes as she welcomed the chilly winter breeze on her hot, sweat-streaked face. She couldn't stay out here too long, as the chill would soon replace the accumulated heat, but for now, she wanted nothing more than a breath of fresh air and to take in the view of the world below.

In the distance she could see the brightly colored sparks of the Trano Golsaucia fireworks, dwindling in size the further the ship carried them. She held the railing tightly in her hands, watching the bursts of blue and silver in perfect silence. When the ship arrived in Mysidia, she would disembark, and remain until the Sage allowed her and the others the second audience he had promised. When that would be, she didn't know. She didn't want to push him. It would do her good to learn more about this new place in any case, there were many things she needed to do: train to communicate with Hades, for one. Find a dinosaur to serve as her Beastmaster's companion, for another. Besides, Mysidia had its share of problems as well. As a Hero of Light, it was her duty to offer what aid and assistance she could.

But this time, she'd decline the offer of drinks with the Bangaa warriors, she thought with a little smile.

The fireworks were too far away to be heard, but the dance of gold and pink took away some of the tension in her small shoulders. A new year... What would this one bring? Would they make any progress toward the salvation of this planet, as well as their own? She prayed that it would.

And so she stayed by the railing, half an ear turned to the muffled music coming from the decks below, as she mulled over her tangled thoughts. She'd long since forgotten the cold, even though her arms were laced with goosebumps.

If you think Sonic would be around mingling with the others, well... you'd be wrong. Balls and dressing up aren't his style at all. He took the invitation to attend the party, but after swiping his own little meal, he's taken himself to perch elsewhere and enjoy the sights outside.

He's more than certain other people would be following suit and probably for the same reason.

Billy made himself comfortable in one of those chairs with a plate of food and a glass of punch. He wasn't a party-goer, generally, but he'd been here for a few months now, and he was starting to accept that he wasn't going home anytime soon. He may as well get to know people.

And at least this party wasn't happening in his house, where he'd have to clean up after everyone.

He tapped one leather cowboy boot in time with the music. He'd dressed up for the event, with brown slacks, a blue vest, and green shirt and bowtie. His handguns hung in the new holster Minato had given him for Christmas.

This partying wasn't so bad, really. There was no drunken revelry, and everyone was having a good time. Billy felt himself smile as he watched the Heroes dancing on the floor before him.

[Why what's this? It's the marshal, out of uniform and dressed up in a suit for the ball. He's even come cowboy hat free (but not cowboy boot free). He knows how to dress up for occasions, it's just that the Heroes didn't usually have occasion to do so. They had a lot of parties, but nothing ever too fancy.

Sparks had to wonder about his own dancing skills, though. It's been a long time since he has. He can't even really remember the last time he had. Maybe this was a bad idea after all. For now, he'll stick to the drink table. He was off tonight. Technically. Mercury was on board in case he had to get away for work, but his coworkers all but locked the office doors behind him as they forced Sparks into taking at least one night off.

He'll raise his drink in greeting to anyone who might come his way.]

So, this is my second new year's here. Can ya even believe it? I can't. Where'd all that time go?

[Johnny is never comfortable with dressing up for anything. Even coming from a rich (step) family, it always made him feel out of place. And despite being a musician, he didn't know the first thing about dancing. The music he was into wasn't the sort of party dancing kind of music, unless you had planned to start a mosh pit.

Despite these factors, he's here, dressed in a black suit, and has retreated with his drink to the deck. He also had no plans for disembarking once they reached Mysidia. Things went rather poorly for him last time he was here, so he planned to just crash in cabin somewhere on the Enterprise, even if that meant sleeping on a floor. Maybe the thought of that was another reason he was uncomfortable, the thought of coming back here when he swore he wouldn't. For now, at least, he could enjoy his free drinks, listen to the party music, and watch the world go by below him.]

[Tazendra had worn a dress -- though she still wore her (new!) sword at her hip, because she would hate to be asked to duel and be unarmed. Also, she continued her trend of wearing as much black as her job and fashion sense would permit.]

[She flitted about, sampling food and drink, watching the dancing (or joining in if she could find a partner; Tazendra knew something of dancing, but always in a group), or studying the moons and stars or the dark scenery]

Ah, this is a wonderful party, don't you agree?

[The fact that next year might mean they would be fighting for their lives, their souls, and at least one world was all the more reason to party now.]

