RP: YSS Kaiyō [YE 46] Aside: Tanjōbi

[Ametheliana]

26日 9月 YE 46
Yamatai
Kaiko Park
Ryusei Ryokan

Despite the wet winter on planet Yamatai, white clumps still found themselves able to congregate on the bushy boughs of spruce and evergreen trees that created a dense mini-forest within Kaiko Park. The foot trail leading up to the ryokan was wet with slushy snow that made icy splattering noises as one walked along it on their way to a private party at the inn. Nestled along the hill so that it could have views of the closest lake and also of the woody Western area of Kaiko Park, Ryusei Ryokan was a singular addition to Kyoto that held a tranquil unity with nature most Yamataians—and especially Star Army soldiers—would infrequently find in their lives.

Manicured in the spring, the garden inside the walls of the ryokan was blanketed in snow. The starkly contrasting dark bases of the stones, pock-marked water, and trees popped out visually from the white, as did the stone path that had been cleared of the slurry. It led from the open wooden gate to the warm inside where the recessed entryway floor already held boots wet at the heels from its few inhabitants.

"I hope everyone finds this place okay," Hoshi murmured to the Kaiyō sensor operator, Asuka. "Would you go out and greet our guests at the gate or help them up the path if they're having trouble?"

The Kaiyō captain hesitated to say the word 'guests' as those invited were the Kaiyo's longtime and newer crew members. Everyone had either been with the Kaiyo since its inception (with the exception of Hoshi) or had joined a year ago almost to the month. It was her first time inviting those that had joined in the past year to the ryokan and had certainly gone all out to make the place feel warm and festive.

It was, after all, both the birthday of her esteemed first officer and closest friend, Ketsurui Aiko, as well as the time of year to celebrate Year-End Holidays. Not to mention, the namesake Kaiyo had finished being built just two days prior on the 24th eight years ago. All to say, Hoshi felt the necessity of celebrating this time of year to its fullest, inviting everyone over for a long stay at the ryokan from Aiko's birthday until Yule Tide Day.

The in-ground iron fire was blazing as it burned aromatic wood, crackling with nuts toasting on sticks over it while in the corner near an alcove was a mighty fir tree whose white twinkling lights and crimson reflective orbs set the room aglow with a magical light. Presents were wrapped up underneath the tree and spilled out over its skirt with a non-conservative abundance. Garlands of popcorn and red and white buntings framed the rest of the room while in the center were pillows and seat cushions meant for laying about and relaxing with food from the buffet, rather than sitting around a table.

Hoshi's boyfriend, Nicholas Saiga, had made most of the food and utilized Hoshi as a sous chef helper for the meal. Hefty ribbons of pink meat spiraled off of a core bone from the centerpiece while candied tubers, sparse but buttery vegetables, and fluffy potatoes lined it. The serving platters were self-heating within a radius, so the food stayed the ideal temperature but still emanated little steam trails above it. There were other dishes- a bacony Nepleslian dish Hoshi had argued would make Molli feel at home, but somehow doubted due to the rat stews the girl had made a point of mentioning as common. There was also some strange punch that the Lorrfolk seemed to fiercely guard the recipe of and from it emanated a ceaseless, sickly sweet, pink vapor. There was no desert present. It wasn't a very Yamataian meal, but most on the Kaiyo were, so the change was welcome.

Asuka had left Hoshi to making last minute arrangements, but the captain realized all was ready and took a moment to look out the large lake-facing window of the wall opposite the entryway, taking in the wintry view. Two years ago, she had invited former crew members during this time and it had been one of her favorite memories to date. Now, with a twinkle in her eye, she wondered how she couldn't create a new set of memories. No doubt they would be even more special. Those she had invited to stay over, she had grown to love and care about more than she believed she ever could. As a smile rose up her cheeks, it pushed out the shimmer in her eye and she raised a hand to brush away the happy tear.

 

[Gles]

By now, Molli was more than capable of making her own way through Kaiko Park -- though she wouldn't have turned down any requests to accompany some other Kaiyo crewmember that wanted to arrive to their festive captain's get-together. One year ago, when she was struggling to settle into her hastily-bought and uncomfortable life as a newly minted citizen of Yamatai, Molli had spent the Year-End Holidays buried under three layers of blankets in a tiny apartment, alone and miserable. The urge to stay inside had still been present, but the promise of warm company of her fellow soldiers had Molli feeling festive for once.

