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.

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)

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.

Just another Party

She was feeling useless and these parties seemed pointless. That’s not to say that Umiko didn’t want to dress up, she’s wearing a stunning black dress which grabs at her curvy frame and flares around her in sleek lines. She chose to stand against a far wall, a drink in her hand and a contemplative look on her face. She liked parties as much as the next person but this seemed like a little too much.

Though that might simply be because she didn’t feel like she was of much use, the world was shrinking smaller and while she wanted to help she felt like there was little she could do. It was up to the Heroes of Light, not that it was going to stop her. Eventually she’d wander outside to see if she could catch sight of the fireworks from either shore.

Rudder floated around somewhere though Umiko didn’t keep track of him. He can be found by the food and even dancing! though it was more like fancy flying since he didn’t want to be stepped on.

New Year’s Ball

Zelda was as bright and happy as always. She didn’t have to set up this party which meant that she could relax and have a good time.. She danced at every moment she could pulling all of her friends into the fray that gathered on the dancefloor. She won’t force anyone but each person, male or female, sitting against the wall will have the young goddess come up and ask for a dance.

She can’t stop smiling, no matter what troubling things might be lying ahead.

She can also be found by the food though she seems unsure of what to eat. There were some foods here that Zelda hadn’t tried before and the decision appears to be weighing on her thoughts while her eyes flick across the different dishes; this is far grander than any party she’s thrown. Her brows knit together and her bright sapphire gaze shines in silent curiosity.

Zelda also took a step outside and noticed a few pairs who had wandered away from the party. It brings a wistful smile to her lips though she didn’t let it get her down. She was alright with standing alone for a moment before heading back inside. There were so many times that Zelda spent alone, she didn’t need to be with her thoughts for too long.

Her dress is simple and fits the chill in the air outside with white stockings and a nice pair of leather boots. It’s warmer than she thought and she’s regretting not wearing something thinner.

[ It might surprise some, but as promised Tear had come along for the event and was certainly dressed the part. Her outfit was a simple white dress, easily flowing and shifting around her with even the slightest movement while only a white beaded bolero jacket covered her shoulders. At Sein's insistence there was also an accessory adorning her hair with its burst of small flowers, chittering something about how she needed to further embrace short length when she at last agreed to put it on.

Still, even with her moogle's surprising knowledge and help there was every capability of feeling out of place, as she had never been to such a formal party before. It's why she reached up to touch the pendant she wore every so often, its violet jewel providing an unseen sense of comfort as she kept a watchful eye out from her seat. Whether others came to pull her further into the celebration or not she did take brave going herself every so often, given there was one person in particular she wanted to find...

That wasn't to say she was going to confine herself to staying inside the entire time. When she needed a few moments away, she would venture out onto the deck to watch the festivities occurring throughout the world below with wistful smile, appreciating the light and colours of the fireworks dancing in the sky as well as the wind against her bare skin, despite its chill. Though a myriad of thoughts ran through her mind, she wouldn't turn away anyone who wanted to simply talk or share in the silence. ]

With the Starlight Celebration past, it was time for Cloud to get himself a little bit more back to normal. This was a bit easier said than done though. He was able to rid himself of the beard from his Santa Claus job, but that involved three shaving attempts before he realized he had to stop using the Job as well or it would just grow back.

The gut on the other hand was persisting, though already not as big as it was for much of the month. Too many cookies and sweets. He'd have to work hard to burn away the rest. He just hoped it wouldn't be as hard as trying to lose weight for real. And the foodstuff placed around the party was tempting. He had a little but forced himself to move away from the table before he loaded his plate up. Even with the overplush belly he still managed to look smart in the outfit Mako had helped him pick out: a jacket, shirt and slacks that looked good on the young man as well as a bit slimming thanks to their darker colors.

He watched the dancefloor and the minglging of the other Heroes. It wasn't that he was avoiding it or being a wallflower, but rather he didn't want to be out there by himself. His eyes scanned the assembled crowd, trying to find a specific person. It had been a long time, months it felt like, since he last spoke to her. He hoped to see her during the holidays but nothing came of it. Maybe she'd finally come out of hiding here.

[K'pandolu meant to put together a new dress, but between one thing and another, she hasn't had the time. Well, the dress she wore at the auction is still in good condition, and she's brought a shawl to account for the weather. There's another new addition- a necklace with the Soul of the Monk set securely in the pendant. She can't equip it in the usual way, but it means a lot to her, so this is the result.

Food and drink go a way towards bringing warmth as well, of course, but she's not the type to eat all night. Particularly not when there's dancing to be done, though the later in the night it gets (and the more she's had to drink), the sloppier her dancing is.

Of course, part of the reason they're all aboard is to see as many fireworks as they can, and so eventually she does make her way to the deck to watch.]

Ah… how wonderful. May the heavens watch over us all. [as she holds her glass up to toast the turning of the year.]

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Rukia Kuchiki - OPEN

Sonic | OPEN

Billy | Open

Sparks Nevada | open

Johnny D'Amico | open

Tazendra - Open