Hanami Festival of YE 40

[Wes]

The air resistance or some other factor caused the cork to miss pathetically, coming in too low to hit the target.

"Surely a member of the military can do better than that!" the booth vendor guy half-jokingly taunted Ren. "How about another go?"

 

[Arbitrated]

Arria Smith was still eagerly awaiting Hanako's response; her eyes narrowed for a moment before going nearly perfectly still, her thunderous heartbeat pounding away like a war drum in anticipation. Her body gently rose and fell a few centimeters slowly, Arria's breathing deep and as relaxed as she could be. A light breeze passed behind the woman, causing a mesmerizing ripple of feathers in her wings; a grey sea attached to the small one's back.

 

[META_mahn]

Kyoto, Yamatai

Antoni saw what could best be described as a... Mess, of stalls and tent-like coverings. At the moment it seems the couple had found themselves wandering into a knick-knack gathering; easily half a dozen of the nearby stands had necklaces, earrings, pendants, and other handmade jewelry available; at least one had a chaotic array of wind chimes and dancers which wavered weakly in the midst of everything. He caught the smell of food from... Somewhere upwind of himself, to the east.

"Do you want something?" Antoni asked his wife. "We could probably buy any trinket we wanted through ordering it...except for the food."

Hopefully they were serving takoyaki. Fried octopus balls didn't sound very good, but Antoni knew that well-made takoyaki was always quite delicious.

"I dunno. I did what you try to do all the time and skipped breakfast for once, so something to eat would be nice." She shrugged, thinking a bit quietly to herself. "Of course if we wanted to be diplomatic, putting a few shipping and network companies between us and something we would buy is probably not in out best interests?"

"Maybe, although you're forgetting that imports are relatively more expensive for us since our currency's so inflated." Antoni replied. "Any snack food you're craving? Maybe Yamataian crepes? Or something more hot or greasy?"

"I could go for something sweet right now. What're you thinking of getting?" Arvillael squeezed her husband's hand lightly as they meandered through the crowd, her stature making her hard to see if something were to get between them.

"Unlike you, I actually ate breakfast today, so I really don't care." Antoni replied, looking around, almost towering over the relatively short Nekos. He spotted a crepes stand in the distance.

"Speaking of sweets, there's one." he stated, holding up Arvilla above the crowd.

"Oooooooohhhhh!" Her voice bubbled with a little bit of almost childish excitement as she threaded through the masses of people slowly. "Nice eye!" Halting for a moment, she turned on the spot, Arvillael's black plumage swooshing around to reveal her youthful face as she stepped in close for another hug.

Antoni gently stroked Arvilla's hair as they hugged in public. He really didn't mind, a sign of a healty marriage is nothing to be ashamed of. "I guessed you'd want that," he replied, leading her towards the little crepe stand.

 

[Immortal Cyan]

In a small clearing between a pair of blossoming sakura trees, a small, sundress-clad Nekovalkyrja was straightening out a blue and white patterned picnic blanket. Just outside of the blanket, a large white cooler bag was set down in a spot on the perfectly manicured grass. Taking extra care to not disturb or wrinkle the blanket, she set the cooler bag down in the middle of the cover, before taking her heels off and setting them off to the side, unveiling a delicate pair of pinkish feet with cyan-polished toes. With gentle movements, she carefully opened the picnic bag, taking out a glass jar of lemonade, four homemade bentos (her partner was a Nepleslian), three sets of utensils (one more in case of a loss), a stack of biodegradable cups, napkins, and a large jar of chocolate-chip cookies. The bentos were of the Makunouchi style, composed of Hinomaru rice, meat, fish, pickles, eggs, umeboshi, and vegetables.

A contented sigh of relief escaped from her lips when she finished setting up the picnic. With little else but a thought, Ozaki Kasumi snapped an image of the entire setup after aligning her legs out of the shot. As she sat down and crossed her legs together, the image transmitted from her mind to the image gallery within her communicator. Kasumi thought to send the image to her date as well, but the entire setup was intended to be a surprise. Instead, she resolved to upload it to SYNC when the date ended, but only after her partner had laid eyes upon it first.

Now, all she had to do was wait.

Five minutes passed, and her date had not yet arrived. However, this did not provoke panic, just yet. Her partner had told her only a few hours beforehand that he would be ten minutes late.

Ten minutes passed, and Kasumi was anxious, but not alarmed. To calm her nerves, she poured herself a cup of lemonade.

Twenty minutes passed, and she refilled the same cup. Her date was ten minutes late, from his promised time of arrival.