[Nanami was feeling a bit better than she had at Christmas -- enough to sulk that she couldn't afford a new dress, so Hari had to perform a bit of tailoring magic and suggest different accessories.]

[She was going to watch the dancers, if anyone was feeling brave enough. It was a bit like being the only child at a party for adults. Well, she'd just have to talk to more young heroes]

Despite everyone who knew him's probable lack of expectations for it (or his showing up in itself), Kharon had managed to convince Minato in a roundabout way that dressing up fancy along with everyone else would help him stand out less as he minded his own business. And he had an older friend working at the hospital help out, which might've been a mistake. ... Because, they registered this as a masquerade one. Surely a caped kid with a fancy butterfly mask looming corners and avoiding larger crowds of people wouldn't be suspicious at all. (Either way, there were probably more interesting and animated dressy people to look at.)

But it's not like he was doing this to spurn company; truth be told, something he couldn't explain had been bothering him through the last week. He figured it had to do with the Calamity, but no, there was something else: like a forgotten promise, and guilt that came with the vague knowledge of it. What was it that he had to do? Why did he feel like he was so afraid for this night to come, when he was barely scared of anything to begin with?

Minato breathes a sigh as he looked to the horizons below, troubled frown remaining on his lips. It became clear to him, getting some air didn't seem like it was the solution, either. But he couldn't just ignore this; his heart was heavy, and he placed his hand over it. He removes his mask, and traces his fingers across his slicked back hair. ... It felt unnatural, like he was exposed. He wanted to get his bangs back to their rightful covering half his face, but it also seemed a bit unfair after all the effort they took to get him to look nice. So he takes back his consideration, and figures maybe he could do it a bit later. This way his hair also won't get in his eyes if a breeze picks up...

If one wanted happy company, he best be avoided, on this night. He was staying away from any mingling for this reason too, after all. But if they wanted to try make this boy's end of the year a bit uplifting, more than the sight of distant fireworks could hope to do, then they were also free to try.

There was something spectacular about lingering up on deck rather than being subjected to the potentially toxic social environment which it could turn into - he had his own allocated room aboard the Enterprise which he could retreat to but he'd miss all of it if he just stayed there all evening. What -indeed- would have been the point coming at all if he were just to stay there?

The fireworks going off around Trano Golsaucia were far enough away to seem minuscule in the cold night sky but it didn't take much imagination at all to smile -to himself- at how the bright colors might lighten the spirits of all that watched them.

Sephiroth were, himself, draped forwards with his forearms rested atop the railing. A half-empty flute of non-discernible liquid between the fingers of one hand; though most of his hands were hidden within the long sleeves of his coat. A thicker, winter coat as fitting for the frigid temperature outside. The overlong tail of silver hair all pulled down forwards over a shoulder, the chilly air lifting a few strands every so often.

It was silly to think he hadn't noticed someone else step into his vicinity, but like Rukia he seemed for the most part captured in his own thoughts.

Well, it was pretty dark, and Rukia didn't having anything truly notable about her that would cause her to stand out. But she was getting cold, so it was probably time to return to her quarters so she could gather her things. It wouldn't be much longer before they arrived in Mysidia, where she'd have to rent a room at the inn.

Straightening, she started to pull away when she noticed that someone else had come up on deck to be silent and pensive.

Honestly, she kind of wanted to leave Sephiroth to his thoughts. He looked as if he wanted very much to be alone for a while, and she wasn't so rude as to keep bothering him every time she caught him on his own. But if he was in need of someone to speak with, far be it from her to leave him lonely, since she was all too familiar with the pain of solitude.

"Happy New Year," she nodded at him as she paused halfway to the rear cabin. She'd see how he reacted to that before deciding if she would be a bother or a help by engaging in further conversation.

Solitude was a state that quite often he'd retreat himself back into. Any pain that came with it was therefore self-inflicted and had no cause to have attention drawn to it. But that wasn't really Sephiroth's reason for doing so. Before Crystallis, he'd always been better in his own company than in that of a group; with two notable exceptions.

As if his ears perked up at the greeting was passed his way, Sephiroth seemed to snap out of whatever thought he'd been chewing over as he blinked and straightened himself up a little while turning his head to see Rukia. It was like he hadn't even been breathing, as now he took a breath and it misted up between them.