Which wasn't to say that the Nepleslian was any less disdainful of the cold; she was simply better prepared to tackle it. Sturdy black boots crunched carefully through patches of slushy snow and ice, while the rest of her was covered from neck-to-toe in a form-fitting black bodysuit she'd purchase for its thermal properties. It wasn't enough, of course, so Molli had also splurged on a puffed out navy blue jacket, the kind that skiers liked to wear. It was zipped up and stuffed with a complimentary scarf that covered the lower half of her face.

All of that, and Molli still felt chilly.

Despite the disagreeable weather, Molli was more or less eager to have a moment of respite. More than that, she wanted to start working on her new self a few weeks early. A gloved hand rose to her temples, where two pointed black lumps had begun to peek through her bangs. Horns, curved and bull-like, were a mutation she'd been born with, and a source of embarrassment for much of her life. After a year of fighting with the crew of the Kaiyo, however, the thought of feeling embarrassed at 'un-girl-like' horns felt silly, inconsequential even. So today, the crew were going to see the real Molli.

Of course, she'd still have to file them down before boarding a Mindy.

Eventually, the Ryokan, familiar and inviting, came into view, and Molli's pace quickened as she thought of the familiar faces -- and warmer temperature -- inside. She thought better of going quickly, however, when she remembered the purse-sized bag tucked under her arm. It was a present for Aiko, and Molli was most worried about how the imposing princess would think of it. It didn't help that the swordsman she'd purchased it from had called her an utter fool for thinking a sharpening stone was a worthwhile gift for a warrior princess, who likely had enough sharpening stones to fill hundreds of gardens.

Which is why, in her genius, Molli had carved her own name into the stone as a personal touch -- it was meant to be a surprise for a woman she looked up to greatly. Which wasn't to say the others didn't receive any of her attention; Molli had sent their gifts to Hoshi in advance to place under the Ryokan's tree. She hoped they appreciated them, because her savings account didn't.

Molli passed through the Ryokan's gate, and the Nepleslian's pace slowed as she took in the decorations that had no doubt been painstakingly placed by the Captain. She made sure to kick her boots off and stack them beside the rest before sliding the door open and stepping inside, where the pleasant scent of chestnuts and wood snaked into her nostrils -- complimentary, without overpowering the room. Molli stood in the doorframe and looked around for any signs of life.

"'Ello? Ah'm-" Molli lowered her voice to a low whisper when it echoed throughout the room, "Ah'm here..." Another scent hit her nostrils, drawing her to the platter of food, and one dish in particular. The bacon and beef sandwich platter called out like a clarion light, pulling the young woman back to her days as a child in Funky City. Though hunting rats had been the norm, there were rare occasions where she and her father saved up enough money to treat themselves to some preem dishes in the richer districts, one of them strongly resembling the plate that she stared at now. A small tear ran down Molli's cheek, and she was quick to wipe it away.

One day, papa. Ah'll get ya enough cash.

 

[Megabirb]

As she made her way through the snow covered Kaiko park, Rio was in awe at its beauty. It was her first time getting to see the park properly and to also see her first snow at the same time? She'd never seen anything like it. It was truly special moment for Rio. Except for the cold. She couldn't say she appreciated it as much as the rest of the spectacle.

That being said, she only wandered through the park shortly before arriving at the Ryokan's gate and being greeted Asuka. As Rio trundled up the path, small bag of gifts in hand, she couldn't help but reflect on the past year. A year of firsts to be sure, but ultimately Rio felt she had not been social enough with her crewmates. But right now presented a perfect opportunity to begin changing that.

Knocking the snow from her boots before carefully sliding them off beside the rest, Rio nearly collided with Molli as she came through the sliding door with gifts balanced in one hand. "H-hello Byrne-san. Did you also just arrive too?" is all Rio thought to say without being rude.

 

[Gles]

It was lucky for Rio that Molli's reflexes, honed through a short but illustrious career in airbike racing, allowed the soldier to deftly sidestep her comrade's clumsy entrance into the Ryokan. It was still a near miss, and Molli stared at Rio with wide eyes as her back bumped into the wall. "Whoa- Uh, hey," she said, rubbing the back of her head, "Yeah, ah got here jus' a mogo. Y'need help with those?" Molli gestured to the gifts Rio appeared to be fighting to balance.