Thirty minutes passed, and she had already wiped a few beads of sweat off of her forehead with the back of her left hand. Every twenty seconds or so, she was checking the time and zooming her vision towards the distance, searching for the tall and muscular figure of her date. Instead, she glanced upon pair of Patricians and an android, odd sights indeed. She had not received or sent out any texts.

Fifty minutes passed, and her hand was no longer suitable to use as a wipe. Instead, she extracted a hand cloth from her purse, and put that into service. A state of panic had well and truly set in, and she was beginning to find it difficult to maintain her search.

An hour passed, and just as the numbers changed from “12” to “13” in her mental clock, her communicator vibrated. With her nerves already set on edge, the sensation elicited a sharp jerk from the anxious Neko. When she turned on the screen, she found a long text message from her date.

Kasumi,

When I first met you, to my delight, I discovered that you were a polite, attentive, and modest woman. Upon first impression, I knew that I wanted to take things further with you. Yet, after the end of the first date, I never could summon the desire to do so. I realize that this messages meets you with ill-timing, and for that I apologize. However, I wish you luck in your future romantic endeavors.

-s​

The message never received a full reading, only a brief skim, which told her more than she needed to know. Her hands began to shake as she held the communicator, and soon enough, she deleted the message. She felt her eyes swell with wetness, which began to quickly fog her vision as well. However, the first tears that fell from them did not roll down from her cheeks. Instead, they fell directly from her eyes in thick drops and struck her arms and legs with the distinctiveness of an errant raindrop before a storm. Although the first one struck the screen of her communicator, prompting her to set the device down and to pull out her hand cloth.

Soon enough, the storm came.

Like a small waterfall, tears began to roll down her cheeks and towards her jawline, where they either fell into her lap or dried out. A tide of emotion welled up as well: shock, sadness, then fear in equal measure. This was her fourth date since Love Day, all of which had failed to generate something beyond the bedroom and a single date. Of course, she had enjoyed those brief moments of ecstasy, but the repeated pattern of unresponded texts and unexpected disappearances had left her feeling empty and insecure.

Left by herself, with four bentos, a jar of cookies, and a lemonade dispenser, Kasumi looked over the setup on her picnic blanket, wiping a few more tears away as she did. She feared that people would notice if she left the festival without touching any of her food. What would they think of a person who held a picnic alone? Would they be able to tell that she had been stood up? If they did, then would they point fingers in her direction and make whispers about it? Had they seen her cry, beforehand? By Chiharu, her new captain was nearby! What if she had noticed? Above all, how would she explain this to Ketsurui Hanako: war hero, celebrity, rear admiral, and by many standards, a living kami?

Of course, they were irrational thoughts, borne of insecurity, paranoia, and perhaps loneliness. Hanako was thoroughly occupied with a line of people, and anyone else simply would not care. The logical side of Kasumi’s mind knew it, but that wasn’t the side of her mind that was driving her decisions, at present. As a result, she couldn’t summon up the will to leave, just yet. After all, the sakura trees were still pretty, in spite of the teary fog that blurred her vision.

 

[Jack Pine]

Setsuya sat there for a moment and listened, not saying a word.

"He sounds like.....not the father type. Hm, If he's enlisted I can search for him. Thank you mother dearly for this information. I hope to find the time to seek him out and meet him. Now dry your tears mother, it pains to see you sad. I'm off to return to the line and I have much to think about.", She said giving her mother Ichika a hug, her arms reaching neck level of the shorter woman.

She walked back towards the line after bidding fair well. As she did she examined the trees as she passed them with gold eyes. The light catching the sheen of her jet black hair and the red highlights of her bangs. She was not far from the end of the line now, but something stopped her. A woman who despite the air of joy and cheer was sorrowfully in tears.

"I do not mean to intrude, but are you okay? I couldn't help, but noticed you seem upset. Is there anything I can do for you if possible miss?", Setsuya asked after approaching Kasumi.

 

[Aria]

(OOC: I'm assuming 1 round is 1 shot and Yaichiro paid for one round? I'll edit this if that's wrong.)

"3 shots total and that's it!" Ren said, throwing down enough money for 2 more rounds and totally giving into the heckling.

This time, she checked that the cork was pressed into the barrel at the same amount and tried to aim in the exact same way as before. If the cork took the same arc, then she might be able to adjust her aim. Otherwise it was just luck and it didn't matter what she did, which seemed more likely. Once again, she held her breath and pulled the trigger.

 

[Toshiro]

Yaichiro briefly went to the other stall and selected some food, specifically some fried noodles with carrots. They offered a fair bit given their nature as a stall, and he started to consume the food while noting Ren's situation. He took note of the thinly veiled challenge from the vendor, which resulted in more money being handed over. He'd hoped to avoid bad feelings based on such a thing. Still, as long as she had fun it should be alright...interesting that he recognized her as a soldier when she was in a yukata. Perhaps it was her walk...