"Oh. And to you Rukia-"

Bare fingertips brought the small glass flute forwards, Sephiroth brought it up and took a sip; a flash of white visible across the back of his knuckles as he did so. It didn't seem sparkling enough to be champagne, though. Then looked over Rukia more, catching up to how cold she appeared. No surprise, it was cold out here above the clouds.

"-did you bring a coat?"

Edited 2016-01-02 21:45 (UTC)

She shook her head and folded her arms with a smile. "I came above deck to cool off for a bit. I may have overdone it a little." The cold didn't truly bother her, but she wasn't impervious to it, especially in this mortal body.

He looked plenty warm, though. Clearly he'd planned to be out here for quite some time. It was probably a safe bet that he didn't plan to go below deck where they could converse at a more reasonable temperature, then.

Her eyes caught sight of what appeared to be bandages, but she didn't comment on it just yet. Strange. He was usually careful enough to avoid injuries while training. What happened to his hand?

"Are you traveling to Mysidia, or did you come as a chaperon again?"

It felt odd not to have a hand in any of the party preparation. Brigid insisted she should take on the invitation and after much pestering that she needed a break, Saori did just that. Even after the Starlight Celebration, she was busy with getting the house ready for New Years. The chance to visit Mysidia again was something she couldn't pass up.

Saori wore a elegant dress to the party. Like the previous party, Saori didn't go onto the dancefloor. In fact she was a lot more quiet than last time. She stayed on the sidelines to watch the others dance but gently turned down any offers to dance. If it wasn't watching the dancers, it would out a window. Her hand held onto a champagne flute, slowly nursing the bubbly though the night.

Edited 2016-01-03 19:46 (UTC)

Bloom was use to the ball type parties, after all it was part of the deal of being an princess. Had to attend such things every now and again to represent her world.

However since she knew she didn't have to do such things she didn't mingle as much as she would normally have to, but she was still enjoying herself to an extent. However for the time being she found herself outside, gloved hands lightly in front of her as she stood there.

"Outside can be just as beautiful as the inside, don't you think?" She wasn't saying it to anyone in particular, but she had a feeling there was someone outside. There always was.

It is wonderful~ Is it the type of party that you are use to?

[Bloom herself was use to this and found it fun in her own way as she glanced over with a sweet smile.]

Kobato was not sure what to do at this kind of party, it was certainly new at least. All the fancy dancing among other things was pretty impressive to the young girl who had never seen anything in her life. Even her fancy dress had been strange to her to the point she had needed help getting ready. But she had managed and even managed to get a fancy hat to suit it.

However even with everything, Kobato found herself sitting at the side and simply watching the others with a tiny smile.

"Don't you think everyone is having a good time?"

[Kobato had grabbed a plate of food she had no idea what it was before she found a spot sto sit down and start to eat. Taking the first bite she looked around to see who else was there before giving a smile.]

I hope you are enjoying yourself?

Your second new year here?

[Yugi couldn't help but be surprised, even though probably deep down he really should be at this point since he arrived not to long after the new year. A month or two at least.]

Is it still odd being here then?

Yugi had spent most of the party talking and trying his best not to feel awkward, but at the same time he always found himself just thinking over a good few things that have happened and what might still happen. He was even wondering if he should set goals for himself or not, to try and get better.

But even as those thoughts came and went he still wasn't sure what to do except go outside and just sit down for the time being, unaware that there was even someone else out there. At least that was until he nearly stepped on them.

"Ah, sorry... I should expect people being here, but I still didn't think"

[Minako felt like a princess for once in her very flowey orange gown. It had taken her forever to find it and now that she was wearing it she was sure it was the right choice. But as part of her enjoyment of the party that wasn't the food and wanting to dancing, it was going around and meeting new people with a smile. As she walked up she made sure to be polite with a curtsy.]

I thought I would come and say hello. I hope you don't mind?

The younger boy had seemed particularly elusive as of late, not giving Ace as much as an opportunity to thank for the... let's face it, incredibly thoughtful gift. The cadet found it difficult to wrap his mind around being offered something this valuable without as much as an explanation, as the cryptic note attached to it had only served to evoke even more concerns.

To make things clear, he meant both the cards and the sweater.

Appearances might be misleading, but if there was one thing Minato would probably need to improve on, was that a change of an outfit does not necessarily render you invisible as the boy might have hoped. Between the characteristically slumped posture and quiet aura that could only belong to the White Mage he knew, Ace didn't have to look too long for a clarification of his assumption.