Molli hadn't taken to speaking with the newest member of the Kaiyo very much, outside of their mandatory training, but that was mostly due to her preference for isolation in a bunk to constant socialization. What few missions they'd embarked on left a good impression in Molli's mind -- as did being addressed by her last name for once. That made Molli stand a little straighter, so as to appear more official.

 

[Ametheliana]

"Brought you some gifts in from the cold!" Asuka yelled into the ryokan with an unrestrained excitement. She didn't take off her boots like Rio, though. Nor did she stay to help the other Neko with her gifts, but instead gave her an unblunted pat on the back that would only serve to imbalance Rio further. Only Molli's quick reflexes would be enough to save the topmost present from fumbling down to the genkan floor.

At Asuka's sharp words, Hoshi turned her attention to the entryway and spoke before she looked, "Oh, welcome!" When she saw who was first to arrive, her face brightened. "Ah, Molls! Looking sharp! Rio, you okay there?!"

She couldn't quite put her finger on what looked different about Molli. The Nepleslian's horns looked more like tufts of hair gone awry from that distance and Hoshi simply considered that the new getup was the unfamiliar aspect to her crewmen's appearance. Looking comfy herself, Hoshi was wearing burgundy pants with thin white pinstripes that could pass for pajamas or trousers depending on the context. The oversized red sweater with a big white heart in its center and the silky bow that held half of her blue to white hair up at the back of her head didn't grace them with any air of formality, though.

 

[krisslanza]

Isuke always had a certain fondness for snow. Just the way it blanketed everything always looked so... well, nice!

Although, she had to admit, if she ever had to go anywhere in it, that was a different story entirely. It was nice to look at, but when it was somewhat slushy like this, it was very unpleasant to walk in. The way it stubbornly stuck wetly to one's shoes and the hemline of pants or a skirt... at least if it was powdery, it was just a simple little dusting to clean up!
Plus, when it was slushy there was always the hidden menace of mud...

Oh well.

The adult solution to the problem was always simple: traveling clothes, and nicer clothes to wear when you weren't traveling. A white haori with some dark blue slacks and some sturdy boots maybe looked a bit weird, but even Isuke wasn't crazy enough to wear a nice fancy yukata or a more proper hakama with some sandals when she had to do walking like this.

The Lorrfolk offered a reflexive smile, and a polite wave as she arrived at the ryokan, starting to remove her dirtied boots before heading inside, as is polite.

"It's a shame the snow is a bit on the wet side today, it's so much more pleasant when its powdery!" the pink-haired Lorrfolk sighed dramatically. "Sorry for the somewhat unusual getup, I'll change into something more proper later. I just didn't want to risk getting mud on anything - that would really put a damper on things for me."

 

[Nameless]

Compared to her first social gathering with the Kaiyo crew, Sif was significantly more excited to spend some of her off time with them now that she got to know them better, and didn't have to worry about making good first impressions, even though she did mess up by offering to refill Molli's drink. She could still remember the panic and sense of dread hanging over her at the time. It seemed silly now, but she was glad Hoshi did not take offense to it.

Another thing she was glad for was that she didn't have to call in a taxi this time around. Kamiyo was more than happy to drive her around the city, showing her the sights when both of them weren't hanging out with their respective squads, or taking her to her favorite shops. She also helped with making something for the crew as well, as Sif was unsure what to get for them all. As much as she wanted to hand make everything, there wasn't enough time to make it good. So Sif decided to make something that would be a treat for everyone: Bonbons!

Like most things, she found out about the liqueur-filled chocolate through some reading material, and once she got the name, it wasn't that hard to track down a recipe. Though Sif and Kamiyo had their fair share in the middle of making it of it, causing them to make more than they initially intended, it did allow for a more generous helping for the Kaiyo crew to enjoy.

The car stopped right outside the park and Sif disembarked, carrying a grey tote bag filled with meticulously wrapped boxes about the size of a brick each. "Say hi to your crewmates for me!" Kamiyo beamed a smile before taking off to join her own crew's get together, herself bringing her own tote bag full of sweets. It wasn't part of the plan, but the two of them unanimously agreed that they needed to get rid of the excess before they got sick of it and get turned off of sweets for the rest of their lives.