"Remember, corks aren't the same as an actual gun. Just have fun!" He reminded her.

 

[Kappatechy]

Hitohoshi decides to grab a bit of food as well, following Yaichiro, but keeping one eye on Ren's shooting. She doesn't really know what's best to eat at these places, so she just gets the same fried noodle dish Yaichiro did. It's a bit amusing, seeing Ren so easily goaded into buying more shots, though she's sure there are about a million factors that could cause the cork to behave inconsistently when shot. The very fact that it is a cork means it's got a bunch of tiny pores that catch the wind in unpredictable ways and make it spin or curve. That alone would make this game incredibly difficult to beat...

 

[Aria]

The second shot veered off track as well, this time a bit lower on the opposite side. "Tsk," Ren let out, then shrugged her shoulders and sighed, accepting the situation. That confirms it, it's just luck like rolling dice. In that case...

For her last shot, she took aim, then closed her eyes. She spun her gun in a circle, made a few small figure-8 patterns trying to lose sight of where she was aiming, and randomly pulled the trigger.

Clank! She excitedly opened her eyes, only to see that a different target had rotated slightly, but didn't get knocked down. She paused for a few seconds staring at the target, slowly put the gun down, and gave a quick bow to the owner before jogging back over to the others.

"Worth a shot, but no luck. Was fun though! Whose next?"

 

[Immortal Cyan]

Kasumi looked up at the figure of the towering 33A through blurry, tear-stained eyes. In an urgent and abrupt manner, she rubbed her hand cloth over her eyes, in an effort to wipe the tears away. However, she could not wipe away the subtle swelling around her eyes, a telltale sign that she had been crying only moments before. However, with her eyes clear, she was able to distinguish the features of the woman who had approached her, at least.

She saw piercing golden eyes staring back at her, set within soft and feminine facial features. Kasumi returned the Neko’s stare with a cold and somewhat expressionless one of her own, not out of contempt, but rather, out of discomfort. The white-haired Neko stared silently at the 33A for an awkward length of time. When she finally spoke, her tone was serene, yet enervated.

“I am perfectly okay.” She lied, blinking three times in rapid succession as the words left her mouth. “Would you like a free bento?” Kasumi spoke, as she picked up one of the homemade bentos that she had prepared earlier in the day, along with a set of utensils, before extending the meal in the tall Neko’s direction. “I have lemonade and dessert, as well.” She added softly.

 

[Jack Pine]

Setsuya noticed all of this, her analytic mind studying in full. It was clear the woman was having a bad day. Normally, this would not be something she bothered to concern herself with. But something about her reminded her of herself, and it pulled Setsuya in an undescribable manner.

"If you do not mind my company. I would love a bento, and it is very kind of you to offer. My name is Setsuya Itatski, pleased to meet you.", She replied gently kneeling to a sitting position before accepting the bento. She gave a smile in return as she did so.

 

[Yoshiro Tanaka]

Yoshiro had always been to busy to join festivals as a kid working in his father's store. He had a chance this time and went out wearing his yukata with the symbols of various classes of ships in SAoY. He had brought his two young siblings along as they had wanted to meet the people that protected their lives. He waited in line to meet Hanako and get her to say hello to his brother and sister before taking them to see other things and get some lunch.

 

[Immortal Cyan]

“My name is Ozaki Kasumi. It is a pleasure to meet you. I do not mind your company.” She intoned monotonously.

Although she could not effectively convey it through speech, in truth, Kasumi was quite glad for the company. Setsuya seemed to be a friendly and amicable woman, although a little chatty. Kasumi recalled that she had spotted her standing in the line earlier, while she had been waiting for her date to arrive (who had never come in the first place). Regardless, Kasumi felt the urge to make conversation with her, even if it amounted to little. Perhaps she could attempt to connect her with Hanako, so as to get Setsuya an assignment on the Eucharis. Kasumi had received her assignment orders from Star Army Personnel a few weeks before today, if she could let the captain know of Setsuya, then she could make something tangible from this encounter.

Kasumi pulled a single biodegradable plastic cup off of the stack that she had positioned next to her and filled it with lemonade from the dispenser. She placed the cup next to where Setsuya was sitting, then she picked up the large jar of cookies, placed it between herself and the taller woman, unscrewed the top, and set it off to the side. The jar was made specifically to conserve heat, and the smell of the cookies seemed to waft between the two women, before spreading outward through the light breeze, strong enough that anyone nearby could sense it as well.