Except all he does is merely steady himself against the railing close enough to be noticed, but far enough not to potentially impose. His gaze is similarly drawn by the starry skies and lands below, but the subtle curl of his lips might serve as a giveaway as to how oblivious to his companion's presence the cadet really was.

Nope, can't believe it either. [The Barkeep has forgone manning the bar at this party - bartenders have been hired for this event, and after the chaos of New Year's Eve at the Space Saloon, this poor old man needs rest. And booze. He has replaced his Seer robes with a well-fitted vest and dress pants that almost resembled his outfit from home.

He raises his glass in response.] Here's to a better year filled with less trouble than the one before.

Today was a day for Barkeep to take a break from bartending and relax. He was just Mordecai Benmont Jiminy, wearing an embroidered vest over a blouse and black pants and who was also a little bit drunk. New Year's was a chance to have fun, and by god if he wasn't taking advantage of it.

Saori seemed to be too isolated for a party, and he took it upon himself to carefully make his way to her and stand right next to her until his head stopped spinning.

"Howdy, Saori," he slicked back his hair to maintain a sober appearance. "It's been a loooong while since I last could...could participate a party like this to the fullest."

ON DECK

It wasn’t that she was avoiding anyone but the cool air felt nice against her skin even as it prickled in greeting to the night air. Inside it was warm and brought with it a dizzying whirl of color and music. It was more than she’s used too and while she’s acquainted with parties she enjoys the distant sounds of music gently filling the air in a manner that isn’t as stifling. Outside there was the massive darkness of the sky, dotted and stripped with glittering stars as if the ocean out stretched above and below. The ships deck was big enough that she could steal a few moments alone even with others wandering away from the party.

Fireworks burst in the distance alighting the sky with a dazzling display of light. “Happy New Year.” Her words are whispered quietly and quickly swallowed by the air rushing past them. Her eyes don’t leave the fireworks but her mind drifts along the rushing wind and through the clouds.

It’s been a year, come the 5th of January, that she’s been here and she scarcely knows what might happen. Would she return home to her nightmares or would they simply end here? There wasn’t a way to know, only that they had to fight. A soft sigh left Terra’s lips and her mind began to drift again. These thoughts were darker and she felt her heart twist in her chest.

She wasn’t really in the mood for a party.

DANCING?

Unlike her usual collection of red dresses her New Year’s dress was white. The corset grabbed at her thin waist and pushed out her chest. Terra was already curvy but this dress pulled the eyes along her frame as if to show it off. White trims of silver and gold decorated her front while waves of silky white spun around her waist and then fell to the floor. Her skin looked less pale against the white accenting cream and pink hues.

Her hair was down with a few strands pulled back by flower clips she had gotten for Christmas. Around her neck is a simple silver chain where a rose rested across her clavicle.

Terra was sitting along the wall, her ankles folded beneath her and her back straight as she watched those she knew as well as strangers be pulled across the dance floor. She couldn’t pull her eyes away and after a moment she didn’t try to. She slipped into her thoughts letting the loud music surround and dominate her attention. She couldn’t pin down a particular thought, lost in the sounds and colors of the dance, but she felt an uneasy knot twist in her stomach.

Terra hadn’t meant to run into Minato. She had been absorbed into her own thoughts when she felt her shoulder lightly bump against his. They had both been heading outside at the same time which left the young Esper stunned for a few seconds. She blinked and then looked over at the masked boy standing next to her.

“Minato? I’m so sorry.”

Her voice was soft and she took a step back allowing him to step through the door first. Her long white dress swept the floor while as she moved.

Terra didn’t question Minato’s silence or attire; she didn’t question why he was here or why he had been heading outside. It wasn’t hard to tell that he wasn’t really enjoying himself either though Terra wasn’t sure she could bring him comfort. Her heart just wasn’t in the party and while she had been feeling joyous a few weeks before, that warmth had been sapped from her countenance.

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Event || The New Year

Rukia Kuchiki - OPEN

Sonic | OPEN

Billy | Open

Sparks Nevada | open

Johnny D'Amico | open

Tazendra - Open

Nanami - Open

Minato Arisato | Open

[We have loads of threads already but- so what?]

Yeah, bring on the tags!

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Saori - open

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Terra || OPEN

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