Sif was dressed cozy for the weather, with a grey turtleneck under a hooded coat, with dark blue jeans and a pair of thick boots to help her footing as she walked through ice and snow. As she arrived at the Ryokan, she gave everyone at the door a wave. "Heya!"

Right on time, unlike her first gathering when everyone was already seated. Or, at the very least, she was just as late as everyone else. She pulled down her hood, revealing a small addition to her normal look, a streak of red hair that ran from just above her left eye all the way to the back, interwoven into her braid.

Though she saw that she wasn't the only one who was trying on a new look, as when she looked towards Molli, she saw the horns, and Sif's eyes lit up, almost sparkling. "Whoa... Did you get horns?" Sif leaned in slightly, trying to take a better look. "They're adorable!"

 

[Gunhand4171]

Yamatai
Kaiko Park
Ryusei Ryokan

Snow crunched underfoot as William trudged his way through the park, a rucksack over one shoulder. Dressed in a dark green trench coat and his beret, he stopped to enjoy the cold air as it blew across his skin. He held a fondness for the cold, even when it chilled him to the bone. As he reached the inn, he knocked the snow from his boots and removed them before he walked inside.

"Well, looks like I'm a little late to the party." The ID-SOL said, pulling the beret off and tucking it into a pocket. He smiled at Hoshi and Asuka before turning to the others. "Hey Isuke, it's been awhile." He greeted with a wave. "Molli, Sif, Rio any trouble getting up here?" He asked as he gently set the rucksack full of presents on the ground.

 

[Gles]

After greeting her beloved captain with a wave, Molli cleared out from the entrance to make room for the small tidal wave of arrivals gradually flowing in. Most were vaguely familiar to her, such as her ever-reliable right arm-Neko, Sif; others, like Isuke, were faces she rarely interacted with as of late. The Lorrfolk's attire didn't look all that unusual to Molli, who was still unused to seeing the crew wear so much after their excursions on more tropical worlds.

Molli instinctively leaned away from Sif's approach, though she caught herself quickly and stopped to allow the neko to get a better look at her. "Always had 'em," Molli's hand went up to poke the stubby protrusions on her head, as if to prove they wouldn't fall off at a light touch. "Pap says it were a mutie thing on m'maam's side've th'family." Most Nepleslians on Funky City had some sort of mutation, and Molli had to count herself lucky that hers was relatively benign. Adorable wasn't the first word she'd have used for them.

But Molli wasn't about to correct that.

It was Molli's turn to give Sif a quizzical look. It wasn't hard to see a new aspect of her appearance too, "Y'dye yer hair?" she asked, tapping her own temple, "It looks...red." The hesitation was Molli's difficulty in paying compliments, and she realized how bad it made her pitiful attempt at one sound. "Ah mean-- y'look good! Ah like red. S'like this woman ah watched in th'movies -- an action woman. A-Ah mean, her hair was jus' red, but- Ah mean- Yer style is cool too." Molli's cybernetic eyes whirred from how much she was looking everywhere but Sif's direction.

Thank God Will showed up and offered an escape. "Ent no trouble!" Molli exclaimed, before slapping her thigh, "Ah got strong legs!"

 

[Ametheliana]

"So that's the difference," Hoshi murmured about Molli as she was looking at the top of her head. Louder, she exclaimed, "It's so nice to hear your voice again!" She hadn't realized how much she had missed hearing the accent from her Nepleslian crewmen rather than the stiff, uniformed one Molli had taken on while undercover as an NMX soldier.

"Yeah, Isuke's sure to show up when we're all just hanging out together. Maybe Lorrfolk have something like Aiko's Eihei where she's just under optic camouflage but always present?" Hoshi wondered as she looked up at the pink-haired oni.

With Molli unable to catch Rio's falling present, a hand warped into perception just before it could reach the ground. The white gi sleeve came into view before the rest of the samurai's uniform came into view. The red hakama and white top seemed to match the room's decor despite it being her daily garb. Rei lifted her strange grey eyes from the present towards Rio, but she held on to it.

"To the tree with gifts," the samurai directed. Her eyes, pinpicks of black surrounded by white irises once more, looked to William and the samurai held back a smile. Instead, she tilted forward over the present she held in a curt bow to her former student.

"Impeccable timing, that must mean Aiko is near, ne?" Hoshi asked of Rei, but the samurai had exhausted her rhetoric for the time being and stayed silent as she drifted towards the Yule Tide tree.