“Cookies and lemonade, for savory delight.” Kasumi spoke in a manner so eerily calm that it was almost robotic. There was a brief pause before Kasumi continued on. “I observed you standing in the line to meet the captain. Were you hoping to procure an assignment on the Eucharis?”

 

[Jack Pine]

Setsuya had already opened the bento as the lemonade and cookies were dispensed. Pausing as the question of her placement was asked. She took in the smells as she sorted through current saved information for a brief moment.

"I was trying to get assigned to the Eucharis, but I had also never met the captain. I'm a Santo-Hei, being placed as infantry aboard the YSS-Eucharis under the command of captain Hannako would be amazing. I was half way through the line when my mother pulled me aside to give me information on my father.", She said thoughtfully before resuming to eat from the bento.

 

[Toshiro]

Yaichiro stepped forward, setting down his noodles. "I'll give it a try." Accepting the gun and claiming the cork, he made sure that it was relatively straight in all dimensions...and if not, that he could take it into account. He made sure that it was put in the gun well and evenly before proceeding. Taking aim, the officer pointed the gun at one of the targets and fired, narrowly clipping an edge but failing to make the target spin. Unlike his subordinate, however, the uniformed officer didn't purchase more rounds.

"Hitohoshi-san, your turn." He said placing down the cork gun. He was having some fun, but didn't want to be taken in by the vendor...

 

[Wes]

"I am Santo Hei Arria Smith, and I have been stationed at the Gemini Star Fortress for the past five years on standby!" Her voice was clear, and a bit louder than before. Her eyes were gently quivering, but remained affixed to the admiral's passionately.

"I will have orders penned to give you a chance to serve as a bridge crew member on the Eucharis," Hanako said. "Perhaps this will be your time to shine."

 

[Immortal Cyan]

While Setsuya spoke, Kasumi reached back towards the small stack of bentos stored within her picnic bag, and took out one for herself. After opening it, she began to eat, albeit quite slowly and with deliberation. It was a cool and slightly breezy day outside, and the wind was strong enough to be pleasing, but also weak enough to not be a nuisance. Pushed along by the gentle air currents, the various sounds and smells of the festival reached her senses. She did not know if she would ever be able to disassociate them from her calamitous “date”, even if she did manage to find someone else. Regardless, if there was anyone she could talk to, so as to get her mind off of that, then it was the woman sitting in front of her.

There was a brief pause as Kasumi peeled the wrapper off of the bento and swallowed her first bite. However, as soon as that was done, she looked back towards Setsuya, with an expression that seemed oddly intent.

“I have not personally met Hanako either, but I intend to request an interview with her on a more appropriate date. Regardless, I will transmit a recommendation on your behalf, to the captain.” Kasumi stated. She turned around to take a brief look towards the line, before looking back towards Setsuya. “The line is getting smaller.” Kasumi noted quite thoughtfully.

 

[Jack Pine]

The thought of this woman she had only just met was so unexpectedly kind, even given her some what detached manner of character. Setsuya gave a bright smile before speaking again, "Thank you! I've only met you, and you've already been so kind. I feel bad, as I wish I had some way to repay such kindness. Maybe if it is alright with you, we can get to know each other better. I'm willing to wait longer, even if the line gets long again."

She wanted to wanted to learn more about this woman, her demeanor odd yet...gravitative. It was almost as if she had found a diamond in the rough, or however that archaic saying went. She had a sense of intuition telling her, that Kasumi would do great things in given time.

 

[Kappatechy]

Hitohoshi shrugs, setting down her mostly eaten noodles and picking up the cork gun. As she carefully loads the cork into the gun, trying to get it as nicely positioned as possible, she looks for the target that appears easiest to knock over. If there's one that's already partway down, that's the one she's going for... and both Yaichiro and Ren DID manage to nick targets, so those would certainly be candidates. Once she's chosen her target, Hitohoshi raises the gun, aiming slightly above it, to account for that the small amount the cork would fall during its flight, simply due to gravity. If this doesn't work, probably nothing will. Breathing calmly, in and out, steadying her aim... Hitohoshi squeezes a gloved finger nice and hard on the trigger, firing the cork at the target.

 

[Arbitrated]

"H-hai! Th-Arigatau, Shosho!" The positively vibrating Elysian's hand snapped into an overly-perfect salute, her body nearly bursting with excitement. "I best be on my way, however - I have held you up long enough already. Thank you." She sort of, shuffled a little bit to the side, the winged woman clearly almost overwhelmed by this chance of success, and yet doing her best to hold her composition.